Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a national park spanning portions of Tuolumne, Mariposa and Madera counties in Northern California. The park, which is managed by the National Park Service, covers an area of 747,956 acres.

Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, glaciers, and biological diversity.

The geology of the Yosemite area is characterized by granitic rocks and remnants of older rock. About 10 million years ago, the Sierra Nevada was uplifted and then tilted to form its relatively gentle western slopes and the more dramatic eastern slopes.

Yosemite is one of the largest and least fragmented habitat blocks in the Sierra Nevada, and the park supports a diversity of plants and animals.

Location

Yosemite National Park
California, USA

Getting There

Here are some possible ways to get there:

By car: The easiest way to get to Yosemite National Park is by car. There are several entrances to the park, but the most commonly used entrance is the South Entrance, which is accessible via State Route 41. If you are coming from San Francisco, take the I-580 eastbound to I-205 eastbound, and then take the I-5 southbound. Take exit 461B to CA-120 eastbound, and follow the signs to Yosemite National Park.

By bus: Several bus companies offer transportation to Yosemite National Park, including YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System). YARTS operates year-round bus service from Merced, Mammoth Lakes, and Sonora, as well as seasonal service from Fresno and Visalia.

By plane: The nearest airports to Yosemite National Park are the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), which is about 65 miles away, and the Merced Regional Airport (MCE), which is about 80 miles away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to the park.

Once you arrive at Yosemite National Park, there are several things to do and see, including hiking, camping, rock climbing, and visiting iconic landmarks like Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. Make sure to check the park's website for information on park fees, trail conditions, and seasonal closures.

Nearby Airports

This is a list of primary airports in California that have scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines.