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Yosemite National Park in California is one of the most famous parks in the U.S., known for its giant sequoia trees, waterfalls, and impressive granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome. The park covers over 750,000 acres and offers diverse landscapes and wildlife, attracting millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Yosemite offers something for everyone. Be sure to check the park’s hours before visiting, as some areas may have restricted access.
Yosеmitе National Park Location
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
Yosеmitе National Park is located in thе Siеrra Nеvada mountains of California and about 165 milеs еast of San Francisco and 140 milеs southеast of Sacramеnto. The park is primarily in Mariposa and Tuolumnе countries and some parts of Madеra County. Yosemite Valley is the most popular part of the park and can be accessed through several entrances, including the South Entrance near Wawona, the Arch Rock Entrance from California Route 140, and the Big Oak Flat Entrance on Route 120.
How To Rеach Yosеmitе National Park
Photo: RickyCourtney / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airports to Yosemite National Park arе Frеsno Yosеmitе Intеrnational Airport (64 milеs away), Mеrcеd Airport and Oakland Intеrnational Airport. Fresno is the most convenient airport and has various shuttlе sеrvicеs to the park.
By Train: Mtrak operates trains to Yosemite National Park with connections from several major cities. The San Joaquin line stops at Merced, where you can catch a YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) bus that will take you directly to the park.
By Road: Yosemite is accessible by car from California through several highways. The park has four main entrances, each offering different scenic views. From San Francisco, take Highway 580 East and merge onto Highway 120. From Los Angeles, take Highway 99 North, then follow Highway 41 to reach the park.
Placеs To Visit In And Around Yosеmitе National Park
Hеrе аrе somе great spots to explore while visiting Yosemite National Park:
1. Glaciеr Point
Photo: Nisarg Patel / Unsplash
Glacier Point provides one of the most breathtaking views in Yosemite National Park and offers a panoramic look at Yosеmitе Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Located at 7,214 feet, Glacier Point offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley. The viewpoint is accessible by car during the warmer months or by a challenging hike via the Four Mile Trail. It’s a perfect spot to catch the sunrise or sunset, with the light beautifully highlighting the park’s rock formations. In the summer, guided tours and astronomy programs are available, providing an opportunity to learn more about the surrounding landscapes.
Timings: Open during summer and fall
Entry Fee: Included in park admission
2. Mariposa Grove
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
Located near the South Entrance of Yosemite, Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias, some of the largest and oldest trees in the world. The grove includes iconic trees such as the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree, which have stood for thousands of years. A tram ride is available seasonally to help visitors explore, but walking the trails provides a closer connection with these magnificent giants. With trails of varying lengths, Mariposa Grove is accessible for all ages and offers a unique experience in the park.
Timings: Open year-round, shuttle available in summer
Entry Fee: Included in park admission
3. Yosemite Falls
Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons
Yosemite Falls is one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, with a total drop of 2,425 feet across three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower Yosemite Falls. The waterfall is most potent in late spring, fed by melting snow, and visible from various Yosemite Valley points. For a closer look, you can hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, an easy, accessible trail that offers fantastic views. The full-day hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls is challenging but offers an incredible vantage point. Yosemite Falls is a tourist attraction near Yosemite National Park that draws photographers and hikers.
Timings: Open year-round
Entry Fee: Included in park admission
4. El Capitan
Photo: Melgna / Wikimedia Commons
El Capitan is an iconic granite monolith standing over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, popular with rock climbers worldwide. Located on the valley’s north side, it has become an iconic symbol of the park and is particularly famous for climbing routes like The Nose. If you’re not a climber, you can still appreciate the massive cliff from various viewpoints along the valley floor. This best place near Yosemite National Park is also an excellent spot for photography, especially as the sun sets and casts a warm glow on its face.
Timings: Open year-round
Entry Fee: Included in park admission
5. Mirror Lake
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled near the base of Half Dome, Mirror Lake is a seasonal lake that offers stunning reflections of the surrounding cliffs during spring and early summer when water levels are higher. The lake is accessible via a short, family-friendly hike from Yosemite Valley and provides a peaceful setting for picnicking, birdwatching, and photography. Mirror Lake’s waters beautifully reflect Half Dome and Mount Watkins during peak seasons, creating an idyllic scene. This tourist attraction near Yosemite National Park is a favourite spot for those looking to enjoy Yosemite’s quieter, serene side.
Timings: Open year-round
Entry Fee: Included in park admission
Where To Stay
Photo: peterweideman / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Visitors have options like Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, and Curry Village for accommodations within Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Valley Lodge offers rooms with easy access to national park activities and nearby trails. The historic Ahwahnee Hotel provides a more upscale experience with unique architecture and dining. Curry Village has cabins and tent accommodations, ideal for families or groups. These places get booked fast, so make reservations well in advance. Options outside the park include hotels in nearby towns like Mariposa and El Portal, providing good access to the park.
Where To Eat
Photo: Benoît Prieur / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Yosemite has various dining options to suit different budgets. The Ahwahnee Dining Room offers fine dining with stunning views, while the Base Camp Eatery in Yosemite Valley Lodge provides a casual dining experience with pizza, burgers, and salads. Degnan’s Kitchen in Yosemite Village has sandwiches, coffee, and pastries for quick snacks. If you’re exploring outside the park, nearby towns like Groveland and Oakhurst have a range of local restaurants offering hearty meals to recharge after hiking.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Tuxyso / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is between late spring and early summer, from May to June. During this period, waterfalls peak, and most trails are open for hiking. Summer is also ideal, though it’s the busiest time with higher crowds. Fall (September to October) is another excellent time to visit, with fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and vibrant autumn colours. Winter offers a unique experience with snow, especially around the higher elevations, but some roads and areas may be closed.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Jon Sullivan / Wikimedia Commons
Average Trip Cost
An average trip cost to Yosemite National Park is between $500 and $1,000 (₹42187- 84375) for a three-day trip, depending on lodging, meals, and activities. Camping or staying outside the park can help reduce costs, as lodging within the park can be expensive, especially in peak season. Dining at park restaurants is generally pricier, so bringing snacks or supplies can help you save. Transportation costs will vary based on where you travel from and how many people are in your group.
Tips For Travellers
- Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds.
- Pack layers as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
- Carry plenty of water, especially for longer hikes.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the park.
- Download maps, as cell service may be limited in some areas.
Yosemite National Park in California is a must-visit destination with incredible landscapes and many activities for all ages. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or simply soaking in nature, Yosemite has something for everyone. From the iconic El Capitan to the towering waterfalls, this park leaves visitors with memories they’ll cherish forever. Book your trip with TripXL for a hassle-free experience and exclusive deals to explore the best of Yosemite!
Cover Photo: Yathin S Krishnappa / Wikimedia Commons
