Yosemite National Park

The titanic forces that shaped the Earth are in plain view at Yosemite National Park. Visitors are drawn to the granite faces of El Capitan and Half Dome, as well as the park’s majestic waterfalls, lakes, valleys, and woodlands.

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Location

Situated in the center of California, Yosemite Park showcases the best of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Start your tour in centrally-located Yosemite Village.

Flora & Fauna

The mountains, valleys, and coniferous forests of Yosemite Park harbor animals from bighorn sheep to bobcats.

Did You Know?

Yosemite travel is best in spring, during the snowmelt, when the park’s famous waterfalls are at their peak.

1-Day Itinerary

Plan to spend at least four hours touring Yosemite Valley—it takes at least two days to visit the entire park. Yosemite Valley is world famous for its impressive waterfalls, meadows, cliffs, and unusual rock formations. Yosemite Valley is accessible by car all year.

More Time?

Yosemite National Park provides a phenomenal backdrop for hiking and exploration. Don’t miss Mariposa Grove where you’ll see hundreds of giant sequoia—among the tallest and longest-lived trees in the world.
Ranger Ned’s Big Adventure is perfect for the whole family. Take a trek with a Rookie Ranger.
Play 9-holes of golf at the Yosemite Wawona Golf Course.
Sign up for a small group tour to walk, hike, and swim in select areas of Yosemite National Park during a single day.

Know Before You Go

There are 4 visitor centers in Yosemite National Park: Valley (Yosemite Valley), Big Oak Flat, Wawona, and Tuolumne.
Expect warm, dry summers; most moisture falls January through March. Busiest July and August; least crowded November and January.

More Yosemite National Park Info from NPF