Yosemite National Park is located in Central California approximately 190 miles east of San Francisco. The Park falls in Sierra Nevada mountain range which covers entire 1,170 square miles. The nearest major airport from the park is Oakland.
Places to see:
It is one of the most popular vacation getaway for the nature and adventure lover. The park attracts visitors of all ages. It has got amazing natural formation of cliffs, beautiful waterfall and meadows. Here are short descriptions of few very popular spots in the Yosemite National Park:
Waterfalls:
Yosemite National Park is home to numerous waterfalls. The best time to see the waterfalls is spring time. Water in the falls is fed mostly by melting of snow therefore spring time is amazing to see waterfalls. There are endless waterfalls small and big, few of the most popular waterfalls are:
Yosemite Falls: Yosemite Falls can be seen from many places around the Yosemite Valley. Visitors can enjoy its beauty from Yosemite Lodge and Yosemite Village. You can take 1 mile loop trail down to the Lower Yosemite Fall.
Bridal veil Falls: It is the first waterfall that Visitor could see while entering in to the Yosemite Valley. You can also see the Bridal veil Fall from tunnels on the Wawona Road or the Big Oak Flat Road. There is a steep trail which will take you to the base of the fall.
Vernal Falls: Vernal Falls can be seen from the Glacier Point. You can also hike up to the fall on a steep trail.
Nevada Falls: Nevada Falls can also be seen from the Glacier Point. It flows throughout the year with the peak flow in May. There is a steep hiking trail to this fall as well.
Ribbon Falls: The Ribbon Falls can be seen from the distance as you will driving in to the Yosemite Valley. It flows from March through June with its peak flow in the month of May.
Horsetail Falls: The Horsetail Falls can be seen at distance from east of El Captain. It flows from December through April. It looks best at the sunset when the sun rays falls on the waterfall and reflect orange color especially in the month of February.
Cliffs:
Yosemite Valley cliffs are its landmark. The incredible rock formation in the park attracts millions of visitors every year. This incredible formation of the cliffs are created from the plutonic rock which was cooled below the earth’s surface. Few of the most popular cliff formations in the Park are:
Half Dome: Half Dome is approximately 8,800 feet above the sea level. Hiking up to the Half Dome is real challenge for many hikers. It takes approximately 12 hours or longer round trip to dome. There is a cable route to reach the top. For thousands of visitors this is the most adventurous things to do in the park.
Sentinel Rock : It is a granite peak. It is located midway between the El Capitan and the Half Dome. The most easy way to the summit is the normal descent route.
El Capitan : It is very popular among the rock climbers all around the world.
Mt. Lyell: It is the tallest peak in the Yosemite National Park at the height of 13,114 ft. It has the largest glacier in the park.
Glacier Point: At 7,214 ft, it offers a great view of the valley floor.
Giant Sequoias:
There are 3 groves of Giant sequoia trees in the Yosemite National Park namely Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove. These trees are the largest living things on earth. Giant Sequoia trees can live up to 3,000 years.
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