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.
Dome Fire Update, September 27, 2026 (morning)
The fire has grown 311 acres since yesterday morning and is now 30% contained. The fire continues to move slowly north and northeast into the 2017 Empire Fire footprint, where rocky terrain and natural barriers are helping slow its spread.
Dome Fire Update, September 26, 2026 (morning)
The fire grew 240 acres since yesterday morning. Containment has increased to 28%. The fire is moving north and northeast in the old 2017 Empire Fire footprint and is inside the Yosemite Wilderness. Crews are building and widening fire lines near Bridalveil Creek, Empire Meadows and Horse Ridge.
Dome Fire Update, September 25, 2026 (morning)
The fire grew 228 acres since yesterday morning. It is 17% contained. Crews are building and widening fire lines near Bridalveil Creek, Empire Meadows and Horse Ridge. No roads, buildings or utilities are under immediate threat.
Dome Fire Update, September 24, 2026 (morning)
The Dome Fire increased 194 acres from yesterday. Wildland firefighters made progress connecting handlines to the Bridalveil Creek trail system and 2017 Empire Fire footprint and are continuing to place contingency lines off of Glacier Point Road.
Dome Fire Update, September 23, 2026 (morning)
The Dome Fire remained active overnight with most activity being on the north and northeast flanks of the fire.
Granite dome with trace amounts of snow.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring
Photo by NPS Photo
A mountain reflecting in a lake.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
A rainbow over a mountain in the distance.
Photo by NPS / Bob Roney
Cluster of tall trees with cloudy sky.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Two tall waterfalls flowing down snow covered granite walls.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
A waterfall flowing down a granite cliff.
Photo by NPS Photo / Cindy Jacoby
El Capitan on left, Cathedral Rocks on the right, all covered in snow, low clouds and sun
Photo by NPS Photo
Glaciated valley with vertical cliffs.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Mountains reflecting in water
Photo by NPS
Mountains surrounding a lake.
Photo by NPS
El Capitan and reflection in Merced River with some low clouds
Photo by NPS Photo/ Christine Fey