Agnostik
National Park · CA

Yosemite National Park

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

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Photos

Two tall waterfalls flowing down snow covered granite walls.
Yosemite Falls will sometimes only trickle at the end of summer, but wet winters can rejuvenate the flow.
Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring
Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring
A rainbow over a mountain in the distance.
A hike up to Sentinel Dome rewards people with great views of the landscape around them.
A mountain reflecting in a lake.
Cathedral Peak is one of the most recognizable peaks in the Yosemite Wilderness.
A waterfall flowing down a granite cliff.
The walk to Lower Yosemite Fall is a popular and easy hike.
El Capitan on left, Cathedral Rocks on the right, all covered in snow, low clouds and sun
A rewarding view of Yosemite Valley in winter as seen from Tunnel View.
Glaciated valley with vertical cliffs.
Tunnel View is perhaps one of the most photographed views in the park.
Mountains reflecting in water
Glen Auilin is one of five High Sierra Camps, located in the Yosemite high country.
Cluster of tall trees with cloudy sky.
Yosemite National Park's massive giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) live in three groves in the park. The most famous of these is the Mariposa Grove, which contains about 500 mature giant sequoias.
Mountains surrounding a lake.
Tenaya Lake is a favorite place to stop along the Tioga Road in summer.
Granite dome with trace amounts of snow.
Half Dome is one of the most recognizable granitic formations in the world.
El Capitan and reflection in Merced River with some low clouds
El Capitan rises over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley.

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Guided Tours
  • Hands-On
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Ice Skating
  • Living History
  • Paddling
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Tubing
  • Snow Tubing
  • Skiing
  • Snow Play
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store