Yosemite National Park

A hike up to Sentinel Dome rewards people with great views of the landscape around them.
Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.
Map showing location of park.
Fire Update for August 26, 2024
Although the Middle Fire is 100% contained, trail closures are still in effect impacting the trail along Long Gulch Creek, between Aspen Valley and White Wolf.
Fire Update for August 22, 2024
The Middle Fire is 100% contained. Operations include patrol mop-up, and rehab. Trail closures are still in effect impacting the trail along Long Gulch Creek, between Aspen Valley and White Wolf.
Fire Update for August 19, 2024
Yosemite National Park is a fire-adapted ecosystem. The overall strategy for all wildland fires is to provide for the safety of employees, the public, and to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources. Yosemite Fire crews are using a full suppression strategy on the Middle Fire using ground and air resources, including handline construction with fire crews including 1 helicopter, 2 Type 2 crews, 1 NPS wildland fire use module and 2 engines.
Yosemite National Park seeks public input on draft visitor access management plan
Yosemite National Park is seeking the public’s input on a plan to improve visitors’ access to and experience in the busy park during its peak season.
Fire Update for August 13, 2024
Yosemite National Park is a fire-adapted ecosystem. The overall strategy for all wildland fires is to provide for the safety of employees, the public, and to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources.
Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring
Photo by NPS Photo
Glaciated valley with vertical cliffs.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
A rainbow over a mountain in the distance.
Photo by NPS / Bob Roney
A mountain reflecting in a lake.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
A waterfall flowing down a granite cliff.
Photo by NPS Photo / Cindy Jacoby
Two tall waterfalls flowing down snow covered granite walls.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Mountains reflecting in water
Photo by NPS
Cluster of tall trees with cloudy sky.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Mountains surrounding a lake.
Photo by NPS
Granite dome with trace amounts of snow.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
El Capitan and reflection in Merced River with some low clouds
Photo by NPS Photo/ Christine Fey
El Capitan on left, Cathedral Rocks on the right, all covered in snow, low clouds and sun
Photo by NPS Photo