Yosemite National Park, Know Before you Go
Yosemite National Park is an incredible natural wonder. As the third national park in America, it is also one of the most popular. Its original inhabitants were the Miwok people who respected and cared for the land. Thankfully, in 1864 President Abraham Lincoln had the foresight to sign the Yosemite Grant Act, protecting this glorious valley as well as the Mariposa Grove of redwood trees. He presented both to the State of California. This took place during the chaos of the Civil War. The park was later deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. If you love nature, this is a must-see National Attraction featuring 1,200 square miles of pristine mountainous wilderness, waterfalls, valleys as well as massive sequoias.
Top Picks at Yosemite
My husband and I spent some time at the park, while were visiting the Eastern Sierras. Rich was enjoying snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain on the final weekend of the season. So, we entered the park via Tioga Pass. See links below to find out more about our personal journey.
When to Visit
Spring is a great time to visit Yosemite to catch the wildflowers. If you would like to view the waterfalls at their peak flow, you will want to visit the park for the spring snowmelt. This usually starts in May and remains quite good through June. Bridalveil Falls and Nevada Falls flow all year. However, the water pours much stronger during peak times. The waterfalls are impressive, but the park is stunning all year. Fall is a really good time, offering autumn colors and less tourists. Winter is also stunning, but some roads such as the Tioga and Glacier Point Road are closed. Tire chains may be required, and you absolutely must carry them. Weather changes quickly in Yosemite.
Yosemite Valley and Wawona are usually hotter than Tuolumne Meadows which is at a higher elevation thus a bit cooler. So this is another point to consider when you are planning a trip.
We drove in via Tioga Pass. It is a stirring visual drive. However, the road is closed during the winter. Tioga Road is usually only open from late May/June through October/November (according to the NPS website). So, be sure to check when it opens before you arrive. Each year it is slightly different. Here is a list of ETG’s thirteen favorite spots in and around this historic park.
ETG’s 13 Yosemite Favorite Picks
- Tuolumne Meadows (all hiking levels)
- Olmsted Point (easy)
- Bridalveil Fall
- El Capitan (moderate/difficult)
- Sentinel Dome (moderate)
- Swinging Bridge (easy)
- Upper Yosemite Fall (difficult)
- Lower Yosemite Fall (easy)
- Vernal Fall (moderate)
- Half Dome (difficult)
- Tunnel View (easy)
- Glacier Point (easy)
- Mariposa Sequoias (easy)
Tuolumne Meadows
No matter how in or out of shape you are, Tuolumne Meadows has a good trail for you. You can do a short hike at Soda Springs, or do one of many longer hikes. Remember to check the weather and be prepared. It actually snowed here two days after we left. It was early in the summer!
Olmsted Point (park & enjoy)
Named after legendary landscape architects, Frederick Law Olmsted (NYC’s Central Park) and his son Frederick, Jr., Olmstead Point offers glorious views of Half Dome with no walking required. You can access the Clouds Rest trail for an array of stunning view, if you are up for a hike.
El Capitan
A popular mountain to climb, El Capitan is over 3,000 feet above the valley floor. This is a legendary spot for rock climbers. I prefer to admire it from afar, since one of the best views of El Capitan is actually from El Capitan Meadow. If you are into hiking however, this destination should be on your bucket list. The popular attraction was originally named Tutokanula by the Ahwahnechee, a band of Mono and Miwok People.
Half Dome
At almost 5,000 feet above the valley, Half Dome is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the world. Hiking to Half Dome is considered moderately difficult, but it required significant time. Hikers must have a permit, so make those arrangement well in advance. There are often too many requests for permits, so you may have to enter a lottery. Contact NPS via the website – see link below. Of course, you can do what I did – enjoy the view from Olmsted Point or various other locations.
Bridalveil Fall
This was my all time favorite waterfall. At 620 feet high, it is extremely impressive particularly at peak flow. There are several different spots, where you can stop to embrace a view. My favorite was an easily accessible area nestled in the trees. This waterfall runs all year long but is stronger in Spring and early summer of course.
Sentinel Dome
This hike is relatively easy until the last bit, which takes you up a steep incline. However, the 360 degree views are well worth the effort. With a simple turn of your head you will see Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Nevada Fall, Half Dome and more.
Swinging Bridge
Although it is no longer a swinging bridge, this spot is fantastic. The bridge was replaced with a permanent bridge, after it was damaged during the 1964 flood. It offers a gorgeous vantage point of Yosemite Falls with the Merced River in the foreground. The surrounding beach areas are extremely popular and very charming. You can also start several easy hikes from this area. There are picnic tables, grills and bathrooms here as well. We returned the next day to enjoy this area.
Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America. It drop 2,425 feet and is broken down into three portions – Upper (1,430 feet) Lower (320 feet) and middle (675 feet). ETG recommends you view the Middle Yosemite Fall from afar, as there is NO official trail here. Hence it is NOT maintained and too dangerous.
Upper Yosemite Fall
Well over six miles, this steep climb is reserved for the hearty hiker who is in good physical shape. During the hike you will enjoy a view of the Merced River and the pristine meadows below. Once you reach the top, the views do not disappoint. You will see Upper Yosemite Fall with a long shot of Half Dome in the distance.
Lower Yosemite Fall
This is a flat relatively easy mile long hike with a paved road. For the least amount of walking, park in a NPS shuttle lot and take the shuttle to stop #6; Always confirm with the driver for the easiest accessible stop. The views are fabulous. This was my #2 favorite hike due to the big payoff with minimal effort.
Vernal Fall
Hiking to Vernal fall can be a moderately difficult hike. It starts relatively easy, then the ascent intensifies with many stone stairs, as you approach the falls. In addition, you will find slippery conditions due to the spray. It’s wet and slippery, but the rainbows are fantastic. You can take the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail to Vernal Falls. While many people climb to the top, this is not required to catch an awesome view. My husband took the Mist Trail and got some great photographs.
Tunnel View
A perfect place for a sunset photo session, you can take in views of El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, as well as Bridalveil Fall. No hiking required, just park and enjoy.
Glacier Point
Another drive and park stop located outside Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point presents mesmerizing views. Once you park, you have an easy walk (1/4 mile wheelchair-accessible trail) to the astounding vantage point. Here you can peer down 3,214 feet into Curry Village and enjoy breathtaking views of Half Dome as well as the Yosemite Falls.
Mariposa Sequoias
To experience the Mariposa grove of Sequoias, you will want to hike the Big Trees Loop Trail. It requires about thirty minutes on a flat surface that is wheel chair accessible. Other trails include the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (moderate), the Guardians Loop Trail and the Mariposa Grove Trail for more strenuous hikes.
Remember, these are the ETG Picks – there are lots of other locations that you may want to enjoy in the park. The hiking options are endless. Don’t feed the animals and please respect the park. Visit the NPS website before planning your trip – https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
Read my article An Inspired Day at Yosemite National Park. This recounts our personal journey and experience at the park. If you are interested in photography, read Rich’s article – An Unexpected Mammoth and Yosemite Photography Trip.
