Yosemite National Park

Set in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park wows visitors with its waterfalls, forests and meadows. Officially created as a national park in 1890, Yosemite has always been a popular destination with tourists and over the years has taken many steps towards preserving the park. Most visitors stay in the main valley, observing the peaks and waterfalls from afar. But Yosemite also offers countless ways to explore the backcountry.

Some of the many highlights in the park include the Yosemite Valley, and its high cliffs and waterfalls; the historic Wawona hotel and Ahwahnee hotel; the Mariposa Grove, which contains hundreds of ancient giant sequoias; Glacier Point's spectacular view of Yosemite Valley and the high country; Tuolumne Meadows, a large subalpine meadow surrounded by mountain peaks; and Hetch Hetchy, a reservoir in a valley considered a twin of Yosemite Valley.

From the valley flow, you can watch climbers ascend the face of El Capitan or take the long hike to the top of Half Dome.

Superintendent
PO Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
209-372-0200 - Visitor information & Headquarters
209-372-4726 - Visitor information for deaf/heard of hearing

By Plane
Several airlines serve Fresno Yosemite International (off of Hwy 41) and the Merced Air Terminal (off of Hwy 140).

By Car
There are four entrances to the park:

-South entrance on Highway 41 north from Fresno

-Arch Rock entrance
on Highway 140 west from Merced

-Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway
120 west from Modesto and Manteca

-Hetch Hetchy Entrance (to Hetch Hetchy Valley)

-Tioga Pass entrance on Highway 120 east from Lee Vining and Highway 395. The Tioga Pass entrance is closed from the first major snowstorm in November until late May to June due to snow. All other park entrances are kept open all year, but may require tire chains because of snow anytime between November and April.

By Plane
Visitors can ride YARTS buses from gateway communities outside the park into Yosemite Valley. YARTS and VIA buses connect with Amtrak and Greyhound in Merced.

Getting Around
Free shuttle buses are recommended in Yosemite Valley (year round), Wawona/Mariposa Grove (spring-fall), and Tuolumne Meadows (summer).

Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation.

Yosemite receives most of its precipitation in the months of January, February and March. Summers are typically warm and dry. Spring and fall are transitional months, when warm, sunny days can suddenly
become stormy. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity.

For Yosemite Valley and Wawona (subtract 10-20 degrees for Tuolumne Meadows), AVERAGE weather is as follows:

Summer: Typically dry, with occasional thunderstorms; highs in the low 90s, lows in the 50s.

Fall & Spring: Highly variable, with typical high temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s, with lows in the 30s. Rain is less likely early in fall/late in spring and rain or snow is likely late in fall/early in spring.

Winter: Snowy, rainy, or (sometimes) even sunny days are possible, with highs ranging from the 30s to 50s and lows in the upper 20s.

It is wise to pack for any season with clothing that can be "layered," ready to peel off or add on as conditions dictate. Always include some kind of rain gear.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Swimming
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Snow Skiing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Mountaineering
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Kayaking
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
Short walks and longer hikes to waterfalls in Yosemite Valley; open-air tours around Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias; walks amongst giant sequoias in the Mariposa, Tuolumne, or Merced Groves; drive or take a tour bus to Glacier Point (summer-fall) to see a spectacular view of Yosemite Valley and the high country; drive along the scenic Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows (summer-fall) and go for a walk or hike.

Click on image to enlarge.