Yosemite National Park: Travel Guide and Tips
Yosemite National Park, located in California and celebrated for its cliffs, enormous Sequoia trees and dazzling waterfalls, is a renowned World Heritage Site. Yosemite is visited by 3.8 million people every year, and their visit is mostly limited to the Yosemite Valley area. For those who revel in adventurous exploration trips there is ample opportunity around every corner if they venture into the back country.
People visiting Yosemite should be aware of two pieces of information. Firstly that the area is an immense 1,200 square miles. So those intent on a one day trip should choose a suitable one such as going to the main places of interest, hiking, biking or wildlife viewing. Secondly they should be well aware about the dramatic weather changes which alter the landscape radically. Still spring is considered to be the most attractive occasion of the year to see the blooming foliage and active wildlife. Although the park remains open throughout the year the best portion of it is closed during the winter months due to snow and ice.
The trip that would suit most people would involve hiking. Places like Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Cook’s Meadow, and Mirror Lake would offer treasured experiences, and are also family-friendly as the trails are not so demanding. Fit people can try Glacier Point, the Wawona Trail or even some of the more remote falls like Upper Yosemite Fall, Vernal Fall or even the Wapama Falls.
If you have a heart for rock climbing go straight to the world’s largest granite monolith, ‘El Capitan’. Mind you, the climbing is arduous even during the best of weather and is not recommended for beginners. But when you go to ‘The Big Stone’ there are enough options of great rock climbing to suit intermediate to expert climbers.
If you have a heart for biking this is where you should be. There are top class biking routes to suit all types of cycling, be it road, trail or pure downhill. Additionally, there are excellent horseback riding trips in all seasons except winter. This national park is also famed for its wide range of water-based fun. You can swim, raft, kayak, canoe, water ski and kayaking in many locations throughout Yosemite. Winter is also a worthwhile time to visit the park, as there is a whole host of snow sports on offer. Try downhill skiing and snowboarding at Badger Pass, or take in the scenery while ice skating at Curry Village. The more adventurous can try cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
So whatever time of year it may be, Yosemite delivers! Just remember that, being a national park, permits are required for entrance as well as for permission to undertake certain activities such as camping. This national park is extremely popular, so advance booking is required if you want to make sure of your accommodations, although there are some ‘first come, first served’ lodgings including campgrounds and cabins. Campsites and couples cabins in Yosemite are particularly sort after, so get in early!
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