How to Plan a Trip to Yosemite National Park

Visitors should plan to see the waterfalls at Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park covers just under than 1,200 miles of wilderness in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is open all year for visitors drawn to its natural attractions, and there are plenty of amenities for those guests. Smart trip planners who want to see most of Yosemite will make their plans well ahead of time.

Instructions

1. Settle on a season to go to Yosemite. Spring is wildflower season and its many waterfalls are at their peak. Winter has the least amount of tourist traffic and is good for winter sports. Summer is the best time to visit the high country but the most tourist heavy. Fall offers a break from the summer crowds on the trails.

2. Visit the official Yosemite website at yosemitepark.com and click on "Plan Your Visit." This can provide directions to and around Yosemite, and the public transportation available in the park.

3. Click on the "Planning Guide" on the website. The guide explains the tour and trail rides, biking options, family events, and directions to landmarks. It also lists any special attractions and how to see them.

4. Check the site link of "Stay" for the many lodging options both in and around Yosemite. Some hotels may cost as much as $300 a night, but there are budget options. Keep clicking through the screens to get details and descriptions of the hotels.

5. Try to spend at least two full days in Yosemite National Park. This will allow one day for short hikes in the valley at the bottom of Yosemite Falls and along the Merced River, as well as a look at the famous Ahwahnee Lodge. Save at least one day for a longer hike up Vernal Falls, Yosemite Falls or Half Dome. It is worth making a schedule of your daylight plans to get a chance to visit Hetch Hetchy or the Mariposa Grove.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan to camp in the park, you must follow the rules regarding safety from bears. As of 2011, there were 300 to 500 black bears in Yosemite. Visitors must store any food in metal food storage lockers. This won't keep the bears from sniffing around the lockers, but they can't break into them. The lockers are available throughout the park.

References

• Yosemite Park: Plan Your Visit