Yosemite National Park
A glacier-carved valley of sheer granite cliffs, giant sequoias and thundering waterfalls in the Sierra Nevada - a UNESCO site and the cradle of the park idea.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
Yosemite Valley is a glacier-carved trench of sheer granite walls, El Capitan and Half Dome towering over meadows and the Merced River, laced with some of the highest waterfalls in North America. Add groves of giant sequoias and the high country of Tuolumne, and it is a landscape that helped launch the whole idea of national parks, honoured by UNESCO.
What you actually see
- El Capitan and Half Dome - the great granite monoliths above the valley.
- Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil - the thundering waterfalls, highest in spring.
- The giant sequoias - the ancient big trees of the Mariposa Grove.
- Glacier Point and Tuolumne - the high viewpoints and alpine country above the valley.
When to go
Late spring for the waterfalls at full snowmelt; autumn for calm and colour. Summer is crowded and the falls dwindle; winter brings snow and quiet, with some roads closed. The high country opens only in summer.
Honest expectations
The valley is small and hugely popular, so summer means heavy crowds, traffic and, increasingly, entry reservations, so check ahead. Waterfalls can be nearly dry by late summer. The high country and the sequoia groves spread the visitors and are worth the extra driving.
Nearby
The Sierra Nevada and Mono Lake lie to the east; Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks are to the south.
What to pack for Yosemite National Park
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
