Yosemite Tour Attractions
The numerous spectacular views of Yosemite continue to delight and enthrall visitors coming from various parts of the world. You can get to see some of the most natural scenic areas including gorgeous waterfalls, thrilling cliffs, amazing wildlife and many splendorous trees and plants.
The Yosemite National Park came into existence when Abraham Lincoln signed a document in 1864. Yosemite, spread over nearly 2000 square feet, is recognized as the foremost National Park of the United States of America. Yosemite features about 250 Giant Sequoia Trees within three Sequoia Groves and also home to some of the most stunning natural artifacts like El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point, amongst others.
El Capitan is located on the North side of Yosemite National Park, and with a height of almost 3,000 feet, it is arguably the single largest continuous piece of granite slab on Earth. There are several rock climbers who scale its walls with numerous onlookers checking them out with their binoculars. To an outsider, the whole thing will appear like a spectator sport.
Half Dome is the most imposing iconic granite of Yosemite National Park. It consists of a major challenge to many rock climbers in the world. It reportedly takes even for seasoned climbers more than seven hours to ascend the 2,000 ft. face. If you are ready for an adventure, you can also undertake a very strenuous 16-mile return hike to its summit.
Glacier Point is the prime vantage spot for viewing the Yosemite Valley. If you are keen on capturing the grandeur of Yosemite National Park in its entity, then you will have to go to the Glacier Point. Situated at the end of the 30-mile Glacier Point Road, Glacier Point treats you to bird's eye views of Yosemite Valley, Tenaya Canyon, and the Giant Stairway. You can also get an eye-level view of Half Dome as well as a lateral view of Yosemite Falls.
Yosemite Valley is a place that should not be missed. Seven miles long and a half-mile wide, Yosemite Valley is characterized by monoliths of granite and rushing waterfalls, attracting millions of visitors to Yosemite all round the year. The Yosemite Falls, located in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is recognized as the highest waterfall in North America and the world's fifth tallest.
Mirror Lake trail is the most prominent trail in Yosemite National Park. Late spring is the ideal time to go to this place as there will be plenty of water in Mirror Lake. Mirror Lake is the little spot along Tenaya Creek right underneath the face of Half Dome.
Mariposa Grove is located towards the southern region of Yosemite National Park. It features some of the tallest Giant Sequoia Trees in the world, some reaching 285 feet tall. The Fallen Giant is one of the many wonders in Mariposa Grove and probably the most sought after tree within the National Park. Standing tall amid the Mariposa Grove is the Grizzly Giant, considered the oldest living tree in Yosemite National Park.
Sentinel Dome is much taller than Glacier Point and from here you get a 360-degree panoramic view of all the surrounding areas that includes Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the Clark Ranges to the south. This summit is most famous for the lone Jeffrey pine tree that has since been stuck by lighting.
The Merced River - that starts at more than 11,000 feet elevation, in the high Sierra Nevada mountain range and runs through Yosemite National Park - can cast a spell. Bridalveil Falls is about 620 feet (188 m) tall and one of the most restored waterfalls in Yosemite.
Do not fail to visit the Sequoia Grove at the South Entrance of the park. You and your family members can hike a little bit through the Sequoia Grove and lose yourself amidst the giant trees.
What can be more inspiring than the Tuolumne Meadows - the vast expanse of alpine grass and granite peaks in the heart of the Yosemite High Country along the Tioga Road. As you stroll inside the mix of grass, trees, and granite, you will find peaks rising in the distance such as Cathedral Peak, Unicorn Peak, Fairview Dome, and Lembert Dome amongst others. You can also follow the Tuolumne River towards its multiple waterfalls and cascades.