With many of us planning to stay closer to home this summer, more and more people are looking at visiting national parks, with Yosemite National Park at the top of their list.

Hiking, rock climbing, skiing, biking or plain nature sightseeing – Yosemite National Park is one of the best places in the United States to do all these and more. The natural beauty of the area, with its verdant forests, scenic meadows, gorgeous waterfalls and giant sequoias, qualify the park to be on top of any nature lovers must- visit US sites.

You don’t have to be in top form to fully enjoy the scenic vistas and picturesque views of the park. You can easily reach its attractions in your car or you can hop on the open tour bus for a scenic drive around the area.

Yosemite Valley

The park’s main visitor draw is the Yosemite Valley. It is home to Yosemite’s most popular waterfalls such as the famed cascades of Bridalveil and Ribbon Falls. The Sentinel Meadow and the area around the Yosemite Chapel offer a strategic viewpoint to catch a stunning glimpse of these falls.

The valley is also home to the most recognizable panorama of the area – the Tunnel View – a spectacular landscape of the lush valley, the El Capitan, and the majestic Bridalveil Falls. Head to the viewpoint located at the east side of the Wawona Tunnel to get a glimpse of this stunning vista.

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The Mariposa Grove is another must-see attraction of the Yosemite. It is where the towering trees of the giant sequoias can be found. You can’t help but strain your neck, through long periods of time, just staring in awe of their sheer heights.

 

Glacier Point

The Glacier Point is a favorite viewpoint of avid Yosemite hikers. If Glacier Point Road is open, usually between June to October, you can easily drive a car or join a tour bus to the area. However, if you are up to the challenge, it is more rewarding to take a hike in one of the several trails that will take you from the Valley to the heights of Glacier Point. The Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail are two of the most popular routes.

If you happen to visit Glacier Point during winter, nearby is the Badger Pass which offers the perfect location for cross-country skiing. There are ski huts available in the area for overnight jaunts. However, make sure to get permission and a reservation if you are planning to stay there for the night.

Other Areas of the Park

Other fascinating attractions in the area that are definitely worth checking out include the fiery Horsetail Falls. If you haven’t seen a waterfall on fire before, this is your rare chance. Check out the Horsetail cascade during sunset from the east side of El Capitan and you’ll see its waters glow red as if on fire. Stunning scenery is also available along the 39 mile drive of Highway 120 or Tioga Road. It will take you through Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows.

For a totally different look at the Park, take a moonlight tour of the area and find out for yourself how the moon can magically transform Yosemite’s major attractions. It could be a romantic alternative to daytime Yosemite tours.

Being out in the open, under the clear blue skies, is the perfect retreat for physical (social) distancing. Yosemite National Park (or any other national park) is the perfect backdrop for this summer. Not sure if this is the right destination, join us Tuesday, June 9th as we explore Domestic Adventure Travel as part of our virtual vacation series!

Have questions…be sure to connect with us via emal or phone, 727.748.4077. We look forward to traveling with you this summer!

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