California Travel - Things to See and Do at Yosemite National Park

The Yosemite region in east-central California is known15 miles.
for its spectacular panoramas, massive granite cliffs,Wawona is the place for Wawona Hotel, Pioneer
mountain vistas and historical communities. YosemiteYosemite History Center of historic buildings and the
Park offers exciting destinations with about 750,000Mariposa Grove.
acres of land and thousands of ponds and lakes.Yosemite is great for those who love outdoor
It also has 800 miles of hiking trails and 1600 miles ofadventure. It has over 800 miles of trails for hiking. No
streams. The park is a 6 hour drive from Los Angelespermits are required for hikers who want a day hike to
and about 4.5 hours drive from San Francisco.its many trails and footpaths along the valley. Some
The Yosemite Valley is well known for its cliffs,trails are easy but some are more tiring such as the
meadows, rock formations and waterfalls. The Halfsheer granite walls. Hikers may also encounter
Dome granite monolith is one of the mountainswitchbacks, steep terrain and changing rapid weather
attractions, appearing like a giant dome stone that splitsconditions.
in half. The vertical face of El Capitan is also famousBackpackers can access the Glacier Point road
among climbers.towards trails in the Clark range as well as the parks
Yosemite Falls is the most impressive and consideredalong the southern part. Tuolumne Meadows also
the highest fall in the world. Other accessible falls inoffers 8 different trailheads.
Yosemite Valley are the Bridalveil, Nevada Fall andThe Chilnualna Falls and Mariposa Grove of Giant
Vernal Fall.Sequoias are popular day hikes at Wawona.
Tunnel View is another standpoint that gives a full viewYosemite Valley also offers stunning rock climbing
of the valley located at the western end of Wawonaactivities being about 3,000 feet tall and having vertical
tunnel.faces. The Tuolumne Meadows is also famous for its
The Crane Flat is an amazing meadow and foresthigh elevation rock climbing. The Yosemite
found 16 miles from Yosemite Valley. Sites nearby areMountaineering School guides have been assisting
the Tuolumne and Giant Sequoias Merced Groves.visitors since 1969, showcasing an AMGA certificate.
Glacier Point is located just 30 miles from YosemiteOne can also go horseback riding. Again, Tuolumne
Valley. It overlooks the valley and the Sierra NevadaMeadows and Wawona offer commercial horse-riding
mountain ranges. Both cross-country and downhill skiingat DNC Parks and Resorts, along with custom guided
is available at Badger Pass during mid-December totrips.
early April. It also overlooks the Washburn Point. ItFor those who love skiing, try it in Badger Pass. Their
gives a great view of the southern side of thecross-country and downhill trails are about 350 miles.
Yosemite Valley in just half a mile before Glacier Point.The tracks and skating lanes are connected from
Hetch Hetchy Valley has scenery that usually starts upBadger Pass to Glacier Point. It is open during
as a point of many trails. Hiking is advisable duringDecember and closed on April.
spring and early summer. The road through the valleyFor backpacking, Little Yosemite Valley is one of the
is open year round but with restricted hours. It ismost famous sites. It is 4 miles from the Yosemite
however closed during winter and spring.Valley floor along Merced River.
Tuolumne Meadows is an open-alpine meadowLastly, Yosemite has 13 campgrounds, all with forest
surrounded by domes, peaks and the Tuolumne River.canopies and rooms. Campgrounds are available at
This area is available for snowshoes or skis fromCrane Flat, Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow and half of
November through May or early June. Visitors canTuolumne Meadows. Camping reservations are made
explore the meadows through Dog Lake trailhead forfrom April to September.