Yosemite National Park is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site in California’s Sierra Nevada, famed for its towering granite domes, spectacular waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, diverse wildlife, and vast wilderness. Enjoy world-class hiking, climbing, camping, and more in this iconic landscape.
Overview
Yosemite National Park, first protected in 1864, covers nearly 1,200 square miles of mountainous scenery. The park is celebrated worldwide for its breathtaking waterfalls, grand granite cliffs, deep valleys, giant sequoia groves, expansive meadows, and diverse wilderness areas. Each year, millions visit to witness its natural splendor and participate in a vast array of outdoor activities .
Plan Your Visit
Yosemite is always open, though some roads and facilities are seasonal. Before visiting, check for current conditions, road closures, and any alerts that may affect your trip. The park offers camping, lodging, ranger programs, and a free shuttle service to help you explore key areas. Reservations are often required during peak seasons, especially for entrance, camping, and lodging .
Experiences & Adventure
Yosemite offers activities for all ages and adventure levels—from leisurely strolls in the valley to challenging backcountry hikes.
Yosemite Valley
The heart of the park, Yosemite Valley, is home to world-famous granite cliffs such as El Capitan and Half Dome. The valley floor features lush meadows, the Merced River, and iconic waterfalls including Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and Vernal Fall. Scenic drives, paved trails, and visitor centers make this area accessible and unforgettable .
Waterfalls
Yosemite is renowned for its countless waterfalls, which are most spectacular in spring when snowmelt is at its peak. The park features Yosemite Falls (the tallest in North America), Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Bridalveil Fall, and many others, each with unique viewing trails and overlooks .
Giant Sequoia Groves
Yosemite is home to ancient giant sequoias, some over 3,000 years old. The Mariposa Grove is the largest sequoia grove in the park, featuring monumental trees like Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. Other groves include Tuolumne and Merced, offering quieter, scenic hikes beneath these towering giants .
Hiking & Climbing
The park has over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous wilderness hikes. Famous hikes include the Mist Trail, Four Mile Trail, Glacier Point Trail, and the strenuous Half Dome trek (permit required). Yosemite is also a world-class climbing destination, with El Capitan and other granite faces attracting climbers from around the globe .
Camping & Lodging
Yosemite’s campgrounds are extremely popular, with options in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Tuolumne Meadows, and more. Most sites require reservations months in advance. The park also offers historic lodges, such as The Ahwahnee, and various tent cabins and hotels for different comfort levels .
Plan Your Adventure
Permits are required for many wilderness and backcountry hikes, including the famous Half Dome ascent. Reservations help manage visitor flow and protect sensitive resources. The park’s shuttle system and scenic roads provide access to major attractions, while ranger programs offer educational experiences for all ages .
Animals
Yosemite’s diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, from valley floors to alpine peaks.
Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
Black bears are perhaps the most iconic Yosemite animal, famously adapted to forage in the park’s diverse habitats. Strict food storage regulations protect both bears and humans .
Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Mule deer are commonly seen grazing in meadows and forests throughout Yosemite, especially at dawn and dusk. They adapt well to the park’s varied environments .
Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae)
This endangered species is found in remote high-elevation areas, navigating steep cliffs and rocky outcrops. Conservation efforts help protect their fragile populations .
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
Northern goshawks are secretive raptors that hunt in Yosemite’s coniferous forests. Their agility helps them catch birds and small mammals in dense woodland .
Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)
Mountain lions roam vast territories in the Sierra Nevada, including Yosemite, though sightings are rare. As apex predators, they play a crucial role in ecosystem health .
American Pika (Ochotona princeps)
American pikas are small, vocal mammals that live in talus slopes at high elevations. They collect vegetation for winter food and are sensitive to climate change impacts .
Plants
Yosemite’s plant life ranges from oak woodlands to alpine meadows, reflecting its vast elevation range.
Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
Giant sequoias are the world’s largest trees by volume and live for thousands of years. Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove is a prime location to see these ancient giants .
Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Ponderosa pines are common in Yosemite’s mid-elevation forests, recognized by their tall, straight trunks and fragrant bark. They provide habitat for numerous wildlife species .
Sierra Nevada Lupine (Lupinus excubitus)
This striking blue wildflower dots meadows and open forests throughout the Sierra, blooming in spring and early summer. It plays a role in soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation .
Dogtooth Violet (Erythronium occidentale)
Also known as the fawn lily, this delicate wildflower thrives in shaded woodlands and blooms in spring. Its speckled leaves blend into the forest floor, making sightings a special treat .
Mountain Heather (Phyllodoce breweri)
Mountain heather is a low-growing shrub found in subalpine and alpine regions of Yosemite. It produces vibrant pink flowers and is well adapted to harsh mountain conditions .
Geology & Ecosystems
Yosemite’s iconic granite cliffs, such as El Capitan and Half Dome, tell a story of deep geological time involving magma intrusion, uplift, and glacial sculpting. The park’s waterfalls, valleys, and domes were largely shaped by powerful glaciers during the last Ice Age. Its ecosystems transition from oak woodlands to alpine tundra, supporting a diverse array of flora and fauna .
Management
The National Park Service manages Yosemite with goals of preserving its natural and cultural resources while providing safe and enjoyable visitor experiences. Ongoing research, ranger-led education, and active resource management help protect Yosemite’s future for generations to come .
Animals Seen in Yosemite
| Animal | Description | Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bear (Ursus americanus) | Forages throughout the park; needs protected food storage | Forests and meadows |
| Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) | Grazes in meadows and forests; commonly seen by visitors | Valleys and woodlands |
| Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae) | Endangered; climbs rocky cliffs in remote areas | High-elevation rocky slopes |
| Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) | Hunts birds and mammals in dense forests | Coniferous forests |
| Mountain Lion (Puma concolor) | Apex predator; rare sightings | Throughout, especially remote |
| American Pika (Ochotona princeps) | Small mammal in talus slopes; climate-sensitive | Alpine rockslides |
Iconic Plants of Yosemite
| Plant | Description | Elevation / Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) | Largest tree by volume; lives millennia | Sierra foothills, groves |
| Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) | Tall pine with fragrant bark; mid-elevation forests | Ecological zones, 4,500–7,000 ft |
| Sierra Nevada Lupine (Lupinus excubitus) | Blue wildflower; nitrogen-fixer | Meadows and open forests |
| Dogtooth Violet (Erythronium occidentale) | Spring blooming wildflower with speckled leaves | Woodlands |
| Mountain Heather (Phyllodoce breweri) | Pink-flowered shrub in harsh alpine environments | Subalpine and alpine zones |
Plan Your Visit to Yosemite
Yosemite National Park offers an unparalleled experience of natural beauty and adventure. Plan ahead for reservations and permits, explore world-famous landmarks and waterfalls, hike among ancient sequoias, and immerse yourself in the wilderness of the Sierra Nevada.
Links
Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025
