Yosemite: The Complete Guide: Yosemite National Park

By James Kaiser

Yosemite National Park is the crown jewel of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. This gorgeous, full-color travel guidebook reveals the highlights and hidden gems of Yosemite — detailing everything you need to make the most of your time in the park.

Fully updated for 2020!

Over 100 five-star reviews for previous editions!

Whatever your interests — hiking past stunning waterfalls, strolling through giant sequoia groves, watching sunset from incredible viewpoints, relaxing at a historic lodge — Yosemite: The Complete Guide puts the best of the park at your fingertips.

Beautiful color photos showcase Yosemite's best destinations.

Fascinating chapters on Geology, History and Wildlife reveal the story behind the scenery.

Detailed Maps make travel planning easy.

Filled with travel tips to save you time and money!

From stunning waterfalls in Yosemite Valley to incredible hikes in the High Sierra, Yosemite: The Complete Guide is the only travel guide you need.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Destination Press
• Release date: Oct 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781940754420

James Kaiser

James Kaiser is an award-winning author/photographer whose work has been featured on the cover of National Geographic. He has written best-selling guidebooks to some of America's most popular national parks, including Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Zion, Joshua Tree, and Acadia.

Book preview

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Contents

Congratulations!

Introduction

Adventures

Hiking & Backpacking

Rock Climbing

High Sierra Camps

Winter Sports

River Rafting

Yosemite Basics

Yosemite Lodging

Yosemite Camping

Geology

Ecology

Wildflowers

Wildlife

History

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley Basics

Yosemite Village

Yosemite Falls

Camp 4

Devils Elbow

El Capitan

Tunnel View

Bridalveil Fall

Cathedral Beach Picnic Area

Sentinel Beach Picnic Area

Sentinel Falls

Yosemite Chapel

Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center

Curry Village

Half Dome

Happy Isles

Mirror Lake

Ahwahnee Hotel

Yosemite Valley Hiking

Valley Loop Trail

The Mist Trail

Half Dome

Four Mile Trail

Yosemite Falls

Glacier Point Road

Badger Pass Ski Area

Clark Range View

Washburn Point

Glacier Point

Glacier Point Road Hiking

Sentinel Dome

Taft Point

Ostrander Lake

Pohono Trail

The Clark Range

Merced Grove

Big Oak Flat Road

Tioga Road

Tuolumne Grove

Olmstead Point

Tenaya Lake

Tioga Road Hiking

North Dome

May Lake

Clouds Rest

Sunrise

Ten Lakes

Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows Basics

Pothole Dome

Soda Springs / Parsons Lodge

Lembert Dome

Mt. Dana / Mt. Gibbs View

Dana Meadow

Tioga Pass

Tuolumne Meadows Hiking

Lembert Dome

Cathedral Lakes

Elizabeth Lake

Glen Aulin

Gaylor Lakes

Young Lakes

Mount Conness

Mount Dana

Vogelsang

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne

Matterhorn Canyon

Wawona

Wawona Hotel

Thomas Hill Studio

Pioneer History Center

Wawona Stables

Chilnualna Falls

Mariposa Grove

Hetch Hetchy

Yosemite

The Complete Guide

6th Edition

©2020 Destination Press & its licensors

ISBN: 978-1-940754-41-3

Written & Photographed

by James Kaiser

This book would not have been possible without the help of many generous people. Special thanks to Beth Pratt, Kenny Karst, Pete Divine, Bob Fry, Greg Stock, Greg Cox, Linda Eade, Chris Stein, Paul Rogers, Jean Redle, Josia Lamberto-Egan, Maria Matijasevic, Peter Bohler, Peter Brewitt, Cat Zusky, Bob & Mary Anderson, Karl Kahler, the Yosemite Conservancy, the staff at YNP, and everyone who spent time with me in the wilderness. Above all, special thanks to superstar ranger Dick Ewart, whose wisdom and humor have inspired thousands of visitors, including me.

As always, a very special thanks to my family, friends, and all the wonderful people I encountered while working on this guide.

All information in this guide has been exhaustively researched, but names, phone numbers, and other details do change. If you encounter a change or mistake while using this guide, please send an email to [e-mail]. Your input will help make future editions of this guide even better.

Although every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained within this guide, the author and publisher do not assume and disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. If the rigors and threats of nature are in any way beyond your capabilities, do not attempt any hike in this guide. Many photos contained within this guide depict people in precarious situations; do not assume that any situations depicted in this book are in any way safe. All maps in this guide are based on official USGS data, but serious hikers should supplement their outings with detailed hiking maps.

Additional image credits: Yosemite National Park, Northwind Picture Archives, Shutterstock

Bestselling Yosemite Guidebook (NDP BookScan 2019)

Congratulations!

If you’ve purchased this book, you’re going to Yosemite. Perhaps you’re already here. If so, you’re in one of America’s most extraordinary national parks—an alpine wonderland home to soaring cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and vast stretches of pristine wilderness. The Sierra Nevada Mountains contain some of America's most stunning scenery, and Yosemite is the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada.

When I first started working on Yosemite: The Complete Guide, I thought it might take one year to complete. Three years later, the book was finished. There was so much to photograph—so much that changed from season to season—that one year, I quickly realized, could never do Yosemite justice. As I hiked the trails and wandered the backcountry, I became friends with some legendary rangers—men and women who had spent decades exploring the park. Over long talks by the campfire they imparted their love and knowledge of Yosemite to me. It’s my goal to pass that wisdom on to you.

Yosemite is extraordinary, but it can also be overwhelming. You could easily spend a month here and not run out of things to do. But if you’re like most people, you’ve only got a few days. Make those few days count! With a limited amount of time—and crowds that grow larger every year—you’ve got to plan your trip wisely. This book puts the best of Yosemite at your fingertips, helping you maximize your time for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re here to hike, sight-see, or just relax and hang out, Yosemite: The Complete Guide is the only guidebook you’ll need.

Now let me show you the best that Yosemite has to offer!

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YOSEMITE TOP 5

Top 5 Viewpoints

Glacier Point

Tunnel View

Washburn Point

Taft Point

Olmstead Point

Top 5 Adventures

Hiking

Rock Climbing

Biking

River Rafting

Skiing

Top 5 Hikes

Half Dome

Clouds Rest

Mist Trail

Yosemite Falls

Four Mile Trail

Top 5 Waterfalls

Yosemite Falls

Bridalveil Fall

Nevada Fall

Vernal Fall

Horsetail Fall

Introduction

Nestled deep in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite is one of America’s most spectacular national parks. Its alpine scenery is bursting with superlatives: the highest waterfall in North America (Yosemite Falls), the most famous vertical rock face in the world (El Capitan), and the largest organisms of all time (giant sequoias). But no statistic can capture the park’s staggering beauty. Yosemite’s sheer cliffs and thundering waterfalls have inspired some of America’s finest artists, and its remarkable scenery lures visitors from around the world.

Yosemite Valley is the crown jewel of the park. Just seven miles long by one mile wide, it represents less than one percent of the park’s 1,200 square miles. But Yosemite Valley's sheer cliffs shelter some of the world’s most dramatic sights: Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls. Because Yosemite Valley is the most popular part of the park, it's home to most of the park's lodges and visitor facilities.

Above Yosemite Valley lies the High Sierra, a stunning alpine wilderness of shimmering lakes, snow-capped peaks, and miles of sparkling granite. Reached via Tioga Road—the only east/west road that crosses the entire park—the High Sierra is an outdoor paradise for hikers, backpackers and rock climbers. Tuolumne Meadows, which lies at an elevation of 8,600 feet, is the starting point for many spectacular hikes and backpacks.

Thirteen miles south of Yosemite Valley lies Wawona, a small village that provides quick access to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the largest of the park’s three sequoia groves. Twenty miles north of Yosemite Valley lies Hetch Hetchy—once a beautiful valley, now a massive reservoir. Enormous waterfalls still tumble into the reservoir, but Hetch Hetchy is best known for the famous environmental battle it spawned a century ago.

Yosemite Valley was originally home to the Ahwahneechee tribe. Following the Gold Rush, adventurous artists sought out the remote landscape, and their dramatic paintings and photographs captivated audiences around the world. John Muir arrived in 1868, and his writings helped spur the creation of Yosemite National Park in 1890. In 1916 Ansel Adams first visited Yosemite, and in the 1930s alpinists pioneered advanced techniques that gave birth to the modern sport of rock climbing. Today Yosemite’s breathtaking cliffs, peaks and waterfalls lure over four million visitors a year.

Adventures

Hiking & Backpacking

Rock Climbing

High Sierra Camps

Winter Sports

River Rafting

Hiking & Backpacking

The Sierra Nevada has some of the best hiking in North America, and Yosemite has some of the best hiking in the Sierra Nevada. Over 800 miles of trails crisscross the park, ranging from easy day hikes to rugged multi-day backpacks. There are trails on the floor of Yosemite Valley, trails that skirt its rim, and trails that explore the High Sierra above 8,000 feet. Lush meadows? Glacial lakes? Thirteen thousand-foot peaks? Check, check and check. The only question is where not to hike.

Yosemite’s hiking season gears up in spring, when the Sierra Nevada’s deep winter snowpack starts to melt. As the months progress, the snow line creeps higher and higher, and by mid-July most of the park’s trails are usually open. But conditions vary considerably from year to year. Following particularly heavy winters, Yosemite’s highest trails can stay buried until late July. Always check current conditions before hitting the trail. Yosemite National Park’s official website (nps.gov/yose) lists current trail conditions, and the staff at Yosemite’s Wilderness Centers are a terrific source of insider tips.

Hiking in spring and early summer can be great—waterfalls and wildflowers abound! But those months are also prime mosquito season. Fortunately, mosquito swarms are generally limited to the three weeks following snowmelt. But mosquitoes, like snowfall, vary considerably from year to year. Some years they’re bad, some years they’re not. Ask about mosquito conditions if you visit in May, June or July, and always pack repellent.

July and August are the most popular hiking months. Other than occasional afternoon thundershowers, days are gloriously sunny and dry. Nights, meanwhile, are cool and clear under an ocean of stars. September is one of the best months to hike thanks to reduced crowds and mild temperatures. By the end of September, however, temperatures at high elevations start to plunge. The first big snowfall usually hits around mid-November, at which point Tioga Road—the most popular gateway to the High Sierra—shuts down.

Day hikers can explore any trail, except Half Dome, without permits. Backpackers and Half Dome hikers must obtain permits, which are explained on the following page. Hikers should always carry a map and compass. My favorite topo map is National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated, which shows day-use areas, campfire boundaries, and a wealth of other useful information.

Yosemite’s Best Hikes

Yosemite Valley

Mist Trail

Half Dome

Four Mile Trail

Yosemite Falls

Glacier Point Road

Sentinel Dome

Taft Point

Ostrander Lake

Pohono Trail

The Clark Range

Tioga Road

North Dome

May Lake H.S.C.

Clouds Rest

Sunrise H.S.C.

Ten Lakes

Tuolumne Meadows

Lembert Dome

Cathedral Lakes

Elizabeth Lake

Glen Aulin H.S.C.

Gaylor Lakes

Young Lakes

Mount Dana

Vogelsang H.S.C.

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne

Matterhorn Canyon

Hiking Basics

• Carry and drink plenty of water

• Use good UV protection (high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat)

• Pets and bicycles are only allowed on paved trails

• Horses and mules have the right of way

• Pack out what you pack in

Wilderness Permits

Wilderness permits are required for all overnight backpacks and Half Dome. Permits can be reserved in advance or picked up the day of, or the day before, the start of your hike at one of the park’s five Wilderness Centers. Daily limits are placed on the number of permits issued for each trailhead. About 60% of permits for a given trailhead can be reserved up to 24 weeks in advance. The remaining 40% are available up to 24 hours in advance on a first-come, first-served basis. The reservation system, while sometimes frustrating, helps reduce overcrowding. By limiting the number of overnight hikers, the park ensures there are plenty of camping spots and a sense of solitude in the wilderness. Once you have a wilderness permit, it’s great.

Permit reservation forms and trailhead availability are posted on the park’s website (nps.gov/yose). When applying for a permit, you’ll need the following information: entry trailhead, exit trailhead, dates of your trip, number of people in your party, and principal destination. Forms can be submitted online (yosemite.org), by phone [phone]) or mail (Wilderness Permits, PO Box 545, Yosemite, CA 95389). Permits cost $5 per reservation, plus $5 per person. Try to pick up your permit the day before your hike. If you pick up a permit the day of your hike, arrive at the Wilderness Center as early as possible to avoid the long lines that form during peak season.

Wilderness Centers

Yosemite has five Wilderness Centers. They are located in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Big Oak Flat Road, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy. Badger Pass also operates a Wilderness Center in winter. Seasonal hours vary. Check the park's website or the Yosemite Guide for exact locations and hours of operation.

Backpacker Campgrounds

There are three Backpacker Campgrounds in Yosemite where backpackers with wilderness permits can spend the night before and after their trip without advance reservations. The park's Backpacker Campgrounds are located in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Hetch Hetchy.

Weather Concerns

Sierra Nevada summers are generally sunny and dry. But anything can, and does, happen. The biggest concern is afternoon thundershowers, which build with alarming speed when monsoonal systems pass over the mountains from the east. Do not attempt any exposed hike (Half Dome, Clouds Rest, etc.) if you see dark clouds in the sky. If you see airplane contrails in the High Sierra before 10am, it means air moisture is higher than average, and a thunderstorm is likely between 2pm and 6pm. Always try to follow this rule: up high by noon, down low by two. And be aware that snow can fall at high elevations during any month of the year. Although summer snow is rare, it is possible, so be prepared. No matter when you hike, pack rain gear and warm clothes.

Guided Hikes & Backpacks

If you find Yosemite’s vast network of trails intimidating, or you’re new to hiking or backpacking, consider a guided hike. Some of the best guided hikes and backpacks are offered by the Yosemite Conservancy (yosemite.org, 209-379-2317), the nonprofit partner of Yosemite National Park.