Yosemite National Park
Highlights
These highlights have been excerpted from The Complete Guidebook to Yosemite National Park by Steven Medley, published by the Yosemite Association. You can purchase the guide at any visitor center, call (209) 379-2648 or visit www.yosemitestore.com. See "Sights to See" on pages 51—57 for more information on many of these favorite Yosemite locations:
Yosemite Valley
The view of the Valley from Glacier Point: From the railing at Glacier Point, you are lord (or lady) of all the Yosemite you survey. The view is unforgettable.
The Nature Center at Happy Isles: This nature center offers hands-on exhibits and books in the summer months.
The panorama from Tunnel View: This classic Yosemite viewpoint never ceases to take one's breath away. From this spot the Valley's geologic story couldn't be more evident.
Lower Yosemite Fall in springtime: When the snows of the Yosemite high country begin to thaw, Yosemite Falls are revitalized. Witness the liquid thunder!
Hike to Vernal Fall: An amazingly popular trip, but for good reason. The walk is all things Yosemite: rock, light and water at their most spectacular.
Southern Yosemite
The walk to Wawona Point: Quiet, little visited and offering a remarkable view, Wawona Point is the perfect destination for an excursion in the upper Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Stage ride at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center: Travel back in time and hold on to your hat on this horse-drawn stage as it makes a short loop to Wawona Hotel.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Everyone comes away impressed by these towering, ancient trees—a world-class attraction.
Slopes at Badger Pass: Every winter, Badger Pass is transformed into a hot bed of skiing and snowboarding activities. Both downhill and cross-country opportunities abound.
Northern Yosemite
A visit to Hetch Hetchy: This body of water occupies a valley, which has been characterized as Yosemite Valley's twin. It has retained a deep sense of solitude and offers great hiking.
Hike to the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias: Gentle, easy and quiet, this is Yosemite's smallest, but most remote and least-visited sequoia grove.
High Country
The beach of Tenaya Lake (on Tioga Road): Unbelievably fine on a warm day, a terrific spot anytime. Enjoy a picnic, swim or simply take a nap.
Tioga Road turnout at Olmsted Point: This year, The National Park Service and The Yosemite Fund will complete the restoration of this prime viewing area. Sit on a rock wall and enjoy your lunch while you take in unimpeded views of Yosemite's glacier-carved granite.
The trail from Tuolumne Meadows into Lyell Canyon: The Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River is one of the park's most peaceful and inspiring settings. The largely flat trail leads to and along its course.
Yosemite In Depth
News from the Parks
National Parks Escape, This Time Around
January 8, 2009 - 5:17pm
Unlike the last two years, popular recreation areas in Western Washington have escaped serious damage from this week’s heavy rain. Mount Rainier National Park and Gifford Pinchot National Forest were devastated by flooding in 2007. Last year, flooding hit Olympic National Park.
January 8, 2009 - 5:17pm
Unlike the last two years, popular recreation areas in Western Washington have escaped serious damage from this week’s heavy rain. Mount Rainier National Park and Gifford Pinchot National Forest were devastated by flooding in 2007. Last year, flooding hit Olympic National Park.
Dorgan with Game and Fish
January 8, 2009 - 5:06pm
Sen. Byron Dorgan, (D-N.D.) said he agrees with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department on the elk situation at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Since the unveiling of the National Park Service’s Draft Elk Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement on Dec. 17, Game and Fish officials have voiced their displeasure that the document did not include their “Alternative G,” as a viable option.
January 8, 2009 - 5:06pm
Sen. Byron Dorgan, (D-N.D.) said he agrees with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department on the elk situation at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Since the unveiling of the National Park Service’s Draft Elk Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement on Dec. 17, Game and Fish officials have voiced their displeasure that the document did not include their “Alternative G,” as a viable option.
Coming to the Inauguration? Read This First, Then Think Again
January 8, 2009 - 5:05pm
All roads will lead to Washington on Inauguration Day, but many of them will be closed. With packed trains, buses and planes, how will as many as 2 million people who are hoping to witness history crowd into a city whose subway system usually accommodates 718,000 a day?
January 8, 2009 - 5:05pm
All roads will lead to Washington on Inauguration Day, but many of them will be closed. With packed trains, buses and planes, how will as many as 2 million people who are hoping to witness history crowd into a city whose subway system usually accommodates 718,000 a day?
Scientists Ready to Analyze Yellowstone Park Quake Data
January 8, 2009 - 5:01pm
Between Dec. 27 and Jan. 2, more than 500 small earthquakes shook Yellowstone National Park. The swarm of quakes was centered below Yellowstone Lake, beginning southeast of Stevenson Island and migrating north toward Fishing Bridge before quieting.
January 8, 2009 - 5:01pm
Between Dec. 27 and Jan. 2, more than 500 small earthquakes shook Yellowstone National Park. The swarm of quakes was centered below Yellowstone Lake, beginning southeast of Stevenson Island and migrating north toward Fishing Bridge before quieting.
Haleakala National Park Gets New Superintendent
January 8, 2009 - 5:00pm
Sarah Creachbaum, a 15-year veteran of the National Park Service, has been named superintendent of Haleakala National Park.
January 8, 2009 - 5:00pm
Sarah Creachbaum, a 15-year veteran of the National Park Service, has been named superintendent of Haleakala National Park.
