YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Area: California
Country: United States of America


Location:
In the far W of the United States, in the E-central part of California State, 30 mls W of the Nevada State border. 190 mls E of San Francisco and its international airport. Merced airport is 75 mls SW.

Telephone code from UK:
1 209

Website:
http://www.nps.gov/yose

Position:
In the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, rising from 2,000 ft to 13,000 ft in elevation. Surrounded by designated national forests.

Description:
Covering a rough oval of 1,190 sq mls, Yosemite (the Park) is a huge wilderness region of great natural beauty, notable for its towering waterfalls, rushing rivers, majestic granite escarpments and weird rock formations, mountains and wildlife. Unfortunately, it becomes dreadfully overcrowded during the peak spring and summer season. The narrow winding roads become choked with all manner of vehicles and pedestrians, so much so that the authorities have dramatically increased the entrance price and strongly encourage all visitors to use the Park's bus system (those who do can avoid paying the hefty Park entrance fee). However, there are plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten track if you plan in advance. Tiny Yosemite Village in the heart of Yosemite Valley is a major focal point owing to its proximity to an enormous glacier-carved canyon and spectacular Yosemite Falls _ at its most impressive during the spring thaw. In winter, limited skiing is available, although risky roads and changeable weather have to be endured. NB: Bears have proved to be a problem as they've developed a liking for visitors' food; proper storage of food is mandatory.

Suitability:
Anyone appreciating dramatic scenery. You'll bump into people of all ages and interests, from casual tourists to serious photographers to adventurous types wanting to sample the "great outdoors" and make their own evening entertainment. Be prepared for crowds and traffic congestion in peak season.

Accommodation:
All manner to suit all pockets. Dozens of small wooden mobile homes, log cabins, chalets, lodges, motels and a few full-service hotels in and around the Park perimeter and in surrounding towns as much as 40 mls away. The closer to peak season your visit will be, the farther in advance you should book your room.

Shopping:
No large shopping malls, supermarkets or designer boutiques. Principally tourist paraphernalia, outdoor gear and Native American souvenirs. Most things are pricey inside the Park.

Entertainments:
Daytime: outdoor pursuits including wilderness trails, extensive hiking, cycling, river rafting, rock climbing, fishing and golf. Visits to groves of giant sequoias (the big brother of the redwood tree). Guided horse rides; ranger-led walks. Winter skiing. Nightlife: low-key. Very few public bars and (not surprisingly) no nightclubs. Many prefer to stay in larger towns outside the Park.

Eating:
Limited to individual accommodation and small local diners. The big fast-food chains are deliberately not in evidence.

Public-transport:
A limited shuttle bus serves Yosemite Village and the immediate valley. Your own car is a prerequisite if convenience and speed in accessing the enormous variety of scenic locations and sites is a must. Plans are afoot to introduce a comprehensive bus service to and from the entrances to reduce particularly bad traffic congestion during peak season.

Local-excursions:
Choice of summer bus tours.