Yosemite National Park, USA Travel Guide
Welcome to the first week of our world tour! We're kicking things off with the majestic Yosemite National Park in California, USA. Renowned for its waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, and a vast wilderness area, Yosemite is a dream come true for nature lovers.
We recommend traveling with your ICEMULE Pro Large. It will provide ample room for all the different activities. You will be able to pack drinks and snack for the whole crew while your hiking or camping and if you are staying at a hotel or lodge you can use it to grocery shop with.
Now have fun and get outside and explore!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival and Acclimatization
Arrive at Yosemite National Park and check into your chosen accommodation. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the surroundings and acclimatizing to the environment.
Day 2 - Yosemite Valley
Start your day with a tour of the Yosemite Valley. Visit the iconic El Capitan, a vertical rock formation perfect for rock climbing enthusiasts, and marvel at the towering Yosemite Falls. Don't miss the Half Dome, another recognizable landmark, if you're up for a challenging hike.
Day 3 - Mariposa Grove
Head over to Mariposa Grove and get lost amongst the ancient giant sequoias. The Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree are must-see trees in this area.
Day 4 - Glacier Point and Sentinel Dome
Take the trail to Glacier Point for a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. Later, head to Sentinel Dome, an easy hike with rewarding views.
Day 5 - Hetch Hetchy
Spend your day exploring Hetch Hetchy, a less crowded area of the park with beautiful waterfalls and reservoir views. Be sure to check out Wapama Falls.
Day 6 - Leisure Day
Take a day off to relax or choose your own adventure. Yosemite offers fishing, birdwatching, and horseback riding, among other activities.
Day 7 - Departure
Say goodbye to Yosemite and prepare for the next week's adventure.
Places to Stay
Yosemite provides a variety of accommodation options:
- The Ahwahnee: Yosemite's only luxury hotel, open year-round.
- Yosemite Valley Lodge: A traditional lodge near the base of Yosemite Falls, open year-round.
- Wawona Hotel: A historic Victorian lodge in the southern part of the park, open seasonally.
- Curry Village: Traditional cabins and canvas-sided tent cabins, open seasonally.
- Housekeeping Camp: Open-air experience on the banks of the Merced River, open seasonally.
Remember, reservations are available 366 days in advance and are strongly recommended, especially from spring through fall and during holidays1.
Things to Do
Aside from the usual hiking and sightseeing, Yosemite National Park offers a variety of activities:
- Camping: Camping is extremely popular in Yosemite with various campsites available throughout the park.
- Tours: Yosemite Hospitality, the park concessioner, offers tours year-round.
- Art and Photography: Yosemite's epic scenery lends itself to the artist's eye.
- Biking: Explore Yosemite on two wheels.
- Birdwatching: Yosemite provides essential habitat for over 165 species of birds.
- Rock Climbing: Yosemite is one of the world's greatest climbing areas.
- Stargazing: With very dark night skies, Yosemite is a great place to look at the stars.
- Water Activities: Rafting, fishing, swimming, and boating are all enjoyable summer activities.
- Winter Sports: Skiing and snowshoeing are popular during the winter2
Budget
The budget for this week will vary significantly depending on your accommodation choice, food, and chosen activities. As an estimate, a week in Yosemite can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000 per person. This includes park fees, accommodations, meals, and activity costs.
Please note that these are estimated costs and actual costs may vary. Always plan and budget according to your own needs and preferences.
If you have traveled or plan to travel to Yosemite National Park. We would love to see your photos on social media. Be sure to tag us and we will share!