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Dramatic, spectacular Yosemite National Park, California, proves yet again that small is beautiful. The park is only seven miles long and at its widest, one mile across, but it sure packs in a punch with its vertical granite cliff walls, verdant forests, lush meadows, gushing waterfalls and abundant wildlife. If 'bouldering' and 'rapelling' are music to your ears, Yosemite National Park is the place for you. For less enthusiastic mountain climbers, there are treks and hikes to beautiful vistas. For those less energetic, shuttle buses are available to transport you into this spectacular, untouched natural paradise! Breathtakingly
beautiful, the Yosemite Falls are the highest in America and for the best view take the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, a 3.5 mile trek to a
windswept summit. If you are still feeling energetic, walk on to Inspiration Point for an even more spectacular
view of the waterfall and the valley. Getting to the gentler Bridalveil Fall is easier -- its just a short walk
away from the shuttle bus stop. Rocks cannot get more dramatic than El Capitan, a giant granite monolith rising to 7569 ft, the largest of its kind in the world. Looming over the Park, Half Dome with its sheer 90º cliff face is another dramatic sight. Climbers from all over the world gather here to pit their skills and strengths against these mighty giants. For the most panoramic views of the Park and beyond, trek or take a bus up to Glacier Point, the top of a 3200 ft cliff. Close to Yosemite National Park is the Mariposa Grove with its giant sequoia trees, some dating back to 2700 years ago. Entry permits A week long entry to the park for a person is US$ 10. If you are driving in your vehicle then the fee is $US 20 valid for a week. If you are planning repeated visits to the park, buy a Yosemite Pass for US$ 40 which is valid for a year. American citizens are eligible for lifetime passes, which allow entry to all the national parks in the country. These passes are free for those with permanent disabilities, and cost a nominal amount of US$10 for everybody else. Best time to Visit Come winter or sunshine, Yosemite is ready to put its best foot forward for you. In summer, lush, green meadows and forest and gushing waterfalls are there to greet you. In winter, though the waterfalls are reduced to a trickle, there is ample snow to go cross-country skiing or on snow-shoe tours. In short anytime is a good time – it all depends on what you are looking for. Bring climbing gear if you want to do some serious climbing! Don't forget to get comfortable walking shoes, hats or scarf to cover your head, camera and if you are artistically inclined, a sketchbook and some paints! Access The nearest airport is the Fresno Air Terminal served by major domestic airlines. You can also fly into San Francisco (200 miles away) or Los Angeles (320 miles). Amtrak has a service to Merced from San Francisco and Los Angeles. Yosemite Gray Line and Amtrak buses connect the station to Yosemite. Yosemite is well connected by road to major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. From San Francisco, you have to get on to the I-80 and then on to I-580. Turn off onto I-205 and finally Highway 120. If you are coming from Los Angeles, drive up to Fresno on the I-5 and Highway 99 and then turn off on Highway 41. Greyhound services are available for Merced. YOSEMITE VIA buses connects Merced to the Yosemite Valley. Getting Around in the Park You can travel around the Park in your own car or in the free shuttle buses with wide windows. Walking along the various trails is the best way to experience the Park at really close quarters! You can rent bicycles too and go on river-rafting trips. Accommodation Accommodation is available both inside and outside the Park. Lodgings inside the Park are pricey and need to be reserved much in advance, sometimes even 1 year ahead! Lodgings outside the Park are cheaper and suited to budget travelers. Also, there are plenty of campgrounds within the park and beyond the Yosemite Valley, where you can doss down with little damage to your wallet. Many campsites require advance bookings. There are quite a few restaurants in the park which offer nothing to write back home about. The nearby towns of Merced, Oakhurst and Fresno offer better and less expensive eateries. It is also better to pick up food supplies from these towns. For more tourist
information, contact The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center located in
Yosemite Village. Tel 372 0200. Or write to Wilderness Center, P.O. Box 545 Yosemite
National Park 95839 for information prior to your trip. They will be able to supply you
with maps and brochures |
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