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Yosemite National Park is known for many things. It is one of the USA's most beautiful national parks. But the one thing that excites me most about Yosemite is the amazing hiking that you can enjoy here.
Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in California. There are so many amazing reasons to visit this spectacular park. The park offers exciting things to do, including some of the best hiking in the region.
What to Know About Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is yet another gem of the United States that attracts millions of tourists. Let me tell you, with its stunning landscapes, it isn't just a national park but a world of its own. Spread across 1,200 square miles, this spectacular park has so much to offer. From waterfalls, meadows and valleys to thousand-year-old sequoia trees, mountains and unique wildlife, this is not a place to be missed.
The park is a perfect destination to spend time with friends and family and make new and wonderful memories. You won't be bored with all the great outdoor activities you can try here. Take an adventure in Yosemite National Park and try out some epic hiking, mountain biking and climbing.
Be prepared for some amazing instagrammable pictures!
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Shoulder Seasons
In my opinion, this is the best time to visit Yosemite. The shoulder seasons are the months of fall and spring. These are less crowded and the temperatures are perfect to spend days in the park. Also, the Spring boasts waterfalls at peak and the Fall brags gorgeous oak trees, maples, and dogwoods. You don't want to miss out on hiking in Yosemite during these seasons as you will find gorgeous scenery and great weather.
Visit Yosemite in Winter
Winter is the least popular month in the Yosemite as it is cold and snowy most of the time. Many trails and roads are closed. Nevertheless, the park is still open and worth it. you can still enjoy some beautiful views of the park and get in some brilliant hiking on the valley trails, weather depending though.
Visit Yosemite in Summer
Although California has warm temperatures almost all through the year, Yosemite's location in the mountains makes the seasons more intense. That is why summer is the most popular (and most crowded) season. The crowds often result in long lines and traffic jams around the park. In my personal opinion, although summer is a great time to visit the park, the crowds take away the beauty of the experience.
I would honestly do anything to avoid the crowds so my favourite time to visit Yosemite in during the shoulder months.
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
As you can imagine, in a national park such as Yosemite there is an extensive network of hiking trails for you to explore. But on a short trip where you want to experience the best hiking, here are some great options to help you narrow down the best hikes in the park.
Glacier Point
A 7214-foot uphill, Glacier Point offers panoramic views of not just Yosemite Valley, but Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high country which looks unreal from this point. You will also get clear views of mighty Mt. Florence and Mt. Clark. Honestly, it is a difficult climb to Glacier Point but it is accessible through roadways. If you can, be sure to try making it up to Glacier Point at sunrise and sunset. The views are unrivalled.
Top Tip: the Glacier Point is usually open from May to October.
Tenaya Lake
Here you can park your car and sit back and relax or enjoy scenic hiking trails from the serene Tenaya Lake. It is a roadside lake and is the largest lake in Yosemite. Also known as Pieweack (Lake of the Shining Rocks), it is famous for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and other water games.
It is a popular picnic area with two spots to choose from. There are a few easy hikes from here up to Cathedral Lakes, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and the Yosemite Valley floor.
Panorama Trail
This is a favourite of mine. Hiking the Panorama trail makes you appreciate the unique beauty of Yosemite National Park. It is a 10-mile day hike that will take you most of the day. The two ends of this trail are Glacier Point and Mist Trail which include two of the most spectacular gems of Yosemite, the Panorama Point, and the Illilouette Falls.
Though the trail is mostly downhill and just 700 feet uphill, it can be a moderate to slightly difficult. But the views are worth the effort. Both Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls will greet you on your way.
As the name suggests, you will see all the worthwhile panoramic views from the spectacular hike.
Lower Mariposa Grove
The largest grove in Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove is a major tourist attraction. It is where you will get to see Yosemite's famous giant sequoia trees. These sequoia trees are ancient. By "ancient", I mean at least 20 centuries old. These are some of the oldest trees in the world.
Among this family of 500 magnificent sequoias, the major attractions are "Grizzly Giant," "Faithful Couple," and the "Wawona Tunnel Tree/ Fallen Tunnel Tree." Grizzly giant is a tunnel tree. This is an amazing spot if you are looking for great travel photographs.
You can hike uphill easily. However, trekking beyond the Grizzly Giant becomes a little tough with 1000 feet elevation. On your way, you will come across Faithful Couple (two sequoias intertwined as one) and Clothespin Tree (a sequoia that looks like a clothespin). Continue for a few more miles to reach Wawona Point, the final destination on your hike.
Sentinel Dome
This is a short and easy hike that takes you to a stunning view of the entire Yosemite Valley. Sentinel Dome is best enjoyed during sunset. The beautiful glaze of the setting sun that blankets the Yosemite Valley, is the best thing about this hiking trail. Another great thing about this hiking trail is that Sentinel Dome is that it is rarely crowded. However, it is hard to access during winters because the Glacier Point Road (the track taken for Sentinel Dome) is closed in that season.
Half Dome
Half Dome is yet another granite-formed Dome lying in the Eastern part of Yosemite National Park. It is a long 17 miles hike that takes one day to complete. Hiking the Half Dome requires a permit so make sure to come prepared. This hiking trail is reinforced in some places by steel cables and planks that ake the way easier and safer.
I wouldn't recommend this for beginner hikers though as this hike does get technical and requires some planning. You don't want to take this trail if you are unprepared. But, if you are experienced and confident to trek uphill without getting stuck, go ahead and enjoy the serenity of the scenic landscape from a bird's view.
Taft Point
Taft Point is a 2.2-mile hike. It is a relatively easy hike a point high enough to have a complete view of the Yosemite Valley. You will also be able to see Nevada falls, the sequoia, and Vernal falls from Taft Point. It is another great reason to visit Yosemite National Park.
It's important to know that there is no railing at some places during the hike to Taft Point. So make sure to be careful where you step and return to the starting point before it gets too dark. While Taft Point is open for only a few months of the year and is inaccessible during the winter, this place is best enjoyed during the fall and spring when the colours of the valley are in full bloom.
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Yosemite National Park is a beautiful place to enjoy some time with mother nature and get your mind off everything else. However, before going hiking in Yosemite National Park, make sure to be prepared so that you can make the best of your visit.
- Carry a first aid box with you. This is a rule of thumb for any hiking that you may do, wherever you are.
- Keep a few Magnesium and iodine pills on hand. These can help you with cramps and fungal infections respectively.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. You don't want to suffer from dehydration.
- A few places in Yosemite can be dangerous. If you are planning to take your children along, always keep them under supervision.
- Even in summers, the night temperature tends to drop significantly. Carry warm clothes for the nights.
- Accommodation can get difficult to find in Yosemite, especially during the summer. It is a great idea to make reservations beforehand in order to avoid disappointment.
How to Get to Yosemite National Park
There are several airports that you can choose to fly into. The closest airport is the Fresno/Yosemite International Airport (FAT). It is just 1.25 hours from the southern entrance and 2.5 hours from the heart of the Yosemite Valley. You can choose to use public transport from here.
San Francisco is just 3.5 hours to the heart of Yosemite Valley. Public transport is available from here. You can also choose to fly into the Los Angeles International Airport which is 6 hours away from the Yosemite Valley.
You can choose to use public transportation to visit Yosemite or you can rent a car.
Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park
Top Pick: Yosemite View LodgeThe Yosemite View Lodge is located 14km from Yosemite National Park. It sits along the Merced River and features 4 pools and a hot tub. The property is modest, cosy and comfortable and offers an onsite bar and restaurant. All rooms are fitted with a kitchenette, a spa bath and a coffee machine. Some of the units offer beautiful views of the river. Guests can enjoy the indoor and outdoor spas as well as a game room.
Top Pick: Tenaya Lodge at YosemiteJust 3.2km away from Yosemite National Park, the Tenaya Lodge offers modern amenities and a full-service spa. Guest rooms are fitted with air-conditioners, refrigerators and en suite bathrooms with free toiletries, bathrobes and a hairdryer.
Enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa and gourmet dinners at the onsite restaurant. This resort offers guests an array of daily activities, a fitness centre and retail stores. This is the perfect place to stay during winter and summer as it offers an array of excellent activities nearby. The property is pet friendly.
Top Pick: Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite Top Pick: Evergreen Lodge at YosemiteLocated in Mather, the Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite offers an outdoor pool, a children's playground and an onsite bar and restaurant. Guests also have use of the games room where children and adults can indulge in some fun. Each room has its own seating area, private bathroom and is comfortable and cosy.
The property offers packed lunches for those wanting to spend the day exploring the park. There is also a games room for guests to enjoy.
Yosemite is as fun as it sounds. I assure you it won't disappoint you. It is a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation and for us hiking buffs it is the perfect vacation spot.
Written by Achraf Aouadi. When Achraf is not devoted to civil society, like helping organize the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016, he's most probably backpacking the Alps. He enjoys being on the road and taking snapshots of life around the world. Follow Achraf's travel journey on his blog, Walk Beside Me and his Instagram.