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.
In this video, I visit Yosemite National Park in California, one of the most famous and most beloved national parks in the United States. Known for its towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, meadows, and forests, Yosemite has inspired generations of travelers, artists, and nature enthusiasts. A visit here offers a mix of dramatic scenery and quiet beauty that makes it one of the highlights of the American West.
The heart of Yosemite is the Yosemite Valley, a glacially carved landscape surrounded by some of the most iconic natural landmarks in the world. On one side rises the massive granite face of El Capitan, a favorite for climbers and one of the largest rock walls on Earth. On the other side stands Half Dome, with its distinct shape that has become a symbol of the park. Between these giants, waterfalls plunge over cliffs, and the Merced River winds its way through green meadows and forests.
Walking or driving through the valley reveals new perspectives at every turn. The light shifts across the cliffs during the day, from soft tones in the morning to golden colours at sunset. Waterfalls like Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall, and Yosemite Falls add movement and sound to the landscape, changing with the seasons as snowmelt increases their flow in spring and early summer.
Beyond the valley, Yosemite offers a wide variety of landscapes. To the south, Mariposa Grove is home to giant sequoias, some of the largest and oldest trees in the world. Walking among them is a humbling experience, as their sheer size and age create a sense of connection to the deep history of the natural world. To the north and east, high country areas like Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Pass reveal alpine scenery with meadows, rivers, and granite domes, showing a different side of the park that feels open and expansive.
Wildlife is part of the experience in Yosemite as well. Deer can often be seen in meadows, squirrels and marmots dart across trails, and a wide range of birds make the forests and cliffs their home. Bears also inhabit the park, and while often elusive, they are a reminder of the wild character of this protected area.
The atmosphere of Yosemite changes with the seasons. In spring, the waterfalls are at their peak and the valley is green with new growth. Summer brings warm days and busy trails. Autumn covers the meadows and trees with golden colours, while winter transforms the park into a quieter, snow-covered landscape where cliffs and trees take on a different beauty.
For visitors, Yosemite is more than just scenery. It is a place to walk, to reflect, and to connect with nature. The combination of sheer cliffs, quiet forests, rushing water, and open skies creates a feeling that is both peaceful and awe-inspiring. Whether exploring the valley floor, hiking a trail to a viewpoint, or simply sitting by the river, the park offers countless ways to experience its beauty.
This video captures the general atmosphere of a visit to Yosemite National Park: the famous landmarks, the waterfalls, the forests, and the feeling of being in a landscape that has been admired for generations. It is not a complete guide but a look at the impressions that make Yosemite so special.
Yosemite is often called the “crown jewel” of the national parks, and it is easy to see why. It combines grandeur with detail, vast views with intimate corners, and history with timeless natural beauty. A visit here is not only about seeing sights but also about experiencing one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world.