National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Yosemite National Park
Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
5.4 mi · 1,000 ft gain · out & back
Iconic hike ascending granite steps alongside the Merced River to the top of 317-foot Vernal Fall.
Starts at: Happy Isles
16.4 mi · 4,800 ft gain · out & back
Yosemite's legendary summit hike via the Mist Trail and cables on Half Dome's sheer granite face. Permit required.
Starts at: Happy Isles
7.2 mi · 2,700 ft gain · out & back
Relentless switchbacks to the top of North America's tallest waterfall at 2,425 feet.
Starts at: Camp 4
7.6 mi · 1,000 ft gain · out & back
Tuolumne Meadows' most popular trail to a glacier-carved lake beneath the dramatic Cathedral Peak spire.
Starts at: Tuolumne Meadows
Upcoming Events
Family Ranger Talk (Yosemite Valley)
Topics vary. Meet in front of the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center (shuttle stop 2.) Program hosted by the National Park Service.
Historic Ahwahnee Hotel Tour (Yosemite Valley)
Learn about the history behind Yosemite’s famous luxury hotel on this complimentary one-hour tour.Meet on the hotel’s back lawn. Program hosted by Yosemite Hospitality.
Join a staff photographer for a brief field lecture in Yosemite Valley. Space is limited; registration required.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: March
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (600 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May (and over 75% between November and March). Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May. (Yosemite Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)