Yosemite National Park spans 3,081 km² in the Sierra Nevada, a California mountain range stretching over 600 km. 95% of its area is classified as wilderness, and the entire park has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1984. The park is renowned for its granite cliffs, waterfalls among the highest on the continent, and groves of giant sequoias.

Why visit Yosemite

Yosemite brings together some of the most iconic geological formations of the American West: Half Dome, a granite dome rising 1,444 m above the valley, and El Capitan, a vertical wall renowned among climbers. Yosemite Falls, at 739 m, is the highest waterfall in North America. The park also contains Mariposa Grove, its largest giant sequoia forest. This concentration of landscapes, accessible from San Francisco in just a few hours' drive, makes it a frequent stop on a California itinerary.

Park history

Before the arrival of American settlers, the valley was inhabited by the Ahwahneechee, a branch of the Miwok peoples, who occupied the territory until the 19th century. The Mariposa War in 1851 marked the entry of American militias into the valley and the beginning of the dispossession of indigenous populations.

In 1864, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, placing the valley and Mariposa Grove under federal protection. This was the first nature reserve created in the États-Unis, and a legal precedent for the creation of future national parks. In 1890, spearheaded notably by naturalist John Muir, one of the principal advocates for conservation in the États-Unis, Yosemite National Park was officially established.

What to see and do

Yosemite Valley

The historical and tourist heart of the park, the valley concentrates the most visited sites. Access is through Yosemite Falls, via the Tunnel View or Glacier Point overlooks, and via trails leading to the base of El Capitan and Half Dome. Glacier Point offers a panoramic view of the valley, the dome, and the High Sierra peaks.

Tioga Road and high mountain

Tioga Road crosses the park from east to west and crosses Tioga Pass at 3,031 m altitude, the park's highest road point. Along the route, Tenaya Lake, Lembert Dome, and Tuolumne Meadows give an overview of high-altitude landscapes, quite different from those of the valley. The road is generally closed in winter.

Mariposa Grove

The park's largest giant sequoia forest, Mariposa Grove is home to several hundred mature trees. The Grizzly Giant, one of the most famous, is estimated to be around 1,800 years old. The famous Wawona Tunnel Tree, a sequoia carved with a vehicle-height tunnel in the late 19th century, fell in 1969; only its trunk remains visible today.

Hetch Hetchy

In the northwest of the park, the Hetch Hetchy valley was dammed in the early 20th century to supply San Francisco with drinking water. Less visited, it lends itself to reservoir-side hikes, particularly toward Wapama and Tueeulala Falls, which are especially active in spring.

Wildlife and flora

The park is home to over 400 animal species and more than 1,500 plant species, distributed by altitude among oak forests, pine forests, sequoia forests, and alpine meadows. Among the most frequently observed species are black bears, mule deer, coyotes, mountain lions, golden eagles, pileated woodpeckers, and Steller's jays. Black bears, in particular, require precautions regarding food storage in camping areas.

When to visit

Yosemite is open year-round, but each season radically changes the experience.

• Spring (April-June): the most favorable period for waterfalls, which reach maximum flow with snowmelt. Flowering in the meadows.
• Summer (July-August): stable weather, full access to Tioga Road and high mountain areas, but also the busiest period. Advance booking essential.
• Fall (September-October): declining crowds, marked colors, still mild temperatures in the valley.
• Winter (November-March): the valley remains accessible but several high-altitude roads, including Tioga Road, are closed. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing possible in the Badger Pass area.

Practical information

• Entrance fee: a per-vehicle fee applies, valid for several days. The annual America the Beautiful inter-park pass becomes worthwhile after visiting three national parks.
• Reservations: an entry reservation system may be required during peak season; check the official National Park Service website before departure.
• Accommodation: historic lodges, cabins and campgrounds in the valley and at Wawona, additional lodging in El Portal, Mariposa or Groveland. Book several months in advance for summer season.
• Free shuttles: operate in the valley and limit vehicle use during peak season.
• Conservation rules: do not feed animals, store food in bear-proof lockers, stay on marked trails, camp only in authorized areas and apply the "Leave No Trace" principle by taking all waste with you.

How to get there

Yosemite is located approximately 320 km from San Francisco and 500 km from Los Angeles. The car remains the most practical mode of access. The most commonly used entrance is Arch Rock on the west, via Route 140 from Mariposa: it is also the one most regularly open in winter. The entrances at Big Oak Flat (Route 120 west), South Entrance (Route 41) and Tioga Pass (Route 120 east, closed in winter) are alternatives depending on your itinerary. YARTS buses serve the valley from Merced, Mariposa, Fresno or Mammoth Lakes in season.

Nearby attractions to combine

Yosemite fits naturally into a larger circuit through the American West. Neighboring or complementary parks offer very different landscapes:

• Crater Lake National Park, in Oregon, for its deep blue volcanic lake.
• Manoa Falls, in Hawaii, if your itinerary extends along the West Coast.
• Cadillac Ranch in Texas, an iconic stop for road trip enthusiasts on Route 66.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your trip

Yosemite fits easily into a larger itinerary through the American West, between the California coast, the Sierra Nevada, and the Southwest parks. To build a coherent circuit, consult our États-Unis trips.