Spectacular glacier-carved valleys and world-class trees
Famous for its spectacular glacier-carved valleys and walls of sheer granite, Yosemite also has world-class trees.
GIANT SEQUOIA: Massive, ancient giant sequoia, or Sierra redwoods, live in three groves in Yosemite. The most easily accessible (spring through fall) is the famous Mariposa Grove. Tuolumne and Merced Groves are smaller and less crowded. Near the park’s South Entrance, Mariposa Grove is the largest grove in the park and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoia. During much of the year a free shuttle is required for use between the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and the Mariposa Grove. Trails range from easy to strenuous; some are wheelchair-accessible. On Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat, the Tuolumne Grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoia. Sequoia are only visible after a 1-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss. On the Big Oak Flat Road east of Big Oak Flat Entrance and approximately 6 miles west of Crane Flat, the Merced Grove has about two dozen mature giant sequoia. Sequoia are only visible after a 1.5-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss.
ACTIVITIES: Popular among rock climbers, Yosemite also attracts visitors from all over the world who want to hike, bike, fish, swim, canoe, sketch, picnic, botanize, backpack, birdwatch, photograph, ice-skate, ski (downhill and cross-country), learn about history, or simply gawk at some of the world's most beautiful scenery. As the late photographer Ansel Adams said, "Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space."
ACCESSIBLE FEATURES: Yosemite National Park offers accessible shuttle buses, parking restrooms, picnic areas, and campsites. There are also sign language interpreters, video captioning, and assistive listening devices available. Visitors may rent wheelchairs. There are also free passes available for permanently disabled U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
DOGS: In developed areas; On fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths (except when signed as not allowing pets); In all campgrounds except walk-in campgrounds (e.g., Camp 4) and in group campsites.
Take a tour of this park with Google Street View Treks. (external link)
Directions
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Amenities & Fees
$30 per vehicle, valid for 1-7 days. $15 per person aged 16 and older by foot and bike. Camping and Lodging: Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov. For more camping near the park, visit HipCamp.com.
What To Pack
- Safety: We want visitors to enjoy their experience safely. Simple actions can positively increase your outdoor experience. Such actions include taking water and snacks along with you, staying on designated trails, taking breaks, and letting people know where you are going and approximately what time you're coming back. For more outdoor safety tips, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips (external link).
- What To Bring: Layers of clothing. In the rainy season, pack warm hats, scarves, mittens and plenty of thick, fast-drying socks. And don't forget the raincoats and rain pants. Water, snacks a field guide, binoculars.
Additional Information
Start with the extensive Yosemite National Park website (external link). Once you've got the lay of the land, read John Muir's 1912 evocation of the spirit of the place: The Yosemite (external link).
