Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring

National Park

Yosemite National Park

visit on nps.gov

Info

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Park Photos

Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring
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Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring

Credit: NPS Photo

Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring
Two tall waterfalls flowing down snow covered granite walls.
A rainbow over a mountain in the distance.
A mountain reflecting in a lake.
A waterfall flowing down a granite cliff.
Glaciated valley with vertical cliffs.
Mountains reflecting in water
Cluster of tall trees with cloudy sky.
Mountains surrounding a lake.
Granite dome with trace amounts of snow.
El Capitan and reflection in Merced River with some low clouds
El Capitan on left, Cathedral Rocks on the right, all covered in snow, low clouds and sun

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Guided Tours
  • Hands-On
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Ice Skating
  • Living History
  • Paddling
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Tubing
  • Snow Tubing
  • Skiing
  • Snow Play
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

Fees

Passes

Operating Hours

Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

DayHours
Wednesday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Sunday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Hetch Hetchy area is only open from sunrise to sunset (except for permitted backpackers). All day visitors must exit Hetch Hetchy by sunset. The road is also closed to all vehicles (including backpackers) from sunset to sunrise.

DayHours
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset

Weather info

Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (600 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May (and over 75% between November and March). Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May. (Yosemite Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)

Events