Yosemite National Park, California
Location:
Yosemite National Park is located in central California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is accessible by car via highway 41 east from Fresno. It’s a nice mountain drive with a few scenic stops along the way. The towns of Coarsegold and Oakhurst offer a few places to stock up on supplies or to grab a quick meal before entering the park.
The park is almost 1200 square miles and is open year round. Peak season is spring and summer. Certain parts of the park are not accessible during the winter due to snow. Tourists from all over the world visit Yosemite each year.
Scenery and Wildlife:
Yosemite is best known for distinct features, such as giant sequoia trees, massive granite formations and waterfalls. The giant sequoias will be evident once inside the park. They live as long as 2000 years and have trunks that measure 25 feet thick. They make for some excellent photos.
Half Dome and El Capitan are granite formations that rise several thousand feet above the valley floor. These granite faces have become a haven for advanced rock climbers. Using special equipment, climbers can scale the walls. Some will take a few days to complete. Climbers will camp on portable ledges attached to the rock. Using binoculars, visitors on the valley floor will be able to spot climbers as they progress to the summit.
Yosemite Valley also offers some amazing scenery. Regarding Yosemite Valley, John Muir once said, “Everything is flowing, going somewhere, animals, so-called lifeless rocks as well as water.” The Merced River flows through Yosemite Valley. Vegetation and wildlife can be spotted throughout the valley. Lupines are a common flower seen in Yosemite. Lupines have soft green leaves that are coated with silvery hairs. Bright red snow flowers can also be seen along the river. The colors of these flowers are a nice contrast against the gray granite rocks. These also make for some impressive photos.
The lush valley, the water, and the surrounding mountains are the perfect habitat for much wildlife. Chickaree (aka Grey Squirrel), woodpeckers, and mule deer can be seen. Even black bears and mountain lions call Yosemite home. It’s important to respect Yosemite’s wildlife from a distance. Never approach them or feed them. Feeding wildlife can result in a $5,000 fine. Bears have a keen sense of smell. Keep all food at arm’s length or in an approved food locker. Don’t leave food in a car after dark.
Throughout the park, there are many park rangers walking the trails. Rangers wear uniforms to be easily identified. They are there to help. They are very knowledgeable about all things regarding Yosemite. Many give guided tours. Rangers can be contacted with any questions or concerns.
Camping:
Yosemite National Park offers some of the best camping in California. There are 13 campgrounds in Yosemite National Park. The campgrounds are divided into three regions, Yosemite Valley, South Yosemite Valley and North Yosemite Valley. Camping in Yosemite is extremely popular, especially during peak season, April through September. It’s important to plan ahead and make reservations.
Campsite reservations can be made at www.recreaction.gov or 1-877-444-6777
Camp 4 – Yosemite Tent Camping Only
RV camping is available in most Yosemite campgrounds, one noteworthy exception is Camp 4. With all the majestic greatness of Yosemite, it seems like there could be a better name for this campground.
Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Lodge at 4000 ft elevation. Camp 4 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This location is significant to the national development of the sport of rock climbing.
Yosemite calls Camp 4 a walk-in campground. This means there are no reservations needed at Camp 4. Campsites are on a first-come-first-serve basis. During the peak season, it may be difficult to find a site.
From spring through fall there is a park ranger stationed at Camp 4 each day. The ranger will take reservations. A line forms early. During the winter, Camp 4 operates on a self-registration basis. Once registered, there is a 7 day limit to the stay in Camp 4. It’s not necessary to register each day. Camp 4 is open all year.
Camp 4 is for tent camping only. There are no spots available for trailers or motorhomes. There are 35 shared sites. A maximum of 6 people are allowed in each campsite. Parking is available adjacent to the campground. A parking permit is required to park. A free parking permit will be issued during registration. Each campsite has a fire pit and a picnic table. Drinking water and flush toilets are available nearby. There are no showers and no pets are allowed.
Shared bear boxes are provided for the storage of food in Camp 4. It’s also important to store anything with a strong scent that may attract wildlife. Deodorant, soaps, and lotions should also be stored in a bear box. A map of Camp 4 can be seen at : https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/camp4map.pdf
Camp 4 is ideal as a base camp for hiking or backpacking. One well-known hike is the Mirror Lake trail. It’s an easy out and back route. The hike is definitely worth the time and effort. There are many photo opportunities along the trail. Yosemite’s incredible granite faces are visible throughout the hike. It’s called Mirror Lake for a reason. The surface of the water is like glass. This makes for some fantastic reflection photos. For the ambitions hikers, the trail continues to Snow Creek .6 miles, May Lake 11.2 miles, Tenaya Lake 11.3 miles and Tuolumne Meadow 20.8 miles.
Rock climbing and bouldering are popular in this area of Yosemite Valley. The trail is marked with wooden posts that display a carabiner. This indicates a climbing route is nearby. The climbing here tends to be much easier than the multi-pitch routes up Half Dome or El Capitan. It’s still climbing the famous granite of Yosemite
Many trails to Yosemite landmarks are easily accessible from Camp 4. Also, Camp 4 is near the Yosemite Lodge. The lodge is a nice diversion from camping when a hot meal or a shower is needed.
Photo Gallery of Latest Trip to Yosemite
Questions about Yosemite National Park?
Are there bears at Yosemite National Park?
The answer is yes, Yosemite is known to have about 300 to 600 black bears within the 1200 square miles.
What animals are in Yosemite Park?
There are known to be hundreds of different species throughout the park. They say there are almost 100 mammal species in the park. Some animals you might see are:
- Black Bears
- Coyotes
- Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep
- Sierra Nevada Red Fox
- Squirrels
- Pacific Fisher
- Chipmunks
- Mountain Lions
- Mule deer
- Bats
Is Yosemite Park safe or dangerous?
The park is known to have accidents. However, we can’t just state that it is a dangerous park. As an individual, you must take safety into your own hands at times. The park is full of wildlife and many different hikes, waterfalls, and rock climbing areas. Make sure to be aware of animals and do not disturb them in there own habitats, there is always a possibility that they could become aggressive. Some rodents might have viruses, so always be aware! You must be aware of your surroundings when climbing and swimming.
There have been fatalities at the park, so it isn’t a walk in the park. Many have been rock climbing falls, even rock has slid off mountains catching people on the way down. People have swept down over waterfalls, and wildfires have been issues there as well.
Conclusion
For more detailed information about Yosemite National Park visit: www.nps.gov/yose
Or contact the park by using the information below:
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
(209) 372-0200
Stay connected also on
Facebook, www.facebook.com/YosemiteNPS/
Instagram, www.instagram.com/yosemitenps/?hl=en
Twitter, https://twitter.com/YosemiteNPS
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