A visit to Yosemite National Park
by Paul H. Green
California is a beautiful, rugged state filled with numerous must-see attractions. Clearly, Yosemite National Park tops the list. This spectacular valley is unlike any you will find around the world. From majestic flowing waterfalls to towering granite monoliths to delicate meadows and meandering streams, you'll see why this landscape has inspired generations from John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Ansel Adams, and millions of world-wide travelers.
Lodging inside Yosemite ranges from tent camping, cabins, RVing, and the incredible Ahwahnee lodge. For the more adventurous, backpacking is a popular alternative. You will need the appropriate permits to exercise this option. The permits are free and advanced reservations can be made. A trail quota system ensures that overcrowding and the overall impact on the wilderness area are kept to a minimum.
In addition, you can stay outside the park and commute in each day at a variety of hotels and cabins. No matter where you choose to spend the night, reservations are a must.
Free shuttle busses make getting around the park easy. Park in one of the main lots and take the shuttles to all of your destinations or bring your bikes along for a two-wheeled tour of the valley. Twelve miles of paved bike paths make this an attractive option. A variety of scenic auto tours allow you to see the sights from your car with stops along the way.
Even if you stay for weeks, you'll never be able to see and do all that's available in Yosemite. To top it off, each season offers its own unique charms from outdoor ice skating in the winter to incredible waterfalls during the spring snowmelt, to picture perfect summertime camping and spectacular shows of fall color, Yosemite is a year-round treat. Below are a few highlights you won't want to miss.
Yosemite Must-See Attractions
To best experience Yosemite, strap on those hiking boots. Trails are available for all abilities, some more strenuous than others. Hikes to waterfalls and the geological features are popular choices.
Bridalveil Falls – Bridalveil Falls features a short (half mile) paved trail from the parking lot to the base of this year-round waterfall. In the spring and summer you can feel a cool spray from the falls tickle your skin while icy conditions can be treacherous in winter.
Yosemite Falls – North America's tallest waterfall is Yosemite Falls. It soars 2425 feet above the valley floor. When it's flowing, it is a sight you'll never forget. The waterfall is often dry in the late summer through October. Yosemite Falls is broken into upper and lower portions with trails for both. To get to the lower falls, follow an easy one-mile loop. A strenuous seven mile hike will get you to the upper portion.
Vernal Falls – Enjoy another hike to Vernal Falls. You can stop at the Vernal Falls footbridge where you'll have a terrific view of the falls or continue up to the top following a steep granite staircase consisting of over six hundred steps. From there, you can continue on up the Mist trail to Nevada Falls.
Geology
Granite rock formations are landmarks of the Yosemite Valley. You can see these distinctive monoliths from the valley floor, hike up to viewing spots, or even hike up the face of the granite!
Half Dome – Half Dome features a cable system from late-May to early-October which allows hikers to hike up the granite to the top. This is a strenuous hike for more skilled hikers. Continue past Nevada Falls and follow the signs pointing to Half Dome. The hike up the east side of Half Dome is extremely steep for nine hundred feet with the last four hundred feet featuring the set of two steel cables. This hike is a seventeen mile round trip hike that takes between ten and twelve hours to complete. Pay attention to weather and trail conditions before attempting this hike.
El Capitan – El Capitan is the world's largest monolith of granite. It rises over 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Here you'll see rock climbers working their way up its sheer sides. You can view El Capitan from El Capitan Meadows.
Cathedral Rocks – Directly across from El Capitan, you'll see the impressive Cathedral Rocks.
Glacier Point – Glacier Point is located over three thousand feet above the valley floor and is a must-see attraction. Trails exist that allow hikes up from below but a better option is to take a bus tour to the top. You can take a round trip tour to Glacier Point or purchase a one-way ride up and hike down. The views from Glacier Point are breathtaking. You will feel as though you are on top of the world.
Other Attractions
Giant Sequoias – Everything in Yosemite is big – even the trees. The Giant Sequoias are massive, ancient trees that are found in three groves scattered throughout the park. Mariposa Grove is the easiest to get to and is located near the park's south entrance. Two lesser visited groves, Tuolumne and Merced, require several miles of hiking in order to get to the trees.
The Ahwanhnee – the Ahwahnee is a famous hotel built in 1927. This National Historic Landmark is a beautiful piece of architecture that you must see in order to appreciate. One of the best ways to enjoy the Ahwahnee short of booking an overnight stays is to enjoy brunch or lunch in the massive dining room.
Yosemite Museum – The Yosemite Museum is a terrific place to spend some time learning about the cultural history of the area.
Nature Center – The Nature Center at Happy Isles features natural history exhibits, interactive displays, and a variety of short trails. You'll also see the remnants of a huge rockfall from Glacier Point's cliffs that occurred in 1996.
Yosemite is a national treasure that will affect you profoundly. People from all over the world have enjoyed the many sights and activities including hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, rock-climbing, photography, stargazing, camping, and quiet contemplation. No matter how you choose to get to know this incredible valley, you'll come home with a new love, a love for Yosemite.
For more information:
www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm