Yosemite National Park Provides Natural Beauty, Adventure
California's Yosemite National Park is simply spectacular.
America is home to so many wonderful National Parks and Yosemite National Park is certainly one of the most magnificent. Located amidst the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is truly a four-season resort, especially for those who enjoy an active vacation.
Places to See
There's so much to take in when you arrive in Yosemite that you'll be hard-pressed to figure out what to see and do first. Many are just awed by the amazing geological formations found here, and find themselves standing in amazement as they snap picture after picture.
There are, however, many specific locations within this three-quarters-of-a-million-acre park should be on your list of must-sees.
At 2,700 feet, Yosemite Falls is among the highest in the world and one of the most spectacular sights in the park, regardless of the time of year. You're sure to get wet here and you'll definitely want to bring along your camera.
For those who are willing to travel away from the valley, the Toulumne Meadows, in the high country, is a great place for skiing in the winter, and in the warmer months, it's an excellent place to hike, fish, and enjoy the scenery. You may also want to make a stop at Tenaya Lake for a picnic.
Glacier Point is where visitors find the most breathtaking views in all of Yosemite National Park. From the pedestrian walkway at the Point, you'll be looking straight down 3,000 feet into the valley below. In the summer, buses carry visitors to Glacier Point, where they'll be able to see the Half Dome, most of the park's many waterfalls, and lots more.
Things to Do
Active individuals and families love Yosemite for all there is to keep them busy. Whether you're a top-notch athlete or just someone who enjoys a mild adventure, there's something just right for you in this amazing park.
The Merced River, which flows out of the Yosemite Valley, offers a myriad of sporting opportunities, including exciting whitewater rafting excursions. While there are portions of the river that accommodate calm float trips, the whitewater trips here are not for children. Rapids reach class IV+.
The waters are ripe for fly-fishing as well, and throughout the park, you'll find outfitters that offer guided fly-fishing trips.
Rock climbers head to Yosemite in droves. The park has its own mountaineering school, offering classes and workshops for climbers of all ages. Climbing is most popular between April and October.
Guided horseback riding tours take place throughout the park, there are 12 miles of designated bike trails, and hikers can take advantage of trips that range from just a few hours to several days.
In the winter, there's downhill skiing in the Badger Pass Ski Area, though it's fairly small. There are nine runs and the vertical drop is about 800 feet. It makes for an affordable and fun day for those who ski.
Yosemite National Park is a cross-country skier's mecca. The park has 350 miles of skiable roads and trails, many miles of machine-groomed track, and 90 miles of marked trails for Nordic aficionados. There's also an ice skating rink that families will enjoy.
Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park
If you're not tied to school schedules, May and June are definitely the best months to visit the park. The wildflowers are in bloom, the snow is melted, most of the trails are clear, and the crowds don't start arriving until the end of June.
Of course, if you're a winter sports fan, you'll want to be at the park from November through February. The December holidays, however, bring the crowds and many activities and locations need to be approached with caution due to the appearance of sudden storms.
The summer holiday weekends get quite crowded, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Crowds are manageable during the remainder of the summer.