The thrill of hiking Yosemite National Park is beyond compare. The incredible beauty of Yosemite is second to no other National Park in the United States.
Yosemite National Park boasts some of the most incredible natural wonders of the world and the highest waterfall in the United States. Yosemite Falls is also the sixth highest waterfall in the world.
Yosemite features over 800 miles of hiking trails through some of the most scenic areas in the world.
Whether you are taking the family for a casual vacation or are looking for more adventure and exercise in a very strenuous hike, Yosemite has many trails for both all kinds of hikers.
Hiking Yosemite Highlights:
Giant Sequoias
Massive and ancient giant sequoias live in three groves in Yosemite National Park. The most easily accessible of these (spring through fall) is the Mariposa Grove near the park's South Entrance. Two smaller-and less visited-groves are the Tuolumne and Merced Groves near Crane Flat.
Vistas
There are far more vistas in the park than could be listed, but here are the top 5:
Glacier Point, some would say, is the most spectacular vista anywhere. Most people agree that its views of the high country and breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome and three waterfalls, are the most spectacular in the park.
Olmsted Point, along the Tioga Road, looks down on Yosemite Valley from the east--and from a very different angle.
Tunnel View is one of the most famous views of Yosemite Valley. From here you can see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall rising from Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome in the background.
El Portal View, 2 miles up the Glacier Point/Badger Pass Road from Chinquapin (intersection with the Wawona Road). Look down the Merced River Canyon, below Yosemite Valley, and see the Coast Ranges (if visibility is good).
O'Shaugnessy Dam, at the west end of Hetch Hetchy Valley, provides a vista of the Valley's waterfalls, rock formations, and reservoir.
Wildlife
Yosemite is home to a variety of animals, though they're not always easy to find. Find a quiet spot during early morning or early evening and you may catch a glimpse of wildlife in action.
Wildflowers
When wildflowers are blooming it is usually easy to find spectacular variety along the side of the road and in meadows. They typically start blooming in May at the lower elevations, moving up to the higher elevations in June or July.
Hiking Yosemite can be an exhilarating experience for the serious hiker or for the whole family. It will truly be an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
Get your hiking equipment ready and off you go to Yosemite National Park.
Enjoy your hiking adventure!
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