Yosemite
Valley
The valley is a glacier carved canyon. Its thundering waterfalls, towering cliffs and massive monoliths, many capped with the distinct rounded domes so easily recognized in photographs, combine to make it one of the world's greatest natural marvels.
Yosemite's waterfalls are so famous many people, even though they may have never visited the valley, recognize the names:
- Bridalveil
- Illilouette
- Nevada
- Vernal
- Yosemite - the tallest waterfall in North America, and, at 2,425 feet, the 5th highest free-falling waterfall in the world
The waterfalls are most magnificent in May and June. They frequently are almost dry from mid-August until snowfall.
We urge you to make the Valley Visitor Center your first stop. There, an orientation slide program, many
available publications plus exhibits which highlight the valley's natural and human history, give you a good perspective on what you'll be seeing and increase your enjoyment. Rangers are also available to answer your questions.
Behind the visitor's center is an Indian Cultural Exhibit and reproduction of an Indian village which will help you appreciate the cultural history of the Miwoks and
Paiutes.
Wawona's History Center
Wawona is primarily a community of single family residences with a year round population of between 150 and 160 people. It is located within Yosemite National Park in a mountain valley through which visitors pass if entering the park via the Hwy-41 and the South Entrance. The two main attractions are the historic Covered Bridge and the Pioneer History Center.
Giant Sequoia Groves
The oldest (2,700+ years old) Sequoia still standing is the Grizzly Giant in Mariposa Grove (near Fish Camp about 35 miles south of the Valley on Hwy 41). The other two groves (the Tuolumne and the Merced) are near Crane Flat. Note that private vehicles are prohibited beyond the parking area. Trams are available, however, from May until October. There are several excellent foot trails for hiking (or cross-country skiing).
Glacier Point
Glacier Point offers the best view of Yosemite Valley. Glacier Point is the crest of a 3,200 feet high, absolutely sheer, granite cliff. From there you have an unobstructed view of the entire Valley. It is also the best vantage point to view the 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. The road to Glacier Point is still open in the summers. It is about an hour's drive from the Valley but well worth it.
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Tuolumne Meadows and the High Country
Accessed via the Tioga Road, (Hwy 120). There are many scenic turnouts to give you great opportunities to admire the views and take photos. superb views. At Tioga Pass the road crosses the Sierra's crest which, at 9,945 feet, is the highest automobile pass in California.
Tuolumne Meadows (at 8,600 feet) is the largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra. Rangers are stationed at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center during the summer season and are ready to offer you directions and information about hiking in the area.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
An exciting 4-mile railroad excursion at Yosemite Park's south gate on highway 41. Ride into history where powerful locomotives once hauled massive log trains through the Sierra mountains. Where mighty lumberjacks felled the timber and flumes carried lumber to the distant valley below. The Sierra National Forest's majestic woods provide the backdrop for the narrow gauge journey back in time.
Located at Fish Camp on Hwy 41 (south entrance of Yosemite - just south of the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees). 56001 Hwy 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623; 559-683-7273. For more information, visit their web site:
www.ymsprr.com
Biking
Nearly a dozen miles of paved bikeways wind through the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. Rental bikes and bicycle baby trailers are available at Yosemite Lodge year round and at Curry Village during the summer season (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
Highway Access to the Park
Hwy 140 from Merced, Hwy 41 from Fresno and Hwy 120 West from Manteca are open all year. Hwy 140 (from Merced) is the easiest route and climbs gradually to its maximum of 4,000 feet at Yosemite Valley. Highways 41 and 120 West, however, have more kinks and climb over passes up to 6,000 feet before descending into the Yosemite Valley. Tioga Road, the road that connects the west entrance near Crane Flat with the east entrance and US-395 at Lee Vining is closed from some time in November to about the end of May (depending upon the snow).
Road and other information: 209-372-0200.
Yosemite National Park
P.O.Box 577
Yosemite National Park CA 95389-0577
yose_web_manager@nps.gov
Rangers: 209-372-0200
Visitor Info: 209-372-0265
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