Located in the majestic Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park embraces an amazing area of mountains and valleys filled with waterfalls, meadows, and forests of giant sequoias. Typified by towering cliffs, lofty peaks and high waterfalls, the park is world famous for its breathtaking natural scenery. National travel deals to this legendary national park are easily found online.
Getting there
Since visitors may drive into and around Yosemite Valley, rental car in Yosemite is the most convenient option for touring the park. There are four park entrances. The South entrance is reached by Highway 41 from Fresno. From the southwest, Arch Rock entrance is reached by Highway 140 from Merced. West from Modesto and Manteca, Highway 120 leads to Big Oak Flat entrance. The eastern entrance (Tioga Pass) is accessed from Highway 120 via Lee Vining and Highway 395, but is closed from Novemberto April)
The closest major airports are in San Francisco (SFO), San Jose (SJC), and Oakland (OAK). From these major hubs, there are frequent daily flights to Fresno, Merced, and Modesto, which are closer to the park by rental car to Yosemite. Merced is a convenient stop on Greyhound buses and Amtrak trains. National travel deals are available at all of these transportation hubs.
Key attractions
Yosemite National Park highlights include the waterfalls and sheer cliffs of the Yosemite Valley, the hundreds of ancient sequoias in the Mariposa Grove, the spectacular views attained from Glacier Point, the subalpine meadow surrounded my mountain peaks at Tuolumne Meadows, and the reservoir at Hetch Hechy.
More active pursuits include challenging hiking and backpacking on numerous trails, some of which are also great for biking and horse-back riding. Mountaineering and excellent rock climbing draw thousands of sportsmen to the park. More relaxing options include fishing, boating, bird and wildlife viewing, and, of course, stargazing. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails are blanketed in white.
Out and about
Visitors who venture outside of Yosemite National Park’s own borders will encounter even more stunning natural beauty at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The gigantic sequoia trees throughout these neighbouring parks are dwarfed by Mount Whitney, the continental United States’ tallest peak. A more sombre chapter of American history is displayed at the Manzanar National Historic Site, the best preserved of the country’s WWII Japanese internment camps.
Leisure options
Private car rental excursions and open-air tours are among he most popular activities at Yosemite thanks to the park’s many scenic roadways. Frequently available stops afford gentle walks and hikes along the way. The Yosemite Center features a museum with interpretive exhibits about the cultural history and crafts of the local Native Americans, along with demonstrations and a gallery of paintings.
Safety
Yosemite National Park has its own medical clinic and dedicated emergency dispatch, but travel insurance should still be purchased prior to arriving at this isolated region of California. Other park hazards include roaming black bears, who are usually scared off by noise, and hypothermia when temperatures fall below freezing. Traffic accidents and petty crime also occur on occasion.