Yosemite National Park

The Yosemite National Park located in California is a renowned World Heritage Site, famous for its awesome granite cliffs, giant Sequoia trees, brilliant waterfalls and biological diversity. Over 3.8 million people visit the Yosemite every year, but most of them limit their visits to the famous and overcrowded Yosemite Valley. For the select few who are keen on exploring this heart of the wilderness, there are great views and awe-inspiring experiences just around the corner.

There are two important bits of information for anyone visiting the Yosemite. First, the area is fairly huge. Yosemite National Park is over 3,000 kilometers wide. So, if you are planning a one-day trip, choose the kind of trip you want, whether it is sight seeing, hiking, biking or bird watching. Secondly, there is no one ‘best’ season to visit the Park. It all comes down to what you’re looking for. The weather varies dramatically and this changes the landscape radically from season to season. Still, spring is considered to be the most beautiful time of the year to see the thriving vegetation in its full grandeur. In winter, there are accessibility issues to contend with. The Yosemite Valley is open throughout the year, but a good part of the rest of the park remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of this stunning park is to take a hike. The Bridalveil Fall, the Cook’s Meadow, and the Mirror Lake offer easy yet unforgettable day-hiking experiences. If you’re up to a little challenge, you can try the Valley Floor, the Four Mile Trail or some of the more difficult falls like the Upper Yosemite Fall, the Vernal Fall or the Nevada Fall.

If rock-face climbing is in your blood, make sure you don’t miss ‘El Cap’, the world’s largest granite monolith. Whether you want to enjoy a one-day speedy ascent or go for a 12-day solo expedition, ‘The Big Stone’ is where all the fun is. Mind you, the climbing is arduous even during the best of weathers and is not recommended for beginners. But, take heart. There are plenty of climbing routes and the rescue service is pretty good.

The Yosemite National Park has plenty in store for avid bikers. Approximately 12 miles of paved bike routes and regular roads are available for the taking. Guided horseback riding trips are available all through spring to fall.

The Yosemite National Park is also famous for its water recreation. People enjoy swimming, rafting and kayaking. Swimming or rafting along the Merced River is a wonderful experience. The calm waters of the Tenaya Lake is great for kayaking.

In addition to these activities, Yosemite is also famous for its winters, when thick snow piles on every visible surface, transforming the vibrant land into one big icy landscape. So, whatever time of the year, Yosemite pleasures, and how!