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Why Yosemite
is special
Its valley is bounded by sheer mountain cliffs, towering falls, and a forested
valley floor. The combined scene is one of nature's most inspired creations.
Most famous sights
 Half Dome
- The icon of Yosemite (see photo). Tip: It's best photographed in the
afternoon sun.
El Capitan
- This steep sided peak soars almost 1,100 meters (nearly 3,600 feet) above the
valley floor.
Falls
- The park has a number of lofty falls, the two most famous are:
 Bridalveil
Falls - The 188 meter (620 foot) high Bridalveil Falls gained its name
because winds push its falling water around, creating a plunging gossamer spray.
Yosemite
Falls - It is one of the world's highest falls, the equivalent of a
modern 240 story building. Although it appears to be a single entity, it is a
combination of three sequential falls.
Mariposa Grove
- Home of Giant Sequoias, the world's biggest and oldest botanical life form.
One sequoia tree is 2,700 years old, dating back to the seedling days of the
Roman Empire.
Yosemite - its best
Vantage Points
Below are three spots that offer memorable views:
Glacier Point
- It is about 970 meters (3200 feet) above the valley floor and offers
a fabulous vista of the valley, Half Dome, and more. Glacier Point is my favorite lookout.
Sentinel Bridge
- Camera-friendly view of Half Dome are seen from the valley floor level as you
walk across Sentinel Bridge.
Wawona Tunnel
- Seconds before you exit the tunnel on the main road heading into Yosemite, the valley suddenly
comes into view and is artistically framed by the Wawona Tunnel's curved ceiling. This is a popular
postcard shot and is most people's first view of the valley.
When to visit
Yosemite
This central Californian national park is a four season travel destination. In planning your
visit, you should be aware of these factors:
Early
May is the best all around time to visit. Late September is the next best.
The
park's
waterfalls are most vigorous in May and early June. They typically dwindle to a
trickle by late Summer and Fall.
The
lion's share of the three million annual visitors come in the mid May to mid
September period.
During
this peak tourist season, you will likely experience overwhelming crowds and traffic clogged
roads. To make matters worse, middays in midsummer are typically hot (32°C or 90°F).
If you do visit in the summer, try to avoid weekends and holidays - and see the principal sights early or
late in the day when the heat and crowds are less severe.
In
winter, snow are heavy and can close many roads. On the positive side, Yosemite becomes a winter wonderland.
Other
tips & insights
The
national park open 24 hours a day every day. However, entry can be delayed on
high traffic days.
Accommodations
anges from luxury (the Indian themed Ahwahnee lodge) to
cabins (Curry Village) to bare ground sites for bring-your-own tenters.
Lodge,
cabin and camping reservations should be made months in advance for the summer
season. The Ahwahnee Lodge is usually fully booked for weekends a year in advance.
Yosemite
is about 300 kilometers (200 miles) east of San Francisco
The
light faced canyon walls are beautifully lit during full moons. And, stars are
brilliant on moonless nights because Yosemite is not near a city or large town.
Another factor: You're in a very deep valley. This further helps shield the
invasive, defused sky glow emanating from distant cities.
There
are a variety of hiking trails to please nearly everyone. They range from
challenging backpacker paths to short easy loops.
Wildlife includes bears, mountain lions (cougars) and cayotes.
Anthropologists
believe that Indians first settled in the valley some 8,000 years ago.
View my other gold,
silver & bronze medal
winners in the USA
 
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