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.
Yosemite Declares End of Fire Season
Fire danger has been consistently "low" over the past several days and there is more precipitation in the forecast. Seasonal firefighters have started to depart and Helicopter-551 has been released for the season. With these changes, Yosemite Fire managers have declared the Fire Season over as of November 15, 2024.
Two tall waterfalls flowing down snow covered granite walls.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
A mountain reflecting in a lake.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring
Photo by NPS Photo
A rainbow over a mountain in the distance.
Photo by NPS / Bob Roney
A waterfall flowing down a granite cliff.
Photo by NPS Photo / Cindy Jacoby
Glaciated valley with vertical cliffs.
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