Yosemite is one of the most visited attractions in California. People from all over the world come for the incredible scenery and abundant wildlife of Yosemite.
Yosemite National Park is a four-hour drive east of San Francisco and covers 1,200 square miles of the loveliest countryside you’ve even set eyes on. Yosemite is in the central Park of the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, so there are interesting natural landmarks like the Yosemite Falls. This waterfall makes a vertical plunge over 2600 feet down a narrow rock gorge. Depending on the snowmelt, April, May and June is when you will see the Yosemite Falls at it fullest. You can hike around this landmark and to other areas in the park.
The summer months are the busiest at Yosemite National Park, and the campgrounds are often full. The park is enormous, so you can choose the location you want whether it be in one of the nearby towns that offers reasonably prices lodging near Yosemite or a rustic tent cabin in the park.
There are a number of lodges and inns within the boundaries of the park, so you can enjoy comfort after you’ve been out in the wild all day. There is also a great deal of lodging near Yosemite. The town of Groveland is just east of the park, and has a number of places to stay. The Yosemite Riverside Inn is a reasonably priced alternative to the resort hotels in the park. Opting for lodging near Yosemite instead of paying more to stay in the park helps you save money on your California Vacation. Finding the best Yosemite lodging is something you will want to plan ahead of time, since this area is very popular all summer long.
The Half Dome is one of the most famous landmarks in Yosemite. You can enjoy views of this interesting rock formation, which juts out dramatically from the cliff face from below, or you can take the hike to the top of the Half Dome, which is miles long but rewards you with unsurpassed views of the surrounding area.
Whatever sort of experience you want, you can have it here. You can stay in the luxury of the Ahwahnee Resort Hotel or stay in the most rustic lodging Yosemite has to offer in the High Sierra camps, which is a series of tent cabins filled with dormitory style bunks. The Housekeeping camp might surprise you. This is some of the more unique Yosemite lodging options; these rooms sleep up to six. There are three walls and a tent door, and each has its own outdoor grill.
If you don’t like to rough it, there are other historic places that are decorated with antiques and are some of the most comfortable and conveniently located lodging Yosemite has for the visitor. Places like the Wawona and the Ahwahnee are some of the finest options for Yosemite lodging within the park.
If you’re out exploring the park, there is a range of elevation and the weather changes quickly, with the temperature falling quickly in the afternoon. A hat and gloves are useful to bring to the park. Even in the summer the high country can be covered in snow, so if you’re planning to hike, wait to July and August if you want to go above 8000 feet.
Yosemite is a California State Park that rivals Yellowstone in its scale and beauty. This park is a great place for a family vacation or a scenic drive through the loveliest alpine meadows and California Mountains.
