Yosemite National Park is a scenic destination located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Famous for giant sequoia trees and other natural wonders, the park also offers breathtaking views of Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome. The park also includes Yosemite Village, which has shops and lodging, as well as the Ansel Adams Gallery, where you can view prints of his landscapes.
El Capitan
Yosemite National Park is home to El Capitan, a vertical rock formation. The rock monolith reaches about 3,000 feet from base to summit and is a popular rock climbing objective. Hundreds of tourists and climbers visit El Capitan every year.
Its creation dates back to 220 million years when prehistoric North America collided with a tectonic plate beneath the Pacific Ocean. This collision pushed the plate into the western Sierras and ignited a pressure cooker beneath the surface. Thousands of years ago, a subset of the Miwok tribe lived in the region. This group called the valley Ahwahnee, hunted and fished for the game in the Merced River and harvested more than 100 plant species.
The North Face of Yosemite National Park offers spectacular views of El Capitan, a towering granite monolith that rises nearly 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Climbers from around the world come to the park to test their skills on this challenging rock formation.
Some of the climbers have climbed El Capitan free-solo without the aid of ropes. In the movie Freesolo, actor Alex Honnold was filmed making the climb. Another film, Dawn Wall, depicts the partnership of Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson.
Half Dome
The Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is an iconic granite dome. The sheer face on one side and the smooth, round sides give it the appearance of a half-dome cut in half. As a result, it is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The Half Dome trail itself is open to the public but requires a permit to access the summit.
While many people attempt to hike Half Dome, many have tragically perished on the trail. The cables can be extremely slippery in wet weather, and lightning strikes on the mountain can be deadly. During storms, you should avoid hiking the cables on Half Dome and try to avoid swimming in waterfall pools.
The best time to hike Half Dome is between May and October. You can’t hike the mountain during the winter, as it’s closed for safety reasons. The weather is generally mild above Nevada Fall, but in the Little Yosemite Valley, it can be chilly. In spring and fall, monsoons can move in from the east and produce violent thunderstorms without warning.
Depending on your experience level, you can choose from three ways to climb Half Dome. There are several routes leading to the summit, and thousands of hikers climb the mountain every year. The most popular route is the Anderson route, which takes several hours to climb and includes several hundred feet of granite stairs. Other climbers use the south face and west shoulder to ascend Half Dome.
Mariposa Grove
One of the most spectacular views of Yosemite National Park can be found in Mariposa Grove. The area is surrounded by giant sequoia trees. The view from the grove is particularly spectacular, especially during sunset when golden rays pierce through the grove’s trees. This is also one of the most spectacular spots to take photos in Yosemite National Park.
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias reopened on Wednesday after nearly a month of closures due to smoke and fire. The famous Grizzly Giant tree is also on display here. The grove is surrounded by other beautiful trees, such as sugar pines, ponderosa pines, white firs, and incense cedars. Between 2015 and 2018, the park underwent major renovations. Parking was relocated to a new Welcome Plaza, where shuttle buses are now available to take visitors to the grove. Additionally, paved roads were replaced by dirt and boardwalks, which minimize the impact on the sequoias’ shallow root systems.
While in Mariposa Grove, you may want to take a walk through the forest and stop to admire some of the ancient trees. For example, the Grizzly Giant, which stands over 209 feet high and has branches up to six feet wide, is an incredible example of a giant sequoia tree. It is the second largest tree in Yosemite, after the giant sequoia.
Tunnel View
One of the most iconic views of Yosemite is found at Tunnel View, a scenic overlook in the Yosemite National Park. Situated on California State Route 41, this viewpoint provides expansive and iconic views of Yosemite Valley. This viewpoint is worth a visit for anyone traveling through the park.
Tunnel View is located outside the Wawona Tunnel. This overlook has a large parking lot on the north side and a smaller parking lot on the south side. It is best to visit the park during the fall or winter when the weather is not as hot. If you can, plan your trip for the early morning. Tunnel View is a great place to watch a storm. If you’re visiting Yosemite in the fall or winter, you’ll want to arrive early in the day.
Tunnel View offers a breathtaking view of the Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, a 3,000-foot rock face. This viewpoint also offers views of Bridalveil Fall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite. On a clear sunny day, you’ll also see Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Sentinel Dome.
Tunnel View is easily accessible from Northside Dr or Wawona Road. This paved overlook provides ample parking for photographers, making it very popular. The vista can get busy on summer weekends.
Tenaya Lodge
Located two miles from Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge offers luxurious accommodations and guided park tours. Guests can enjoy amenities such as coffeemakers, hairdryers, clock radios, and in-room climate control. In addition, the lodge also features an indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool.
The hotel features modern amenities, a restaurant on-site, and free wifi. Room rates start at $150 a night. This eco-friendly property also offers free cancellation up to a certain date. Pets are welcome for an additional fee. Tenaya is also a great choice for travelers with small dogs.
The lodge offers two dining options, Jackalopes and The Bearfoot Bar. The latter serves classic American fare, but there are also gluten-free and vegan options available. The restaurant also features a children’s menu and crayons and paper for young ones. The restaurant also offers locally-made wine and beer. Guests can also check out the South Gate Brewery nearby. The Bearfoot bar features a casual atmosphere and offers light fare and cocktails during the summer months.
Guests can choose from a range of rooms. There are hotel rooms and modern suites, as well as private cottages. There are also Explorer Cabins for those seeking a little more privacy. The rooms include free WiFi and access to the entire resort’s amenities.
Hotel options near Yosemite
There are a variety of hotel options near Yosemite National Park, including a luxurious lodge that overlooks the Merced River. For more budget-friendly options, try a rustic cabin in the valley. Its cozy rooms include a kitchen and a sofa bed. It also has free wifi and private parking. Rates start at $395 per night. You can also find a romantic lodge that accepts pets.
The Wawona Hotel, a historic 1876 hotel, has Victorian-style decor and is near a nine-hole golf course. Another hotel option is the Cedar Lodge, a mid-range motel-style property that boasts a swimming pool. Rooms are spacious and some include separate bedrooms.
If you’re driving from Southern California, you can take Hwy 41 south into the park. This is the shortest route, and you’ll also find some of the most beautiful views. The south entrance is also where you’ll find Tunnel View, which emerges as you exit the Wawona Tunnel. This view is one of the most spectacular views anywhere. Nearby towns include Wawona and Fish Camp, which are close enough to be a good base for exploring Yosemite. The best time to visit the park is from March to May when the water flows the most. You’ll find fewer crowds at the park during winter, but you can still get good hotel deals. If you don’t mind budget-conscious travel, you can also try Airbnb.
