Yosemite National Park

Ella Rogers

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·
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A True Natural Beauty in California

Sunrise in Yosemite Valley: On the left is a large, steep rock surrounded by green trees. On the right, a waterfall cascades down a wooded cliff. In the foreground, a calm river with stones.
photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

Hike to breathtaking viewpoints, picnic by idyllic lakes, and admire the most beautiful starry sky - Yosemite National Park awaits you with countless highlights from Mother Nature.

Located in California's Mariposa County near the Nevada border, Yosemite National Park is truly a fairy-tale landscape. No wonder this gem is considered one of the most beautiful and popular national parks in the United States. Majestic waterfalls are framed by green forests and impressive granite landscapes which you can admire from the best viewpoints. It is home to a diverse wildlife and numerous plants and trees. Find out why this national park absolutely belongs on your bucket list.

Facts about Yosemite National Park

Three mule deer stand in the clear river water, surrounded by lush greenery and bushes in the foreground. In the background, dense coniferous forests stretch beneath a clear blue sky.
Mule deer feel very comfortable here... photo by www.urlaubsguru.de
Forest with tall firs and deciduous trees surrounds a clear river. On the right, a large boulder at the shore, on the left, sandy beach with a deer. In the background, a majestic mountain backdrop under a blue sky.
...no wonder given the landscape photo by www.urlaubsguru.de
View from Glacier Point over Yosemite Valley with the iconic Half Dome at the center, surrounded by forested mountains. In the foreground, green trees and shrubs, above, a shining sun in a clear sky.
From Glacier Point, you have an incredible view photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

In northeastern California, near the Sierra Nevada and about three hours by car from the metropolis of San Francisco, lies the world-famous Yosemite National Park. Covering an area of 3,081 square kilometers, it occupies 7% of the U.S. state. Established over a hundred years ago, the park has gained worldwide fame and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Giant sequoias, waterfalls like Ribbon Falls, Horsetail Falls, and Yosemite Falls, the famous Glacier Point, and Tunnel View make the national park a popular destination for travelers and nature lovers every year. Mule deer, bobcats, and even American black bears call this place home. Keep your eyes open, because it's not uncommon to observe wildlife up close.

Getting to Yosemite Park

Two people sit in camping chairs by the shore of a clear river, surrounded by meadows and trees. In the background, impressive mountain peaks of Yosemite National Park rise under a blue sky.
For adventurers, camping in Yosemite is perfect! photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

You can best visit Yosemite National Park as part of a California road trip and include it on the route between San Francisco and the Death Valley National Park. Right within the park's grounds, you'll find various accommodation options. If you're more of an adventurer, the Yosemite Campgrounds are perfect for you - sitting by the campfire in the evening and sharing the day's experiences is priceless.

Travel Guru Tip: If you want to save money but still stay in a hotel, we recommend accommodation in nearby Mariposa. Buses run from here to take you into the park.

Climate in Yosemite National Park

The sun sets behind the mountain backdrop, shining through a valley surrounded by dense forests. On the left, high cliffs; on the right, wooded hills. The sky is blue with light clouds.
The sun sets behind the mountain backdrop, shining through a valley surrounded by dense forests. On the left, high cliffs; on the right, wooded hills. The sky is blue with light clouds. photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

Summers in Yosemite National Park can get really hot, reaching over 30°C (86°F). Due to little rainfall, wildfires are not uncommon. Just last year, the park had to close for three weeks because of this. Winter, on the other hand, can see temperatures drop to zero degrees and bring rain. Additionally, certain road sections are frequently closed for safety reasons, meaning you may have to take significant detours. The perfect time to visit the national park is either in autumn with pleasant temperatures between 10°C and 15°C (50°F and 59°F) or in spring with slightly cooler temperatures ranging from 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F). You can expect impressive, roaring waterfalls that only truly flourish after winter.

Admission and Opening Hours

Per vehicle, you'll pay $30 during the summer season from April to October, while from November to March, it's only $25. With the pass, you can explore Yosemite Park for seven days. There are no restricted hours. Yosemite National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Only the eastern entrance at Tioga Pass is closed during winter, but you can continuously enter the park through three other entrances.

Travel Guru Tip: Make sure to pack plenty of provisions for your time in the national park, as food prices on-site can be quite high. If you don't have your rental car for transportation, shuttle buses can take you from point A to B.

Attractions in Yosemite National Park

You can explore the park's wonderful nature on foot, by bike, or on horseback. You can also fish, climb, skydive, and ski in winter. Additionally, there are even events and wellness packages available. Yosemite National Park is so diverse that it has something to offer for everyone. Let's reveal what highlights nature has in store for you.

Gigantic Waterfalls

A large waterfall cascades between two steep rock walls. In the foreground, green trees and a single tree in a misty meadow. The sun illuminates the rock walls.
A large waterfall cascades between two steep rock walls. In the foreground, green trees and a single tree in a misty meadow. The sun illuminates the rock walls. photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

Many different waterfalls are distributed throughout the California national park - they have made it famous. Some of them are particularly popular: The Yosemite Falls, with a height of over 700 meters, are among the largest waterfalls worldwide and a top attraction. If you want to see them in all their glory, we recommend the hike to the Lower Yosemite Falls. If you prefer to enjoy the view from above, you'll need to climb to the Upper Yosemite Falls. Bridalveil Fall is also a true highlight. It appears as if it pours over the park's forests. A special natural phenomenon occurs with the Horsetail Falls at El Capitan Rock: They glow in vibrant golden tones in February, thanks to unique lighting conditions, and seem to cascade down the rock like lava.

Breathtaking Views

View of Yosemite Valley: on the left, the striking rock wall El Capitan; in the middle, distant mountains; on the right, waterfall against a rocky backdrop. The sky is colorful, predominantly purple and pink, beneath a dense forest.
Even at dusk, the landscape looks incredible... photo by www.urlaubsguru.de
Starry night over Yosemite Valley with tall rocks, with the iconic El Capitan on the left and a waterfall on the right. Trees in the foreground glow golden.
...at night, the whole sky sparkles. photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

Glacier Point is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the park. From here, you have a breathtaking view of the entire Yosemite Valley and the surrounding landscape. The famous Half Dome granite also rises majestically before you.

It's especially beautiful here on a clear night when an incredible starry sky stretches above you with countless twinkling lights you've never seen before. Tunnel View also offers a fascinating sight. Between the peaks of the rocks, you can see Bridalveil Falls - indescribably beautiful.

Idyllic Lake Landscapes

Clear mountain lake with reflection in the foreground, surrounded by tall green trees. In the background, snow-capped mountains rise under a deep blue sky with a few clouds.
Clear mountain lake with reflection in the foreground, surrounded by tall green trees. In the background, snow-capped mountains rise under a deep blue sky with a few clouds. photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

A hike to the picturesque Merced River is not only worthwhile for the beautiful sight it offers. You can row across the river and discover the park from a whole new perspective. Keep your eyes peeled; you might spot animals hiding in the bushes along the shore. An idyllic picnic location is provided by Tenaya Lake, situated at over 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) above sea level. This spot is especially magical in summer when you can seek refreshment in this fairy-tale setting.

To-do List for Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a highlight that many of you probably already have on your bucket list. To make sure you don't miss anything, here's a to-do list:

  • Enjoy the breathtaking view from Tunnel View. Don't forget your camera!
  • Hike to the Lower Yosemite Falls and let the spray from the roaring waterfalls refresh you - especially a highlight during high temperatures!
  • Don't miss the view from Glacier Point over the famous Half Dome granite.
  • Have a picnic at Tenaya Lake.
  • Jump into the skies while skydiving and enjoy the view from above, including an adrenaline kick.
  • Come in February to see the Horsetail Falls and experience a true natural spectacle.
  • Camp at the Yosemite Campgrounds, have a campfire, and experience the fantastic starry sky.

Discover California at Its Most Beautiful

The pictures speak for themselves, right? We would love to travel back to Yosemite National Park right away. Also, we strongly recommend a California road trip. Grab a rental car and off you go!

For anyone still looking for a suitable California package tour, we have here the perfect California offers: