With our new collection comes, a new series about national parks! Our most recent collection (YOSEMITE) out now, we decided to give you the top 3 things to do in Yosemite! Starting off with:
1.) Yosemite Valley
Unless you are solely planning backcountry expeditions during your trip to Yosemite, chances are you'll end up in Yosemite Valley at one point or another. That's because Yosemite Valley features much of the park's top attractions, including Tunnel Valley Outlook and a handful of Yosemite's most famous waterfalls, including Nevada Fall, Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls, to name a few. One of the world's largest granite monoliths, El Capitan, is also located here.
Yosemite Valley is an excellent place for first-time visitors to set up shop. In addition to housing many of the park's most popular points of interest, Yosemite Valley is home to Yosemite Village, where you'll find plenty of amenities and lodging options, including campsites and hotels as well as visitor centers, some dining options, including a grocery store, and a couple shops. There are also a handful of lookout points, picnic areas and light trails, perfect for those who aren't looking to do strenuous hiking in Yosemite.
2.) Glacier Point
Glacier Point is considered one of the best and most comprehensive lookouts in Yosemite. Visitors regularly describe Glacier Point's sweeping, panoramic vistas as "breathtaking," calling it a truly can't-miss spot in the park. From Glacier's vantage point, visitors are treated to panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, as well as landmarks like Yosemite Falls. Unlike many lookout points in Yosemite, Glacier Point is accessible via roadway, allowing drivers to forego a difficult climb. This is particularly fortunate if you're traveling with young children who would otherwise be unable to enjoy a scenic, high-altitude view of the Yosemite Valley.
Because this is such an accessible attraction, as well as one of Yosemite's most popular, recent travelers urge visiting during off-peak hours if you have a car. Otherwise, there's a big chance you won't find parking. If you visit during peak hours, which are between 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from mid-May to September, you may be directed by park rangers to park elsewhere and take a shuttle from Badger Pass to Glacier Point. To avoid the chaos, wake up early, or as some travelers suggest, visit in the evening for an unforgettable sunset.
3.) Half Dome
Hiking Yosemite's Half Dome Cables Route has been described as unforgettable and even life-changing by travelers. But this expedition is not for the faint of heart. The trail is about 14 to 16 miles long and features elevation gains totaling 4,800 feet (for reference, the elevation gain on the Mist Trail is between 1,000 and 2,000 feet, depending on which waterfall you visit). On this hike, the challenge begins immediately with a steep ascent up the Mist Trail, which serves as a good litmus test to see if you're in adequate condition for the remaining journey. The hike then continues to the top of Nevada Fall, followed by a long, flat section through Yosemite Valley. When you finally reach the base of the dome, a steep rocky climb finally takes you to the Half Dome Cables, a vertical, exposed rock face scalable by two steel cables.
If you're afraid of heights or are not in excellent physical condition, don't ascend the cables. You can still enjoy many of the dome's tamer sections, such as the trip to Nevada Fall. If you are going to try the entire hike, you'll need to allot at least 12 hours. The National Park Service recommends you leave just before or at dawn, and advises you to bring all necessary hiking equipment, including durable hiking boots, a flashlight and good grip gloves for the cables. You'll also need at least a gallon of water, and don't rely on park facilities for hydration or a bathroom break (the NPS suggests bringing your own toilet paper).
Hope you enjoyed our article! Do you think we missed anything? What are your rankings? Let us know in the comments or message us through our facebook page. Also while you're here check out our clothing! Remember to like and share. Thanks!!
Excerpts from https://travel.usnews.com/Yosemite_CA/Things_To_Do/ were used in this article
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