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Five words. You just have to go!If Yosemite isn't on your bucket list, it's officially time to add it.
We've all seen the iconic photos made famous by Ansel Adams and other world-renowned artists that gave us a peek at the beauty of this national landmark but to see and explore it in person is truly breathtaking. It seems that each direction you turn is yet another gorgeous vista that outshines the last.
Catch this week's episode on a quick overview of Yosemite National Park. Links and more details available in the show notes.
Whether you're able to visit for the day or make it a new family tradition to return every year and wander a new part of the expansive landscape, you can never get tired of one of the greatest natural shows on earth.
We're already planning on a return trip to Yosemite but if you've only got a short period of time, here are some of the things that we are so glad we were able to see.
There is a mountain of resources available about Yosemite National Park and we know that we're not even close to listing everything that there is to do and see but please share your adventures with us and other tiny town travelers. We want to live vicariously through everyone that visits the park while we're out exploring and reporting back on other tiny towns.
The National Park Service is a great place to start for everything Yosemite. We hear from locals that their favorite time to visit the park is Spring and Fall, but no matter which season you visit, the park's beauty will leave you in awe and planning on a return visit as soon as possible
HistoryEstablished in 1890, Yosemite National Park recently celebrated its 125th year anniversary and is as big of a tourist and local draw as ever. Brush up on the history of Yosemite before you go.
Park info
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (some entrances dependent upon season/weather)Park passesSafety tipsYosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS - convenient shuttle service within the park and the surrounding communities)
Tip: we were advised to arrive at the park before 9am or after 11am to miss a bulk of the crowds. There are tales of 2-3 hour waits just to get into the park during the busy season.
Sights and Activities
Things to do inside Yosemite National ParkThings to do in the region:
BikingFishingGolfingHikingHorseback ridingWatersports
Be sure to stop in at the Groveland Visitors Center before you get to the park (Google Maps) and then grab a picnic lunch at Kevin and Randi's Old Fashioned Meat Market (two doors down from the Visitors Center - delicious!).
Explore the surrounding communities like Sonora, Groveland, Coulterville, Jamestown, and Columbia for great shopping, dining, and tourist attractions. A nice change of pace, especially if you're camping in the park.
Lodges/Hotels (inside the park)
Big Trees LodgeGlacier Point Ski Hut (winter only)Half Dome VillageThe Majestic Yosemite HotelWhite Wolf LodgeYosemite Valley Lodge
Campgrounds (inside the park)
Year round
Camp 4Hodgdon Meadow Upper PinesWawona
Seasonal (check each link for detailed dates)
North Pines (Mar-Oct)Lower Pines (April-Oct)Tamarack Flat (May-Oct)Crane Flat (June-Oct)Yosemite Creek (June-Sept): Tuolumne Meadows (June-Sept) Bridalveil Creek (July-Sept)White Wolf (July-Sept)Porcupine Flat (July-Oct)
Accommodation (Gateway Community - Groveland, CA)
All Seasons Groveland InnBerkshire Inn Bed & BreakfastBlackberry Inn Bed & BreakfastBig Creek Meadow Guest RanchDimond O CampgroundsEvergreen Lodge at YosemiteGroveland HotelHotel CharlotteLillaskogPine Mountain Custom RentalsRed Tail Ranch Guest HouseRush Creek LodgeThe Cub InnThe Inn at Sugar Pine RanchVacation rental by owner (vrbo.com)Yosemite International HostelYosemite LakesYosemite Pines RV Resort and Family LodgingYosemite Region ResortsYosemite Ridge ResortYosemite Riverside InnYosemite RoseYosemite Southgate Hotel & SuitesYosemite Westgate Lodge