Yosemite’s Incredible El Capitan
These towering granite walls draw rock climbers, photographers and visitors looking for a dose of awe.
Mikaela is the associate content director for National Park Trips. She lives in her beautiful home state of Colorado with her husband and loves writing about the outdoors, travel and the environment. Her passion is to introduce people to the outdoors so that they fall in love and help protect the wild places she loves to play in.
She spends most of her free time outside hiking, skiing, mountain biking, doing yoga – you name it. When she’s not outside, you can find her researching cheap flights, exploring hipster coffee shops or on the hunt for Denver’s best mac n’ cheese. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @themillennialoutside.
El Capitan is Mikaela’s absolute favorite view in Yosemite. Don’t miss seeing it at night in the summer when the headlamps of climbers camping on the wall look like stars.
These towering granite walls draw rock climbers, photographers and visitors looking for a dose of awe.
Read this before you plan your visit to the park.
There’s pros and cons to visiting this popular park in every season.
Take the stress out of planning your Yosemite vacation. Leave it to a pro and book with Yosemite Sierra Travel Concierge.
Go on a multi-day hike without the hassle of setting up camp or making meals.
Catch accessible views from a paved trail, or do a strenuous hike to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall.
In the late 1800s, Chinese immigrants faced bitter winters, grueling working conditions and intense racism to help build Yosemite and the West.
Relax in a cabin, canvas tent or Airstream at this modern and luxurious glamping resort near Yosemite.
One hundred years after flooding Hetch Hetchy, central California’s water struggles have only intensified.
Tucked along Hwy. 120 on the way to Yosemite, Oakdale holds its heritage close. From local artisan producers and farmers to Western culture, this town is a great place to spend some time on the way to the park.
This desert park is a rock climber's and photographer's paradise. It's full of things to see, from hidden oases and cactus gardens to historical sites.
Unwind on and off the water after your trip to Channel Islands National Park.
Culture stop on the way to Yosemite
How to take photos of Yosemite’s most stunning scenes from sunrise to sunset to night skies.
Take an electric road trip through Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks.
AirBorrn Aviation / Yosemite Airways offers affordable scenic flights with views of El Capitan, Half Dome and more.
From giant redwoods to bucolic vineyards to a rich and storied agriculture scene, here are the coastal stops to take before heading inland to Yosemite.
Take a deep breath and recharge.
Wide open spaces and real people.
Don't miss this inspiring view and a mission built in 1786.
Scramble to the top of one of Yosemite’s easiest-to-access granite domes: Sentinel.
See unique perspectives of some of the park’s most iconic sights when you hike to the shores of a snow-fed lake and a mountain summit.
Get jaw-dropping views when you hike the 2.2-mile trail to Taft Point.
Pack in all the best things to see, do and eat on this incredible 2-Day itinerary to Yosemite National Park
See and interact with animals from around the world in natural habitats at this award-winning zoo.
From bird-filled wetlands to local wine and diverse cuisine, Elk Grove is a great stop on the way to Yosemite.
From underground gardens to a world-class zoo, Fresno is the perfect place to start a national park road trip.
Learn to cook like a pro and avoid common mistakes when you’re cooking at a campsite.
From hotel rooms to rustic cabins, you’ll find your perfect getaway at Kings Canyon National Park.
Inspiration Point is a photographer’s dream as it showcases gorgeous views of Yosemite Valley without the crowds.
Explore San Francisco before heading inland to sample Northern California’s amazing food and wines on this epic adventure en route to Yosemite.
Don't miss these iconic things to do in Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite national parks.
Eat and drink your way through this northern California city that boasts more than 10 Michelin awards.
Learn more about the 211-mile John Muir Trail through-hike that begins in Yosemite National Park
Catch spectacular views on this 10-mile hike to a lesser-known granite dome in Yosemite.
Incredible wildlife, stunning scenery and fascinating history await along California Hwy. 1.
Catch just as stunning views as on Half Dome, with no permit needed, when you hike the challenging Clouds Rest Trail.
Yosemite National Park has been an iconic destination since Ansel Adams’ black and white photos and John Muir’s writing brought it to the attention of Americans across the country. Today, it’s one of the most visited U.S. national parks.
The ultimate guide to activities inside Yosemite National Park
Upgrade your next national park road trip by booking a stay with Harvest Hosts at unique local producers nationwide.