10 Things to Know Before Visiting Yosemite
Yosemite is an absolutely amazing place. It's filled with giant sequoias that, even when you look at them, you still can't comprehend their size or their age. There's stunning scenery, impressive wildlife, relaxing walks, towering cliffs, flowing streams and gushing waterfalls. There's something there for everyone, but while people will always put Yosemite on their bucket list of things to see and do, there are a few things you should know before heading out there.
1. You'll need to carve out a few days at least
Yosemite is a huge place. There are loads of things to see there and you can't do it all in a day. You will need to carve out at least a weekend to make the most of your time there. When we went, we stayed for a couple of days.
One day it was see the giant sequoias and the next day was to walk around the forests, see the waterfalls and take in the sights of El Capitan and Half Dome. It's such an incredible place, and it's somewhere I'd go back to, because even spending two days there wasn't enough time.
2. Not all areas are accessible all year round
You might find that not all areas of Yosemite are open at certain times of the year. Make sure you do your research if you want to see the main sights. We went in April/May, and that was the prime time to see the giant sequoias and to see all of the waterfalls in full flow.
Going in the summer will mean you won't see the waterfalls, as the water will have dried up, but going too late in the year will mean snow and the giant sequoias might not be accessible. Think carefully about when's best to visit so that you can see as much as possible.
3. To see the waterfalls, go in the spring or early summer
It snows in Yosemite during the winter, and it will remain that way until the spring. This means that, as soon as the temperature warms up, the snow will melt. The water produced as a result of that creates impressive gushing waterfalls, the likes of which I have never seen before, and doubt that I will ever see again. This makes spring and early summer (no later than mid-May) the best time to visit Yosemite if you're wanting to see the breathtaking waterfalls across the entire site.
4. Pay attention to permits
There are some parts of Yosemite that are permitted. This is either because there's restricted access, such as for those with disabilities, or because only authorised personnel and vehicles can access those areas. There are also some parking restrictions, so make sure you follow the signs properly so that you know where's best to park your car before venturing out.
5. Make use of the shuttle bus
There's a shuttle bus that runs, most of the time, from the car park at the giant sequoias, all the way up to where they stand. However, due to the time of year, the bus wasn't running, which meant a 4-mile hike from the car park, to the visitor centre and up to the giant sequoias. There's also a bus tour that you can go on, which you have to pay for, but it's the best way to see everything of note in a short space of time.
6. There is a tour available, which I suggest you book onto if you're not there for long
I've just touched on this, but there is a tour bus that goes from the main visitor centre. You do have to pay for it and it can be booked in advance. It will take you through Yosemite park, seeing everything that put it on the map.
As well as taking you to see the sights, a tour guide is also on hand to tell you everything you need to know about the place as you go along. If you're looking to see as much as possible in a short space of time, then this bus tour is worth its weight in gold.
7. Take nothing but photos & leave nothing but footprints
Yosemite is a beautiful place and it's very well looked after by rangers and volunteers alike. Not to mention, wildlife needs to be protected, as do their habitats, which includes the trees. Everyone works hard to keep it protected, which is why, when you go, you should leave nothing behind and don't take anything with you. Leave it as you found it - litter-free and overrun by nature, as it was intended.
8. Plan your walking route before you embark on it
Walking through Yosemite isn't, pardon the pun, a walk in the park. There are loads of different trails you could go on and some of them intertwine with each other. If your plan is to go for a considerable hike through the forests, then make sure you know where you're going and plan your route properly before you go. There are bears that still live in Yosemite and the nights draw in quickly, even in the summer. The last thing you want to do is become stranded or get lost. Knowledge is power in this case, so make sure you're prepared.
9. Consider the daylight hours, no matter which time of year you go
I've just talked about this briefly, but you need to check the times that the sun sets at the time of year you go. As it's preserved and protected, you will find now lights that shine the way for you while on a walking trail. Plan your time there and make sure you've started and completed your hike while the sun is still shining, unless you're planning on camping or climbing El Capitan or Half Dome, which you will need a permit for.
10. Pack for all eventualities
Packing for all eventualities is a very sensible thing to do when visiting Yosemite, whether you're planning on doing a proper hike or just visiting the cafe. There isn't anything round there, so make sure you're bringing plenty of water, have a first aid kit and have packed extra layers. Also, wear the right shoes and prepare for rain, just in case.
***
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and that you found it useful? Let me know in the comments if you have any tips for visiting Yosemite and I'll see you all again soon with some brand new content!
***
WHERE TO FIND ME
PREVIOUS BLOG POST
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
Comments
Post a Comment