Yosemite
Half Dome, El Capitan, and Pure Majesty
Yosemite Valley is one of the most photographed places on Earth for good reason. Half Dome and El Capitan define the skyline, Yosemite Falls drops nearly 2,500 feet, giant sequoias tower overhead, and meadows bloom with wildflowers in spring. John Muir called it 'the grandest of all special temples of Nature.'
Gallery
Why Yosemite?
El Capitan & Half Dome
Two of the world's most famous rock formations - El Capitan rises 3,000 feet from the valley floor.
Yosemite Falls
North America's tallest waterfall at 2,425 feet - peak flow in May is thunderous.
Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove holds over 500 mature giant sequoias, the largest trees on Earth by volume.
Tunnel View
The iconic panoramic frame of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall from one viewpoint.
Top Experiences
- Half Dome cables hike (permit required, advance lottery)
- Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
- Sunrise at Valley View or Tunnel View
- Glacier Point sunset panorama
- Mariposa Grove walk among the giant sequoias
- Rock climbing introduction with a guide in the Valley
Expert Travel Tips
Yosemite Valley requires a timed entry reservation May–September - get it at recreation.gov
Half Dome cables require a separate permit - apply in the March lottery
Park at the Valley Visitor Center and use free shuttles - driving is chaotic
Book Ahwahnee or Curry Village lodging 12 months out