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Learn more about the history of the park, the popular sites,
and explore a map of the park.
First founded in 1890, Yosemite National Park includes nearly 1,200 square miles of mountainous scenery, including high cliffs, deep valleys, tall waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and a large wilderness. Millions of people visit Yosemite each year to experience its beauty and its many opportunities
for enjoyment.
Sights around the park are iconic in the human experience of national parks. Beyond the rocks, plants, and animals, is a story about people in Yosemite written on that very same landscape. It tells a story of different cultures (sometimes working together, sometimes in violent clashes) creating the place we call Yosemite National Park and defining how we experience it. Yosemite’s rich human history tells a story of conflict, dreams, diversity, hardships, adventures, and preservation of one of the first national parks.
History of the Park
Through the work of illustrators, authors, painters, and photographers, word spread of the magnificent valley in the heart of the Sierra Nevada and giant trees. Many pioneers became tourist operators, building hotels and inns and starting stagecoach companies to bring the interested early tourists on the long journey to Yosemite. By 1864, the value of Yosemite was recognized by the federal government when Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, placing Yosemite under the protection of the state of California.
The growth of the national park and the surrounding areas has seen a large cast of characters. Some are famous worldwide, like John Muir and Ansel Adams, while others are significant at a smaller scale.
Yosemite National Park is steward to more than 60 properties on the National Register of Historic Places, a list of historic properties that have regional and/or national significance.
Sites in the Park
El Capitan
El Capitan, the world’s tallest granite monolith, rises over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley, and is a favorite of experienced
rock climbers.
Half Dome
Half Dome is perhaps the most recognized symbol of Yosemite. Rising nearly 5,000 feet above the Valley floor, it is one of the most sought-after landmarks in Yosemite.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls, one of the world’s tallest, is actually made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall, the middle cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall.
Horsetail Fall
Horsetail Fall is famous for appearing to be on fire when it reflects the orange glow of sunset in mid to late February. It falls off of the east side of El Capitan and is best seen east of El Capitan.
Mariposa Grove
The Mariposa Grove contains about 500 mature giant sequoias but the 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant sequoia is worth the trip all by itself. These trees can live to be more than 3,000 years old.
Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows is a large, open subalpine meadow graced by the winding Tuolumne River and is surrounded by majestic peaks and domes.
Tioga Road
The Tioga Road offers a 47-mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass through forests and past meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Many turnouts offer broad and beautiful vistas.
Glacier Point
Glacier Point has one of the most spectacular viewpoints anywhere. Most people agree that its views of the high country and breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome, and three waterfalls.
Yosemite Hotel
Formerly the Ahwahnee Hotel, this hotel shines as Yosemite National Park’s distinctive AAA four-diamond hotel. It's stunning interior design and architecture were designed to highlight it's natural surroundings.
Wawona
Although Wawona was not added to Yosemite National Park until 1932, this large mid-elevation basin has hosted many people and activities for centuries and is home to numerous other natural features.
Crane Flat Area
Crane Flat is a pleasant forest and meadow area. Nearby are the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, which are only accessible by foot.
Cooks Meadow
Cooks Meadow holds a large variety of plants and animals. These meadows are vital for deer and bears, numerous birds, and for an unbelievable number of smaller creatures, all of which depend upon an amazing variety of plants.
Location
Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles of mountainous terrain in the Sierra Nevada of California. Yosemite is open all year, though some areas of the park are inaccessible by car from approximately November through May due to snow. You can explore this interactive map to look at the different ways to take you where you want to go!
Please refrain from collecting any plants (including pine cones), reptiles, butterflies, and picking up archeological or historic items such as arrowheads that you may come across in the park.
Respect animals at a distance: never feed or approach them. Keep your distance from animals, even if they approach you. Dispose of trash in animal-proof trash cans or dumpsters.
When traveling inside the park, please refrain from driving vehicles into sensitive meadows and off roadways. Please obey the posted speed limits; Speeding kills bears and other wildlife! Also, always remember to wear a seatbelt when driving!
Whe camping in Yosemite, please camp inside of the designated camping areas. Be aware of weather conditions and pack accordingly. It's also always good to carry a map with you so you know where you are!
Diseases, insects, soil moisture, wind, fire, and snow combined with human activities can be detrimental to forest health. Please be aware of your surroundings, and especially be aware when around developed areas and keep in mind that trees may fall at any time.
Here are some tips for hiking safely in the park:
carry a headlamp with you, even on short day hikes,
carry plenty of drinking water and some food,
make sure you wear sturdy footwear, and please
stay on the established trail.
