Yosemite National Park
National park · Mariposa County
California
Highlights
Iconic park with granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias.
Iconic park with granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias.
"A dramatic valley ringed by monumental granite walls—from the first views of El Capitan and Half Dome to vistas made famous by Ansel Adams—feels vast and awe-inspiring; evenings include grand lodge dining under tall windows and timbered ceilings, and early snowfall can quickly transform the landscape." - Jane Siegel
"Reachable as a day-trip or short getaway from the region, this national park is mentioned as another place that provides expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation beyond the city's many parks and trails." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Vehicle reservations were required during the summer of 2024, but the park has not yet announced whether timed-entry vehicle reservations will be required for the upcoming summer; updates are expected soon and visitors should watch the park website or recreation.gov." - Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A stunning national park renowned for dramatic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and classic wilderness experiences; it’s frequently featured on longer, organized routes—such as an 11-day train journey that lets travelers visit it alongside other major parks—making it an accessible highlight for those seeking iconic scenery on multi-destination trips." - Travel + Leisure Staff
"Known for its dramatic scenic mountain views, this park is a prime destination for outdoor recreation as the weather warms. It also participates in the National Park Service’s volunteer programs, giving visitors opportunities to contribute to conservation, access parts of the park and information not usually seen by casual visitors, and earn hours toward a Volunteer Pass (which requires 250 hours and grants 12 months of free entry)." - Opheli Garcia Lawler Opheli Garcia Lawler Opheli Garcia Lawler is a journalist with a decade of experience, half of which has been dedicated to covering the way we travel. From interviewing former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to digging into Amtrak customer complaint data, Opheli has developed a deep well of knowledge about what shapes our travel experiences. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
