Occupying about 1200 square miles in eastern California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular outdoor tourist destinations in the country. The park was actually the first area in the entire United States to be set aside by the government purely as a place to be enjoyed for its natural beauty and scenery. It was declared a preserved area in 1864, and it eventually joined the National Park Service upon its establishment in 1916.
Yosemite is the site of towering granite cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, and sprawling groves of Giant Sequoia trees. It is also an undisturbed natural habitat for thousands of plant species and hundreds of different types of animals, including black bears, mule deer, bobcats, and numerous species of owls. Yosemite plays host to almost 4 million visitors each year, who range from intrepid hikers to families looking to enjoy a day trip into the wilderness.
You could spend years exploring Yosemite without uncovering all of its secrets, but if you are considering a shorter trip through the park, here are a few attractions that you must make sure to see.
Yosemite Falls – The highest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls tops out at 2,425 feet. It is the most popular attraction in the park, especially if you visit in late spring, as that is when the water flow is strongest. The falls are located in Yosemite Valley, a section of the park that’s about 8 miles long and reaches a mile deep at some points. The valley is the tourist hub of the park, and it is where you will find a wide array of facilities such as visitor centers, restaurants, and lodging options. From the valley, you can view many of Yosemite’s most iconic sights and find the trailheads for hikes of all levels.
Half Dome – One of the most well-known rock formations in the park, Half Dome is located on the eastern edge of Yosemite Valley. Rising more than 4,700 feet above the valley’s floor, the enormous granite formation can be viewed from various vantage points depending on your desire and skill level as a hiker. For the more casual visitor, great views of Half Dome can be enjoyed from the 2-mile hike to Mirror Lake. More intrepid hikers, however, can choose to summit Half Dome itself. The 8-mile hike concludes with a steep, 400 foot “Cable Route,” featuring two sets of steel cables that you can use as handholds. If you are considering doing the Cable Route, make sure to check with park rangers on your way into Yosemite Valley, as you may need to obtain a permit on certain days of the week.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias – Located at the southernmost tip of Yosemite, the Mariposa Grove features more than 500 Giant Sequoia trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. The oldest tree in the grove, named Grizzly Giant, is 210 feet tall with a diameter of 30 feet. To best appreciate the grove of trees, plan on taking the 2-mile hike that circles among some of the tallest living things on Earth. Don’t miss the California Tunnel Tree, which had a tunnel carved through its trunk in 1895 large enough for carriages to pass through it.
Glacier Point – About an hour’s drive from Yosemite Valley, you can access Glacier Point from late May until October or November (depending on the weather). When you reach the overlook—about 3,200 feet above the valley floor—you can enjoy stunning views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and Yosemite Falls from above.
Tunnel View – Another spectacular scenic overlook, Tunnel View gives visitors one of the most iconic and familiar viewpoints of some of Yosemite’s most beautiful vistas. Join the ranks of history’s greatest nature photographers when you document the panoramic views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls, all of which can be seen across the expansive Yosemite Valley.
Tuolomne Meadows – To experience one of the calmer and more peaceful settings in Yosemite, don’t miss the luscious Tuolomne Meadows. Home to several day hikes for adventurers of all skill levels, the pastoral meadows are surrounded by rocky peaks and domes, and this area is generally less crowded than the bustling Yosemite Valley.
