A mountain reflecting in a lake.
Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring
A rainbow over a mountain in the distance.
Glaciated valley with vertical cliffs.
A waterfall flowing down a granite cliff.
Two tall waterfalls flowing down snow covered granite walls.
Mountains reflecting in water
Cluster of tall trees with cloudy sky.
Mountains surrounding a lake.
Granite dome with trace amounts of snow.
El Capitan and reflection in Merced River with some low clouds
El Capitan on left, Cathedral Rocks on the right, all covered in snow, low clouds and sun

Yosemite National Park

Price:

$35.00

Location:

Yosemite, CA

Phone:

209/372-0200

Park Warnings:

No warnings

A mountain reflecting in a lake.

About Yosemite

Park Description

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Local Climate

Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (600 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May (and over 75% between November and March). Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May. (Yosemite Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)

Things To Do In Yosemite

  • Arts and Culture
  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Guided Tours
  • Hands-On
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Ice Skating
  • Living History
  • Paddling
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Tubing
  • Snow Tubing
  • Skiing
  • Snow Play
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store