The most magnificent & beautiful valley in the nation.
Great granite peaks & domes surround this lush glacier formed
valley. The Merced River carves through this wonderous land. Yosemite National
Park host 4 million visitors each year. High-country backpacking
is best way to experience seclusion, as the Valley serves the
majority of the visitors.
Why drive it? Take the train to directly to Yosemite Valley.
Sleep, relax & enjoy the ride as you are transported to one
of the most beautiful National Parks in the nation. The combination
of bus & train will bring you to the Yosemite Lodge offering
a wide variety of cabins, rooms or suites. (campgrounds are also
closeby) Park entrance fees are included in the Amtrak bus fare
into the valley.
Getting around the valley is not a problem. Traffic and smog problems are nearly solved with new large parking lots centrallt places in the main valley, and a clean-fuel valley shuttle that runs daily from 6am - 10pm. Shuttle is FREE and has racks for bikes. There is also a free daily shuttle to Glacier Point.
Yosemite Valley, 10 miles long, is similar to a small city in the wild. However this special sacred place is not a controlled amusement park, and the real dangers of outdoor recreation are very real. People loose their lives needlessly at the popular waterfalls every year. There are general stores, gift shops, hotels, tent cabins, restaurants & bike rentals within the valley. If you prefer to drive, check road conditions (Oct.-Apr.) for snow reports. The park's east entrance Tioga Pass Hwy 120 is closed about half the year due to snow and rock slides.
Avoid the Crowds by not visiting in the summer.
Off season in Yosemite: JAN-APRIL, SEPT, OCT

Yosemite Campgrounds
camping reservations should be made ahead of time. Since this is such a popular park it is very common to book up to a year in advance. Camping outside Yosemite National Park - try Lee Vining Canyon and Bass Lake
Yosemite Lakes
most lakes inside the National Park require a hike or mile long paved walk to reach. Inyo National Forest has many gorgeous alpine lakes at the highway edge, East of Tioga Pass. On the west side, Bass Lake is a large recreational lake on Hwy 41 that has easy access and plenty of develoepd campgrounds. Secluded Mammoth Pool Reservoir and numerous backroads camping creeks inside Sierra National Forest.
Yosemite Lodging
hotel reservations should be made well ahead of time. Since this is such a popular park it is very common to book a year in advance.
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Area activities include:
- Backpacking
- Bike Trails
- Camping
- Fishing
- Guided Tours
- Hiking
- Ice Skate
- Kayaking
- River Rafting
- Rock Climbing
- Snow Skiing
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Yosemite Seasonal Events:
Autumn =Vintners' Holidays - Calif.vintners wines
through seminars, talks & banquets.
Winter = Chefs' Holidays - Great chefs are featured through
banquets & demonstrations.
Spring = Ski Festival - Winter carnival at Badger Pass on last weekend of ski season.
Yosemite Park Phone Numbers:
General park information |
209/372-0200 |
Hotel Reservations/Cancellations |
209/252-4848 |
Campground Reservations |
800/365-2267 |
Road & Weather Conditions |
209/372-0200 |
Yosemite Holidays Hotlines |
209/454-2020 |
Sightseeing Tours |
209/372-1240 |
Ski Conditions -Badger Pass |
209/372-1000 |
Road Services |
209/372-1221 |
Yosemite Park & Curry Co. Offices |
209/372-1000 |