YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Yosemite Tours
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Describing Yosemite National Park is hard since it is so amazing, scenic and breathtaking. Coming here in late spring or early summer looking at the granite cliffs and the waterfalls through the tunnel view is a stunning and jaw dropping moment. Getting closer feeling the spray, hearing the sound and power of the falls just makes you speechless. The same happens when you are standing at the outlooks at Glacier Point or along the Tioga Pass since the whole scenery is so beautiful that it almost feels surreal.
Yosemite is a paradise for hikers and climbers but also very attracting to visitors limited in their movement. Its beauty is attracting almost 4 million people per year - sometimes annoying since parking and trails are packed. If you are looking for a more remote area you will getting away of it all as soon you are leaving the Yosemite Valley and its beaten paths, all the parking and bus stops or when you come here during the shoulder season. |
If even shoulder season is too crowded for you since you are looking for reclusion but don’t want to miss the marvelous scenery Hetch Hetchy in the north of Yosemite might be the right place instead. It is the small mirror image of Yosemite but without the tourists and commercialization. Coming here you definitely will be for yourself sharing the grounds with wild animals.
Before settlers and gold rush travelers discovered Yosemite in the 19th century the Ahwahneechee lived in the valley for centuries. After the first army battalion entered Yosemite in 1851 the Ahwahneechee were arrested and relocated to a reservation near Fresno. Only a few made their way back to the Valley.
Members of early expeditions, including the entrepreneur Hutchins started writing about their impressions in Yosemite and their publications spread the word. Between 1855 and 1860 the tourism increased and the first roads and simple lodgings were built followed 1879 by the first luxurious accommodation the Hotel Wawona.
Being aware of the damage uncontrolled commercialization could bring to Yosemite, residents filed a park bill to Abraham Lincoln to secure a specific area as National Park. Lincoln signed the bill 1864 and together with other citizens including John Muir, the later park advocate, the Yosemite Grant was consistently protected over the centuries.
In 1890 the park finally got his name Yosemite National Park and later went under the jurisdiction of the United States Army who forced the park’s improvement. A leftover from this time is the hat that still belongs to the Yosemite rangers’ uniform today.
Today’s Ahwahnee Hotel reminds of Yosemite’s native residents. The Yosemite Museum that was founded in 1926 explains more of their culture and heritage. http://www.nps.gov/yose/viewsandvisitors.htm
The northern part of Yosemite is called Hetch Hetchy. In 1923 after a dam was built it was completely flooded to provide and power to San Francisco and its suburbs. Before the construction and flooding biologists and residents started protesting against the plans that would destroy the precious ecosystem. They failed but eversince the dam was erected an organization called ‘Restore Hetch Hechty’ and the Sierra Club are fighting to restore the marvelous area.
Despite the dam and the reservoir visitors can hike Hetch Hetchy as I mentioned before. For more information about the entrance and specific day hikes trails please visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hetchhetchy.htm
The best time coming to Yosemite is spring and early summer, when the waterfalls are best pouring over the rocks. If you are considering visiting 4 or more National Parks within one year it might pay off to buy an annual National Park pass. If you are going to Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley, and Grand Canyon you are paying more summed up than having the annual pass.
Before settlers and gold rush travelers discovered Yosemite in the 19th century the Ahwahneechee lived in the valley for centuries. After the first army battalion entered Yosemite in 1851 the Ahwahneechee were arrested and relocated to a reservation near Fresno. Only a few made their way back to the Valley.
Members of early expeditions, including the entrepreneur Hutchins started writing about their impressions in Yosemite and their publications spread the word. Between 1855 and 1860 the tourism increased and the first roads and simple lodgings were built followed 1879 by the first luxurious accommodation the Hotel Wawona.
Being aware of the damage uncontrolled commercialization could bring to Yosemite, residents filed a park bill to Abraham Lincoln to secure a specific area as National Park. Lincoln signed the bill 1864 and together with other citizens including John Muir, the later park advocate, the Yosemite Grant was consistently protected over the centuries.
In 1890 the park finally got his name Yosemite National Park and later went under the jurisdiction of the United States Army who forced the park’s improvement. A leftover from this time is the hat that still belongs to the Yosemite rangers’ uniform today.
Today’s Ahwahnee Hotel reminds of Yosemite’s native residents. The Yosemite Museum that was founded in 1926 explains more of their culture and heritage. http://www.nps.gov/yose/viewsandvisitors.htm
The northern part of Yosemite is called Hetch Hetchy. In 1923 after a dam was built it was completely flooded to provide and power to San Francisco and its suburbs. Before the construction and flooding biologists and residents started protesting against the plans that would destroy the precious ecosystem. They failed but eversince the dam was erected an organization called ‘Restore Hetch Hechty’ and the Sierra Club are fighting to restore the marvelous area.
Despite the dam and the reservoir visitors can hike Hetch Hetchy as I mentioned before. For more information about the entrance and specific day hikes trails please visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hetchhetchy.htm
The best time coming to Yosemite is spring and early summer, when the waterfalls are best pouring over the rocks. If you are considering visiting 4 or more National Parks within one year it might pay off to buy an annual National Park pass. If you are going to Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley, and Grand Canyon you are paying more summed up than having the annual pass.
Yosemite ‘no-go’s’, valuable information:
Coming to Yosemite you should pay attention to some restrictions and no-go’s that are important.
Access
Before leaving for Yosemite or planning your trip to the park double-check the road conditions and eventual closings. Otherwise you are ending in front of a gate blocking the road or in a huge traffic jam. As I mentioned in the hotel overview there are roads that are closed in winter and spring or occasionally through snowstorms. The best example is the Tioga Pass. How often did I have to cancel hotels last minute on the other side of the valley because the Pass was still closed in May and early June for visitors – you won’t believe it. So don’t mess up your travels by adding hundreds of extra miles to your trip since you have to circle the park. So, check all conditions beforehand at the park’s website:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm or at the Calfornia Department of Transportation: http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi.
The latter page covers all latest road informations in California.
Closure overview:
The Tioga Pass: usually closed from Oct/Nov to May or June.
Glacier Point Road: usually closed from November to May.
Mariposa Grove: closed in winter and spring.
Hetch Hetchy: park is only open during daylight.
Littering
Every time I am visiting Yosemite I don’t get it why people are littering this park - and talking about that, every park, street, protected area. Sometimes I am wondering if they even litter they own home or just behave like a jerk only because they are not at home! Anyways take all your garbage with you while you are in the park and throw it away in the park’s garbage cans or at your hotel or home. Otherwise you could also draw a line behind you during your hike, hungry bears and mountain lions might love that J No seriously, littering is reported and you might end up with a huge fine.
Wildlife
The sentence “Keep wildlife wild” is more than an advice. Did you know that most of the accidents with wild animals in Yosemite happen with deer? There are fewer incidents happen with bears or mountain lions than with deer. Once talking to a ranger he told me that many guests think these gently looking animals are just waiting to be hugged and touched… seriously how would you react being approached by a stranger…
The results are recurring injuries caused by hoof kicks. The thing is that in Yosemite and at the Grand Canyon as well deer are crossing your way 24/7 but this doesn’t mean they are waiting for a hug. I think you got the point by now.
In Yosemite you will find all kinds of wildlife from bugs to reptiles over amphibians, birds and mammals. A precious advice the rangers will give you while asking for hikes is to wear a tiny bell or to talk or sing as soon you are alone on the trail. First I was smiling hearing this the first time, but then hiking alone, far off the crowds I got the point.
Make sure you are returning to the village before dusk and be off the deserted areas in the afternoon. Friends of mine once hiked Half Dome still on their way to the dome during late afternoon running into a bear. After hearing their story and about their anxiety I am sure you do not want to get in the same situation.
And finally: Even if you are running into animals don’t approach them, but step away. Once in Yosemite there was this cute little black bear sitting in the woods in the valley. I only saw him because hundred of people were approaching him with their cameras, getting as close as 10 ft. What were they thinking where Mama bear was? Out for a coffee talk? Seriously guys don’t play with your health.
For those who are planning to camp in Yosemite: Make sure you are putting your food in a safe and sealed place. The park provides container unbreakable for bears, otherwise these guys are taking apart everything. Doesn’t matter if it is a cooler, car or tent…
Another good tip is taking a light with you looking for restrooms during night to see your opponent from the far.
By the way feeding animals is of course prohibited!
Collecting
I know everyone would love to take a souvenir from his or her Yosemite trip. But please buy it in the souvenir shop or village store or keep your entrance ticket.
The collection of stones, butterflies or reptiles, plants, even pinecones or archeological items as arrowheads (yes, they can still be found!) is forbidden in the park.
For further instructions how to behave in the park please visit the park’s website under the following link: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/yoursafety.htm
Coming to Yosemite you should pay attention to some restrictions and no-go’s that are important.
Access
Before leaving for Yosemite or planning your trip to the park double-check the road conditions and eventual closings. Otherwise you are ending in front of a gate blocking the road or in a huge traffic jam. As I mentioned in the hotel overview there are roads that are closed in winter and spring or occasionally through snowstorms. The best example is the Tioga Pass. How often did I have to cancel hotels last minute on the other side of the valley because the Pass was still closed in May and early June for visitors – you won’t believe it. So don’t mess up your travels by adding hundreds of extra miles to your trip since you have to circle the park. So, check all conditions beforehand at the park’s website:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm or at the Calfornia Department of Transportation: http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi.
The latter page covers all latest road informations in California.
Closure overview:
The Tioga Pass: usually closed from Oct/Nov to May or June.
Glacier Point Road: usually closed from November to May.
Mariposa Grove: closed in winter and spring.
Hetch Hetchy: park is only open during daylight.
Littering
Every time I am visiting Yosemite I don’t get it why people are littering this park - and talking about that, every park, street, protected area. Sometimes I am wondering if they even litter they own home or just behave like a jerk only because they are not at home! Anyways take all your garbage with you while you are in the park and throw it away in the park’s garbage cans or at your hotel or home. Otherwise you could also draw a line behind you during your hike, hungry bears and mountain lions might love that J No seriously, littering is reported and you might end up with a huge fine.
Wildlife
The sentence “Keep wildlife wild” is more than an advice. Did you know that most of the accidents with wild animals in Yosemite happen with deer? There are fewer incidents happen with bears or mountain lions than with deer. Once talking to a ranger he told me that many guests think these gently looking animals are just waiting to be hugged and touched… seriously how would you react being approached by a stranger…
The results are recurring injuries caused by hoof kicks. The thing is that in Yosemite and at the Grand Canyon as well deer are crossing your way 24/7 but this doesn’t mean they are waiting for a hug. I think you got the point by now.
In Yosemite you will find all kinds of wildlife from bugs to reptiles over amphibians, birds and mammals. A precious advice the rangers will give you while asking for hikes is to wear a tiny bell or to talk or sing as soon you are alone on the trail. First I was smiling hearing this the first time, but then hiking alone, far off the crowds I got the point.
Make sure you are returning to the village before dusk and be off the deserted areas in the afternoon. Friends of mine once hiked Half Dome still on their way to the dome during late afternoon running into a bear. After hearing their story and about their anxiety I am sure you do not want to get in the same situation.
And finally: Even if you are running into animals don’t approach them, but step away. Once in Yosemite there was this cute little black bear sitting in the woods in the valley. I only saw him because hundred of people were approaching him with their cameras, getting as close as 10 ft. What were they thinking where Mama bear was? Out for a coffee talk? Seriously guys don’t play with your health.
For those who are planning to camp in Yosemite: Make sure you are putting your food in a safe and sealed place. The park provides container unbreakable for bears, otherwise these guys are taking apart everything. Doesn’t matter if it is a cooler, car or tent…
Another good tip is taking a light with you looking for restrooms during night to see your opponent from the far.
By the way feeding animals is of course prohibited!
Collecting
I know everyone would love to take a souvenir from his or her Yosemite trip. But please buy it in the souvenir shop or village store or keep your entrance ticket.
The collection of stones, butterflies or reptiles, plants, even pinecones or archeological items as arrowheads (yes, they can still be found!) is forbidden in the park.
For further instructions how to behave in the park please visit the park’s website under the following link: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/yoursafety.htm
How to combine Yosemite with your California trip:
Coming from San Francisco it is about a 4-hour drive to Yosemite. The shortest and most scenic route goes over HWY 580 south towards San Leandro and Livermore. From there you cut over to HWY 205 passing Tracy. Behind Tracy you take Interstate 5 north for a few miles until you exit onto HWY 120 a scenic road through the countryside. Continue on State Route 120/108 towards Chinese Camp and the beautiful Don Pedro Reservoir. Stay on 120 and start winding up the hills towards Groveland to finally change onto HWY 140 and Yosemite Village.
If you are planning to stay in Mariposa before visiting the park take HWY 99 going off south in Manteca. This unspectacular road leads you through Modesto and Merced, where you have to continue on HWY 140. A scenic alternative but longer drive awaits you by following the first description and taking State Route 49 in Chinese Camp towards Mariposa.
Going to Oakhurst, Fish Camp and Wawona continue on HWY 99 until Madera. Behind Madera change onto road 145 and from there onto HWY 41 getting you to Yosemite’s entrance.
Coming from the Sierra Nevada you have two scenic possibilities driving to Yosemite. The first one leads you through the Sierra foothills and former gold rush towns to Yosemite. The second route over the high Sierra, Nevada, Mono Lake and the Tioga Pass to the park. The latter is only recommended in summer.
Both routes are taking 4 – 5 hours.
Route 1: Assuming you are coming from South Lake Tahoe take HWY 50 south towards San Francisco. In Meyers a small town south of Lake Tahoe turn onto HWY 89 towards Kirkwood. At the fork of 89 and 88 make a right onto 88 passing Kirkwood and Tragedy Spring. Arriving at the Sierra foothills you are approaching Volcano and Jackson staying on 88 and a scenic countryside. From there change onto 49 south to Mokelumne Hill further to Angels Camp, Jamestown and finally Chinese Camp. In Chinese Camp continue on State Route 49/120 until you hit HWY 140. Turn onto 140 to get to Yosemite Village.
If you are going to Mariposa first use State Route 49 south in Chinese Camp. HWY 49 also continues towards Oakhurst and from there over HWY 41 to Fish Camp and Wawona.
Route 2 is only accessible in summer: Take HWY 50 north in South Lake Tahoe passing the state boarder to Nevada. At the fork of 50 and 207 turn right onto 207 (Kingsbury Grade Road) and start winding up the mountains until you reach Foothill Road (206). Make a right into Foothill Road and later a left into Centerville Lane cutting through to HWY 395 and Gardnerville. Behind Gardnerville continue south on HWY 395 towards Mono Lake crossing the Californian state boarder again. In Lee Vining take HWY 120 (Tioga Pass) to Yosemite. At the corner of HWY 140 turn left getting to Yosemite Village.
Going to Mariposa first continue on 140 south to Mariposa. If you are staying in Wawona, Fish Camp or Oakhurst follow HWY 41 south that goes off Yosemite Village.
Coming from Las Vegas and Death Valley you are driving through the scenic mountain ranges between Nevada and California. If you are leaving Las Vegas you are facing a one-day drive and I recommend adding an overnight stay.
Take HWY 160 south towards Pahrump and change first onto HWY 372 and later State Route 178 to Shoshone. From there take 178 (Jubilee Pass Road) to Badwater. Decide whether you want to make a detour over Zabriskie Point (190 south) before you continue over Furnace Creek and HWY 190 north towards Lone Pine. From here you have two choices, one only makes sense in summer since this route includes Tioga Pass that is closed from Oct/Nov to May/June.
Summer route: Leaving Death Valley continue north on HWY 136 to Lone Pine and merge onto HWY 395 north to Bishop and Lee Vining. In Lee Vining take HWY 120 (Tioga Pass) to Yosemite. At the corner of 140 turn left getting to Yosemite Village. Going to Mariposa first continue on 140 south to Mariposa. If you are staying in Wawona, Fish Camp or Oakhurst follow HWY 41 south that goes off Yosemite Valley. Driving time 8 - 10 hours.
Winter route: Leaving Death Valley take HWY 395 south and continue on HWY 14 until you hit HWY 178. At the corner of 178 turn right onto 178 west that ends in Bakersfield. From there continue on HWY 99 north and exit 99 in Fresno changing to HWY 41. HWY 41 leads you to Oakhurst, Fish Camp and Wawona and further to Yosemite Village. Getting to Mariposa exit onto State Route 49 in Oakhurst. Please note that this winter detour takes 11 hours coming directly from Las Vegas!
Coming from L.A. take Interstate 5 north and exit onto HWY 99 north behind Grapevine. Follow 99 through Bakersfield to Fresno and change onto HWY 41 north. HWY 41 leads you to Oakhurst, Fish Camp, Wawona and further to Yosemite Village. Getting to Mariposa exit onto State Route 49 in Oakhurst. This route takes about 5 hours.
Coming from San Francisco it is about a 4-hour drive to Yosemite. The shortest and most scenic route goes over HWY 580 south towards San Leandro and Livermore. From there you cut over to HWY 205 passing Tracy. Behind Tracy you take Interstate 5 north for a few miles until you exit onto HWY 120 a scenic road through the countryside. Continue on State Route 120/108 towards Chinese Camp and the beautiful Don Pedro Reservoir. Stay on 120 and start winding up the hills towards Groveland to finally change onto HWY 140 and Yosemite Village.
If you are planning to stay in Mariposa before visiting the park take HWY 99 going off south in Manteca. This unspectacular road leads you through Modesto and Merced, where you have to continue on HWY 140. A scenic alternative but longer drive awaits you by following the first description and taking State Route 49 in Chinese Camp towards Mariposa.
Going to Oakhurst, Fish Camp and Wawona continue on HWY 99 until Madera. Behind Madera change onto road 145 and from there onto HWY 41 getting you to Yosemite’s entrance.
Coming from the Sierra Nevada you have two scenic possibilities driving to Yosemite. The first one leads you through the Sierra foothills and former gold rush towns to Yosemite. The second route over the high Sierra, Nevada, Mono Lake and the Tioga Pass to the park. The latter is only recommended in summer.
Both routes are taking 4 – 5 hours.
Route 1: Assuming you are coming from South Lake Tahoe take HWY 50 south towards San Francisco. In Meyers a small town south of Lake Tahoe turn onto HWY 89 towards Kirkwood. At the fork of 89 and 88 make a right onto 88 passing Kirkwood and Tragedy Spring. Arriving at the Sierra foothills you are approaching Volcano and Jackson staying on 88 and a scenic countryside. From there change onto 49 south to Mokelumne Hill further to Angels Camp, Jamestown and finally Chinese Camp. In Chinese Camp continue on State Route 49/120 until you hit HWY 140. Turn onto 140 to get to Yosemite Village.
If you are going to Mariposa first use State Route 49 south in Chinese Camp. HWY 49 also continues towards Oakhurst and from there over HWY 41 to Fish Camp and Wawona.
Route 2 is only accessible in summer: Take HWY 50 north in South Lake Tahoe passing the state boarder to Nevada. At the fork of 50 and 207 turn right onto 207 (Kingsbury Grade Road) and start winding up the mountains until you reach Foothill Road (206). Make a right into Foothill Road and later a left into Centerville Lane cutting through to HWY 395 and Gardnerville. Behind Gardnerville continue south on HWY 395 towards Mono Lake crossing the Californian state boarder again. In Lee Vining take HWY 120 (Tioga Pass) to Yosemite. At the corner of HWY 140 turn left getting to Yosemite Village.
Going to Mariposa first continue on 140 south to Mariposa. If you are staying in Wawona, Fish Camp or Oakhurst follow HWY 41 south that goes off Yosemite Village.
Coming from Las Vegas and Death Valley you are driving through the scenic mountain ranges between Nevada and California. If you are leaving Las Vegas you are facing a one-day drive and I recommend adding an overnight stay.
Take HWY 160 south towards Pahrump and change first onto HWY 372 and later State Route 178 to Shoshone. From there take 178 (Jubilee Pass Road) to Badwater. Decide whether you want to make a detour over Zabriskie Point (190 south) before you continue over Furnace Creek and HWY 190 north towards Lone Pine. From here you have two choices, one only makes sense in summer since this route includes Tioga Pass that is closed from Oct/Nov to May/June.
Summer route: Leaving Death Valley continue north on HWY 136 to Lone Pine and merge onto HWY 395 north to Bishop and Lee Vining. In Lee Vining take HWY 120 (Tioga Pass) to Yosemite. At the corner of 140 turn left getting to Yosemite Village. Going to Mariposa first continue on 140 south to Mariposa. If you are staying in Wawona, Fish Camp or Oakhurst follow HWY 41 south that goes off Yosemite Valley. Driving time 8 - 10 hours.
Winter route: Leaving Death Valley take HWY 395 south and continue on HWY 14 until you hit HWY 178. At the corner of 178 turn right onto 178 west that ends in Bakersfield. From there continue on HWY 99 north and exit 99 in Fresno changing to HWY 41. HWY 41 leads you to Oakhurst, Fish Camp and Wawona and further to Yosemite Village. Getting to Mariposa exit onto State Route 49 in Oakhurst. Please note that this winter detour takes 11 hours coming directly from Las Vegas!
Coming from L.A. take Interstate 5 north and exit onto HWY 99 north behind Grapevine. Follow 99 through Bakersfield to Fresno and change onto HWY 41 north. HWY 41 leads you to Oakhurst, Fish Camp, Wawona and further to Yosemite Village. Getting to Mariposa exit onto State Route 49 in Oakhurst. This route takes about 5 hours.