Yosemite National Park
Only A Day
Be sure to explore the new Valley Visitor Center exhibit hall, see the inspirational film, Spirit of Yosemite, and visit the Yosemite Museum. Walk to the base of lower Yosemite Fall. Consider a two-hour Valley Floor Tour to see the Valley's most scenic sights with the added benefit of a park ranger narration.
These rangers recommend that if you only have a day…
…take in a birds-eye view of Yosemite Valley and get a great sense of place at Glacier Point. Take an easy walk with your family to Mirror Lake to experience a different view of the Valley. —Sam Vasquez
…during summer, take in the incredible vistas along the Tioga Road. If time allows, take a day hike to an alpine lake or meadow to find peace and solitude. —Victoria Mates
…stop at the visitor center to pick up a day hike brochure and Cook's Meadow self-guiding trail booklet. Take this easy walk through Cook's Meadow to learn about a changing Yosemite. If time allows, journey to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to marvel at these massive trees. —Ariel Kelly
…during a quiet winter visit, consider the strenuous hike to Columbia Rock for amazing views from the sunny-side of the Valley. As evening approaches, ice-skate at Curry Village as you view the winter light on Half Dome. —Andy Fristensky
…park at the day visitor parking lot in the Valley and take the free shuttle to popular destinations. —Ranger Bill
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.
