Half-Dome at Sunset

One of the most popular and oldest parks in the U.S. national park system is Yosemite National Park . I visit the park every few years.  This is my quick take on the park to expedite your trip planning to one of our nation’s greatest parks:

Famous for:  The stunning Yosemite Valley, giant waterfalls in the spring and early summer, Half Dome and El Capitan

Admission: $20 (or buy pass for all parks good for one year, $80)

Families with young kids will like: Short walks and bike rides through the valley floor with stunning views and easy access to the river for supervised water play,when the water is low.

Families with teenagers will like: Several great hikes including Bridal Veil Falls and walks through Mariposa Grove

Other travelers will like: Serious climbers will love dangling from the sheer face of El Capitan, serious hikers can hoof it up to the top of Half Dome, a strenuous 14 mile hike–not for the casual hiker. It has an elevation gain of 4,800 feet. You can do it if you are fit, but  bring an aspirin or two and plan a luxurious dinner out in the park. You won’t want to do anything once you are back on the valley floor.

Easy site seeing: Touring the valley floor by bike or on foot is a great way to see amazing sites without physical exertion.

Best hotel in the park: The Ahwanee Resort offers sumptuous rooms and grand architecture

Best campground in the park: Upper Pines (based on UpTake’s average reviews from across the web & my own experience).

Worst lodging experience: Curry Village, book your room here if you don’t’ mind long walks to the communal bathroom, shower lines without end and tent cabins that allow you to hear “everything”.

Best months to visit for weather: May – Sep (if you don’t like snow)

Best months to visit to avoid crowds: Mar-May and Sep-Nov (my friends always go just before Memorial  Day for their annual Half Dome hike)

Best Hotel: The Ahwanee Hotel for a sumptuous experience and awe inspiring architecture

Nearest major cities: Merced, California

More info can be found at the always helpful NPS.gov site: http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

Related posts:

• The Ahwanee Hotel–Grand & Romantic
• Camping in Yosemite

Photo courtesy of:

NPS.gov (your tax dollars at work)