United States California
Yosemite National Park
A renowned valley in California famed for its giant sequoias, towering cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and diverse wildlife within the Sierra Nevada.
Tips from the community
When America’s first conservationist president, Theodore Roosevelt, signed into law the lasting protections for the natural wonders of our modern-day national parks, he soliloquized, “There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.”
Yosemite National Park topped that list—and is the most-visited national park in California—for good reason. Just 200 miles east of San Francisco, Yosemite delivers on all promises of sweeping high-country views from the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains—California’s tallest mountain pass. Its most famous features, from El Capitan to Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls, are the stuff of desktop screensavers and boy scout dreams. Yet, in the words of John Muir, who first found his footing as an adventurer while herding sheep through Yosemite’s lush valleys and sublime canyons, the landscape is “hopelessly unsketchable and untellable.” It’s the sort of thing you have to see for yourself.
You won’t be limited to sightseeing, though you won’t want to miss the thundering 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls or Glacier Point where Muir and Roosevelt once stood to see about one third of the park from 3,500 feet above the valley floor. There are also fantastic opportunities for harder backcountry sports like mountaineering, rafting, bouldering and big-wall rock climbing, and swimming in natural springs and alpine lakes. The park and many of its campsites, lodges, and airbnbs are open year round, so if you’re looking for a quieter trip, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski in winter months.
savannah.whitmer 3 years ago
Yosemite has certainly boasted plenty of epic trails for years so there really wasn’t any need to invent a new one. But Ian Elmen, ultimate thrill seeker and founder of Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, did just that 10 years ago. Because, why not?
This truly epic trail traverses the Yosemite Nationall Park for 100km, meandering through some of its best highlights, including the Ansel Adams Wilderness, the Cathedral Range, Tuolumne Meadows, the Post Peak Pass, and even Half Dome, which you can climb as a side trip. You’ll cross rivers and granite plateaus, hike along the shores of sapphire lakes and raging waterfalls, and spend days on end crossing high-altitude, flower-filled meadows. The landscapes are classic and memorable, the hike enjoyable and contemplative: the best Mother Nature has to offer.
Verdict: If you hail from abroad and are overwhelmed by the sheer choices of trails in Yosemite, go for gold and pick this beauty for the grandest bragging rights of all. It’ll deliver an incredible array of visual feasts and offers the unrivalled chance to be completely immersed in this pristine nature for an entire week, totally disconnecting you from the rest of the world. SYMG bagged an award from National Geographic for this trail and although it can certainly be done independently, the preparation (and food + camping gear packing) really is quite substantial. SYMG offer two guided options: one is a backpacking trip and the other an assisted journey with the addition of packhorses.
laurastraveltales 6 years ago
Yosemite National Park is one of the headline acts of the Golden State. Legendary among free climbers (if you haven’t watched Free Solo yet, now’s the time) and visited by more than four million people each year, it’s something truly special. The heart of it all is the awesome Yosemite Valley, which is guarded by the sheer walls of El Capitan and the Half Dome. Hiking is abundant. Waterfall watching abounds. Scenic drives are everywhere. What more could you want?
jrfrancis 4 years ago
Okay, so you probably won’t be alone on the Yosemite hiking trails. But hey, these are some of the most famous trails in America. Apply for a permit early if you want to try that bucket-list Half Dome to get views of the idyllic valley below.
jrfrancis 3 years ago
Yosemite National Park Guides
Best Summer Campsites for Families
gocamp (GoCamp ) <p>Planning the perfect family camper van getaway can be both exciting and daunting, but there's one tried-and-true option that consistently brings joy to all ages: camping. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy some quality family time, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, selecting the right campsite is key. With countless options available, finding that perfect spot can feel overwhelming. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of the best summer campsites for families, each offering unique amenities and experiences that are sure to create lasting memories for everyone. From lakeside retreats to forest hideaways, these campsites are ideal for making the most out of your summer adventure.</p>High Sierra Road Trip: All the places to spot along the way
seeker (Seeker Editors) Embarking on a road trip through High Sierra is like stepping into a boundless adventure book, where every turn of the page reveals a new, awe-inspiring chapter. This majestic region is a canvas painted with soaring peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, just waiting for you to discover its secrets. From the ancient forests of Sequoia National Park to the otherworldly landscapes of Mono Lake, we've rounded up an irresistible list of spots that will captivate your heart and spark your wanderlust. Buckle up, because each site on this journey promises breathtaking views and unforgettable memories that are just around the next bend.A Road Trip from Yosemite to Death Valley
gocamp (GoCamp ) <p>Embarking on a California road trip from the majestic cliffs of Yosemite to the sunny sands of Death Valley is like flipping through the most diverse pages of nature's grand portfolio. Picture this: one day you're gazing in awe at the towering granite monoliths and cascading waterfalls of Yosemite Valley, and the next, you're wandering amidst the alien landscapes of the lowest and driest national park in North America. This is no ordinary camper van journey; it's a transition between extremes, an exploration that really puts into perspective the magnificence and diversity of the natural wonders our world has to offer. Rent your camper van and buckle up for an adventure that takes you from the cool, forest-clad Sierra Nevada to the stark and mesmerizing beauty of the Mojave Desert.</p>California National Park Roadtrip: All the best spots to stop along the way
seeker (Seeker Editors) Pack your bags and get ready for an epic road trip through the Golden State's most breathtaking landscapes. From the towering trees of Sequoia National Park to the serene vistas of Point Reyes National Seashore, our California National Park road trip guide covers all the must-see spots to fuel your wanderlust. Whether you're a seasoned hiker looking for your next challenge or a nature lover in search of tranquil beauty, this journey has something for everyone. Buckle up, and let's hit the road, taking in the dazzling array of ecosystems and unforgettable experiences each stop along the way has to offer.Wildlife sanctuaries that you can visit
wildlifeconnect (Wildlife Connect ) Ever dreamed of wandering amidst lush greenery and coming face-to-face with nature's most majestic creatures? Wildlife sanctuaries offer just that – a chance to step into the habitats of the animal kingdom and witness the wonders of the natural world up close. These havens of biodiversity not only provide crucial protection for wildlife but also invite us humans to immerse ourselves in an experience that's both enlightening and humbling. From the roaming giants of the savannahs to the elusive predators of the dense forests, each sanctuary is a world unto itself, waiting to be explored. So, grab your binoculars and let’s take a virtual trek through some of the most amazing wildlife sanctuaries that you can actually visit. Prepare to be awed!Socially Distant Weekend Getaways In The US
seeker (Seeker Editors) In case you want to get away, from bustling airports and cities, from whatever stress is happening in your day-to-day, we have the spot for you. These are some of our favorite remote destinations across the country that are perfect for some r&r, adventure, and socially distanced fun. Whether you seek to spend your days adventuring new terrain, cozy inside a cabin by a lakeside or experiencing off-the-beaten-path culture along the beach, these destinations have something for everyone.Best National Parks For Beginners
seeker (Seeker Editors) These top national park destinations are no stranger to newcomers, they have solidified themselves as some of the most famous and popular parks across the entire world. No matter what landscape you seek, from lush rainforests to spiral rock formations, there is a park waiting for you- complete with well-paved walking trails, quirky tourist traps for the entire family, and plenty of guidance documented online and at the site. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle and some comfortable shoes because we are ready to take you on your first, life-changing National Park adventure for beginners.Best National Parks for Stargazing
seeker (Seeker Editors) Witness the extravagance of a dark sky filled to the brim with sparkling stars. From desert landscapes to sandy shores- these national parks share the protected night sky in common. This list includes designated "Dark-sky" destinations that display clear views of the milky way in the summertime, and misty hues of green aurora borealis during the frosty winter. Experience firsthand the magic of our universe in the form of endless twinkling lights and planets at our favorite stargazing spots across North America.Most Dangerous National Parks In The USA
seeker (Seeker Editors) Nothing says summer quite like some exploration into the great outdoors- and the United States is full of epic national parks with breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife to discover. We *love* getting adventurous and taking in the rocky coastlines, picturesque lakes, and towering waterfalls that this beautiful country has to offer- but not without caution. Here is a collection of some of the most dangerous national parks, with consideration into how many deaths occurred and why at each location. This list is in no way trying to keep you away from some fun, just always use common sense and follow expert guidelines during your summer escapades. Better safe than sorry!Most Beautiful Places I have Been!
clumsygirltravels (Marika Devan) Mother nature is a force to be reckoned with and there is just so much beauty in the world to see! Here are my favorite places to experience the beauty this world has to offer. #seekerchallengeFavorite Climbing Destinations
nicolejordan (Nicole Jordan)National Parks Visited
lwithrow (Lindsay Withrow) 50 and counting!10 Most Visited National Parks in 2020
seeker (Seeker Editors) From the glistening waterfalls of Glacier park to the unique wildlife at the rocky coastline of Acadia, the USA has no shortage of vast national park treasures. We love visiting national parks for the incredible views and chance to immerse ourselves amongst nature and friendly wildlife. Here are the top 10 most visited national parks across the nation, and personal favorites of the Seeker team.US Natural Gems
stillontheroad (Giada Matera) #seekerchallengeThings to Do Near Yosemite
nicolejordan (Nicole Jordan)California Road Trip 2020
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) This summer we are hitting the open road in an RV and exploring California’s National Parks and the coast.West Coast Road Trip
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff)Summer 2020 Roadtrip
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) This summer we are hitting the road in an RV and exploring the National and State parks of California.Coolest Places to Go Camping
seeker (Seeker Editors) Sandy deserts, cool mountain air, rocky coastlines with picture-perfect views, no matter what you are seeking we have found the best campsite for you. Across the globe there are endless awe-inspiring destinations to immerse yourself in nature, we have selected some of our favorite locations for your next adventure. Let's explore what this amazing earth has to offer and live off the beaten path at these cool camping destinations.Hikes around the world
chiefseeker (Jody Vandergriff) My bucketlist of trails to conquer one day
Yosemite National Park Articles
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The World’s Most Epic Trails for the Thrill Seeker
Read more...Conquering a mammoth trail through some of the world’s most astonishing landscapes isn’t only about bragging (although it certainly can be), but primarily about facing your fears, testing your endurance (both physical and mental), and achieving something you never thought you could in a truly spectacular part of the world — and who wouldn’t brag […]