Yosemite National Park was America's third national park, established in 1890. It's a special place centered on a glacier-carved valley, lined with soaring, granite monnoliths and waterfalls. Mile for mile, it offers some of the most spectacular scenery you're likely to see anywhere. Most Yosemite National Park visitors spend their time in the valley, taking a guided tour, hiking or just walking around - most of them taking photographs by the dozens so they can remember their visits later.
Yosemite National Park is one of the country's most-visited parks, especially busy in summer. If you're planning a Yosemite vacation, we've been there before and like a helpful neighbor, we put together some resources that will help you plan your trip like a pro.
Yosemite National Park Vacation: What You Need to Know
A Yosemite vacation is a popular thing to do. These steps will help you get yours planned in a hurry.
- Get and idea of what Yosemite National Park is like. Explore a few of these Photo Tours.
- Where Yosemite National Park is - and how to get there. Get tips about the most scenic routes in and where to get gasoline at a reasonable price.
- When to go. For beautiful weather and lighter crowds, go to Yosemite National Park on a weekday in spring or autumn. In summer, the Merced River is full, and in spring, the waterfalls are at their best. Check the average temperatures and rainfall and explore Yosemite by season to find the time that's best for you.
- How Long to Stay. If you've only got one day, make the most of it. Follow this guide. If you can stay for a weekend, use the weekend getaway planner. If you have more time, find more Yosemite activities.
- Where to stay. Use the Yosemite Lodging Guide. It will help you find the best hotels in or out of the park, pick the best campgrounds and find the most comfortable places to stay on a limited budget.
- Things to do. Use the Yosemite Activity Guide. It covers all the most popular sights, easy hikes, places to go and things to do.
- Where it all is. This handy map will help you get oriented.
- Be smart. Use the Smart Yosemite Visitor Guide. It will help you see the sights at their best, avoid traffic troubles, be safe from bears and snag that reservation you want.
- Support Yosemite. The non-profit Yosemite Conservancy restores trails and lookouts and protect habitat and wildlife. Get a membership before you go and you'll not only support their work, but you'll also get a bunch of discount coupons that will save you money on lodging, food and activities. Visit their website to find out more.
