More than any other National Park in California, Yosemite National Park, is one of the best parks that offer fun-packed activities. Therefore it is a perfect weekend gateway for the national park enthusiast and a destination for locals seeking a pleasant day trip. I recommend visiting this park, which hosts millions of visitors year-round. Yosemite Valley is home to many of its most iconic viewpoints and landmarks, such as Half Dome and El Capitan. Tourists from out of state and even from other countries flock to Yosemite NP as it is the one-stop destination for beautiful mountains, huge trees, waterfalls, campgrounds, and rivers in nearly 1200 square miles.
How to Get There
By Road from Los Angeles – It’s only a 4h 30m drive from Los Angeles; the distance is about 280 miles north of Los Angeles. So a weekend road trip is definitely enjoyable with a group of friends and family.
Road Trip from San Francisco – From San Francisco to Yosemite National Park is about a 4-hour drive, about 230 miles, so a weekend trip is not a bad idea.
By Air – There are daily nonstop flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or from East Coast to the nearest Yosemite international airport (FAT) in Fresno. Yosemite NP is only 64 miles, about 60 minutes away from Fresno. Car rental is available at the airport, so getting a car for the weekend getaway trip is not bad.
Best Time To Visit
Yosemite National Park boasts of a comfortable climate throughout the year with a rare rain or snow chance. June is the most popular time, followed by July and August. Unfortunately, it is when hotel rates will skyrocket; if you don’t mind the summer crowd and traffic congestion, then May to October is the best time to visit.
Top Things To Do In Yosemite
Scenic Viewpoint – Tunnel View
Tunnel View is one of Yosemite National Park’s most famous scenic viewpoints. The panoramic view from here is incredible. In addition, you can see the famous El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.
Visit Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is one of the spectacular attractions in the National Park. It is also the tallest waterfall in the park, dropping 2424 feet from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall.
Hike to The Base of Bridalveil Falls
Bridalveil Fall is one of the most notable waterfalls in Yosemite. Visitors can easily hike the paved trail leading to the base of Bridalveil Fall and watch the 620 feet plunge from the top. Even though it flows year-round, during the fall season, it becomes very active with enjoyable, soaking mists that swirl at the base of the falls.
Explore Glacier Point
Glacier Point is undoubtedly the best overlook with a magnificent view of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Yosemite’s high mountains and forests, and it is located 30 miles from Yosemite Valley or Wawona. It is easily accessible by road until late fall and winter. Admire the view of 3,214 feet down to Yosemite Valley below, especially the spectacular sunset. Check the park’s website for more updates.
Hiking in Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows presents an impression of the High Sierra—the Wild and picturesque Tuolumne River running through thick alpine meadows surrounded by high granite domes and peaks. There are hiking trails and jumping-off places, ideal for venturing out for a day or more.
Admire Mariposa Grove
Mariposa Grove is a sequoia grove near Wawona, about 36 miles (90 minutes) south of Yosemite Valley via Wawona Road. Above all, it is the largest grove of giant sequoias in the park, with several hundred mature examples of the tree. In addition, two of its trees are among the world’s 30 most massive giant sequoias.
Valley View – Photographers Paradise
Yosemite Valley is world-famous for its impressive waterfalls, cliffs, and incredible rock formations. First, admire El Capitan, the massive granite monolith that stands 3,593 feet from base to summit. Whether you explore the valley by foot or car, the scenery will leave you in wonder and excited to see what’s around the next corner. It is a great place to see wildlife and photograph fall and winter scenery.
Visit Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is the home to spectacular scenery and the starting point for many wilderness trails located 40 miles from Yosemite Valley. It is also a source of drinking water and hydroelectric power for the city of San Francisco.
Yosemite Visitor Center & Theater
The Valley Visitor Center is open year-round, but it’s good to check the park’s website before your visit. It offers audiovisual programs and natural history displays and is staffed with individuals happy to answer all your questions. Books and maps are also sold here. Each day, The Spirit of Yosemite, a state-of-the-art, wide-screen, 23-minute film about Yosemite National Park, is presented in the newly renovated West Auditorium Theater behind the Valley Visitor Center.
Where To Stay In Yosemite
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, 1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA
Surrounded by the mountains and only 2 miles away from Yosemite National Park, the Tenaya Lodge is one of the perfect places to stay without digging into your wallet. Only steps from the Tenaya Lodge’s front doors are a variety of recreational activities and adventures. Enjoy downhill skiing, scenic hikes, and rock climbing. The hotel can also arrange bike rentals and tour guides to help guests discover the surrounding areas.
The Pines Resort & Conference Center, Bass Lake, CA
Even though it’s about 14 miles from Yosemite National Park, it will bring extra enjoyment to your already adventurous trip. The lakefront California hotel features onsite dining, a full-service marina, water sports facilities, and an outdoor pool. I highly recommend this hotel to tourists looking for extra fun.
Yosemite Travel Tips
During busy summer months, visitors are likely to experience congestion, especially in Yosemite Valley, in the afternoons and on weekends; therefore, plan accordingly, and use restrooms when available. There are three parking lots above all Yosemite Falls Parking Lot, Yosemite Village Parking Lot, and Curry Village Parking are the most popular. Free shuttle service to destinations throughout Yosemite Valley is available from each of these parking lots. Please park at your lodge or campsite if you have lodging or campground reservations.
To Prevent Wildfires! Follow all campfire rules and restrictions. A Campfire should never be left unattended; it should be extinguished even if you are nearby in a tent. Instead of lighting a campfire, consider using a pressurized gas portable stove for cooking and wearing warm clothing to stay warm.
My Opinion and Tips
Have you been to Yosemite National Park? Any additional tips to share?
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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