Yosemite National Park, California

This California national park is visited by nearly 4 million people every year who come to see its giant sequoia groves, granite cliffs, waterfalls, deep streams and the abundant wildlife that still call the area home. There are many things to do at Yosemite National Park, and what you choose depends a lot on when you visit. The summer months are the busiest at the park since all areas of Yosemite are reachable by vehicle. Wildflowers also bloom in abundance during the summer months, and are a huge attraction. Much of the park is inaccessible due to snow until May, but there is still plenty do do throughout the fall and winter.

The rivers and waterfalls that helped make Yosemite famous may be seen all year long, and hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are always open, weather permitting. You may also partake in fishing, bird watching, backpacking, rock climbing, camping and more. Winter activities and sports are also popular once the weather turns cold, and include downhill skiing and snowboarding. Lessons are usually available from qualified instructors.

If more hands-on activities are your style, visit the park on a guided tour alongside a park ranger. There are also numerous educational opportunities for classes, so teachers should feel free to set up visits for their students at any time during the year.

Yosemite is located south of Lake Tahoe and just northwest of Fresno. Highway 120 from Nevada runs straight into the park, as does Highway 41 out of Fresno. The use of GPS units to reach the park is not recommended as there is no specific address, and therefore units do not work well for directions.

Call ahead for the latest information on weather concerns, especially during the fall and winter months. An entry fee of $20 per vehicle is payable in advance of park entry, and allows you to enter and exit the park at will for one week. Separate fees are charged for those on foot, bicycle or horseback, as well as for commercial tours.