Nearly 95 per cent of this 747,956-acre recreation area comprises of pristine wilderness – land completely undeveloped and unspoiled by humans. Much of the rugged topography at Yosemite National Park results from the slow, steady movement of glaciers over the course of several millennia. Awe-inspiring vantage points allow visitors to take in stunning panoramas of the valley.
There’s no denying autumn is a special season in Yosemite, as the leaves turn spectacular blazes of yellow and rust. In winter, the park gives off a beautiful unmatched quiet serenity.
Come spring, the waterfalls thaw out and the park awakens with vibrant explosions of colour. Summer is when you can bask in the sun, take an exhilarating hike, or take to the water for a rafting expedition. There’s something for everyone, and for every season at Yosemite.
While Yosemite is best known for its waterfalls, the park also boasts deep valleys, grand meadows and its fair share of Giant Sequoia trees. There’s much do to in Yosemite, starting with water activities. Merced River is particularly popular in summer for swimming, boating and rafting.
Fishing is a favourite pastime from April through November and kayaking is a great way to enjoy the calm waters of Tenaya Lake. In winter, head to Badger Pass ski area, the oldest downhill ski area in California for downhill skiing and snowboarding from December through March. Biking, camping, hiking, horseback riding and bird watching bring people to the park just about all year round.
Last but not least, Yosemite is one of world’s most loved rock-climbing terrains – climbers find an endless variety of rock challenges from the sustained crack climbs of the Merced River Canyon to the sunny domes of the Tuolumne Meadows.
