Unforgettable Mountain Views, Extraordinary Wildlife, and Cascading Waterfalls at Yosemite National Park
There are over 3.5 million visitors yearly that come to take in the awe-inspiring panorama of Yosemite National Park. The California National Park of the High Sierras is one of the best places to camp, kayak, sightsee, rock climb, hike, or just sit back, relax and take in the amazing views. Yosemite is known for its huge granite peaks, clear, cool rivers, gigantic cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife.
Yosemite: Protected Since 1890
Yosemite National Park's history
Yosemite was famously protected by the work of people in the late 1800's like John Muir. Muir realized its unmatched beauty and strived to protect the land of Yosemite from development, encroachment, overuse, overgrazing, and logging. Thanks in part to Muir's work, Yosemite was designated a National Park in 1890.
Depending on the season and elevation of the area of the park, temperatures range dramatically, even during summer. High peaks can be in the 50's, while the low valley can hit 90°F in the summer. Winters are generally mild and controlled by the Pacific Coast air currents, which are only about 100 miles from the park. The chances of seeing precipitation in the park are usually slim. It remains very dry year-round.
Half Dome
The famous landmark granite peak of Yosemite Valley
On the east end of Yosemite lies its most famous landmark, Half Dome. This huge granite crest rises 4,737 feet from the bottom of the valley floor. This monolith is featured on the California state quarter, and remains Yosemite's most well-known feature.
Yosemite Tunnel View - El Capitan, Half Dome & Bridalveil Fall&...
I was at Glacier Point and use my Canon EF 75-200mm with 2x Extender (400mm) to ...
Morning view of the
Take from Glacier Point on our first night in Yosemite. Glacier point is a beau...
Clearing spring snow storm over Half Dome at Sunrise, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite ...
Yosemite Poll
Yosemite is one of America's favorite National Parks.
Another Grand View of Yosemite...Half Dome on the Right
Entering Yosemite Valley...
Part of the Surreal Scenery of Yosemite Valley
Read this before booking your trip!
Much of Yosemite is closed to vehicles throughout the year. Tioga Pass road is often closed until May or June until snow melts and roads are cleared. Every year snowfall and rock debris has to be cleared from all of the roads for safe travel.
Yosemite Falls
One of the park's feature attractions
Yosemite Falls are actually two different waterfalls, the Upper and Lower. From the top of the Upper Falls to the bottom of the lower falls is a 2425-foot drop, making it the highest waterfall in all of North America. The Falls are in their peak during late spring, and can often be found dry by the end of summer.
Blogged in
This is a favourite from my recent trip to Yosemite. I think I like it because i...
On this particular day in Yosemite National Park, I declared this to be the most...
? Harold Davis
This photo found its way into Explore.
Upper Yosemite Falls from Swinging Bridge, taken at sunrise. Beautifully reflect...
Lodging in and Around Yosemite
Accomodations in the park and around it
Find lodging in and around Yosemite, from small inns to well known establishments to choose from.
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Where to Stay In and Near Yosemite National Park
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Yosemite National Park is one of America's premier National Parks, known for its majestic granite cliffs like Half Dome, the rushing Merced River, and the stunning valley view. Yosemite is relatively far from any major city, the closest being Fresno....
Yosemite Videos on YouTube
Why is it so Beautiful?
Glaciers from the Ice Age sculpted the famous u-shaped valley that millions of visitors flock to every year. The slightly tilted Merced River has been slowly carving out the beautiful granite landscape of the Yosemite Valley creating what we see there today.
El Capitan
A 100 Million Year Old Piece of Rock...
This huge granite rock monolith is comprised of granite that is over a million years old. El Capitan is one of the most distinguishable features of the park, recognizable from just about any postcard or throughout park vista points. It is a favorite for rock climbers and hikers, rewarding the long, difficult trip with a panorama of the entire valley and park.
Hey thanks to everybody for all your views comments and favorites! The night bef...
Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Yosemite National Park, California (1998)
A view from Yosemite valley. El Capitan is the shear rock face in the foregroun...
A group of buddies and I took a photo roadie to Yosemite. The last morning while...
Best sung when viewed
Yosemite Links
- Yosemite National Park Official Site
- Not just a great Valley...
but a shrine to human foresight, strength of granite, power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. - Live WebCam from Half Dome!
- A Live Webcam of Half Dome in Yosemite!
- Half Dome View
- Another live webcam of Half Dome from an alternate viewpoint.
- Who is John Muir?
- A Squidoo lens by Comfortdoc all about the "Father of the National Park Service."
- The Official Wikipedia page for Yosemite
- Everyone and everything has its own page on Wikipedia...why not Yosemite?
- Yosemite Park Info
- Additional info about Yosemite, from bear information to stargazing to rafting information.
- Awaken your Spirit in Yosemite
- Lodging, dining, reservations, ski pass info and more all available on this easy to use site.
Bridalveil Falls
A beautiful straight waterfall in Yosemite National Park
Bridalveil Fall (or Falls as it is commonly referred to) is one of the top park destinations and can be usually seen flowing year-round. The way the white water drops and hits the rocks below can resemble a bride's veil, hence the name. Standing below near the base of Bridalveil Fall is a memorable experience...though the area is safely and clearly sectioned off, you can still feel the spray of the falls from quite a distance!
A tame Bridalveil Fall in mid-summer, after the spring snows have long melted an...
I just found this one looking in my archives. I can't help myself...
Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite NP.Must see it LARGE:
Looking up at Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park later in the season. Th...
One of Yosemite Valley's most recognizable vistas. Like the Grand Canyon, Yosem...
? Harold Davis
Current Weather in Yosemite National Park
Current weather conditions in Yosemite Natl Park, CA (95389)
Local Pollen Reports
55°F (Feels like 55°F)
Last update: 7/14/09 1:10 AM PDT
Humidity: 31%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 25°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.32in steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 12mph From: Airport Conditions
Tonight
Low
Low: 59°F
Sunrise: 5:48 AM
Sunset: 8:20 PM
Tuesday
Jul 14
Sunny
High: 91°F
Low: 60°F
Sunrise: 5:48 AM
Sunset: 8:20 PM
Wednesday
Jul 15
Sunny
High: 91°F
Low: 61°F
Sunrise: 5:49 AM
Sunset: 8:19 PM
Thursday
Jul 16
Sunny
High: 93°F
Low: 61°F
Sunrise: 5:50 AM
Sunset: 8:19 PM
Yosemite Valley
The "centerpiece" of Yosemite National Park is Yosmite Valley. The valley alone is the most visited area of the park, containing the favorites of Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome, the Merced River, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, the Cathedral Rocks, and the famous "tunnel view," which is opened up after exiting the tunnel.
Wawona Tunnel View as a storm approached, leaving only half the Valley lit.Can...
El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks guard the entrance to central Yosemite Valley. Th...
This image found its way to Explore.
Satellite View of
This shot of Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls was taken at ...
...from Inspiration Point. I'd be proud of it if I didn't know there were about...
This is a wide angle view from the Wawona Tunnel overlooking Yosemite Valley. T...
Merced River
The lifeblood of Yosemite National Park!
Water flowing over rocks in the Merced River in spring, Yosemite Valley, Yosemit...
Merced river and Cathedral Rocks
I'm digging back into the recent archives with another shot from Yosemite, again...
Half Dome in the background, the Merced River in the foreground
Merced River Yosemite National Park California
The Merced River
Tuolumne Meadows
Mountaintop grassy fields in Yosemite
Tuolumne Meadows of Yosemite National Park is comprised of winding streams, open meadows, and small granite domes high in elevation. The elevation level is above 8,000 feet for most of the park and provides stunning viewpoints. It's also less crowded than the valley area and can be an excellent place to relax, hike, and explore.
? Matt Purciel
Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, Thanksgiving 2005. One of the rare tim...
Tuolumne Meadows Alpenglow. Yosemite National Park. July 23, 2006. ? Copyright ...
Sunset on a small pond just East of Tuolumne Meadows, on the way back to Tioga ...
Did you know...
...that there are nine National Parks in the state of California alone?
Your Favorite Yosemite Area?
Yosemite Travel Time Estimates
- San Diego to Yosemite National Park: 430 mi - about 7 hours 15 mins
- Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park: 310 mi - about 5 hours 19 mins
- San Francisco to Yosemite National Park: 189 mi - about 3 hours 58 mins
- Fresno to Yosemite National Park: 92.6 mi - about 2 hours 1 min
- Portland, Oregon to Yosemite National Park: 741 mi - about 12 hours 22 mins
- Seattle, Washington to Yosemite National Park: 914 mi - about 15 hours 9 mins
- Las Vegas, Nevada to Yosemite National Park: 416 mi - about 7 hours 50 mins
- Phoenix, Arizona to Yosemite National Park: 680 mi - about 10 hours 43 mins
- Salt Lake City, Utah to Yosemite National Park: 615 mi - about 10 hours 53 mins
- Lake Tahoe, California to Yosemite National Park: 216 mi - about 4 hours 55 mins
- Giant Seqouia National Park to Yosemite National Park: 155 mi - about 3 hours 2 mins
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Have you Been to Yosemite?
Tell us about your trip!
Have you been to Yosemite? Would you like to share your experience? Be sure to tell us all about it!
sittonbull wrote...
I was so fortunate to go in 1971 when my pard & I derossed out of the army @ Ft.Lewis, Wash & bought Honda 750s for our 3 month "Easy Rider" trip back home... he to Chicago...me to SC. It was in July and back then the crowds were not near as bad as I understand they are today. We were on a $5/day budget, so we rolled our sleeping bags out on the hillside(illegally) & I paid for it with a case of poison oak... However that led us to the park ranger's HQ where we 2 single guy met the 2 single female park rangers. We ended up staying over a week & had a personal tour of all the great spots in the park. Yosemite took my breath away then as the most beautiful place I'd ever been. I've been all around the world since then & still consider it the most beautiful place I've ever been. John Muir call the Sierra's "The Range of Light" and it does have a most unique energy and light that makes everything glow with it's most beautiful presentation possible. Wonderful lens_wonderful place!
Posted May 01, 2009
Heather426 wrote...
Beautiful lens about a gorgeous place. 5* and I added it to my Natural Wonder Lens.
Posted April 15, 2009
karen550 wrote...
Ok, you talked me into it. I absolutely have to go now. I sure we can make it this summer. That would be fantastic. I really want to. I loved your photos. They are so spectacular. I love National Parks anyway, but it looks like from your photos that its better than Yellowstone and The Grand Canyon...I've been to both of these. Thanks so much for this lens.
Posted April 14, 2009
stargazer00 wrote...
Yosemite is indeed a beautiful place. Lake Tahoe is another jewel of the Sierras.
Posted November 29, 2008
naturegirl7 wrote...
Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it. I've featured Yosemite.
Posted November 20, 2008
naturegirl7 wrote...
Beautiful lens. How about joining our group Naturally Native Squids? It would be a wonderful addition.
Posted November 20, 2008
RufusQuail wrote...
I once slept on the ground at Yosemite with only a sleeping bag. Woke up with a critter sniffing my face. It startled both of us. The guy bolted before I could see what it was. This lens does Yosemite justice as well as a lens can, so high 5*. Thanks.
Posted November 20, 2008
WuksachiStaff wrote...
Very nice! I have a lens about Sequoia National Park and you gave me some good ideas for future revisions. 5* and favorited!
Posted November 07, 2008
KadabaCo wrote...
Yosemite is Mother Nature's Home! I just love it there and your pictures make me want to get in my car and go right now! (I'm only 90 minutes from there) I'm lensrolling on my Copperopolis lens for sure! 5*'s
Posted August 06, 2008
One4Nell wrote...
In my 61 years, I've visited Yosemite almost every year since I was 6 months old. My brother and sisters and their families are there this very week at our yearly reunion in Yosemite Valley. I wasn't able to go this year....and I am heart sick, wishing I were there today.
Posted July 20, 2008
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
I've never been there but it looks and sound beautiful. I will be adding it to my someday list.
5*
Lizzy
Posted July 18, 2008
ElkieRog wrote...
Great work. Makes me homesick. If you have to do the park on a budget, check out my trip plan lens at Yosemite Valley Family Trip Plan at Low Cost.
Thanks for all the work.
ElkieRog@aol.com
Posted July 07, 2008
KimGiancaterino wrote...
Welcome to All Things Travel. I've only been to Yosemite once, but my parents visit every year. You did a fantastic job with this lens and I'm giving it a Squid Angel Blessing.
Posted May 20, 2008
RawBill wrote...
Great lens! Yosemite is such a magical place. I was there in the winter of 98. It is my second favourite place in the country and would love to return in the summertime.
Posted May 09, 2008
Yosemite Books on Amazon
And more information on Yosemite and California:
Yosemite National Park Sightseeing
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Point Reyes National Seashore
Death Valley National Park
California Sightseeing
Yosemite, The Complete Guide: Yosemite National Park
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $15.61 (as of 07/14/2009) 
List Price: $22.95
Best Easy Day Hikes Yosemite National Park, 2nd (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
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Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 07/14/2009)
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Hiking Yosemite National Park, 2nd (Hiking Guide Series)
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California on Amazon
Cool Yosemite Stuff
Its Better in Yosemite Nation Organic Cotton Tee
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Price: 11.50
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by kiwisoutback
Yosemite National Park is one of America's favorite destinations, and one of the most popular parks in the country!
Need gear? Link to Upside Ov... (more)
