Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is almost 1,200 square miles of high cliffs and outcroppings, waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and wilderness. There are three groves of giant sequoia trees, some of which are more than 1,000 years old. The park is also home to Half Dome and Yosemite Falls - both spectacular formations in their own right. Whether you want to visit these world-famous landmarks, or spend time in the less populated backcountry, there’s something for everyone to do at Yosemite.

The park sees millions of visitors every year. Because of this, you may have a better chance of hiking and exploring where you wish by using the park’s transit system instead of hoping to find parking at a popular spot.

The weather at Yosemite is fairly mild, though the park usually has snow from November through May. Winter temperatures are mostly in the 40s-50s during the day and in the high 20s-low 30s at night. During the summer, highs are in the 70s-80s and lows are in the 40s-50s. Bring a warm jacket and plan on layers while hiking and touring around the park.  

There are several quaint towns near Yosemite, and many of them draw on the area’s history during the Gold Rush and as part of an arduous pioneer path west. Whether you’re looking to raft one of the area’s rivers, learn more about the history of the Yosemite region, or treat yourself to a dining experience with a once-of-a-kind view, there’s an activity for you!

If you’re looking for things to do inside Yosemite, the park has scheduled events year-round. It’s a popular place during winter as well as summer, with cross-country skiing, tubing, ice skating, and even a ski and snowboard resort. You can find a full schedule of park events and activities planned throughout the year here.