Yosemite: America's great outdoor playground

Towering granite cliffs, ancient giant sequoias and some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States make Yosemite National Park a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. From the soaring face of El Capitan to the iconic summit of Half Dome, this Californian wilderness has inspired adventurers for generations.

Yosemite is world-famous among climbers, who travel from across the globe to test themselves against legendary rock faces such as El Capitan. Yet you don't need ropes or climbing experience to appreciate the park's beauty. Visitors can explore scenic trails, discover thundering waterfalls, drive through dramatic mountain landscapes and take in panoramic views that rank among the finest in North America.

Within easy reach of both San Francisco and Los Angeles, Yosemite combines accessible adventure with breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you're hoping to spot wildlife, hike among giant sequoias or soak up the scenery, it's easy to see why this is one of America's most celebrated national parks.

Take a look at some of Yosemite's most spectacular sights and discover why we love it so much.

El Capitan

Rising more than 900 metres above the valley floor, El Capitan is one of the world's most famous rock formations and a mecca for climbers. Even if you're keeping your feet firmly on the ground, it's worth stopping to admire this immense granite monolith and watching climbers tackle its seemingly vertical face.

Tunnel View

One of the most photographed viewpoints in America, Tunnel View offers a classic Yosemite panorama. From here, you'll see El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall framed in a single breathtaking vista that's particularly impressive at sunrise or sunset.

Glacier Point

Perched high above Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point rewards visitors with sweeping views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks. It's one of the best places in the park to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of Yosemite's landscape.

Mariposa Grove

Home to hundreds of giant sequoias, Mariposa Grove is where you'll find some of the largest and oldest living trees on Earth. Wander among these towering giants and you'll gain a real sense of the park's age and grandeur.

Vernal Fall

One of Yosemite's most popular hikes leads to Vernal Fall, a powerful waterfall that plunges into the Merced River below. The Mist Trail takes you close enough to feel the spray on your face, making it a refreshing adventure on a warm day.

Yosemite Falls

Among North America's tallest waterfalls, Yosemite Falls drops a dramatic 739 metres in three stages. Visit in late spring or early summer to see it at its most powerful, when snowmelt sends torrents of water cascading down the cliffs.

How to get there

Yosemite is often included as part of a wider California adventure and is easily combined with some of the state's most iconic destinations. Here are some of our favourite ways to visit.

California Highlights Road Trip

From San Francisco to Los Angeles, this classic fly-drive combines Yosemite's natural wonders with Wine Country, charming coastal towns and the spectacular Pacific Coast Highway.

California's National Parks Road Trip

Discover the wild side of California on a journey through Yosemite, Sequoia and Death Valley, before ending among the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Ultimate California Road Trip

See California at its very best, from the vineyards of Napa Valley and the granite peaks of Yosemite to the beaches of San Diego and everything in between.

The information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.