Yosemite National Park
Incredible wilderness
Giant sequoia trees, dizzying rock formations and America's highest waterfalls: Yosemite National Park is a nature paradise for adventurers. We will show you the most beautiful spots.
A true classic
Founded in 1890, Yosemite is one of the oldest national parks in the world and a classic outdoor destination in the United States. Nestled in Eastern California, the park is flanked by the Sierra Nevada mountain range and famous for its deep valleys, towering waterfalls, steep rock faces and ancient sequoia trees. Although Yosemite National Park measures 3,000 km², most visitors explore the Yosemite Valley. This area of 15 km² boasts world-famous attractions such as the impressive Yosemite Waterfall and the monumental rock formations of Half Dome and El Capitan.
Sebastien Gabriel
Tunnel View
At your first stop in Yosemite, this panoramic Tunnel View offers breathtaking nature that stretches as far as the eye can see. In the forefront you will see the sparkling Bridal Veil Fall and the granite behemoth known as El Capitan, whilst the summit of the Half Dome looms in the background.
- John Salzarulo
- Josh Carter
- alexroch / Shutterstock.com
- David Joyce
Hike along waterfalls
When spring finally comes, meltwater from the Sierra Nevada mountains forces its way downhill, flowing west to the Pacific Ocean. Yosemite features dozens of waterfalls: the tallest is Yosemite Waterfall, dropping from an impressive height of 739 metres.
Casey Horner
The Mist Trail leads along some of the most famous waterfalls and allows you to experience the force of the water up close. This steep hike follows the banks of the Merced River. Its first stop is the 21-metre-wide Vernal Waterfall. The water crashes down with so much force that hikers will be treated to a cold shower. At the end of the hike is a spectacular view of the Nevada Waterfall and the granite giant rock Liberty Cap.
Earthly giants
The giant sequoias, the largest trees on earth, are native to this particular spot along the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. These trees can grow up to 90 metres high and live up to 3,500 years. Yosemite is home to around 550 of these ancient trees.
Bas Vermolen
The largest collection of sequoias can be found in Mariposa Grove, including the Grizzly Giant. This 63-metre-high tree with a circumference of 28 metres is a real celebrity in Yosemite.
Powerfocusfotografie
Extreme climbing routes
Not for the fainthearted: the gnarled and jagged granite rock faces of Yosemite are a magnet for adrenaline junkies. Half Dome, – named because of its semi-circular shape, – rises 1,500 metres above the valley and can be seen from almost anywhere in the park. The steep climb to the top is quite the challenge: on the final 100 metres, you have to pull yourself up between two metal chains.
Advanced climbers can test their skills on the sheer vertical walls of El Capitan and Sentinel Rock. If you prefer to watch, just grab a spot on the grass at El Capitan Meadow to observe those daredevils work up a sweat well into the early hours.
Images By T.O.K. / Alamy Stock Photo
Camping in the wild
What could be better than spending a night in the middle of Yosemite's awe-inspiring nature?
Peter Amend
Don’t expect a pretty manicured camp site though; this is pure wilderness. Well, sort of. At some campsites you will have to fetch your own drinking water from the river, but almost every campsite has a picnic table, a food locker (to keep the bears out), and a fire pit, perfect for a cosy night of roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire.
One option is to hike the long John Muir trail through the park and include an overnight stay in the wild. Yosemite Park offers 13 campsites. The busiest ones are located around the Yosemite Valley, but go a little deeper into the park and you will find plenty of campsites that are not accessible by car.
Jason Finn / Alamy Stock Photo
