Yosemite National State Park

Yosemite National State Park - Fantastic waterfalls, Giant Sequoias, Spectacular Granite Cliffs, and Clear Streams.

Embrace the spectacular mountain and valley scenery nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains. You will see fantastic waterfalls, meadows, and forests including the world's largest living things, the Giant Sequoia. This wonderland is nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite National State Park is located in east Central California. It is about a 3 and a half hour drive from San Francisco, 7 hours from San Bernardino, and 6 hours from Los Angeles.

Over 3.5 million people see Yosemite National State Park every year. Yosemite National State Park Valley Visitor Center provides opportunities to learn about the natural and cultural history. The elevation here ranges from 2,000 to over 13,000 feet. Most people spend the bulk of time in Yosemite Valley. One of the more popular rock climbing destinations in the world, El Capitan, is located in Yosemite National State Park. Rock climbing is very popular in Yosemite National State Park. You can climb ranges from a from ten-foot-high boulder to over 3,000 feet on El Capitan.

Backpacking and hiking trails:

• Yosemite Valley: Strenuous trails up the sheer granite walls of the valley. These are some of the most popular trails in Yosemite National State Park. Switchbacks, steep terrain, and weather challenge you along the ascent. The views make the trek challenges worthwhile.
  
• Tuolumne Meadows: At over 8000 feet, enjoy meadows, lakes, and canyons. Prepare for cooler temperatures. This trail is accessible by snow shoes or skis only in the wintertime.
  
• Tioga Road: 45 miles of almost 4000 feet of elevation changes. Start at Crane Flat, continue through Tuolumne Meadows, and complete the journey over Tioga Pass. Portions are closed in the winter.
  
• Hetch Hetchy: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, in the northwest section, offers many less-traveled, beautiful parts of Yosemite National State Park. The road is usually open all year. Hike a great place to see wildlife.
  
• Wawona and Glacier Point: At 4000 feet high, it is inside the southern boundary. The trails are accessible almost all year. Springtime is the best, due to the spring water that attracts wildlife.

Beautiful lakes and ponds, 800 miles of hiking trails, 1,600 miles of streams, and 350 miles of roads are waiting to be explored in Yosemite National State Park. Gorgeous canyons, valleys, and domes make this place a sight to see. Several Giant Sequoia trees stand over you as you enjoy the sights. Waterfalls seem to be everywhere. Yosemite Falls are the highest falls in North America. They are over 2,000 feet high! Bridalveil Falls are also a sight to behold. From grueling hikes scaling the mountains, to an easy stroll, to backpack trips, a hike here is an awesome experience. Backpack journeys can be enjoyed between late spring and early fall.

Thomas Ayres, James Mason Hutchings, among others were some of the first tourists in Yosemite National State Park. Articles and books by Hutchings captured the essence of the beauty; John Muir wrote articles about the area which prompted interested by scientists. The drawings by Ayres were very accurate. Some of the first pictures were taken by Charles Leander Weed.

Some of the animals you could see include Bobcat, Gray Fox, Black Bear, Mule deer, White-headed Woodpecker, Spotted Owl, and the Mountain Kingsnake.

Fishing:

• A license is required if you are 16 or older.
  
• The last Saturday in April through November 15 is fishing season for most areas.

Special fishing rules:

- No live or dead minnows or other bait fish, can be used as bait.
- You cannot fish from the docks or bridges.
- Catch-and-release rules apply to rainbow trout and there are limits on number.

The best time to enjoy a bicycle tour is from spring through fall. Over 12 miles of bike paths are there to be ridden in the valley. The main roads also welcome bicyclists in Yosemite National State Park.

The Valley is open all year but some of the other areas are closed due to snowfall. Take a short walk or perhaps a hike to see the waterfalls within the valley. Glacier Point offers a spectacular view of the valley. Scenic Tioga Road is a fantastic place for a drive or ride a motorcycle through Yosemite National State Park.