• View of Half Dome and Washington Column in Yosemite Valley

    Yosemite

    National Park California

Not just a great Valley...

but a shrine to human foresight, strength of granite, power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra.

Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, 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.

Features

  • Interpretive Ranger giving a talk on black bears

    Planning Your Yosemite Visit

    What is there to do in Yosemite? This common question is a difficult one to answer... because there are so many activities to choose from!

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  • Tents set up in Camp 4, Yosemite Valley

    Camping in Yosemite

    Yosemite's campgrounds are extremely popular. Reservations are essential for those campgrounds that require them, and those that don't fill early.

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  • NPS Social Media Network Icon

    Join Yosemite's Social Network

    No matter where you are, you can stay connected to Yosemite! Get the latest news, learn more about the wonders of the park, and keep memories alive.

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  • Bridalveil Fall in late winter

    All Things Current

    Check here for current conditions - such things as roads, trails, campgrounds, rivers & waterfalls, snowpack, wildflowers/fall color, etc.

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  • Half Dome cables with people

    Planning to Hike Half Dome?

    In 2012, permits will be required seven days per week to hike to the top of Half Dome (when the cables are up, approximately late May to mid October).

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  • Yosemite Nature Notes Logo

    Yosemite Video Productions

    Trip planning videos, video podcasts that share unique stories about the natural and human history of the park, audio podcasts, and more!

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  • Camping in Yosemite's Backcountry

    Heading into Yosemite's Wilderness?

    Nearly 95% of Yosemite National Park is designated Wilderness. Permits are required year-round for any overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness.

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  • Park ranger out in the field

    Jobs in Yosemite

    Interested in working in Yosemite National Park? Find out what variety of options exist.

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Did You Know?

View of Yosemite Valley from the Wawona Tunnel Vista.

Rockfall events have helped shape many of the outstanding features along Yosemite Valley's walls, including Royal Arches, North Dome, and Half Dome. Giant talus slopes that slant away from the Valley walls accumulate debris with each rockfall event.