Yosemite National Park - Places To Go (U.S. National Park Service)

El Capitan on left, Bridalveil Fall on right

Tunnel View

Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is world famous for its impressive waterfalls, meadows, cliffs, and unusual rock formations. Yosemite Valley is accessible by car all year.

Giant sequoia with tall burn scar that passes all the way through the tree

Clothespin Tree

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
The Mariposa Grove is located 36 miles (one hour) south of Yosemite Valley, near the park's South Entrance. The Mariposa Grove is the largest stand of giant sequoias (also known as Sierra redwoods or big trees) in Yosemite. The road to the Mariposa Grove is not plowed in winter and is often closed to cars (but not to hikers or skiers) from sometime in November through March or April.

Historic stage office at Pioneer Yosemite History Center

Wawona
Wawona is the home to the historic Wawona Hotel, dating from the late nineteenth century. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center, a collection of historic buildings, is located just over the covered bridge from the hotel. Wawona is accessible by car year-round.

Yosemite Falls as seen from Glacier Point, 3,200 feet above floor of Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley, as seen from Glacier Point

Glacier Point & Badger Pass
Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra is located 30 miles (one hour) from Yosemite Valley. The road ends at Glacier Point and it is a short walk to the viewpoint. The road is closed from sometime in November through early May or late June. From mid-December through early April the road is plowed only as far as the Badger Pass ski area and Glacier Point can be reached via skis or snowshoes only. Both downhill and cross-country skiing are available at Badger Pass from mid-December through early April.

Crane Flat
Crane Flat is a pleasant forest and meadow area located 16 miles (30 minutes) from Yosemite Valley. Nearby are the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, which are only accessible by foot. Crane Flat is accessible by car all year. A snow play area is open during winter.

Tuolumne Meadows

Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows
The Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park), is generally open to vehicles from late May or early June through sometime in November. It offers a 39-mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows through forests and past meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Many turnouts offer broad and beautiful vistas.

Tuolumne Meadows is a large, open sub-alpine meadow graced by the winding Tuolumne River and surrounded by majestic peaks and domes. From sometime in November through late May or early June, this area is only accessible by cross-country skis or snowshoes.

Granite cliffs rise from Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Hetch Hetchy Valley

Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy, a lesser known twin to Yosemite Valley, is home to spectacular scenery and is the starting point for many less-used wilderness trails. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is the source of drinking water for much of the San Francisco Bay Area. Although the road to Hetch Hetchy is open year-round during daylight hours (approximately), it may close periodically due to snow in winter and spring. You can take a virtual tour of Hetch Hetchy, courtesy of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.