Yosemite National Park
Only A Day
Be sure to explore the new Valley Visitor Center exhibit hall, see the inspirational film, Spirit of Yosemite, and visit the Yosemite Museum. Walk to the base of lower Yosemite Fall. Consider a two-hour Valley Floor Tour to see the Valley's most scenic sights with the added benefit of a park ranger narration.
These rangers recommend that if you only have a day…
…take in a birds-eye view of Yosemite Valley and get a great sense of place at Glacier Point. Take an easy walk with your family to Mirror Lake to experience a different view of the Valley. —Sam Vasquez
…during summer, take in the incredible vistas along the Tioga Road. If time allows, take a day hike to an alpine lake or meadow to find peace and solitude. —Victoria Mates
…stop at the visitor center to pick up a day hike brochure and Cook's Meadow self-guiding trail booklet. Take this easy walk through Cook's Meadow to learn about a changing Yosemite. If time allows, journey to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to marvel at these massive trees. —Ariel Kelly
…during a quiet winter visit, consider the strenuous hike to Columbia Rock for amazing views from the sunny-side of the Valley. As evening approaches, ice-skate at Curry Village as you view the winter light on Half Dome. —Andy Fristensky
…park at the day visitor parking lot in the Valley and take the free shuttle to popular destinations. —Ranger Bill
Yosemite In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
