Yosemite National Park

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Introduction

Half Dome

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Yosemite National Park is a massive national park, with 95% designated as a wilderness area, covering over 761,266 acres in several counties in east central California. Over 3.5 million people visit this park every year to see its stunning beauty. Its main attractions are its amazing granite cliffs, waterfalls, pristine streams, Giant Sequoia groves and stunning biological diversity.

Resting across the Sierra Nevada Mountains the elevation ranges from 2,00 ft to 13,114 feet (600 to 4,000 m), which covers 5 distinct major vegetation zones. If looking for the drive by experience, car camping fun or the intense back country hiking and rock climbing Yosemite National Park has something for any outdoorsy junkie. Remember to watch out for bears.

For more information about the Yosemite National Park, visit the official Yosemite NP website.

Opening Hours

24 hours and 365 days a year. Although the best climbing is during the summer.

Sights and Activities

Hiking

With over 800 miles (1300 km) of trails open to hikers there is plenty to walk, crawl or jump to. The park is open from late spring to early fall for multi-day back country backpacking trips, which requires a permit. Remember bears a big issue if planing to overnight camp. There are several books on different trail options and park rangers can be a great resource.

Waterfalls

The Bridalveil Falls, together with the Yosemite Falls, are the most importatant waterfalls in the park. The Bridalveil falls are almost 200 meters high and are one of the most characteristic sights in the park. The Yosemite Falls are one of the highest waterfalls in the world with a total drop of over 700 meters and a single drop of over 400 meters! The Bridalveil Falls might be lower (188 metres) but is just as beautiful.

Half Dome

If you plan to hike 'the Beast' (Half Dome) you have quite an adventure ahead of you! You truly won't regret it as it will most likely be one of the most rewarding accomplishments you will ever acheive.

Choosing the time of year to hike Half Dome is an important decision to make. The last 700 yards of the trail consist of a steep incline by way of a series of cables. Since the cables go up in May, it is recommend going as soon as they are up so you don't find yourself hiking on an extremely hot summer day! If you have a choice, make your hike day during the week as the crowds can be thick on the weekend and it's not uncommon to have to wait at the bottom of the cables for up to an hour! This means less time at the summit.

Now, the Half Dome trail is about 17 miles with an elevation gain of 4,800 feet (8,824 ft. at the summit), and will take you approixmately 12 hours. If you have the opportunity, I would suggest training (and training hard) 2-4 months before you hit the trail. Find some local trails to hike (at least 8 miles long) a minimum of once per week. Trails in the mountains above 3000' elevation are ideal as Yosemite is at a higher elevation and you want to be somewhat accustomed to the thinner air. You might even want to do some light weights for the biceps and forearms (tennis ball squeezes for these are good) to prepare for the cables.

Starting early is very wise as you are able to beat any crowd that might be on the trail that day, as well as the 'heat of the day'. 4-5 AM is perfect. If you are going to get up this early, I suggest staying at Curry Village as it is only a half a mile hike to the Happy Isles trailhead. Otherwise, you have to wait until 7 to catch the shuttle!

Things to consider packing in your day bag: water, a lunch, plenty of healthy snacks, water, sunscreen, zip off hiking pants, a second pair of socks, water, a hat, a light jacket, your camera, moleskin (for blisters), a plastic bag for your trash (What you pack in, pack out. You might also encounter some on the trail), a flashlight, and some water. Oh yeah, did I mention to bring some water?

Take 5-10 minute rests along the way (as needed, or every 20-30 minutes), preferrably with your boots off and feet elevated. When you come across the streams dip your feet it as it feels amazing on your hot, tired feet!

Once at the top: take in the view and enjoy! Fire away on the camera from mutliple angles as you don't want to forget what you saw up there. I recommend a few photos with you on the diving board. it always makes for a good shot.

Once you've returned to the bottom, you have to stop by a gift shop and pick up the 'I Made it to the Top of Half Dome' t-shirt! You've got bragging rights now, so you might as well soak it all in.

Other Hikes

Biking

Cycling is an option on all park roads and cycling trails from spring to fall. Helmets are required for all people under 18. Off trail riding is illegal in the park.

Climbing

Rock climbing is one of the main activities in Yosemite. Climbing is common during the snow-free months on almost anything that can support a person no matter how short or tall.

Badger Pass Ski Area

Badger Pass Ski Area is a sky resort located in the park. It is open every winter and has some very nice skiing at it.

Cost

• $20 per car and is valid for unlimited entries for 7 days
• $10 per person arriving on foot, horseback, bicycle, motorcycle or on a non-commercial bus. Unless under 15 year olds then free.
• $40 for an annual pass.
• $80 for an annual pass to all the national parks and other national public lands.

Getting There

By Air

Even from the closest airports one still has to drive several hours to Yomesite. Therefore it might be better to fly into San Francisco or Sacramento and then drive to the park.

• Fresno-Yosemite International (FYI) is north on Highway 41 and about 1.5 to 2.5 hours away from the south entrance.

• Merced Airport (MCE) is about 2 hours east of the park on Highway 140.

• Modesto City-Country Airport (MOD) is about 1.5 hours east from the Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway 120.

By Car

Driving is by far the easiest way to get to Yosemite. Although there are several state and federal highways that will get you to the park there is no direct interstate highway to the park. If coming from the north or west it is best to approach on either Highway 140 or Highway 120. If coming from the south take Highway 41 or Highway 120. Parts of Highway 120 close down from late october to early June/late May. For more information look at http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/driving.htm.

By Bus

Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) provides buses to and from the nearby city of Merced. It is possible to take Amtrak Trains or Greyhound buses to Merced, then jump on a YARTS bus to Yosemite.

Eat

There are several restaurants located near the lodges in the park ranging in style and price. Once outside of that area remember to bring your food with you. Bears are extremely active in this area so do not leave food out unattended unless in a bear safe container. For cheaper groceries it is best to buy it outside of the park to save money.

Drink

The only places to drink are at hotel bars and they are expensive. It is best to bring your own booze with you.

Sleep

Budget

• Camping is the only budget option. There are 13 developed camp grounds that range with how much development they have, which then reflects the price ranging from a nightly rate of $5 per site to $20 per site. Remember during the high seasons all the camp grounds fill quickly and only 7 accept reservations. There is also the option of back country camping, which requires a permit. For more information on the different campsites please read the officail website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campground.htm.

Mid-Range/Upscale

• Yosemite Accommodations operates and manages all of the lodging in the park. For prices and current facilities it is best to look at the website.