A World Heritage Site, Yosemite National Park is a bountiful reserve nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, over 140 miles (225 km) to the east of San Francisco. Giant sequoias tower to dizzying heights at the Mariposa Grove, while the bare walls of the hulking Domes rise from the verdant depths of the valley. From the thunderous descent of the Yosemite Falls to the wildflower-laden Tuolumne Meadows, the Yosemite National Park is a tapestry of awe-inspiring spectacles, dappled with pristine lakes and etched with canyons; a maze of stark granite walls riddled with tumbling cascades that drench the scene in a cool mist. Amid the varied habitats of the Yosemite National Park thrive a fascinating variety of flora and fauna including the endemic Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Visited by thousands each year, the Yosemite National Park continues to inspire awe in the hearts of all those who venture here. There are several permanent campgrounds and accommodations, dining options, a visitor center, and a myriad of hiking trails at the Yosemite National Park, weaving the perks of civilization through the heart of the wilderness.
This train is a restoration of the narrow-gauge Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company Railroad. The four-mile track was rebuilt using original techniques, and it runs two vintage shay steam locomotives pulling a few passenger cars. You will hear the engine whistle, snort, blow and more. You will also be in the forest and get a good feel for what logging was probably like in the 19th century. The trains run on a variety of daily schedules from March through October.
Here, you can see millions of gallons of water and a spectacular waterfall in a pristine setting. Do not let its beauty fool you, the reservoir's purpose is to supply the San Francisco area with water as well as electrical power. This reservoir is located in a secluded and quiet area of the park making it a great location for picnics or meditation. In addition, this place has trailheads for several hikes. The road to the reservoir is closed from October to June.
If you want to learn about the flora, fauna and geology of the Yosemite Valley, this is the place to visit. Created with both children and adults in mind, the Nature Center at Happy Isles has both static and interactive displays on the area's natural history. You can explore four short trails in the vicinity, each one devoted to a different ecological niche. The center also has a good bookstore, geared toward exploring the nature and ecology of the Yosemite Valley and national park.
Tioga Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in the state, and a popular access point to the Yosemite National Park. The location is absolutely stunning, and offers magnificent views of the surrounding vistas. While the pass is generally unnavigable during winters, visitors can traverse it during the warmer months.
Named after famed photographer Ansel Adams, this gallery displays many of the artist's well-known works in its permanent collection. Through their rotating exhibitions, the gallery also shows works by contemporary photographers who have found creative inspiration in the valley. During weekends, the gallery also offers camera walks when weather permits. The delightful gift shop features not only prints of Adams' work but also videos, Native American crafts, and books about photography as well as the valley.
Yosemite is home to a series of lookout points from where visitors can admire unparalleled views of its towering peaks, lush meadows, roaring waterfalls and scenic rivers. Among these, Washburn Point is touted as one of the most breathtaking, with its soaring height providing a perfect vantage point for basking in the vistas of the valley and as many as three waterfalls.
A World Heritage Site, Yosemite National Park is a bountiful reserve nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, over 140 miles (225 km) to the east of San Francisco. Giant sequoias tower to dizzying heights at the Mariposa Grove, while the bare walls of the hulking Domes rise from the verdant depths of the valley. From the thunderous descent of the Yosemite Falls to the wildflower-laden Tuolumne Meadows, the Yosemite National Park is a tapestry of awe-inspiring spectacles, dappled with pristine lakes and etched with canyons; a maze of stark granite walls riddled with tumbling cascades that drench the scene in a cool mist. Amid the varied habitats of the Yosemite National Park thrive a fascinating variety of flora and fauna including the endemic Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Visited by thousands each year, the Yosemite National Park continues to inspire awe in the hearts of all those who venture here. There are several permanent campgrounds and accommodations, dining options, a visitor center, and a myriad of hiking trails at the Yosemite National Park, weaving the perks of civilization through the heart of the wilderness.
Snaking through jagged hills, towering trees and lush meadows, the Merced River follows a picturesque course as it navigates the diverse terrain of Yosemite National Park. Owing to its rapids, the river's channel is well-known for activities such as kayaking and rafting. Visitors can also choose to stretch their legs along the river's serene banks, swathed in vibrant foliage.
If you want to learn about the flora, fauna and geology of the Yosemite Valley, this is the place to visit. Created with both children and adults in mind, the Nature Center at Happy Isles has both static and interactive displays on the area's natural history. You can explore four short trails in the vicinity, each one devoted to a different ecological niche. The center also has a good bookstore, geared toward exploring the nature and ecology of the Yosemite Valley and national park.
This train is a restoration of the narrow-gauge Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company Railroad. The four-mile track was rebuilt using original techniques, and it runs two vintage shay steam locomotives pulling a few passenger cars. You will hear the engine whistle, snort, blow and more. You will also be in the forest and get a good feel for what logging was probably like in the 19th century. The trains run on a variety of daily schedules from March through October.
Exemplifying the periods they were built in, these time-honored buildings together comprise the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. While these historic structures were initially scattered across different locations in the park, they were ultimately set up at their current location. The center is a treasure trove of culture, tradition and heritage, with numerous activities and programs offering visitors a glimpse into Yosemite's past. Featuring attractions such as the covered bridge, Blacksmith shop and a historic stagecoach, this site is a veritable reenactment of the region's history. Visitors can even ride the horse-drawn stagecoach.