- Yosemite Valley's evening sky, Yosemite National Park.
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Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in east-central California. Yosemite is internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, and biological diversity. The 750,000-acre, 1,200 square-mile park contains thousands of lakes and ponds, 1600 miles of streams, 800 miles of hiking trails, and 350 miles of roads.
Physically-fit travelers will enjoy hiking the Park's many trails and footpaths. Check with rangers for trail conditions; snow and hazards from falling rock close many trails in winter. No permits are required park-wide for day hikes. The Valley also offers some of the most challenging and spectacular rock climbing in North America, with vertical faces more than 3,000 feet tall. There are still commercial horseback-riding concessions in the Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows areas.
For cross-country skiers the park offers over 350 miles of trails, with 90 miles of marked trails and 25 miles of groomed trails originating at Badger Pass. Downhill skiing options include ten runs at Badger Pass. The majority of these runs are for beginners and moderate skiers, so thrill seekers may wish to ski elsewhere.
Destination Facts
- Time Zone: -8 GMT (Pacific Standard Time)
- Languages: English
- Currency: USD
- Airports
- Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) [Main]
City Guide
Feature Article
Feature
Yosemite National Park’s Civilized Wilderness
Yosemite National Park June 6, 2008 by Debbie K. HardinEnjoy nature at its finest along with cultural amenities you might not expect in a national park.
Top Attractions Top Restaurants
Articles on Yosemite National Park
Special Needs
Access Nature at U.S. National Parks
by Samantha Cleaver June 9, 2008Explore the great outdoors with your special needs child at several accessible national parks.
Feature
Yosemite National Park: Merced River Rafting
by Debbie K. Hardin June 6, 2008Paddle amid spectacular scenery in Yosemite Valley on an inflatable raft.
Feature
Yosemite National Park’s Civilized Wilderness
by Debbie K. Hardin June 6, 2008Enjoy nature at its finest along with cultural amenities you might not expect in a national park.
Editor's Take
The Inspiration of Yosemite
by Donna M. Airoldi June 6, 2008Our Yosemite issue marks the official launch of the TravelMuse Beta site and introduces the Inspiration Finder—an industry first—and the TravelMuse Planner.
- Lodging and Dining in and Around Yosemite
- From camping to luxury hotels, family-friendly cafeterias to fine dining, Yosemite offers something for every taste and budget. »
- 5 Top Yosemite Family Hikes, by Age Group
- Yosemite National Park offers several wilderness trails that are ideal for families traveling with children. Our expert reveals her insider tips. »
- Summer Vacation Relief at the Pump
- Save on fuel costs with these gas card discounts and awards offered by various travel-related businesses across the county. »
