Yosemite National Park – Among waterfalls and granite – California

Some of America's national parks have passed us by almost unnoticed, while others have drawn us back time and time again. Yosemite National Park, on the other hand, is a park that we always find ourselves returning to, even though I really have a hard time putting my finger on exactly what it is that makes it so special. Maybe it's the mix of wild, untouched nature and dramatic landscapes that are reminiscent of both the magnificent expanses of Norrland and the majestic Alps in Austria. Here, among granite-red cliffs, dense forests, roaring waterfalls and winding rivers, you find a nature that somehow feels both raw and beautiful at the same time.

For me, Yosemite National Park is without a doubt one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, and if you are planning a road trip in California, you should definitely spend a day hiking here. Yosemite is the true essence of California, far from the plastic and superficial city of Los Angeles. I'm sorry, LA lovers, but for me this is the real California - full of life, power and the unadulterated beauty of nature.

Yosemite was founded back in 1890 and has since attracted millions of visitors to its steep granite cliffs and bear-filled forests. Downtown Yosemite is Yosemite Village, where all the necessary services are available for visitors. Hotels, camping, shops and eateries make the village a good starting point for day trips. I can promise you that while the fast food you can buy down here in the valley doesn't look like much to the world, it tastes divine after a day of hiking with shaky legs!

Around Yosemite Village there is a bus that takes you around to the main hiking trails and attractions, which is necessary during the summer when parking is scarce. So park the car and hop on the bus instead.

One of the most impressive sights in Yosemite National Park is it majestic Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in the United States, which reaches 740 meters into the air. The power of the water is greatest during the snowmelt, from early spring to early summer, when the waterfall hurls water droplets that crackle in the sunlight and create rainbows that spread across half the valley. In late summer and autumn, however, the falls are almost dry, and it feels as if nature has gone into hibernation for winter.

One of the park's most popular (and challenging) hiking trails leads to the top of Yosemite Falls – a stretch of 1 mile round trip, but be prepared for it to be a tough climb that will take most people between 6–8 hours. If, like us, you haven't really counted on how steep and demanding the terrain is, you can settle for a shorter hike up to Upper Yosemite Falls, which takes 2-3 hours round tripThe views here are nothing short of spectacular, and the powerful torrent of water, coupled with the endless views of the valley, make every drop of sweat worth the effort.

For those looking for a shorter and more accessible hike, Vernal Fall Footbridge an excellent alternative. The short but steep trail, at just 3 kilometers round trip, offers a stunning view of both Vernal Falls and the valley below. Most people turn around here, but for those looking for a challenge, you can continue all the way to the top of the falls for a complete day hike. Whether you choose a shorter tour or a longer hike, Yosemite Falls will leave a lasting impression.

For families with small children or strollers, Lower Yosemite Falls a perfect start. The short, paved trail of 1 km offers fantastic views of the lower parts of the three impressive falls. Another good option is the Bridalveil Fall Trail, also a 1 km paved trail, which takes you all the way to the almost 200-meter high waterfall. There is truly something magical about national parks where the whole family can experience the magnificence of nature together!

But here’s a little reminder: you don’t have to stick to the easier trails just because you’re traveling with kids! We’ve hiked many of the “medium” trails with a three-wheeled stroller (Mountain Buggy), and while some sections can be a bit rocky, it’s totally doable – just be prepared to occasionally lift the stroller over a log or rock. It’s so worth it to hit the bigger trails and discover even more of the park!

To get the best panorama of Yosemite Valley, neither hiking equipment nor climbing ropes are required. From early summer to late autumn is the way to go Glacier point open to car traffic and takes you to a view that beats most in Yosemite. Here from above, you see the climbers struggling on Half Dome and Yosemite Valley's gushing waterfalls. Another famous postcard view worth stopping for is found along Wawona Road (Route 41). tunnel view is reached via a rather anonymous passage in the Wawona Tunnel, but is one of the park's most famous places with a view of both El Capitan and several waterfalls. (Image at top of page)

There are five roads into Yosemite National Park, but the most impressive one is by far Tioga Road via Tioga Pass. This 6-kilometer road offers spectacular views, but expect it to take almost 2 hours to drive over the pass without stopping. Before you set off, make sure to check your brakes – up here at 3000 meters there is not much service in case something goes wrong.

The road starts plowing in April, but it can take a full two months before all the snow is gone and the road can be opened to traffic in June. When we were going to visit Yosemite in early June, we didn't think about snow depth or closed roads. It was summer, we were in California - why should we worry about snow? So we happily drove from Las Vegas to Tioga Pass, only to discover that the road was still closed for the season. The solution? A long detour via Sonora Pass, which instead of the planned 2 hours took us a full 6 hours. Sure, Sonora Pass is also beautiful, but I wouldn't recommend that detour. Learn from our mistake and always check if Tioga Pass is open before you go. Sometimes the road doesn't open until the end of June.

Along Tioga Road you will find Tulumne Meadows, a colorful sea of ​​alpine meadows surrounded by mountain peaks, icy lakes and fresh mountain air. Up here, you don't have to walk far until you are completely alone with nature. The vast majority of visitors never get further than Yosemite Valley and those who hike up here feel like a millionth of the visitors. Bring plenty of goodies and stop at one of the quiet lakes and set up a picnic at one of the fine dining spots. Breathe in. Exhale. Enjoy the peace.

How many days do I need to not miss anything?

It can be difficult to plan how many days you need to spend in Yosemite in order not to feel like you missed something. If you're looking to see the park's most beautiful spots, do a decent amount of hiking, and don't want to do long overnight hikes or climb Half Dome, then I'd say you need three days.

• Day 1: Yosemite Valley (with all attractions and hiking mentioned above)
• Day 2: Glacier Point Road (time for hikes and stops for views)
• Day 3: Tioga Pass and Toulumne Meadows (with time for walks in the meadows and a long lunch in the sun)

When is the best time to go to Yosemite?

Every season has its allure in Yosemite, although we prefer early summer.

• Spring: The waterfalls are well stocked, but not all roads are open. Just in time for tourists.
• summer: The waterfalls dry up, all the roads are plowed. Tioga Pass and Glacier Point are open. Lots of tourists and traffic jams.
• Fall: Beautiful colors, the roads are open until late autumn. Just in time for tourists.
• Winter: Snow and closed roads. Snow chains are required. The waterfalls are frozen into ice. Few tourists.

How do I find accommodation?

If you want to stay at the fine and luxurious lodge The Majestic Yosemite Hotel in Yosemite Valley, it is recommended that you book a room a year in advance for the summer months. There are also campgrounds inside the park, but they also get booked up well in advance. If all the accommodations in the park are full, there are motels and lodges practically all the way from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa/Oakhurst, so if you are out at the last minute you can always check into a cheap motel in Mariposa – it is only an hour from Yosemite Valley.

Is there anything fun for kids?

Yes of course! The vast majority of American national parks give children an opportunity to become a "junior park ranger", by solving tasks and answering questions about things they learn about animals and nature in the park. Pick up the starter kit at the national park centre. As a reward when they have completed the tasks, they get a gold-colored badge with the park's name to attach to the shirt. Very popular for all small collectors!

Want to read more about Yosemite National Park? 

You can find more useful information for planning your trip at:

• Yosemite's official site at the National Park Service
• Map over Yosemite at the National Park Service
• Yosemite Mariposa County