Yosemite National Park

Overview

Yosemite Valley's vertical walls, carved by glaciers over millions of years, frame some of the most iconic landscapes in North America. El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias draw 4 million visitors a year — but with a good plan, you can still find solitude.

Best Things to Do

• Half Dome — The park's signature hike. 14–16 miles round trip with 4,800 ft of elevation gain. The cables section requires a permit (lottery-based).
• Yosemite Falls — One of the tallest waterfalls in North America. The upper falls trail is strenuous; the valley floor trail is easy.
• Glacier Point — A stunning 3,200-foot overlook above the valley floor. Accessible by road or via the 4.8-mile Panorama Trail.
• Mariposa Grove — 500 giant sequoias including the 2,000-year-old Grizzly Giant.
• Rock climbing — Yosemite Valley is the birthplace of modern big-wall climbing. El Capitan's nose route is one of the most famous climbs on earth.

Getting There

Drive via CA-120 from the east (Tioga Pass, open mid-May through October) or CA-140/CA-41 from the west. Reservations for day entry are required March–October.

Planning Tips

• Day-use reservations required March–October — book as soon as they open.
• Campground reservations open 5 months in advance and sell out in seconds.
• Permits required for Half Dome cables; enter the permit lottery in March.