Yosemite is one of California's most famous parks, and the sixth most popular national park in the United States. It’s also, you know, incredibly gorgeous. If you decide you want to visit Yosemite, there are a few things you should know, ranging from the practical stuff to the lowdown on all the best hikes and viewpoints:
What makes Yosemite so great?Yosemite's beauty is incredibly unique. I could tell you all about it, but a picture's worth a thousand words--so a video should be worth about a thousand pictures, right? This video highlights all of Yosemite Valley's best features--from incredible waterfalls like Bridalveil Fall to stunning views of Half Dome and El Capitan--and will hopefully give you a glimpse of what makes Yosemite so special. How to Visit
I visited in early May, which just so happens to be the time of year when the waterfalls are at their peak. It's busy, but you can still find parking, which is more than I can say for the uber-crowded summer months. Winter brings a stunning blanket of snow (and fewer crowds) but it's also obviously super cold. The best time to visit depends on what you care about the most--fewer people (anytime except summer), more amenities (summer), clifftop views (the highest parts of the park are only open starting late May at the earliest) or better waterfalls (spring!!).
Because of its popularity, Yosemite can also be very crowded. I decided to visit on a whim, meaning I made last-minute sleeping arrangements--I ended up staying at Lost Claim Campground in beautiful nearby Stanislaus National Forest, about an hour away, which I recommend if you can’t find anything closer. I also highly recommend taking the free park shuttle as much as possible. Not only will it save you lots of time trying to find a parking space (particularly during the more crowded months), it will also be much better for the environment! The Best Hiking Trails
Now, let me start off by saying: I’m not what you might call an “experienced hiker”. My preferred length for a trail is about five miles when I’m well-rested (1 mile when I’m hungry and tired), and I don’t have the means to hike very often… but I still love to hike! The beauty of places like Yosemite is that there’s a trail for people of all skill levels. These are a few of my personal favorites, from easy to moderate:
Bridalveil Fall Trail | 0.5 mi; easy A very short trail takes you to the base of the famous Bridalveil Fall. At its peak, the veil of water turns more into a down comforter, and generally floods the last part of the trail--so expect to get wet if you want to get close!
Lower Yosemite Falls Trail | 1 mi; easy | Shuttle Stop #6
I recommend parking at the main parking lot, and then either taking the shuttle or walking to the visitor center, then to the trail (about 1 mile)--the National Park website recommends “walking the loop in a clockwise direction for best views of Yosemite Falls”. This trail provides an up-close view of North America’s tallest waterfall, and, like the Bridalveil Fall Trail, you can expect to get wet during the spring and early summer.
Mist Trail (Vernal Fall Footbridge) | 1.6 mi; moderate | Shuttle Stop #16
This was the first trail I attempted at Yosemite on my trip, but because I was so tired from the long drive, I didn’t actually finish it! Despite this, even the half of the hike that I did complete made this steep-but-beautiful trail worth the recommendation. If you have lots of energy, you can continue past the footbridge up to the top of Vernal Falls, and then to Nevada Falls. From there, you can take the same route back (5 mi), or follow down John Muir Trail (6.5 mi). Mirror Lake Trail | 2-5 mi; easy to moderate | Shuttle Stop #17 When hiking this trail, the main highlight is seeing Half Dome reflected in the still waters of this lake. I, because I have no sense of direction whatsoever, went the wrong way! If doing this hike, there will come to a point where you can either cross a bridge or continue straight. If you want to see the Half Dome “mirror” part of Mirror Lake, cross the bridge. If you’re just going to the lake and back, it’s an easy two mile round trip, but walking around the lake will bring you up to five miles. Awesome Viewpoints
El Capitan Picnic Area & Meadow
This little meadow features a beautiful view of El Capitan. Located along the one-way Northside Drive, I recommend stopping here on your way out of Yosemite Valley.
Valley View
Valley View features… well, a view of Yosemite valley! Once again, since it’s located along one-way Northside Drive, I recommend stopping here on your way out of the Valley. According to the National Park website, it can be found “just after a view of Bridalveil Fall but immediately before Pohono Bridge, about the time you begin to see directional signs for highways leaving the park.”
Sentinel Bridge
This little bridge, located just down the street from the main parking lot, offers a stunning view of Half Dome. It's also an iconic spot for photographers.
Tunnel View
One of the most impressive views of Yosemite can be found at Tunnel View, featuring a panorama of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome in the distance. You can find this beautiful but crowded spot “at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel along the Wawona Road (Highway 41).”
Honorable mention: Glacier & Olmstead Points
These two viewpoints are on the top of my list the next time I visit--I couldn’t see them when I went in May, because the roads to get there were still buried in snow! There are countless gorgeous viewpoints in Yosemite. I had a blast just making my way in and out of the park, because I stopped at nearly half a dozen viewpoints along the way, featuring everything from views of the Valley's most famous landmarks to up-close views of beautiful waterfalls and cliffs.
This waterfall-studded park is an absolute wonder. I could probably talk all day about its beauty and the reasons why you should visit, but in the end, there’s no words that can truly do it justice. You’ll just have to see for yourself.
Have you visited Yosemite? Do you have any tips? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Know Where You Walk: Yosemite is traditionally home to the Central Sierra Miwok people.
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Hi, there! Call me Kris. I’m a world traveler, author and artist working to showcase the world's beauty and inspire you to find your confidence to see the world!
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