As planned, after the rather cold experience of the day before in Sequoia National Park, this time we drove to Yosemite National Parke a little further north. Since the distance was much greater this time, we also needed a new campsite at the same time. We looked for a campground at the edge of the mountains, whereby the place was already quite high, but was quite pleasant in the sun.
Afterwards we drove further in the direction of the park. This time the park was quite full and unfortunately to our disappointment the higher roads were still closed due to snow. This meant not only that we could not see the beautiful higher areas, but also the drama of having to drive around the Rockies again. Actually, I had planned to drive to Death Valley on the other side after visiting Yosemite.
However, we still made the best of it and ran something through the area in the valley. Unfortunately, the valley was completely overcrowded, so that we were also later still over an hour in the traffic jam to get out of the valley again. Due to the closure of the roads we decided to go to Death Valley the very next day.
Yosemite National Park is a vast and breathtaking wilderness area located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, United States. It is known for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, and is a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
The park covers an area of over 750,000 acres and is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life, including black bears, mountain lions, and over 400 species of birds. The park is also home to several groves of giant sequoias, some of which are over 3,000 years old and are among the largest living organisms on earth.
One of the most famous and iconic features of Yosemite National Park is Yosemite Valley. This glacially-carved valley is home to many of the park’s most famous landmarks, including El Capitan, a massive granite monolith that is a popular destination for rock climbers, and Half Dome, a granite dome that offers a challenging hike to the summit. Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America, is also located in the valley.
The park also offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. There are several campgrounds within the park, as well as several rustic lodges and hotels for visitors who prefer more amenities. The park also has a number of visitor centers, museums, and ranger-led programs that offer educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
Yosemite National Park is also well known for its scenic drives, with the Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road offering some of the most spectacular views in the park. The park is also home to several backcountry trails, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the park’s wilderness areas.
The park is open year-round, but some of the roads and facilities may be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice. Visitors should also be aware of the park’s bear safety regulations, as bears are common in the park and can be dangerous if not respected.