Indholdsfortegnelse for Yosemite 2023 i National Park Journal

1 Plan ahead. Starting in 2020, Yosemite began implementing peak-hours reservations late-May through September. At the time of publication, the 2023 reservation system had not yet been announced but expect to need an advance reservation to enter the park Summer 2023. Check nps.gov/yose for announcements. 2 Get your pass. In addition to your peak-hours reservation, you’ll need to pay a park entrance fee. You can buy a $35, 7-day pass at a park entrance station, or use your America the Beautiful or other interagency annual pass to get into the national park. 3 Catch a ride. Skip the headache of circling for parking spots multiple times a day and take the Yosemite Valley Shuttle. Park in the lot at Yosemite or Curry villages or Yosemite Falls and then explore for…

BEST OF THE COASTPaso Robles to San Simeon If a stroll along a beach to watch elephant seals in the morning and a drive through a zebra herd to tour a castle in the afternoon sounds like a fantasy, think again. In San Simeon, this is just another day on a perfect weekend getaway. Located on the southern edge of the Big Sur Scenic Drive, just an hour from the famous Bixby Creek Bridge, San Simeon is a serene and family-friendly small town nestled along the Pacific coast. It’s also the home of the stunning Hearst Castle built by the media tycoon William Randolph Hearst from 1919-1947. It fulfilled his lifelong dream to build an estate that echoed those he had seen during his travels in Europe. He left in…

Home to a deep underwater canyon, vast kelp forests and abundant ocean life, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is an incredible example of conservation. Stretching from San Francisco in the north 276 miles to Cambria in the south, the sanctuary is one of the largest in the country. It extends an average of 30 miles out into the ocean and is even bigger than Yellowstone. The sanctuary is protected from oil drilling, ocean dumping and seabed mining, but other commercial activities like fishing and recreation are allowed. This part of the Pacific Ocean is one of the most productive ocean ecosystems in the world. Countless species call the sanctuary home from humpback whales to common dolphins to sea otters. To watch for big marine wildlife and seabirds and to…

GOLD COUNTRY LOOPSacramento to Elk Grove Located in the heart of California’s wine country and surrounded by incredible wetlands, this town is a perfect place to stop on the way to Yosemite. Start your day at the Cosumnes River Preserve, 20 minutes south of town. See more than 250 species of birds as you walk the 3-mile roundtrip River Walk Trail. In the winter months, spot the majestic Sandhill Cranes at the preserve. The Cosumnes River provides stunning flat water opportunities to kayak, canoe or SUP. You can bring your own boat, or rent paddle crafts in nearby Lodi. For even more wetland beauty, Stone Lakes Wildlife Refuge 20 minutes west of Elk Grove has easy, paved walking trails. Both areas offer guided tours with naturalists on dates throughout the…

As a photographer, you’ll be hard pressed to find time to sleep when you visit Yosemite. This park offers spectacular opportunities for photography all day long from when the first rays of light crest the horizon, to when the sun melts into the mountains and paints the sky pink, to when the stars come out. Each time of day comes with unique conditions for photographers, so we’ve compiled our favorite locations and tips from Tamron on how to get the best photos of this park. Sunrise at Valley View While there’s no shortage of stunning viewpoints in Yosemite, Valley View makes for one of the best to capture sunrise. Located on the western end of Yosemite Valley, this viewpoint overlooks the Merced River with views of El Capitan, Sentinel Rock,…

SAN FRANCISCO LOOPStart: San Francisco Want to avoid traffic, ride seamlessly into Yosemite National Park, and enjoy California craft beer and regional wines along the way? Hop aboard the Amtrak San Joaquins train from San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles (and Fresno seasonally) for the safest way to travel to the park. It’s also an exciting adventure with rare views of California’s breathtaking landscapes along the way. On board you’ll catch gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay before you enter the San Joaquin Valley, one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions. Through big picture windows, you’ll spot almond orchards and peach trees, along with carrots, tomatoes, grapes and more. You also have the freedom to walk around, stretch your legs and dine. Stop in at the train’s Café Car,…

Today, when the 1% of Yosemite visitors who make it through the Hetch Hetchy Entrance look out at the landscape, they see a vast expanse of blue water, ringed by granite mountains with waterfalls tumbling down their faces. A hundred years ago, however, the view looked a little different. When naturalist and conservationist John Muir first visited the valley, he wrote that it was “a grand landscape garden, one of Nature’s rarest and most precious mountain temples.” In Muir’s day, Hetch Hetchy was a wide, grassy valley with the Tuolumne River winding its way along the floor. Trees dotted the river bank and wildlife was abundant. It had been the summer home of the Miwok and Paiute people for more than 6,000 years and the tribes had periodically burned the…

VIVA LAS VEGASLas Vegas to Death Valley National Park After you enter Death Valley, Zabriskie Point is your first major scenic stop. A fantastic sunrise or sunset location for photographers, it’s one of the park’s most iconic features. You’ll have to walk a very short, but fairly steep, paved hill up to see the view. When you reach the overlook, you’ll see striking badlands with bands of purples, reds, oranges and tan. For a short, moderate hike, do the 2.7-mile roundtrip Badlands Loop that leaves from the parking lot. It becomes very apparent why the area along Artist’s Drive is called Artist’s Palette because it looks as though an artist swept her brush across the hillsides. Take in the views from the parking lot or walk as far as you…

With so many activity options in Yosemite, ranging from family-friendly to skilled adventures, it can be difficult to decide what to do. Do you lazily float down a river or make the strenuous climb up a granite dome? Use our guide to pick the best activity from park concessionaire, Aramark, based on your vacation style. Family Fun Seeker If your adventures include kids, bike Yosemite Valley. Head to Curry Village, Yosemite Village or Yosemite Valley Lodge to rent bikes and explore the bike paths along the valley floor. Hop on the free park shuttle when the kids get tired. If it’s a hot day, another great option is to float down the Merced River where you’ll catch a striking view of Half Dome along a gentle float. Rent a four-person…

When most of us think of Yosemite’s history, there’s a few figures that come to mind: John Muir, Ansel Adams, Royal Robbins. While these white men were foundational to building the park and its culture we see today, there’s an often forgotten piece of park history that has its own set of important historical figures. In 1915 a group of important politicians and businessmen embarked on a two-week trek through Sequoia National Park. Led by Stephen Mather, this expedition had one goal: convince these influential men of the merits of national parks and how they needed a dedicated agency to oversee them. The party camped under giant sequoias, climbed Moro Rock, rode through canyons and even summitted Mt. Whitney. While the area’s incredible natural beauty charmed the group, the expedition…

El Capitan Revered by rock climbers and travelers alike, this 3,000-foot-high granite formation sits in Yosemite Valley. Get a magnificent view of it from Valley View or El Capitan Meadows. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias This majestic grove of trees consists of 300-foot-tall giant sequoias and is located above Yosemite Valley in Wawona close to the South Entrance of the park. Walk the moderately-rated Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, a 2-mile stroll that circles the edge of the grove. See page 12. The Ahwahnee Hotel Built in 1927, this upscale historic hotel offers beautiful grounds to stroll through and a fantastic dining room where you can eat, even if you’re not staying there. Rustic but elegant chandeliers hang from a 34-foot-high ceiling while floor-to-ceiling windows offer beautiful views of the park…

DAY ONE 8:30 a.m. Stroll Amongst Giants at Mariposa Grove There’s an undeniable sense of wonder that results from walking through an ancient forest of towering giant sequoias. Fifteen minutes from the Wawona Hotel, you’ll find yourself transported as you experience the park’s biggest sequoia grove. Park at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza located at the South Entrance and hop on a free shuttle which will bring you to the Lower Grove where you can walk the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, a 2-mile path that circles the trees. 12:30 p.m. Cool Down on Mist Trail If you want to escape the crowds, early morning is the best time to hike the park’s famous Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada falls. But if you don’t mind sharing the trail with new…

BEST OF THE COASTVentura to Santa Barbara Start your day with a hike to beautiful Inspiration Point. This 3.5-mile roundtrip adventure brings you to an overlook with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands National Park, the city of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez mountains to the east. Next stop, the beach. If you’re traveling with your dog, Arroyo Burro is the place to be, with a self-service dog-wash in the parking lot. For surfing or boogie boarding, head to Leadbetter Beach. And, if you just want to sunbathe and get lost in a book, head to Butterfly Beach. The stunning architecture and history of Old Mission Santa Barbara can’t be missed. Built in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, this beautiful building is still an active church. Stop…

BEST OF THE COASTLompoc to Pismo Beach When you arrive at this laid-back destination, you’ll feel as if you’ve landed in the California beach town you’ve always fantasized about. With its vibrant downtown lined with outdoor dining, a variety of lodging and great surf shops, park your car and start experiencing the California coastal culture you’ve seen in the movies. Don’t miss walking on its iconic Pismo Pier Plaza with its Instagram-worthy neon sign, whale-themed playground and series of slides that lead down to the sand. You’ll also discover newly placed vintage Airstream trailers that house a restaurant, visitor information and an ocean sports shop. On your way to the pier, check out Pismo’s newest beachfront hotel, Vespera on Ocean, a Marriott Autograph Hotel. It offers oceanfront dining and upscale…

1 Santa Cruz Wharf The longest timber pile pier in the U.S., Santa Cruz Wharf stretches half-a-mile into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. From its end, you’ll get 360-degree views of Monterey Bay. Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz’ most iconic surf beach is also visible from the wharf. TIP: If you want to get in on the surfing scene, book lessons with Club Ed or Richard Schmidt surf schools right in town. 2 Lester Estate Wines This winery combines great bottles with an even better atmosphere. Wine tastings are held on Saturdays on an outdoor patio under beautiful, sprawling trees. You can also tour the 210-acre Deer Park Ranch in a restored 1981 Range Rover Defender. TIP: Check out the Corralitos Wine Trail if you want to make a day…

BEST OF THE COASTPinnacles National Park to Hollister Only 10 years old as of 2023, Pinnacles National Park has yet to be discovered by the masses. It’s an incredible hidden gem with its dormant volcanoes, which are today’s pinnacles, the critically endangered California condor, three fault lines and stunning caves. Turn to page 43 to discover the best things to do in the park. Afterwards, explore the area’s rolling vineyard-covered hills along the Cienega Road Wine Trail near Hollister. Stop for tastings at Eden Rift, California’s oldest continuously producing vineyard, enjoy a glass of award-winning pinot noir at Calera and see what was once the world’s largest wine cellar spanning four acres at DeRose. Locals liken driving the road to driving through a Pinterest board—it’s just that gorgeous. Nearby Hollister…

Just 30 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance lies a resort with a luxurious pool experience, a spa with a full-service salon, modern hotel rooms and a casino. At Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, a AAA Four Diamond property, you’ll find remodeled hotel rooms featuring sophisticated designer amenities, luxury linens and spa bath products. Slip into your robe and slippers before taking in a spectacular sunset over the Sierra or order a bottle of wine to enjoy fireside in your suite. Then enjoy a cocktail and appetizers at Nativo’s outdoor canopied terrace, taking in Lilley Mountain and the Sierra foothills. For dinner, head to Casa de Fuego where you’ll find hand-shaken margaritas made from an extensive tequila menu, fish tacos and carne asada burritos. Or head to Vintage Steakhouse…

GOLD COUNTRY LOOPYosemite National Park to Mariposa 1 Unique Lodging Whether it’s a cool Airstream at Autocamp Yosemite or an upscale resort at Tenaya at Yosemite, there are dozens of unique lodging opportunities near the park. TIP: Staying outside of Yosemite helps your vacation dollars go farther, and it’s often easier to get a hotel room in towns like Mariposa and Midpines than in the park. 2 Delicious Eats In Mariposa, head to Charles Street Dinner House for a burger made with house-ground certified Angus beef topped with American cheese and grilled onions or opt for portobello ravioli. TIP: Head to 1850 Restaurant & Brewery for locally brewed beer named after Yosemite-area places like El Portal, a hoppy lager, and Bridalveil, a honey blonde ale. 3 Incredible History In the…

SAN FRANCISCO LOOP Once home to Al “Scarface” Capone and other notorious criminals, Alcatraz Island is a National Park Service site located 1.25 miles offshore of San Francisco. It was one of the country’s most infamous federal prisons for a short period of its history. While the federal prison only operated from 1934 to 1963, its legend has only grown with time. This small island off the coast of San Francisco also has a lesser-known history: it was occupied by the Indians of All Tribes for 19 months in the name of Native American civil rights, beginning in 1969. The group demanded reparation for the lands taken from tribes and treaties broken by the United States government. Their 19-month stay sparked the Indian Red Power Movement and led to major…

1 Columbia State Historic Park See what life was like during the Gold-Rush era when more than $1 billion was mined in the area between 1850-79. Walk the charming streets, ride a stagecoach, browse the 1850s-era shops, dine at a restaurant, pan for gold or stay the night at one of two historic hotels. Scenes from the TV show Little House on the Prairie were filmed here. 2 Jamestown This quaint historic town is a great place to stop for a meal or stay the night, especially if you want to ride a historic train at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park where a number of Hollywood movies were filmed. Afterwards, head to Bear Tent Brewing Co., browse shops like Nest & Nook, Gold Country Outfitters and Tiny Birds Tiny Bees…

Halfway between Yosemite and San Francisco sits Modesto—a city where fresh food, outdoor adventure and delicious almond butter shakes come together to create a unique experience. Located 90 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite Valley and wine country, Modesto is the perfect basecamp for your next getaway to Northern California. In town, stop at farm stands like Rodin Ranch, Loretelli Farms or Smith Ranch and pick up fresh produce and fruit. And then there are the gastropubs with spacious outdoor seating, like the hip Camp 4 Wine Café, named after Yosemite’s famed rock-climbing basecamp, and owned by Damon Robbins, the son of the late legendary Yosemite rock climber Royal Robbins. If you’re looking for authentic, affordable Mexican food, head to the dozen or so taco trucks at Grub Hubs…

VIVA LAS VEGASDeath Valley to Bishop Yosemite and Death Valley national parks might be the reason you head to Eastern California, but if you didn’t plan to spend a few days on the stunning stretch of Hwy. 395 between the two, you’d be seriously missing out. United offers seasonal flights to Bishop from San Francisco and Denver, making it the perfect place to start your California adventure. Begin at South Lake, 25 minutes outside of Bishop, where you can rent a kayak at Parchers Resort or hike the 5.4-mile one-way Treasure Lakes Trail for unparalleled Sierra Nevada beauty. For a taste of the area’s history, don’t miss Owens Valley Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center in Bishop, which provides a detailed look at the local Paiute and Shoshone tribes from beautiful baskets to…

Get an exotic experience without ever leaving California. Home to five islands, Channel Islands National Park offers solitude and beauty. While no one lives on the islands today, the Chumash people inhabited the area for thousands of years, crafting tomols (plank canoes) to navigate between islands. Today, it takes between 1-4 hours via an Island Packers ferry from Oxnard or Ventura Harbor Village to reach the islands. The closest islands, Anacapa and Santa Cruz, are one-hour ferry rides. Along the way, your captain may point out blue and humpback whales during the summer season. Stretching five miles, Anacapa Island is 14 miles from Ventura. It’s a popular spot for harbor seals and California sea lions to rest and breed. And the island’s iconic lighthouse, first lit in 1932, was the…

BEST OF THE COASTSanta Cruz to Gilroy Not far from the giants of Silicon Valley sits a quaint town where you can drive to friendly boutique wineries, explore a gorgeous children’s theme park and dine in what is known as the “Garlic Capital of the World.” Get a taste of Gilroy’s world-famous garlic scene year-round by following its Road to Garlic map. It covers where to eat, drink and shop all things garlic. Opt for garlic soup and ice cream at the casual Garlic City Café. At Old City Hall, you’ll find fine dining, delicious garlic dishes and restrooms behind bars from the days when the building housed the city jail. The Milias Restaurant, which opened in 1922, also offers great dining with dishes containing garlic. Then admire the gorgeous…

Experience two of Yosemite National Park’s rivers for a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure. Both the Merced and Tuolumne rivers flow out of the park, offering class III and IV rapids. For a day trip, go with OARS down the Merced River, a fun, rollercoaster of rapids with a break for lunch. For a multi-day trip, raft the Tuolumne, one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the country, says Steve Markle, a spokesman for OARS. Only two commercial trips are allowed down the nearly continuous stretch of class IV rapids per day, making for a remote and pristine experience. Along the way, you’ll stop to do some hikes, explore an abandoned mine and play beach games. “You are literally laughing like a kid bouncing through the rapids, and there are…

SAN FRANCISCO LOOPSan Francisco to Livermore There’s a gorgeous corner of the Bay Area filled with vineyards, breweries and affordable hotels. It’s also the birthplace of most of the chardonnay produced in the United States. In 1912, Ernest Wente convinced his father, C.H. Wente to import Chardonnay cuttings at their vineyard in Livermore. The result, after three decades of hard work, was the nation’s first varietally labeled chardonnay, a 1936 vintage. But Wente is also among 2% of California wineries to be a Certified California Sustainable Winery, using energy and water-efficient techniques to produce its wines. Today, you can base out of Livermore, Danville, Dublin or Pleasanton and visit Wente Vineyards, along with more than 50 other wineries in the Livermore valley. Retzlaff Vineyards is a certified organic vineyard. And…

SAN FRANCISCO LOOPSonora to Yosemite National Park Relax at Rush Creek Treat yourself to a relaxation day at Rush Creek Lodge, starting with their new full-service spa focused on the natural elements that make Yosemite so special: water, wood and stone. There are warm waterfalls to sit under, a mineral hot tub, aromatherapy and sensory rooms and more. Flex your creativity with a glassblowing class on the Pool Bar deck, perfect for adults and even kids, ages eight and up, where you’ll make a piece of glass art to take home. Both Rush Creek and Evergreen also offer energy work, massages and yoga. Boga board workouts take place seasonally at the Rush Creek pool. See a New Side of Yosemite Spend the day exploring Yosemite’s forgotten side. The Hetch Hetchy…

With 3.3 million visitors last year Yosemite, known for its stunning scenery, can be a difficult place to park your car. Avoid wasting time finding a parking spot when you climb aboard the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, best known simply as YARTS. If you’re traveling by car, the buses make stops along four routes into the park: Hwy. 120/395 starting in Mammoth Lakes; Hwy. 120 starting in Sonora; Hwy. 41 starting in Oakhurst and Hwy. 140 from Merced and Mariposa. YARTS provides easy connection services to people traveling by train and bus. If you’re traveling on Amtrak or Greyhound to Merced, your YARTS fare is included in your ticket price. Once you’re in Yosemite Valley, take the free park shuttle, serving the valley, El Capitan, Tuolumne Meadows (in summer)…

VIVA LAS VEGASSequoia National Park to Visalia Get outdoors and experience agritourism at its best in towns like Visalia, Porterville, Dinuba and Exeter where farms that roll up to the towering Sierra Nevada mountains to the east are filled with the intoxicating scent of peaches, table grapes and oranges. “Many families are looking to enhance their national park trip by exploring the gateway communities just outside the parks,” says Suzanne Bianco, tourism marketing director of Visit Visalia, noting the area is nestled against Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. “Not only can visitors learn where their food comes from, they can taste fresh-from-the-farm meals cooked by local chefs who partner with the farmers for the freshest ingredients.” Start off at Bravo Farms’ cheese factory off Hwy. 99 in Traver to…