Travel Places

A world heritage site, Yosemite National park is located in East Central California, spanning the counties of Toulumne, Mariposa and Madera. A magnificent landscape that has been carved out by glaciers, it is visited by over 3.5 million visitors every year.

The joy of visiting this national park lies mainly in its awesome natural splendours. Everything seems to be large and majestic. Ranging from the breathtaking Glacier Point, where the views seem to encompass the entire state, to the swirling waters of the Merced River, every corner of this National Park spells grandeur.

How to get there:

Yosemite Park is 3 hours away from San Francisco by road. Most visitors tend to concentrate on the seven square miles of Yosemite Valley, where most of the popular sites are located.

Popular Sites:

El Capitain: A granite cliff that seems to tower over the valley, is one of the world’s most popular rock climbing sites. It offers year long accessibility, combined with different rock formations for a varied experience.

Mariposa and Merced and Toulumne Groves: The giant Sequoia trees of these groves can enthral you with just their size. But do look carefully and enjoy the beauty of these graves and the dignity they seem to exemplify.

Waterfalls: The granite cliffs and rock formations are great places for the waterfalls to be formed. In the months of April, May and June they can be observed in their abundance. You cannot miss the Yosemite falls – the highest in the United States.

Merced and Toulumne Rivers: These rivers have carved out deep canyons in the valley, and offer ample opportunities for rafting etc.

Activities around this region:

Backpack across the Toulumne Meadows, or at least walk across the 14 mile trail to Cloud’s Nest. If you feel that is too long for you, try the shorter trails to places like Elizabeth lake and Soda Springs.

Walk upto the Grizzly Giant, a 2,700 year old tree, which is as tall as a 20 storey tower. The hush of the forest and the splendour of these trees are enough to make this into a memorable walk.

Climb the El Capitain, there are about 80 routes to the top ranging from the doable to the impossible.

Take tour bus, along the scenic route of Tioga Road till the Glacier Point.

Adjoining regions:

Mariposa County : One of the few places left in this world where there are no permanent traffic lights, this country encloses much of the Yosemite National Park. It has no towns in its area, just three communities which live in census designated areas. 95% of the Yosemite Park has been designated as wilderness, hence enjoy the solitude and natures finest views.

Where to stay:

Camping – you can camp at the many campsites in this valley. Do check their opening and closing dates.

Lodging – there are many lodges such as Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp which provide lodging in the Park.

This park needs to be visited again and again in order to really be able to enjoy all that it offers. Every corner, every tree, every waterfall invites you to sit near it and enjoy the magnificence of God’s creations.