Yosemite National Park In California

 Yosemite National Park is over 1,200 square miles in size and was one of the first wilderness parks in the United States.

Yosemite Nature and Wildlife
Carnivores are perhaps the most widely recognized group of mammals in Yosemite. Carnivores include the American black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, raccoon, coyote, foxes, weasels, and skunks. Lesser known species like the American marten, fisher, and ringtail are also present. Although grizzly bears once roamed the area, they were extirpated from Yosemite National Park when the last individual was shot in the early 1920's. 

Yosemite National Park History
John Muir's struggle against the devastation of the subalpine meadows surrounding Yosemite Valley resulted in the creation of Yosemite National Park on October 1, 1890.

Military units with headquarters in Wawona administered the Yosemite National Park while the State of California continued to govern the area covered by the original 1864 grant.

Dual control of Yosemite National Park came to an end in 1906, when the State of California receded Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove to the federal government.

Civilian park rangers took over from the military in 1914. Two years later, on August 25, 1916, through the persistent efforts of Steven Mather and Horace Albright, Congress authorized the creation of the National Park Service to administer all national parks "in such manner and by such means as to leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

Popular Yosemite National Park Activities

Yosemite offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures including hiking, backpacking, biking, rock climbing, bird watching, photography, horseback riding, camping, rafting, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Please take a few minutes to watch the Yosemite Video by Finley Holiday to see an overview of all the activities Yosemite has to offer.... along with the spectacular scenery!

Yosemite National Park Lodging

There are many Yosemite National Park hotels inside Yosemite. National Park reservations for hotels are handled by contracted concessioners. The concessions company for Yosemite is Delaware North Companies (DNC) Parks and Resorts. DNC operate over 1,600 guest rooms and provide accomodations that range from Four-Diamond hotels to backcountry tents.

The Ahwahnee is the high end hotel that sits in the middle of Yosemite. The Ahwahnee provides provides, elegance, fine dining, all the amenities along with spectacular views.

The Ahwahnee If you are looking for elegant lodging in Yosemite National Park, you should definitely consider staying at The Ahwahnee. To check hotel room rates, room availability, and to make your reservations.... just click the Buy button.

Wawona Hotel is a National Historic Landmark, rests upon verdant meadows and beside rushing streams.  The tranquility of this Victorian-style lodge in Yosemite National Park makes it a favorite of those who prefer a relaxed environment and the gracious charm of a bygone era. 

The Wawona Hotel is located four miles from the Park's south entrance, cradled between the majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the bustling activity of Yosemite Valley.  Yosemite's Badger Pass Ski Area is a short 30-minute drive.

Wawona Hotel The Wawona Hotel is a great to stay in Yosemite National Park. You will be able to relax and enjoy your stay in this gorgeous setting. Experience the history of Yosemite at the Wawona Hotel. Check room rates, availability, and make your reservations!

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge is in the High Sierra.  For visitors seeking a High Country experience in the Sierra, the rustic lodge in Tuolumne Meadows is a great choice. It's located in the largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 8,775 feet. This is an ideal base camp for day hikes throughout Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne Meadows area or before backpacking in the High Sierra.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge is open from approximately early July to mid-September conditions permitting and is located on the Tioga Road, near the Park's eastern entrance on Highway 120 East. It is 60 miles from Yosemite Valley.

High Sierra Camps are also operated by DNC in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. The camps are located along a loop trail for easy hikes between camps. Wall tents are already set up, ready for when you arrive.