Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

April is a great month for spending time in Yosemite Valley. The waterfalls are flowing very nicely with spring snowmelt and the weather is usually fair (although, rain or snow is still possible). Roads It's possible to enter the park via Highways 41, 140, and 120 from the west (these roads are open all year). Hetch Hetchy Road is also open all year. The Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the ...

Duration: 3 minutes, 6 seconds Each year, Yosemite National Park welcomes over four million visitors. If you are planning to visit Yosemite, plan ahead and arrive early. In summer, expect extended traffic delays and extremely limited parking. Expect delays of an hour or more at entrance stations and two to three hours in Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Nature Notes 38: The Yosemite Toad First identified in Yosemite National Park in the early 1900s, and found only in the Sierra Nevada, the Yosemite toad is adapted for living at high elevation. Rarely seen by park visitors, the male toads possess a vocal sack that allows them to produce a melodious, trilling call. As the snow melts in mountain meadows, you may have a chance to hear ...

Yosemite National Park includes nearly 1,200 square miles of mountainous scenery, including high cliffs, deep valleys, tall waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and a large wilderness.

Discover and explore a comprehensive library of National Park Service images, video, audio, maps, presentations, documents, and more.

Seasonal Information Rivers & Waterfalls: Yosemite Falls is dry while Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Bridalveil Fall are low. Bears: Bears remain active in all areas of the park.

Yosemite Weather Forecast Map Click locations on the map to find the latest National Weather Service forecast for that point. You can also view a general forecast for Yosemite National Park..

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Lodging options inside Yosemite National Park are managed by Yosemite Hospitality, and range from simple tent cabins at the High Sierra Camps to deluxe rooms at The Ahwahnee. Reservations are available 366 days in advance and are strongly recommended, especially from spring through fall and during holidays. If you can't find lodging inside the park, consider staying in private lodging in ...