Search

GBP (£)

GBP (£)
US DOLLARS ($)

+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

GBP (£)

GBP (£)
US DOLLARS ($)

+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

California

Yosemite National Park

HIGHLIGHTS
GALLERY
HOTELS
GOOD TO KNOW
ENQUIRE

Why Visit Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of America’s great natural treasures – a place where raw wilderness and extraordinary beauty collide. Towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome rise above lush valleys, while powerful waterfalls plunge hundreds of metres, fuelled by snowmelt in spring. Trails wind through ancient giant sequoia groves, where trees have stood for thousands of years, and alpine meadows burst with wildflowers in summer.

For adventurers, Yosemite offers endless possibilities – from hiking to rock climbing, photography to stargazing under crystal-clear skies. Yet it’s just as rewarding for those who want to slow down, breathe in the mountain air and take in the vastness of the Sierra Nevada. Wildlife lovers may spot black bears, mule deer and countless bird species.

Its enduring appeal lies in the mix of grandeur and intimacy: a park that feels both humbling in scale and deeply personal in experience – a reminder of the power and serenity of the natural world.

Grizzly or not?

Despite their name, none of Yosemite’s bears are true grizzlies; the last grizzly in California was seen in the 1920s.

No shortage of hiking trails

Yosemite National Park has over 750 miles (1,200km) of trails, ranging from short valley walks to strenuous multi-day backcountry routes that lead deep into the High Sierra.

Highlights of Yosemite National Park

El Capitan: Stand in awe beneath the world’s largest granite monolith, watching climbers inch their way up sheer vertical walls.
Half Dome: Yosemite’s most recognisable peak, offering a thrilling hike for the adventurous and unforgettable views for all.
Yosemite Falls: Feel the spray from one of North America’s tallest waterfalls as it thunders down nearly 740m in three dramatic tiers.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Wander among more than 500 ancient giants, including the Grizzly Giant, standing for over two millennia.
Glacier Point: Gaze across the valley towards Half Dome and the High Sierra from one of the park’s most breathtaking vantage points.
Tuolumne Meadows: Escape to Yosemite’s serene high country, where rivers wind through wildflower-strewn meadows beneath vast granite domes.

Gallery

Good to know

Getting to Yosemite National Park

The closest major city to Yosemite is San Francisco, about 300km (185 miles) away.

By car: The most flexible option. Driving takes around 4–5 hours, depending on which entrance you choose. The Big Oak Flat and Arch Rock Entrances are the quickest from San Francisco, while the South Entrance near Wawona is best if you plan to stop at Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
By air: You can fly from San Francisco to smaller regional airports closer to the park – such as Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), Merced (MCE) or Mammoth Lakes (seasonal) – and then continue by car. Fresno is about 1.5 hours from the South Entrance.

When to go

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

Spring (May to June) and Autumn (September and October) are incredible times to visit when the colours of the park really come to life. But don’t rule out Winter when it can be wonderfully peaceful and covered in a dusting of snow.