The amazing Yosemite Park in California

Last updated: 01/08/2019

O Yosemite Park it is a california national park located in the Sierra Nevada region. With more than 3 thousand km², the park receives around 3 million tourists a year and is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The park is formed by lakes, granite gorges, waterfalls, giant sequoias, forests and diverse flora and fauna. there are more than a million years ago there was accumulation of snow and ice, forming glaciers in the higher alpine meadows, then descending into the valleys traversed by rivers. The park is approximately 320 km by car from San Francisco and 450 km from Los Angeles. To access Yosemite Park's official website, Click here.

ENTRANCE TO YOSEMITE PARK

HOW MUCH

The ticket to access Yosemite Park costs US$ 30 and is valid for 7 days (from November to March, which is low season, the price is US$ 25). You can purchase the annual American parks ticket which costs US$ 80 and entitles you to unlimited entry to national parks and many others. see more information in this post.

*September 2015 values

WHEN TO VISIT

Yosemite Park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. At any time of the year there are interesting things to do there. It all depends on what you want to see and do in the park. In winter it usually snows in the region and some roads are closed for safety reasons. Be prepared to have to use tire chains this season. However, it is possible to enjoy ski resorts in the region, see more information in this link. In summer it can be very hot and even streams and waterfalls can become almost dry. the park is crowded on weekends (It is even difficult to find accommodation in the region, especially during the American summer season (June to September). Therefore, it is recommended to try to visit the place on weekdays.

See information for each season of the year here:

• Yosemite in summer
• Yosemite in spring
• Yosemite in winter
• Yosemite in Autumn

WHAT TO VISIT

The park is huge and there are many interesting things to visit. Here we made a selection of the places we like the most in the park.

• Big Crane Flat

It's right at the entrance to the park when you're driving down the road. It's one of the first views of Yosemite Park's beauty

• Tunnel View

It's one of our favorite spots in Yosemite for being able to see Half Dome, El Capitan (in the background) and Bridalveil waterfall at the same time.

• El Capitan

El Capitan is a rock formation over 900 meters high in Yosemite Park. It consists of a huge block of granite that is very popular with adventurers who love to climb it.

• Bridalveil Waterfall

One of the most famous waterfalls in Yosemite Park and super easy to access via an 800-meter trail. The waterfall is almost 190 meters high and the water falls like a veil again, hence its name.

• Merced River

This river that cuts through the park provides beautiful views and beautiful photos. We stopped the car in this beautiful place because Paulo was dying to get his feet wet in the creek. The view from the place was magnificent.

• half dome

Walking through Yosemite Park it is possible to take pictures of all sides of Half Dome, this stone wall that seems to have been cut in half, hence the origin of its name. This granite wall is more than 1400 meters high.

• Glacier Point

The view is so beautiful from this place that it is a favorite of all Yosemite Park. The imposing stone walls give a very special charm to the place. Glacier Point has an elevation of 2,199 meters.

• Grove moth

This was one of the coolest places we visited in Yosemite Park because we had the opportunity to get in touch with the giant sequoias. Unfortunately this part of the park is closed for renovations until 2017.

EXCURSIONS

The best way to get to know the region is by car. You can join a tour from San Francisco if you prefer. There are several packages available depending on the season and the activities you would like to do. see all options in this link. If you have little time to visit the region, see the option of this 1 day park tour from San Francisco.

NICE TOURS AND EXCURSIONS IN YOSEMITE

There are many options in the park such as trails (of various difficulties), climbing, fishing, horse or mule rides, cycling, water activities, winter activities.

TIPS FOR VISIT YOSEMITE

• There aren't many options for fuel the car inside the park and the ones that exist are quite expensive. For this reason, before entering the park, fill up in the city of Groveland (also take advantage of our tip for eating in the city).
• Buy water bottles and take them with you in the car to stay hydrated. There are few options inside the park to buy and if you buy outside the park you will save money.
• Don't forget to wear appropriate footwear for hiking and hiking. A good sneaker is a great ally.
• Use sunscreen and protect yourself with a cap or hat from the strong sun.
• Parking inside the park is free, but there are few spaces available. A good option is to arrive early to find a spot and get around with the free buses that circulate inside the park. See all bus options and schedules in this link.

• super important tip: We had to sign a disclaimer at the hotel where we stayed inside the park, committing ourselves not to leave any food and drink in the car, as bears are very common in the region. Not even products whose packages are closed are allowed. Therefore, be very careful throughout the day, but especially at night, remember not to leave anything inside the vehicle. Our experience: Paulo forgot a pack of bullets in the car and had to go to the car in total darkness with a chance of encountering a bear on the way! Do not do it!

WHERE TO EAT IN YOSEMITE AND SURROUNDINGS

inside the park

Some options for places to eat inside Yosemite Park. See the complete guide to eating in the park in this link.

• Yosemite Dining Events
• Ahwahnee Dining Room
• Mountain Room
• Wawona Dining Room
• Curry Village
• Yosemite Village
• Trailhead Snacks

Outside the Park – our suggestion

• Restaurant: The Iron Door Saloon
• Address: 18761 Main St, Groveland, CA 95321
• Schedules: daily from 11 am to 2 am

WHERE TO STAY AT YOSEMITE

There are options for sleeping inside the park such as hotels and there are also areas for camping. See accommodation options inside the park:

• The Ahwahnee
• Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
• Wawona Hotel
• Curry Village
• housekeeping camp
• Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
• White Wolf Lodge
• High Sierra Camps
• Glacier Point Ski Hut (opens only in winter)

To access all available locations in the region, go to this link.

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camping

There are 13 designated camping areas in Yosemite Park. In some cases it is necessary to book in advance, in others, it is a rule of thumb. See the description of each campsite in this link. Make reservations at campsites that offer this service in this link.

MORE TIPS

Super cool blogs to find more information about Yosemite Park:

• Mari Vidigal's blog “Ideas in the Suitcase” has visited Yosemite Park several times and has lots of interesting tips about the place. See the post: Yosemite Park: Complete Guide to Organizing an Amazing Trip
• The blog's Guta C. "Let's go" gives tips about the park and tells about his experiences enjoying the winter and the snow in the place. See the post: Travel report: Yosemite Park – Between redwoods, waterfalls, ski and mountains