Yosemite
National Park
Yosemite Wilderness Office
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
Phone (209) 372-0299
It's hard to say enough about Yosemite. And even if it were possible, it wouldn't compare to the experience of being there. Not by a long-shot. So stark and grand is the beauty of the region that its appeal is universal. Millions of visitors arrive to see this 1,200- square-mile paradise each year.
Yosemite combines many amazing natural attractions. Park elevations vary between 2,000 and 13,000 feet above sea level. The steep-walled Yosemite Valley is a postcard favorite, sporting several dramatic waterfalls. At 8,800 feet you'll find Tuolumne Meadows, popular in the winter for mountaineering. In the summer, backpackers and day hikers find great challenges there.
And, of course, there's no forgetting El Capitan and Half-Dome, two of the world's most famous rock formations.
Reserve in advance to camp in Yosemite. The valley, where most visitors stay, accommodates hundreds of overnight visitors who pitch tents and rent rustic cabins and canvas shelters. What everyone says is true: Yosemite is a zoo in the summer.
Nonetheless, the mountains, forests, waterfalls, monolithic rocks and dozens of other awesome features guarantee a good trip. But prepare to camp close to other groups.
Dogs on leashes are permitted only in the camping areas. If you want to leave your pooch for the day, Yosemite Concession Service runs a day-kennel.
Getting there
Take 99 South to Manteca and continue east on 120 into the park.
Yosemite