Yosemite National Park, California

nature at its absolute finest

Yosemite National Park is over 1180 square meters of nature at its best, full of crystal clear lakes, peaceful scenery of vibrant forests, and stunning waterfalls that drop from the vast mountains. The most visited area is Yosemite Valley, approximately 3 million people arriving at glacial valley every year. It’s a national treasure that often finds itself as the inspiration for various paintings.

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Visit Yosemite National Park, California

Prepare to be mind blown! The moment you catch a glimpse of Yosemite National Park you will be amazed!

As you reach the huge granite cliff faces and venture down into the valley you get magnificent panoramic views! With loads of postcard-perfect points and places to stop, you will want to set off early for your trip to Yosemite as these spots get popular into the day.

Where is Yosemite?

In the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is on the bucket list of every traveller!

How big is Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite National Park is as tall as it is wide. Ok, not quite, but it does feel that way! 1,100 square miles of giant trees, thunderous waterfalls and granite cliff faces.

How to get around Yosemite National Park?

Once you’re in the Park, getting around is super easy. For transportation around the park, there is the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation system (YARTS), which is a shuttle transporting people to the main locations all across the park. The cost is included in your park entrance fee and you can jump on and off as you please. There are also numerous spots to hire bicycles and paved paths leading to trailheads.

What to do in Yosemite National Park?

If you have a few days to spend in this huge National Park then you will want to make the very most of your time. Catching the sunrise is always a treat and if you’re not too tired from your days hiking you can enjoy watching the sunset over the most beautiful valley in the world, in our opinion. The skies are blissfully unpolluted here too, so this is a great opportunity for some stargazing.

How do you pronounce Yosemite?

Not the commonly miss-pronounced ‘Yoz-might’ the correct way to say it is ‘Yo-sem-it-ee’.

Top tips for your Yosemite Road Trip… There isn’t a lot of water stops and convenience stores in the National Park so you will need to be prepared. Pack well before you set off and pack lightly!

Where to stay in Yosemite National Park?

ARTCo Favourites include Evergreen Lodge, for your very own cabin in the woods, and Tenaya Lodge which is brimming with mountain charm.

The top things to do in Yosemite National Park?

1. You must walk along some of the trails. Don’t be put off by the term ‘Hike”! There are so many different trails, all ranging in difficulty and elevation. Glacier Point, Lower Mariposa Grove, Mirror Lake and Lower Yosemite Falls are amongst the easier hikes under 2 miles round trip, and each as rewarding to complete with such exceptional forest views!

2. Keep an eye open at all times for wildlife! There are Black Bears in Yosemite as well as Mountain Lions and Bighorn Sheep. Whilst it’s unlikely you will come close to these Animals, you should ‘bear’ in mind that this is their home.

3. Rock Climbing – Whilst you may not be geared up for a climb of your own, you should be sure to check out the hardcore, expert climbers crawling up the granite faces. You will need binoculars to see this, look out for the guys suspended in mid-air.

Before your visit to Yosemite National Park, take time to watch the breathtaking, Oscar-winning documentary ‘Free Solo” which follows rock climber Alex Honnold on his quest to perform the very first free solo climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan. The documentary gives you incredible views and footage which explores the sheer scale of the mountain face… Gripping stuff!

4. Visit the famous viewpoints! Yosemite’s Tunnel View, Glacier Point and Olmsted Point offer breathtaking views spanning for miles.

When is the best time to visit Yosemite?

Yosemite National Park remains open all year long, all day every day. If visiting in late Spring you’ll be welcomed by pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. The waterfalls are at their best in late May and early June.

Don’t leave Yosemite without… Taking a moment to simply appreciate the sheer scope of this incredible National park!

Depending on when your road tripping through California, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Yosemite’s famous ‘Firefall’! For a short period each February, each sunset brings a moment when the waterfall glows a warm orange and it looks as though the lava is flowing over the cliff. A photographers dream.