Innehållsförteckning för Yosemite 2025 från National Park Journal

Last year I moved to a place where grapevines literally grow in my backyard, so I decided that this was finally the point in my life where I’d make a concerted effort to understand wine. I still wouldn’t call myself an oenophile (I don’t think I’ll ever understand how “graphite” is a tasting note), but I’ve really enjoyed learning more about how wine goes from the vine to my glass. One of the most intriguing concepts I’ve gleaned is terroir: the combination of factors including soil, climate and sunlight that gives wine grapes their distinctive character. The same variety of grapes can be grown in California or in France, treated the exact same way, and turn into wildly different bottles of wine. The grapes could be grown on different hills…

Palm tree lined streets. Glittering beaches. Surfboards leaning against fences. It’s the classic vision of coastal California you’d expect from a road trip titled, “Best of the Coast.” But as you drive from Los Angeles along the western shores of the United States, you’ll discover there’s so much more to California than just Hollywood glam and beach culture. Leave behind the star-studded streets of L.A. and head toward the coast, pointing your wheels to the towns of Ventura and Oxnard where you can board a ferry to one of our country’s most interesting national parks: Channel Islands. Surprising twists await as you continue north in all the charming towns along the route to Yosemite, like 18th century history in Lompoc. Curious animals you wouldn’t associate with California including emus, zebras…

1 Explore a Mission Founded in 1787, La Purisima Mission is the most extensively restored of California’s 21 Spanish missions. History comes alive as guests explore the beautiful buildings, visitor center exhibit hall, and 25 miles of trails in this 2,000-acre state historic park. 2 See Big Art In Old Town Lompoc dozens of enormous murals wait to be discovered around almost every corner. More than 30 murals celebrate space exploration and depict the Lompoc Valley’s rich heritage and beauty. Download the walking tour guide at ExploreLompoc.com. 3 Sip Award Winning Wines Explore nearly 20 boutique wineries, tasting rooms and production facilities at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto off Pacific Coast Highway 1. Or head down Route 246 and sample the region’s renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay along the Lompoc Wine…

PASO ROBLES Paso Robles may be nestled in the heart of California wine country, but it’s also just 25 minutes from the beach with a proud cowboy heritage. It makes for a laid-back spot to spend a weekend soaking in casual luxury from experiencing a welcoming arts scene to taking gorgeous scenic drives and, of course, sipping some great vintages. Whether you take a drive through the countryside to check out the vineyards themselves, or stop by one of the city’s many tasting rooms, you’ll find unique experiences from horseback rides through rows of grapes at CASS Winery to e-bike rides with Vine Cycle Tours. If you’re a wine newbie, Tin City is the place to start your visit. This warehouse district turned collective marketplace is home to more than…

Not far from the giants of Silicon Valley, you’ll find the quaint town of Gilroy. With its central location and budget friendly hotels, this welcoming spot has small town roots that give it an easy going vibe and make it the perfect spot to spend a long weekend. While you’re in the area, you can drive to many boutique wineries, take a hike on the local trails, explore a children’s theme park and dine in what’s known as the “Garlic Capital of the World.” Located close to San Jose, the Bay Area and the Central Coast, Gilroy is 150 miles east of Yosemite and just 45 miles north of Pinnacles National Park, making it a great hub for all sorts of outdoor adventures, whether you want to escape to the…

Humans have lived in Yosemite Valley for up to 8,000 years and by the early 19th century included the Southern Sierra Miwok, Mono Lake Paiute, Mission Indians, Chukchansi Yokuts and Western Mono people. When white gold miners flowed into the valley in 1849, they were ruthless in their pursuits and killed many of the Indigenous people living there. In 1851, the state-sponsored Mariposa Battalion raided and destroyed the Indigenous villages to make room for miners. As conflicts increased, the state sent these people to live on reservations. In this vacuum, John Muir visited Yosemite and began his campaign to turn it into a national park, which succeeded in 1890. About 15 Miwok and Paiute families continued to live in the valley even after it was designated a park. The village…

We so often find beauty in soft things: a pink sunset, a bouquet of flowers, a powdered sugar beach. Many of us write off the extremes of the spectrum as harsh places not worth considering, but this road trip leans into them. Start among the loud and glittering scene of the Las Vegas Strip, the brightest spot on the planet, before pointing your wheels westward. You’ll find Death Valley National Park, which is a land known for its extremes. Its elevation ranges from 282 feet below sea level (the lowest point in North America) to 11,049-foot Telescope Peak and the world’s hottest temperature of 134°F was recorded here in 1913. From Death Valley, head toward the towering Sierra Nevada. There grows the oldest living thing on Earth, the Methuselah Tree…

1 Climb Moro Rock in Sequoia Moro Rock’s quarter-mile, 350-plus step climb offers equally spectacular views as its more intense sister, Half Dome, located in Yosemite National Park. Park at the Giant Forest Museum and take the seasonal free shuttle to the trailhead to avoid circling for parking in the small lot at the rock’s base. On summer weekends, the shuttle is the only way to get to the trailhead. 2 Drive through Sequoia’s Tunnel Log No trip to this park is complete without driving under the iconic Tunnel Log. In 1937, the 2,000-year-old tree fell across the road and is now a tunnel. Tip: Tunnel Log is only eight feet high, so taller vehicles must drive around. 3 See the World’s Largest Tree in Sequoia General Sherman reigns king…

There’s a beautiful stretch of northern California’s shoreline called “The Lost Coast”. As you travel this part of the northwest, between Portland and Yosemite, you may not feel “lost” per se, but you’ll understand the sentiment. When you leave behind Oregon’s culture capital and head south towards the coast, you’ll quickly make your way off the beaten path, exploring uncrowded national parks, quiet small towns and bucolic scenery. Sprinkled between locales that feel downright undiscovered, you’ll check off northern California and southern Oregon’s greatest hits from Napa Valley to Lake Tahoe to Crater Lake and, of course, California’s crown jewel: Yosemite National Park. Start in Portland, an often misunderstood city that’s worth taking a day to really get to know with a cup of coffee in hand. Head south, making…

DAY ONE 8:30 a.m. Hike to Fern Canyon You won’t find redwoods in Fern Canyon, but you will feel like you’ve been transported to Jurassic Park as you stroll through walls of incredible ferns. Find the trailhead at Gold Bluffs Beach. Note that you’ll need to make a free summer parking reservation online at nps.gov/redw. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes or sandals with good grip as you’re going to get your feet wet, even in the summer months when footbridges are installed. You might have to climb over log jams along the way and the creekbed can be slippery and uneven. It’s a quarter-mile to see the ferns, but you can also do a 1-mile loop. 12 p.m. Spot Whales and Picnic at Klamath River Overlook It’s well worth the steep,…

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’ expert guides 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, director of marketing. 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 hike, explore an abandoned mine and play beach games. At night you’ll camp under the stars, with a delicious dinner prepared by your guides.…

At more than 191 square miles, Lake Tahoe is huge. In fact, it’s the largest alpine lake in North America. Its crystal clear waters straddle the California-Nevada border and it’s the kind of place you could explore for weeks. Most communities around the lake are grouped into South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe. The south shore is a bit more bustling, while the north end is quieter. Whatever you choose, access to pristine nature is easy to find from kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the lake’s turquoise waters to hiking beautiful trails and skiing incredible terrain at Palisades Tahoe. For the best views, rent a clear-bottomed kayak to see into the lake’s depths or climb the strenuous, 4.4-mile Maggie’s Peak that gains 1,800 feet in elevation and has views…

DAY ONE 8:30 a.m. Stroll Among 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 area, 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…

Like characters out of a Dr. Seuss book, the weird and wonderful Joshua trees that give this national park its name speckle the Mojave Desert landscape outside of Palm Springs. These trees are members of the agave family and grow extremely slowly—between 0.5 and 3 inches per year. A period of cold weather is required before the trees can flower and then, only one small insect called the Yucca moth can pollinate them. Because of this, climate change poses a big threat to the trees’ survival. You can see Joshua trees in most parts of the park, but the 6.6-mile Panorama Loop Trail is a great place to hike among them. Joshua trees aren’t the only bizarre plant living in the park. Head to Cholla Cactus Garden to see thousands…

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 home to stunning Hearst Castle built by the media tycoon William Randolph Hearst from 1919 to 1947. It fulfilled his lifelong dream to build an estate that echoed those he had seen during his travels in Europe. The castle itself is worthy of an all-day excursion. This…

High up in the Sierra Nevada, a snowflake falls. When spring’s warm sun turns winter snows to water, that snowflake takes a circuitous route, running in mountain streams winding across wildflower-dotted meadows, through tributaries like the American and Tuolumne rivers and eventually ends up in either the Sacramento or the San Joaquin rivers, flowing through a giant expanse of wetlands known as the Bay-Delta. From here, the snowflake flows into the San Francisco Bay and passes under the Golden Gate Bridge to reach the Pacific Ocean. This tiny snowflake—and unfathomable numbers of its companions—water two-thirds of California. On this road trip, you’ll trace the snowflake’s route backwards. Start by exploring the San Francisco Bay and the fascinating history of Alcatraz Island, before deciding whether to visit Yosemite by rail or…

You likely know of Alcatraz, the small island 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, as a notorious federal penitentiary that’s held mob bosses and larger-than-life criminals. But Alcatraz’s history goes far beyond jail time, from Indigenous people who thrived there to its role as a prison for Confederate sympathizers, to its occupation by Native Americans during the Nixon administration. A visit to the island with Alcatraz City Cruises is your ticket to a fascinating past. Dive deep into the island’s history and natural wonders that get overshadowed by chilling (and admittedly, enthralling) tales of gangsters and escape attempts. To visit Alcatraz, book a spot on Alcatraz City Cruises, the island’s only authorized ferry service, at least three months out from your Bay area trip. Choose a day tour…

Modesto has three visitor friendly almond orchards—a rarity in California. Picnic among the trees at Rodin Farms or enjoy a world famous almond butter milkshake at Robert’s Ferry Gourmet. Stroll along the Stanislaus River at Knights Ferry Recreation Area, then hike the easy 2.8-mile Stanislaus River Trail nearby (a favorite of local birders) and admire the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River. To experience the orchards at their most magical, visit mid-February to midMarch and take in more than 120,000 acres of white and pink almond blossoms that flutter in the breeze to create “California snow.” Downtown, explore the nearly 100 murals brightening the streets. For hyper-local fruit, nuts, herbs and artisan wares, drop by the farmers market on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.,…

More than 4,000 years ago, a young bristlecone pine seedling burst through the soil. Today, that sprout, known as the “Methuselah” tree, is still alive after 4,856 years, making it the oldest living organism on Earth. See it and other ancient bristlecone pines, many more than 2,000 years old, in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains an hour’s drive east of Bishop. It’s just one of many unique experiences you can have in this area where crowds are rare, trout fishing and bouldering are world class and locals are happy to see you. Afterwards, stop at Mountain Rambler Brewery for dinner and a pint. It’s the beginning of the Eastern Sierra Ale Trail, which connects Bishop to Yosemite and has six stops that you can visit along…

Just 20 minutes from Yosemite’s South Entrance lies Miller’s Landing Resort, a lakeside paradise where contemporary cabins are just a stroll from the shore, boats of all sizes are available for rent and the water in the summer reaches almost 80 degrees. Miller’s Landing Resort on breathtaking Bass Lake has become the place of memories for thousands of people who have stayed over the years. And if you meet any of them, they’ll probably spend some time talking about the legendary Miller Burger with a side of house-made Thousand Island Dressing served at the resort’s grill. “We’ve been here for almost four decades and are still family owned and operated,” says Michelle Miller, manager of Miller’s Landing Resort. “We pride ourselves on making our customers feel like family.” The resort…

1 See Native Art at Portland Art Museum One of the best places to start learning about the city’s beating heart, its arts scene, is the Portland Art Museum. While you’ll find inspiring contemporary and graphic art, the museum is also dedicated to telling the stories of the Indigenous peoples of the Willamette region. You’ll find both historic and contemporary Native art at the museum. After spending the morning exploring, head to Behind the Museum Café, a Japanese tea house. 2 Spend a Rainy Afternoon at Powell’s City of Books It’s the largest bookstore in the world, and even if you aren’t a bookworm, you’ll find it interesting. It occupies an entire city block and sells both used and new books. Don’t miss the Rare Book Room with volumes dating…

On a large inland river delta, two hours west of Yosemite National Park, Stockton has the vibrant buzz of a much larger city while still offering plenty of “live like a local” opportunities. For outdoor excursions, start at downtown’s Weber Point. Attend a weekend festival at this 13-acre gathering spot or simply stroll the promenade. If the water calls you further in, charter a private boat or rent other small watercraft at Village West Marina. For terrestrial exploring, head to Oak Grove Regional Park and Nature Center to enjoy 180 acres of low-key forested trails, paddleboat rentals, picnic areas and disc golf. Don’t miss all of Stockton’s agritourism opportunities with u-pick farms in every season, tours and plentiful farm stands with hyper-local bounty and treats. The Fruit Bowl is a…

There’s no denying it, Yosemite National Park is big. To make the most of your trip—and to spend less time driving—you’ll want to decide ahead of time which of the five entrances to the park makes most sense for you to use. If you’re driving from San Francisco, take the Big Oak Flat or Arch Rock entrances. Travelers coming from Los Angeles or other parts of Southern California should use the South Entrance. From the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada (like Lake Tahoe or Las Vegas), take the Tioga Pass Entrance. Note that you can only get into the park from the east when Tioga Pass is open, late spring through early fall. The last entrance is Hetch Hetchy, an area isolated from the rest of the park’s roads.…

Don’t miss the chance to head inland for a stunning drive to Buellton. This small town, located in the heart of the gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley, offers off-the-beaten-path experiences and outdoor adventures. Start with a trip to Highland Adventures where you’ll find the biggest and fastest ziplines in the state. Adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike will enjoy the bird’s eye view of the forested hills and verdant valley, all while zipping along at speeds up to 50 MPH. Another must-see staple of Buellton is OstrichLand USA. The ranch is home to more than 100 emus and ostriches—you can even feed these exotic birds. Or enjoy an easy-going afternoon at the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden wandering the willow maze or learning more about California’s native grasslands. Gain new perspective…

Ready to escape the mayhem of the big city? Head to Morro Bay, an easy going spot. Start at Morro Rock, an iconic natural landmark that’s easy to see from Highway 1 and has long been a must-see spot on a trip along California’s coast. The 576-foot tall volcanic monolith is one of a chain of nine volcanic peaks known as the Nine Sisters that extend from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay. You can walk around the base of the rock or take a stroll on the wide strip of Morro Rock Beach which extends several miles to the north. If you aren’t a surfer, you can still enjoy an afternoon on the water here. Stop by the Kayak Shack, Morro Bay Paddlesports or Rock Kayak Co. for hourly…

1 Go Spelunking On the 2.2-mile Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area, you’ll pass rock formations, a reservoir and Bear Gulch Cave which is open seasonally. Don’t forget a flashlight to explore inside. 2 Admire the High Peaks Head to the High Peaks to Bear Gulch Loop that’s a strenuous 6.7 miles roundtrip with 1,425 feet in elevation gain. You’ll hike into the High Peaks and then descend the ridge, passing through meadows and stands of sycamore and oak trees. 3 Spot a Condor The park’s California condors live in rocky cliffs on the High Peaks and Balcony Cliffs trails, but you can often spot them from the Chaparral and Bear Gulch parking lots. Early mornings are the best time to see them…

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK It’s hard to beat the convenience and ambiance of sleeping under the stars inside Yosemite, but scoring a coveted campsite can be a challenge. Reservations are required for all campgrounds inside the park April through October. Reservations open on recreation.gov five months in advance on the 15th of the month for Upper, Lower and North pines campgrounds and Wawona and Hodgon Meadows, and two months ahead for Crane Flat and Bridalveil Creek. Yosemite Creek, White Wolf, Porcupine and Tamarack flats are available two weeks in advance. Reservations open at 7 a.m. PT and tend to sell out immediately. For your best shot at getting your dream site, create an account on Recreation.gov ahead of time and use a computer with fast Wi-Fi. Camping is only allowed in…

Visiting a national park, whether it’s Yosemite, Sequoia or Kings Canyon is an experience you won’t soon forget, but sometimes it’s nice to have something tangible to remember your trips. Commemorate your favorite trails, most exciting wildlife encounters and million-dollar views with a hand-illustrated Xplorer Map of your favorite park. Artist Chris Robitaille hand draws every line, letter and icon on each map and includes interesting details that will help cement your memories. On Yosemite’s map, you’ll find illustrations of some of the park’s most iconic waterfalls. As a member of 1% for the Planet, a portion of proceeds go to conservation organizations. Xplorer Maps’ beautiful designs are available on tote bags, coffee mugs, coasters, blankets, and even jigsaw puzzles. Buy maps and other products at XplorerMaps.com.…

With some forethought, you can make your Yosemite road trip a little greener by opting for an electric vehicle. In Yosemite Valley, you’ll find J-1772 charging stations in the parking lots of the Yosemite Village Store, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village and Yosemite Falls. Plan to stay at Evergreen or Rush Creek lodges, or Tenaya at Yosemite near the Hetch Hetchy, Big Oak Flat and South entrances respectively where you’ll find charging stations for guests. On the park’s east side, there’s a J-1772 charger at the Gus Hess Community Park in Lee Vining. Along the way, you’ll also find charging stations in gateway towns like Groveland, Mariposa, Oakhurst and Mammoth Lakes. Visit MyYosemitePark.com for additional ideas to make your road trip more sustainable.…

As you head south, you’ll enter Bakersfield, the ninth largest city in California. It’s a hub for oil production, agriculture and the birthplace of Bakersfield Sound, a twangy genre of country music that was influenced by rock and electrical instruments. On the streets of Bakersfield, there’s so much to be discovered. Be sure to check out its brewery and wine trails for great drinks. Then, there’s the seven restaurants included on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show, an Indian food truck, Punjabi Dhaba, that was featured in The New York Times and Nuestro México, hailed by Thrillist.com as having the best tacos in California. There are also more Basque restaurants here than any other place in the country. For a lively, family oriented show and meal, head to Buck…

Beautiful Crescent City is the perfect place to use as a base station for a Northern California getaway. Whether you want to walk through the tallest trees in the world at Redwood National and State Parks (pgs. 82-83) or enjoy endless expanses of beaches, Crescent City is just minutes away from incredible outdoor recreation. Ride your bike or walk along the Crescent City Harbor Trail, a paved, multi-use path that brings you past the best highlights in the area. The 6-mile (one way) trail starts at South Beach where you should spend some time enjoying the crescent shaped expanse of sand the city is named for. The water is mellow here and makes for a great spot to surf, stand-up paddleboard or look for sand dollars. Rent gear from Local…

1 Calaveras Big Trees State Park This amazing grove of giant sequoias was the first one to be discovered by settlers in 1852 and is California’s longest continuously operating tourist attraction. See the spectacular giant sequoias up close on the 1.4-mile North Grove Trail Loop. It’s super popular for good reason as it’s an easy hike for kids and adults. 2 Moaning Caverns Adventure Park Rediscover your inner child at this adventure park in Vallecito. Here you can explore the state’s largest single cave chamber. Take the Spiral Cave Tour that brings you into the marble depths of the Calaveras formation. View the main chamber by walking down a narrow, 10-story spiral staircase made from scrap metal from a WWI battleship. 3 Murphys Stop by Murphys Historic Hotel, a beautiful…

Winter When snow blankets Yosemite Valley that doesn’t mean outdoor recreation comes to an end. Just the opposite, in fact. There’s so much to do during winter in the park and snow-covered granite, frozen lakes and flocked trees only make the valley even more gorgeous. You can still hit the trails, you’ll just want to strap on a pair of snowshoes rented from the Nordic Center at Badger Pass. Join a guided hike or go on a self-guided excursion. There’s options ranging from short, beginner friendly strolls to an all-day, 8-mile trek to Dewey Point where you can gaze across the valley at El Capitan and Half Dome. For a bit more adrenaline, set the little ones up with ski or snowboard lessons at Badger Pass Ski Area, one of…