Govind TekaleIt’s summer time. So there is a rush of tourists to different destinations of popular resorts. Yosemite National Park(YNP) is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Yosemite is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, with some roads and areas offering seasonal access (for example, Tioga Road typically opens in late May and closes in mid-November). It’s a sacred place, according to local traditions.
European Americans first entered Yosemite Valley on March 25, 1851, when the Mariposa Battalion under Captain James D. Savage entered the valley during the Mariposa War. This huge Park is spread over more than 750,000 acres, which is equivalent to about three thousand square kilometers. Roughly four million tourists visit this park annually.
The credit of making it a protected area goes to Galen Clark, a naturalist writer. He started a movement to make this area a protected one. Abraham Lincoln, the then president, gave legal cover to this park in 1864 through the Yosemite Grant Act protecting Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove. Under federal wilderness protections, visitors are guests who must not damage or disturb natural resources, and permanent habitation is not permitted.
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Yosemite is one of 63 national parks managed by the National Park Service; the entire park system comprises 424 units covering over 85 million acres (about 345,000 sq km) in the US. The original inhabitants of Yosemite National Park were the Ahwahneechee people, a band of Miwok and Mono Indians. They referred to Yosemite Valley as “Ahwahnee,” meaning “gaping mouth-like place.” The Ahwahneechee people have been living in this area for at least 8,000 years. Their lifeways included activities like seed grinding, hunting with spears and atlatls, and their oral tradition passed down through generations.
Location of Yosemite National Park: Tuolumne, Mariposa, Mono and Madera Counties, California. Nearest City: Mariposa, California. Coordinates: 37°51′ N, 119°31′ W. Area: 759,620 acres (3,074 sq km). Established: October 1, 1890. Visitors: 3,897,070 (in 2023). Governing body: National Park Service.
The YNP (Yosemite National Park) was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1984. The granite of YNP has survived for millions of years. In this Park, one can see the grand side of nature.
The YNP is not only a Park, but it is the abode of ever-flowing waterfalls. It contains beautiful emerald-like green pastures. The greenery pleases the eyes. The mountains show the grandeur and might of nature. The byways of YNP lead to the dreamland of granite.
One should stay in the Park to experience nature in all its majesty for a week. An entrance fee of $35 per private vehicle grants access for seven consecutive days, though some areas require advance reservations during peak season. If you want to stay in the Park, you have to book earlier. The YNP is about 500 km away from Los Angeles by road.
The California Tunnel Tree, carved in 1895, still stands in Mariposa Grove after the historic Wawona Tunnel Tree collapsed in 1969. A free shuttle service operates in Yosemite Valley. Some visitors plan to combine a trip to Yosemite with events such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. YNP attracts visitors from around the world and is celebrated for its accessibility and public appeal.
The current Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden who stepped in after former superintendent of YNP Cicely Muldoon retired from the post earlier this year. She had begun her tenure in 2020. The YNP is internationally recognized for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, groves of giant sequoias, lakes, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and biological diversity.So get ready to visit this wonder of nature and enjoy nature’s beauty in all its forms. In short, the YNP, California, is a World Heritage Site, worth visiting at least once in one’s lifetime to see nature in all its forms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite?
Yes. During busy summer dates, you need a timed-entry reservation to drive in between 6 am and 2 pm.
How much does it cost to visit and park?
A private vehicle pass is $35 and covers everyone in your car for seven days.
When is the best time for families to visit?
Late spring and early fall have fewer crowds, mild weather, and open roads.
Are there easy trails for kids?
Yes. Try the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Cook’s Meadow Loop—both are flat and under two miles.
Is there cell service in the park?
Service is limited. You’ll find signal near Yosemite Village and some valley spots, but plan to use offline maps.
Can I bring my pet on trails?
Pets must stay on paved areas and roads. They are not allowed on most hiking trails or in wilderness zones.
How do I book lodging or campsites?
Reserve campsites and lodges early on Recreation.gov, as spots fill up months in advance.
What should I pack for a day trip?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and layers for changing weather.
