If you’re yearning for thundering waterfalls, giant granite domes and hanging valleys, then Yosemite is for you. If fact no visit to Southern California is complete without coming here. If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite then first check out this Quick Travel Guide to Yosemite National Park.
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What to Do in Yosemite National Park
Although Yosemite is a large park, the main tourist attractions are mostly located in a compact area of the Yosemite Valley. There is a free shuttle bus to take you to all the major attractions. We reckon you should allow a minimum of 2 days in Yosemite. And here our top 5 favourite activities in Yosemite.
El Capitan and Horsetail Fall: El Capitan is a 3,000 sheer vertical granite rock. There is easy access to view El Capitan from the turnout on the main access road into Yosemite Valley. El Capitan remains one of the greatest challengers for rock climbers.
Yosemite Falls, Upper/Middle/Lower: Yosemite Falls are the highest waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet (739 metres). Upper Yosemite Fall drops 1,430 feet (440 metres), which puts it in the top 20 waterfalls in the world.
Vernal Fall and the Mist Trail: Vernal Fall is a 4 hour round trip to the top following the mist trail. On the Mist Trail, you will be sprayed with water from Vernal Fall. Expect to get wet.
Tunnel View: Tunnel View is located just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41. Here you will get one of the best views in Yosemite, taking in Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.
Glacier Point and the Drive to Glacier Point: Glacier Point offers the undisputed best views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall and Cloud Rest. In fact Glacier Point has an elevation of 7,214 feet (2,199 metres) and is 3,200 feet (980 metres) above Half Dome Village.
Day Trips from Yosemite National Park
It’s unlikely that you will want to leave Yosemite National Park once you arrive there. But if your Yosemite vacation is long enough to allow it, here are a couple of nearby attractions:
Sequoia National Park: Famous for its huge Sequoia trees, especially the General Sherman Tree in the Giant Forest. This is the biggest living tree in the world (by volume).
Yosemite Snow and Snowboard Area: Ok so you probably should wait until winter to come here, from about Christmas through to the end of March. Located on Glacier Point Road, this is easily accessible by shuttle bus.
Best Places to Stay at Yosemite National Park
Whilst there is accommodation available inside Yosemite National Park, it is booked out long in advance and it is very expensive. We think you’re best off staying in Mariposa, just a short drive from Yosemite National Park. It’s on the ‘easy side’ with an easy drive along the Yosemite Valley. No scary mountain ascents coming this way.
Cheap Accomodation inside Yosemite
Our number one recommendation is to stay at the Housekeeping Camp inside the park. We reckon this are the best campsites in Yosemite, and should cost you a little over $100 per night. Here you can experience camping in the Yosemite wilderness without having to set up a tent a.k.a. glamping.
Mid Range
You can stay in quality lodge style accommodation in the nearby town of Mariposa, just outside the park entrance. Quality Inn Yosemite Valley Gateway is one of the best motels near Yosemite, and is only about one hour drive to Yosemite Falls.
Luxury Accommodation
The Majestic Yosemite Hotel is the best place to stay in Yosemite National Park. Formerly the Ahwahnee Hotel, this is luxury in a premium location. But it doesn’t come cheap and you will need to book it long in advance.
Shop Around for a Great Deal
It pays to shop around for great deals on accommodation, and Yosemite is no exception. Here is a great deals finder to get you started.
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