{"id":161122,"date":"2026-05-14T16:19:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T14:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/?p=161122"},"modified":"2026-05-15T13:29:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T11:29:22","slug":"yosemite-california-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Yosemite National Park, California: 15 Things to See and Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The first time I drove through the tunnel on Wawona Road and Yosemite Valley opened up before me, I stood there with my jaw on the floor. Literally. Luk\u00e1\u0161 had to stop the car because I started screaming something along the lines of &#8220;this can&#8217;t be real!&#8221; \u2014 and the bloke in the car behind us stared at me like I&#8217;d lost the plot. \ud83d\ude05 <strong>But you know what? He did the exact same thing. Because this view is simply <em>something<\/em> no photo can prepare you for.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yosemite National Park<\/strong> in California is one of those places that permanently recalibrates your sense of beauty. Granite monoliths towering over a kilometre high, waterfalls plunging hundreds of metres into a glacier-carved valley, ancient sequoias that make you feel like an ant \u2014 all in one park in the heart of California&#8217;s Sierra Nevada. If you&#8217;re looking for the best <strong>Yosemite California things to do<\/strong>, you&#8217;ve come to the right place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, you&#8217;ll find <strong>15 tips on what to see and do in Yosemite<\/strong> \u2014 from the iconic Half Dome and the most stunning waterfalls and viewpoints to hiking trails for complete beginners and those who aren&#8217;t afraid of vertical cable routes. I&#8217;ll tell you when the best time to visit is, where to stay (and why you need to start planning months ahead), how much it all costs, and how to dodge the crowds that turn Yosemite Valley into a car park every summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vernal-fall-duha.jpg\" alt=\"Vernal Fall waterfall with a rainbow on the Mist Trail in Yosemite\" class=\"wp-image-159388\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vernal-fall-duha.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vernal-fall-duha-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vernal-fall-duha-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vernal-fall-duha-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vernal-fall-duha-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#TLDR\" >TL;DR<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#When_to_visit_Yosemite_and_how_to_get_there\" >When to visit Yosemite and how to get there<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Best_time_to_visit\" >Best time to visit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Reservation_system_important\" >Reservation system (important!)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#How_to_get_to_Yosemite\" >How to get to Yosemite<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Where_to_stay_in_Yosemite_and_how_much_it_costs\" >Where to stay in Yosemite and how much it costs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Accommodation_inside_the_park\" >Accommodation inside the park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Accommodation_outside_the_park\" >Accommodation outside the park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#How_much_does_a_Yosemite_holiday_cost\" >How much does a Yosemite holiday cost?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Yosemite_Valley_8_must-see_spots\" >Yosemite Valley: 8 must-see spots<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#1_Tunnel_View_%E2%80%94_a_viewpoint_that_takes_your_breath_away\" >1. Tunnel View \u2014 a viewpoint that takes your breath away<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#2_El_Capitan_%E2%80%94_the_worlds_largest_granite_monolith\" >2. El Capitan \u2014 the world&#8217;s largest granite monolith<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#3_Yosemite_Falls_%E2%80%94_the_tallest_waterfall_in_North_America\" >3. Yosemite Falls \u2014 the tallest waterfall in North America<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#4_Half_Dome_%E2%80%94_Yosemites_icon_and_a_lifetime_of_adrenaline\" >4. Half Dome \u2014 Yosemite&#8217;s icon (and a lifetime of adrenaline)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#5_Mist_Trail_to_Vernal_and_Nevada_Fall_%E2%80%94_the_most_beautiful_trail_in_the_park\" >5. Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Fall \u2014 the most beautiful trail in the park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#6_Glacier_Point_%E2%80%94_the_best_panorama_youll_ever_see\" >6. Glacier Point \u2014 the best panorama you&#8217;ll ever see<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#7_Mirror_Lake_%E2%80%94_a_peaceful_walk_with_Half_Dome_reflections\" >7. Mirror Lake \u2014 a peaceful walk with Half Dome reflections<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#8_Valley_View_and_other_viewpoints_in_the_valley\" >8. Valley View and other viewpoints in the valley<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Beyond_the_valley_5_tips_around_Yosemite\" >Beyond the valley: 5 tips around Yosemite<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#9_Tioga_Road_%E2%80%94_the_most_beautiful_mountain_road_in_California\" >9. Tioga Road \u2014 the most beautiful mountain road in California<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#10_Mariposa_Grove_%E2%80%94_among_giants\" >10. Mariposa Grove \u2014 among giants<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#11_Glacier_Point_Road_Taft_Point_and_Sentinel_Dome\" >11. Glacier Point Road: Taft Point and Sentinel Dome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#12_Hetch_Hetchy_%E2%80%94_Yosemite_without_the_tourists\" >12. Hetch Hetchy \u2014 Yosemite without the tourists<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#13_Hiking_tips_for_beginners_and_experienced_walkers\" >13. Hiking tips for beginners and experienced walkers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Where_to_eat_and_drink_in_Yosemite\" >Where to eat and drink in Yosemite<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Restaurants_in_the_park\" >Restaurants in the park<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Cooking_your_own_food\" >Cooking your own food<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Practical_tips_to_finish\" >Practical tips to finish<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#What_to_pack\" >What to pack<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Mobile_signal_and_internet\" >Mobile signal and internet<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Flights_and_travel_insurance\" >Flights and travel insurance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Car_hire\" >Car hire<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Wildlife_in_the_park\" >Wildlife in the park<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Tips_for_avoiding_the_crowds\" >Tips for avoiding the crowds<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#14_Get_up_before_dawn\" >14. Get up before dawn<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#15_Explore_beyond_the_valley\" >15. Explore beyond the valley<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#FAQ_%E2%80%94_Frequently_asked_questions_about_Yosemite\" >FAQ \u2014 Frequently asked questions about Yosemite<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#How_many_days_do_I_need_for_Yosemite\" >How many days do I need for Yosemite?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Do_I_need_a_reservation_for_Yosemite\" >Do I need a reservation for Yosemite?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#How_was_Yosemite_Valley_formed\" >How was Yosemite Valley formed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Is_Yosemite_the_oldest_national_park_in_the_world\" >Is Yosemite the oldest national park in the world?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Is_Yosemite_the_largest_national_park_in_the_USA\" >Is Yosemite the largest national park in the USA?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Are_there_dangerous_animals_in_Yosemite\" >Are there dangerous animals in Yosemite?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/yosemite-california-things-to-do\/#Can_I_bring_my_dog_to_Yosemite\" >Can I bring my dog to Yosemite?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TLDR\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TL_DR\"><\/span>TL;DR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Yosemite National Park<\/strong> is one of the most visited national parks in the USA \u2014 over 4 million people come here each year, so plan well ahead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best time to visit<\/strong> is May\u2013June (waterfalls at full force) and September\u2013October (fewer crowds, beautiful colours). Summer is packed, winter is magical but many roads are closed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Entry fee<\/strong> is $35 (~\u20ac32) per vehicle for 7 days. If you&#8217;re visiting multiple US parks, get the <strong>America the Beautiful Pass<\/strong> for $80 (~\u20ac73) \u2014 valid for a full year at all national parks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In summer you need a reservation<\/strong> to enter the park by car (usually April to October). Reservations are released in waves and disappear within minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Half Dome<\/strong> is iconic but requires a permit awarded by lottery \u2014 apply in March, or try the daily lottery on-site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best viewpoints:<\/strong> Tunnel View, Glacier Point, Valley View, Taft Point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best trails:<\/strong> Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point, Mirror Lake Loop for a relaxed walk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accommodation in the park<\/strong> sells out months in advance. Alternatives include the towns of El Portal, Mariposa, or Groveland.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Budget roughly <strong>\u20ac120\u2013\u20ac250 per day for two<\/strong> (accommodation + food + petrol), depending on your comfort level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Download offline maps<\/strong> \u2014 mobile signal in the park is virtually non-existent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_visit_Yosemite_and_how_to_get_there\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_visit_Yosemite_and_how_to_get_there\"><\/span>When to visit Yosemite and how to get there<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yosemite is stunning year-round, but each season delivers a completely different experience. Here&#8217;s when to go based on what you want to see \u2014 plus how to actually get to the park, because it&#8217;s not quite as straightforward as you might think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_time_to_visit\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_time_to_visit\"><\/span>Best time to visit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>May and June<\/strong> are, in my opinion, the absolute best months. The waterfalls are raging after the spring snowmelt \u2014 Yosemite Falls thunders so loudly you can hear it from halfway across the valley, and Mist Trail to Vernal Fall truly earns its name because the spray absolutely drenches you. The meadows are green, wildflowers are blooming, and the air smells of fresh pine. The downside? Some higher-elevation routes (Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road) may still be closed due to snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>September and October<\/strong> are my second choice. The waterfalls often dry up (Yosemite Falls in particular can be little more than a damp rock face by October), but the crowds vanish, the weather is settled, and the granite walls glow with incredible colours in the autumn light. Plus \u2014 Tioga Road is open and you can explore the high-country section of the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Summer (July\u2013August)<\/strong> is peak season. Everything is open, but Yosemite Valley turns into a zoo. Car parks are full by 9 AM, shuttle buses are bursting at the seams, and there are queues on the Mist Trail. If you must visit in summer, get up before dawn \u2014 seriously, at 6 AM the park is a completely different world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Winter<\/strong> is magical and dramatically empty. El Capitan dusted with snow, frozen waterfalls, total silence \u2014 but most roads (including Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road) are closed, and practically only Yosemite Valley is accessible via Highway 140.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reservation_system_important\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reservation_system_important\"><\/span>Reservation system (important!)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2020, a <strong>mandatory vehicle reservation<\/strong> has been required during the summer season (usually April\u2013October). Without one, you won&#8217;t be allowed through the gate \u2014 even at night. Reservations are released in two waves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Main wave<\/strong> \u2014 the majority of slots open for booking in March for the entire season. They vanish within minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Daily wave<\/strong> \u2014 a smaller number of slots are released 2 days in advance at 7:00 AM Pacific Time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The reservation costs $2 (~\u20ac2) per vehicle and is valid for 3 consecutive days. The park entrance fee ($35) is paid separately at the gate. Keep an eye on <strong>recreation.gov<\/strong> \u2014 and have quick fingers. \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_get_to_Yosemite\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_get_to_Yosemite\"><\/span>How to get to Yosemite<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By car from San Francisco<\/strong> \u2014 roughly 3.5\u20134 hours via Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Entrance) or Highway 140 (Arch Rock Entrance). Highway 140 is the most scenic and most comfortable route, and it&#8217;s open year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By car from Los Angeles<\/strong> \u2014 around 5 hours via Highway 41 (South Entrance), which brings you straight to Tunnel View.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>From Las Vegas<\/strong> \u2014 about 7 hours. It combines beautifully with <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/narodni-park-yellowstone\/\">Yellowstone<\/a> and other parks on an epic West Coast road trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Flying from the UK<\/strong> \u2014 you&#8217;ll want to fly into San Francisco (SFO) or Los Angeles (LAX). Direct flights from London Heathrow are widely available with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and United. From there, rent a car and hit the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Without a car<\/strong> \u2014 the YARTS bus runs from Merced and Fresno into the park, but honestly, Yosemite is very limiting without your own wheels. I&#8217;d strongly recommend hiring a car \u2014 Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I have had great long-term experience with <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"RentalCars.com\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/rentalcars-com\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">RentalCars<\/a>, which we use all around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>TIP:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re planning a road trip through California&#8217;s national parks and beyond, check out our tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/narodni-park-yellowstone\/\">the best places in the USA<\/a> \u2014 Yosemite is just one of many treasures of the American West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_in_Yosemite_and_how_much_it_costs\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_in_Yosemite_and_how_much_it_costs\"><\/span>Where to stay in Yosemite and how much it costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Accommodation in Yosemite is a chapter in itself \u2014 and frankly, it&#8217;s probably the most challenging part of planning your entire trip. There are limited beds and campsites inside the park, and everything sells out months (sometimes even a year!) in advance. But don&#8217;t despair \u2014 there are great alternatives just outside the park gates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accommodation_inside_the_park\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accommodation_inside_the_park\"><\/span>Accommodation inside the park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129451&amp;hotelname=The%20Ahwahnee%20Hotel&amp;address=Yosemite%20National%20Park%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">The Ahwahnee Hotel<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 an iconic historic hotel right in Yosemite Valley. Monumental lobby, fireplaces, views of Half Dome\u2026 and prices around $500\u2013700 (~\u20ac460\u2013\u20ac640) per night. It&#8217;s an experience, but your wallet will weep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129451&amp;hotelname=Yosemite%20Valley%20Lodge&amp;address=Yosemite%20National%20Park%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Yosemite Valley Lodge<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 a slightly more affordable option right in the valley, with prices around $250\u2013350 (~\u20ac230\u2013\u20ac320). The location is brilliant \u2014 just a short walk from Yosemite Falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129451&amp;hotelname=Curry%20Village%20%28Half%20Dome%20Village%29&amp;address=Yosemite%20National%20Park%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Curry Village (Half Dome Village)<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 canvas tent cabins that are essentially glamping. From around $150 (~\u20ac137). They&#8217;re basic, but the atmosphere is incredible \u2014 you fall asleep gazing at granite walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Campsites<\/strong> \u2014 there are several campgrounds in the park, the most popular being <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&amp;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&amp;campaign=post-129451&amp;hotelname=Upper%20Pines&amp;address=Yosemite%20National%20Park%2C%20USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Upper Pines<\/a><\/strong> right in the valley. Prices are around $26\u201336 (~\u20ac24\u2013\u20ac33) per night. Summer reservations open 5 months in advance on recreation.gov and vanish literally within seconds. I&#8217;m not sure I&#8217;ve ever felt a bigger adrenaline rush sitting at a computer. \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accommodation_outside_the_park\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Accommodation_outside_the_park\"><\/span>Accommodation outside the park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you miss the in-park reservations (which is very likely), don&#8217;t worry \u2014 the surrounding towns offer plenty of options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>El Portal<\/strong> \u2014 closest to the park (about 10 minutes from Arch Rock Entrance). A tiny village with a handful of hotels and Airbnbs. Prices from around $150 per night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mariposa<\/strong> \u2014 about 45 minutes from the valley, but it has more restaurants, shops, and proper Old West vibes. Great value for the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Groveland<\/strong> \u2014 on the Highway 120 route, about an hour from the park. Smaller selection, but a pleasant atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Buck Meadows and Midpines<\/strong> \u2014 small communities between El Portal and Mariposa with cabins and Airbnbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_a_Yosemite_holiday_cost\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_a_Yosemite_holiday_cost\"><\/span>How much does a Yosemite holiday cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rough budget for <strong>3\u20134 days for two<\/strong> (our typical visit length):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Entry fee:<\/strong> $35 (~\u20ac32) per vehicle for 7 days, or $80 (~\u20ac73) for a yearly pass to all national parks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accommodation:<\/strong> $150\u2013350\/night (~\u20ac137\u2013\u20ac320) for a hotel, $26\u201336 (~\u20ac24\u2013\u20ac33) for a campsite<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Petrol:<\/strong> around $50\u201380 (~\u20ac46\u2013\u20ac73) for the entire stay (depending on where you&#8217;re coming from)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Food:<\/strong> $30\u201360\/day (~\u20ac27\u2013\u20ac55) for two if eating at park restaurants; significantly cheaper if you cook<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Activities:<\/strong> Most trails and viewpoints are free. Half Dome permit costs $10.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, budget roughly <strong>\u20ac120\u2013\u20ac250 per day for two<\/strong>, depending on your accommodation standard. We spent around \u20ac330 over 4 days for two (camping + groceries + one restaurant lunch per day), but you can easily do it for less if you cook on a camping stove and skip the four-dollar lattes at Curry Village. \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Yosemite_Valley_8_must-see_spots\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Yosemite_Valley_8_must_see_spots\"><\/span>Yosemite Valley: 8 must-see spots<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yosemite Valley is the beating heart of the park \u2014 a glacier-carved valley about 12 kilometres long, flanked by thousand-metre granite walls, cascading waterfalls, and the Merced River gently meandering through meadows. Most visitors spend their time right here, and it&#8217;s no wonder \u2014 the concentration of beauty per square kilometre is simply mind-blowing. Let&#8217;s dive into the best things to see and do in Yosemite Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Tunnel_View_%E2%80%94_a_viewpoint_that_takes_your_breath_away\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Tunnel_View_a_viewpoint_that_takes_your_breath_away\"><\/span>1. Tunnel View \u2014 a viewpoint that takes your breath away<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"812\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-0-klasicky-vyhled-na-yosemitske-udoli-z-tunnel-view.jpg\" alt=\"Classic view of Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View\" class=\"wp-image-159818\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-0-klasicky-vyhled-na-yosemitske-udoli-z-tunnel-view.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-0-klasicky-vyhled-na-yosemitske-udoli-z-tunnel-view-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-0-klasicky-vyhled-na-yosemitske-udoli-z-tunnel-view-700x474.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-0-klasicky-vyhled-na-yosemitske-udoli-z-tunnel-view-768x520.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-0-klasicky-vyhled-na-yosemitske-udoli-z-tunnel-view-696x471.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Chase Lindberg \/ CC BY 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Tunnel View is arguably <strong>the most photographed spot in all of Yosemite<\/strong>, and you&#8217;ll understand why the moment you emerge from the tunnel on Wawona Road. The entire Yosemite Valley unfolds before you \u2014 El Capitan on the left, Cathedral Rocks and Bridalveil Fall on the right, Half Dome in the background, and the Sierra Nevada stretching endlessly beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best time to visit is <strong>late afternoon<\/strong>, when the sun illuminates El Capitan and the valley is bathed in golden light. Mornings are backlit, but you might catch mist rising from the valley floor, which is equally stunning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The car park is small and fills up fast in summer, but turnover is high since most people just snap a photo and move on. Head here as your first stop if you&#8217;re arriving from the south \u2014 I can&#8217;t imagine a better welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_El_Capitan_%E2%80%94_the_worlds_largest_granite_monolith\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_El_Capitan_the_worlds_largest_granite_monolith\"><\/span>2. El Capitan \u2014 the world&#8217;s largest granite monolith<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-1-zulovy-monolit-el-capitan-v-yosemite.jpg\" alt=\"The granite monolith El Capitan in Yosemite\" class=\"wp-image-159821\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-1-zulovy-monolit-el-capitan-v-yosemite.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-1-zulovy-monolit-el-capitan-v-yosemite-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-1-zulovy-monolit-el-capitan-v-yosemite-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-1-zulovy-monolit-el-capitan-v-yosemite-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-1-zulovy-monolit-el-capitan-v-yosemite-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Roy Luck \/ CC BY 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>El Capitan is a 900-metre-tall vertical granite wall that towers over the western end of the valley like a giant sentinel. It&#8217;s <strong>the most famous rock-climbing wall on the planet<\/strong> \u2014 this is where Alex Honnold free-soloed the face without ropes in 2017 (yes, we&#8217;ve seen Free Solo, and yes, my palms were sweating the entire film).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best view of El Capitan is from <strong>El Capitan Meadow<\/strong> \u2014 the car park is right on the main road through the valley. Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens and look for tiny colourful dots on the wall \u2014 those are climbers who spend days on the face. Once you spot them, you suddenly grasp the true scale of this monstrous rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>El Capitan is at its most beautiful in the evening and early morning \u2014 the granite shifts from pink to orange to purple. If you&#8217;re here in February, you might witness the <strong>Firefall<\/strong> phenomenon at sunset, when sunlight hits Horsetail Fall and makes it look like flowing lava. It&#8217;s breathtaking but quite unpredictable (it depends on the angle of the sun, water flow, and weather conditions).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Yosemite_Falls_%E2%80%94_the_tallest_waterfall_in_North_America\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Yosemite_Falls_the_tallest_waterfall_in_North_America\"><\/span>3. Yosemite Falls \u2014 the tallest waterfall in North America<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-yosemite-falls.jpg\" alt=\"Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America\" class=\"wp-image-159389\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-yosemite-falls.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-yosemite-falls-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-yosemite-falls-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-yosemite-falls-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-yosemite-falls-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With a total height of <strong>739 metres<\/strong> (split across three tiers), Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and the <strong>tallest in North America<\/strong>. When it&#8217;s in full flow in May and June, the roar carries clear across the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Lower Yosemite Fall Trail<\/strong> is an easy walk (about 1.6 km round trip, flat ground) that takes you right to the base of the lower tier. In May, the spray will soak you \u2014 plan accordingly and keep your camera in a waterproof case, or bring a rain jacket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the more adventurous, there&#8217;s the <strong>Upper Yosemite Fall Trail<\/strong> \u2014 a punishing climb with over 800 metres of elevation gain (about 12 km round trip) that takes you to the top of the falls with a panoramic view over the entire valley. Allow a full day and bring <strong>plenty<\/strong> of water. We reached the top in June and that view\u2026 it was worth every aching muscle. Every single metre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u26a0\ufe0f <strong>Important:<\/strong> From late summer (August\u2013October) Yosemite Falls often dries up completely! If you want to see the waterfall in its full glory, visit in spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Half_Dome_%E2%80%94_Yosemites_icon_and_a_lifetime_of_adrenaline\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Half_Dome_Yosemites_icon_and_a_lifetime_of_adrenaline\"><\/span>4. Half Dome \u2014 Yosemite&#8217;s icon (and a lifetime of adrenaline)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-half-dome-vyhled.jpg\" alt=\"View of Half Dome, Liberty Cap and Nevada Fall\" class=\"wp-image-159390\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-half-dome-vyhled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-half-dome-vyhled-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-half-dome-vyhled-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-half-dome-vyhled-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-half-dome-vyhled-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Half Dome is that iconic granite dome you see on every other Yosemite photo. It looks as if someone sliced it clean in half with a giant knife \u2014 and that&#8217;s essentially what happened, since glaciers sheared away its northwestern face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>hike to the summit of Half Dome<\/strong> is one of the most epic trails in the USA, but it&#8217;s not for everyone. The route is <strong>roughly 22\u201327 km<\/strong> (depending on the variant), with over 1,400 metres of elevation gain, and the final section involves hauling yourself up a granite face using steel <strong>cables<\/strong> above a sheer drop. The whole thing takes 10\u201314 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You need a permit to climb Half Dome!<\/strong> Without one, you won&#8217;t be allowed on the cables, and the fines are hefty ($5,000 \/ ~\u20ac4,600 \u2014 definitely not worth it). Permits are awarded by <strong>lottery<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pre-season lottery<\/strong> \u2014 applications in March on recreation.gov, results in April. Roughly a 30% chance of winning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Daily lottery<\/strong> \u2014 apply 2 days in advance, results the day before. Lower odds, but still realistic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The permit costs just $10 (~\u20ac9) \u2014 by far the cheapest part of the whole adventure. The feeling at the summit is priceless. Luk\u00e1\u0161 says it&#8217;s the best hike he&#8217;s ever done. I say it&#8217;s the best hike during which I thought I was going to die. \ud83d\ude05 But that view!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Mist_Trail_to_Vernal_and_Nevada_Fall_%E2%80%94_the_most_beautiful_trail_in_the_park\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Mist_Trail_to_Vernal_and_Nevada_Fall_the_most_beautiful_trail_in_the_park\"><\/span>5. Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Fall \u2014 the most beautiful trail in the park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-mist-trail-vernal-fall.jpg\" alt=\"Vernal Fall with a rainbow on the famous Mist Trail\" class=\"wp-image-159391\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-mist-trail-vernal-fall.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-mist-trail-vernal-fall-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-mist-trail-vernal-fall-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-mist-trail-vernal-fall-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-mist-trail-vernal-fall-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you only have time for one hike in Yosemite, <strong>do the Mist Trail<\/strong>. Full stop. It&#8217;s the most beautiful trail in the entire park in my opinion \u2014 and one of the best I&#8217;ve ever walked, anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trail starts at <strong>Happy Isles<\/strong> (shuttle bus stop #16) and follows the Merced River up to <strong>Vernal Fall<\/strong> (97 m) and beyond to <strong>Nevada Fall<\/strong> (181 m). The hike to Vernal Fall is about 4.8 km round trip with 300 metres of elevation gain; if you continue to Nevada Fall, it&#8217;s roughly 8.8 km round trip with 600 metres of gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why &#8220;Mist&#8221; Trail? Because from spring to early summer, the spray from Vernal Fall will drench you <strong>completely<\/strong>. And I mean absolutely soaked \u2014 as if you stepped into a shower fully clothed. It&#8217;s an incredible and refreshing experience, but protect your electronics! I saw people putting their phones in ziplock bags \u2014 highly recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The granite steps up to Vernal Fall are steep and slippery (granite steps + waterfall mist = not exactly ideal), but anyone who&#8217;s reasonably fit can manage it. On the way back, you can take the John Muir Trail, which is less steep and offers different views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>TIP:<\/strong> Set off as early as possible (ideally by 7:00 AM). By 10:00, there&#8217;s a queue, and the stairway feels like the London Underground at rush hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Glacier_Point_%E2%80%94_the_best_panorama_youll_ever_see\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Glacier_Point_the_best_panorama_youll_ever_see\"><\/span>6. Glacier Point \u2014 the best panorama you&#8217;ll ever see<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-2-vyhled-z-glacier-point-na-half-dome-a-udoli.jpg\" alt=\"View from Glacier Point over Half Dome and the valley\" class=\"wp-image-159823\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-2-vyhled-z-glacier-point-na-half-dome-a-udoli.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-2-vyhled-z-glacier-point-na-half-dome-a-udoli-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-2-vyhled-z-glacier-point-na-half-dome-a-udoli-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-2-vyhled-z-glacier-point-na-half-dome-a-udoli-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-2-vyhled-z-glacier-point-na-half-dome-a-udoli-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Andy Witchger \/ CC BY 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Glacier Point is a <strong>viewpoint 980 metres above Yosemite Valley<\/strong>, from which you can see Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Fall, Yosemite Falls, the entire valley, and the ridges of the High Sierra in the background. It&#8217;s simply\u2026 a lot. I probably stood there for 20 minutes, unable to walk away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can reach Glacier Point <strong>by car<\/strong> (about 45 minutes from the valley via Glacier Point Road \u2014 usually open May\/June through October\/November), or <strong>on foot<\/strong> via the Four Mile Trail from the valley floor (roughly 7.7 km with 975 metres of elevation gain \u2014 it&#8217;s a proper workout, but absolutely stunning).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Glacier Point Road<\/strong> was reconstructed in 2022 after a wildfire and is now in perfect condition. Along the way, there are several other viewpoints \u2014 <strong>Washburn Point<\/strong> (just before the end) arguably offers an even better view of Half Dome and the waterfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sunset from Glacier Point is legendary. Half Dome turns pink, and lights start twinkling in the valley below \u2014 it&#8217;s so romantic I nearly cried. Luk\u00e1\u0161 pretended he didn&#8217;t, but I could tell. \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u26a0\ufe0f In winter, Glacier Point Road is closed to vehicles, but you can get here on cross-country skis or snowshoes (about 17 km from Badger Pass).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Mirror_Lake_%E2%80%94_a_peaceful_walk_with_Half_Dome_reflections\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Mirror_Lake_a_peaceful_walk_with_Half_Dome_reflections\"><\/span>7. Mirror Lake \u2014 a peaceful walk with Half Dome reflections<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"808\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-3-jezero-mirror-lake-s-odrazem-half-dome.jpg\" alt=\"Mirror Lake with the reflection of Half Dome\" class=\"wp-image-159827\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-3-jezero-mirror-lake-s-odrazem-half-dome.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-3-jezero-mirror-lake-s-odrazem-half-dome-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-3-jezero-mirror-lake-s-odrazem-half-dome-700x471.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-3-jezero-mirror-lake-s-odrazem-half-dome-768x517.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-3-jezero-mirror-lake-s-odrazem-half-dome-696x469.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Mike McBey \/ CC BY 2.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mirror Lake is one of those spots that gets fewer visitors yet is absolutely beautiful. It&#8217;s a shallow pool (really more of a wide section of Tenaya Creek) that in spring and early summer <strong>perfectly mirrors Half Dome<\/strong> on its surface. The reflection is so precise that photos from Mirror Lake look like they&#8217;ve been Photoshopped \u2014 but they haven&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Mirror Lake Loop<\/strong> is an easy, flat walk of about 8 km, perfect for the late afternoon or for families with children. From shuttle stop #17, it&#8217;s about 1.5 km along a paved path to the lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The catch? From late summer, Mirror Lake dries up and becomes a sandy flat. <strong>The best time is May and June<\/strong> \u2014 the water is at its highest and the reflections are sharpest. Go early in the morning when the surface is calmest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Valley_View_and_other_viewpoints_in_the_valley\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Valley_View_and_other_viewpoints_in_the_valley\"><\/span>8. Valley View and other viewpoints in the valley<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides Tunnel View, Yosemite Valley has plenty of other viewpoints that are less crowded and equally gorgeous:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Valley View<\/strong> \u2014 at the western end of the valley, with a view of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall reflected in the Merced River. One of the finest views in the park, and paradoxically, most people just drive straight past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sentinel Bridge<\/strong> \u2014 this is the classic spot for Half Dome reflected in the river. Most beautiful at sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cook&#8217;s Meadow<\/strong> \u2014 a meadow in the centre of the valley where you can spread out a blanket and soak in views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Royal Arches. This is where you&#8217;ll understand why John Muir called this place &#8220;a temple of nature.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>TIP:<\/strong> Yosemite Valley is perfect for exploring <strong>by bike<\/strong>. Hire one at Curry Village or Yosemite Valley Lodge \u2014 about $12\/hour (~\u20ac11). Cycle paths run throughout the valley, and it&#8217;s the best way to dodge traffic jams and the parking madness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Beyond_the_valley_5_tips_around_Yosemite\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Beyond_the_valley_5_tips_around_Yosemite\"><\/span>Beyond the valley: 5 tips around Yosemite<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yosemite Valley may be the main draw, but the park is enormous \u2014 3,000 km\u00b2 of wilderness where, beyond the valley, tourists practically vanish. Here are the places that make it worth spending more than a single day in Yosemite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Tioga_Road_%E2%80%94_the_most_beautiful_mountain_road_in_California\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Tioga_Road_the_most_beautiful_mountain_road_in_California\"><\/span>9. Tioga Road \u2014 the most beautiful mountain road in California<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tioga-road-soumrak.jpg\" alt=\"The winding mountain road Tioga Road at dusk\" class=\"wp-image-159392\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tioga-road-soumrak.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tioga-road-soumrak-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tioga-road-soumrak-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tioga-road-soumrak-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tioga-road-soumrak-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Tioga Road (Highway 120) is a 60 km road that cuts across the park from west to east over <strong>Tioga Pass at 3,031 metres<\/strong> \u2014 the highest vehicle pass in all of California. And it&#8217;s one of the most spectacular drives I&#8217;ve ever done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Along the way, you&#8217;ll pass alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, granite domes, and High Sierra panoramas. Key stops:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Olmsted Point<\/strong> \u2014 a view of the back side of Half Dome and the surrounding granite domes. Most people only see Half Dome from the front; this angle is a completely different experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tenaya Lake<\/strong> \u2014 a turquoise alpine lake where you can swim (if you don&#8217;t mind icy water, roughly 15\u00b0C even in summer \ud83d\ude05).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tuolumne Meadows<\/strong> \u2014 a vast alpine meadow at 2,600 metres, the starting point for dozens of backcountry trails. This is where &#8220;the other Yosemite&#8221; begins \u2014 fewer people, more bears.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u26a0\ufe0f <strong>Tioga Road is only open in summer<\/strong> \u2014 usually from June to October\/November, depending on snow conditions. Check the current status at nps.gov\/yose before setting off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Mariposa_Grove_%E2%80%94_among_giants\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Mariposa_Grove_among_giants\"><\/span>10. Mariposa Grove \u2014 among giants<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-4-obri-sekvoje-v-haji-mariposa-grove.jpg\" alt=\"Giant sequoias in the Mariposa Grove\" class=\"wp-image-159830\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-4-obri-sekvoje-v-haji-mariposa-grove.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-4-obri-sekvoje-v-haji-mariposa-grove-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-4-obri-sekvoje-v-haji-mariposa-grove-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-4-obri-sekvoje-v-haji-mariposa-grove-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-4-obri-sekvoje-v-haji-mariposa-grove-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Dietmar Rabich \/ CC BY-SA 4.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mariposa Grove is a <strong>grove of giant sequoias<\/strong> on the southern edge of the park, home to over 500 trees including some of the largest living organisms on the planet. The biggest, the <strong>Grizzly Giant<\/strong>, is an estimated <strong>1,800 years old<\/strong> with a trunk circumference of over 28 metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You reach the grove by shuttle bus from the car park (during the season \u2014 you can&#8217;t drive in) or on foot (about 3 km). Within the grove itself, there&#8217;s a network of trails totalling roughly 11 km \u2014 from short strolls to longer loops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s also the famous <strong>California Tunnel Tree<\/strong> \u2014 a walk-through tree that you can literally step through. And <strong>Fallen Monarch<\/strong> \u2014 a toppled giant whose trunk is so enormous that US cavalry soldiers and their horses sheltered inside it in the 19th century (seriously).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mariposa Grove is at its most magical <strong>early in the morning<\/strong>, before the crowds arrive and sunbeams filter through the ancient trunks. That feeling of standing beside a tree that was already growing when the Roman Empire fell\u2026 I can&#8217;t put it into words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Glacier_Point_Road_Taft_Point_and_Sentinel_Dome\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Glacier_Point_Road_Taft_Point_and_Sentinel_Dome\"><\/span>11. Glacier Point Road: Taft Point and Sentinel Dome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re driving to Glacier Point (tip #6), make a stop along the way at two other excellent spots that share the same car park at the Sentinel Dome\/Taft Point Trailhead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Taft Point<\/strong> \u2014 a short trail (about 3.5 km round trip) to a viewpoint on the edge of a 900-metre cliff above Yosemite Valley. There are no railings. None whatsoever. You just stand on the edge of an abyss with nearly a kilometre of nothing below. Luk\u00e1\u0161 lay on his stomach and peered over the edge. I stayed 3 metres back and decided that was quite close enough. \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Near Taft Point, there are also the <strong>Fissures<\/strong> \u2014 deep cracks in the granite through which you can see hundreds of metres straight down. If you&#8217;re prone to vertigo, maybe give these a miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sentinel Dome<\/strong> \u2014 in the opposite direction from the same car park, about 3.5 km round trip. A climb up a bare granite dome with a 360\u00b0 view of the entire park. One of the few places where you can see El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Hetch_Hetchy_%E2%80%94_Yosemite_without_the_tourists\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Hetch_Hetchy_Yosemite_without_the_tourists\"><\/span>12. Hetch Hetchy \u2014 Yosemite without the tourists<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-5-prehrada-a-udoli-hetch-hetchy-v-yosemite.jpg\" alt=\"The dam and valley of Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite\" class=\"wp-image-159833\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-5-prehrada-a-udoli-hetch-hetchy-v-yosemite.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-5-prehrada-a-udoli-hetch-hetchy-v-yosemite-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-5-prehrada-a-udoli-hetch-hetchy-v-yosemite-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-5-prehrada-a-udoli-hetch-hetchy-v-yosemite-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/129451-5-prehrada-a-udoli-hetch-hetchy-v-yosemite-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: King of Hearts \/ CC BY-SA 3.0 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hetch Hetchy is a <strong>valley that most Yosemite visitors don&#8217;t even know about<\/strong> \u2014 which is both a shame and a blessing. It originally looked similar to Yosemite Valley, but in the early 20th century, the O&#8217;Shaughnessy Dam was built here and the valley was flooded. Today, there&#8217;s a reservoir that supplies drinking water to the entire city of San Francisco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the dam, it&#8217;s beautiful. A trail across the dam and along the reservoir leads to <strong>Wapama Falls<\/strong> and <strong>Tueeulala Falls<\/strong> (about 8 km round trip, gentle elevation gain). In spring, when the waterfalls are raging, the trail near Wapama Falls is flooded and you&#8217;ll be wading in places \u2014 waterproof boots are a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hetch Hetchy is accessible year-round, but the gate is only open during daylight hours. Very few people come here \u2014 we encountered maybe 20 hikers all day. If you want to experience Yosemite in peace and quiet, this is your spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Hiking_tips_for_beginners_and_experienced_walkers\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Hiking_tips_for_beginners_and_experienced_walkers\"><\/span>13. Hiking tips for beginners and experienced walkers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tuolumne-meadows.jpg\" alt=\"High-altitude Tuolumne Meadows beneath Cathedral Peak\" class=\"wp-image-159393\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tuolumne-meadows.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tuolumne-meadows-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tuolumne-meadows-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tuolumne-meadows-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-tuolumne-meadows-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Yosemite is a hiking paradise \u2014 there are hundreds of kilometres of trails here. Here&#8217;s an overview of the best ones by difficulty:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For beginners and families:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lower Yosemite Fall Loop<\/strong> (1.6 km, flat) \u2014 easy walk to the base of the waterfall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mirror Lake Loop<\/strong> (8 km, flat) \u2014 a peaceful stroll around the lake<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bridalveil Fall Trail<\/strong> (0.8 km, slight elevation) \u2014 short walk to a waterfall the wind blows in every direction (great photos, wet clothes)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Valley View\/Sentinel Bridge<\/strong> \u2014 gentle valley walk with views<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Moderate:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mist Trail to Vernal Fall<\/strong> (4.8 km, 300 m gain) \u2014 the best trail in the park (tip #5)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mist Trail to Nevada Fall<\/strong> (8.8 km, 600 m gain) \u2014 the extended version<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sentinel Dome<\/strong> (3.5 km, 120 m gain) \u2014 easy climb, epic view<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>North Dome Trail<\/strong> (14 km, 460 m gain) \u2014 Half Dome from a different angle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For experienced hikers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Four Mile Trail<\/strong> (15.2 km round trip, 975 m gain) \u2014 climb to Glacier Point<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Upper Yosemite Fall Trail<\/strong> (11.6 km, 820 m gain) \u2014 to the top of the tallest waterfall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Half Dome<\/strong> (22\u201327 km, 1,400 m gain) \u2014 a full-day epic requiring a permit (tip #4)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clouds Rest<\/strong> (22.5 km, 550 m gain from Tioga Road) \u2014 higher than Half Dome, no permit needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For longer hikes, don&#8217;t forget to bring plenty of water (at least 2\u20133 litres), snacks, sun cream, and layers \u2014 the weather in the mountains changes fast. And proper <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/how-choose-hiking-boots\/\">hiking boots<\/a> are essential \u2014 trust me, you do not want to tackle the granite steps on the Mist Trail in trainers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_eat_and_drink_in_Yosemite\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_eat_and_drink_in_Yosemite\"><\/span>Where to eat and drink in Yosemite<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let me be upfront: Yosemite isn&#8217;t exactly a foodie destination. \ud83d\ude05 You&#8217;re in the middle of the Sierra Nevada wilderness, and the restaurant selection reflects the fact that every supply has to be trucked in over mountain roads. But it&#8217;s perfectly manageable \u2014 and in a couple of spots, actually rather good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Restaurants_in_the_park\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Restaurants_in_the_park\"><\/span>Restaurants in the park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Ahwahnee Dining Room<\/strong> \u2014 the best restaurant in the park, both for food quality and atmosphere. A grand dining hall with wooden beams, stone walls, and views of Royal Arches. Main courses around $30\u201350 (~\u20ac27\u2013\u20ac46). Reservations essential for dinner. Even if you don&#8217;t eat here, pop in for a look \u2014 it&#8217;s an architectural gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mountain Room Restaurant<\/strong> (Yosemite Valley Lodge) \u2014 steaks, fish, seasonal menus. More wallet-friendly than the Ahwahnee, solid quality. Mains $20\u201340.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Curry Village<\/strong> \u2014 several eateries and stands serving pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream. Quick, cheap (by park standards), no-fuss. The pizza is surprisingly decent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Degnan&#8217;s Kitchen<\/strong> (Yosemite Village) \u2014 sandwiches, salads, soups. Good for a quick lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cooking_your_own_food\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cooking_your_own_food\"><\/span>Cooking your own food<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re camping or want to save money, <strong>cook for yourself<\/strong>. There&#8217;s a grocery shop in Yosemite Village (Village Store) where you can pick up basics, though at park prices (expect a 30\u201350% markup compared to regular supermarkets).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>TIP:<\/strong> Stock up BEFORE entering the park \u2014 El Portal, Mariposa, and Groveland all have regular supermarkets with normal prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u26a0\ufe0f <strong>BEARS:<\/strong> All food (and anything that smells \u2014 toothpaste, deodorant, food wrappers) <strong>MUST<\/strong> be stored in bear boxes or bear canisters. Not in your tent, not in your car. Bears know how to open car doors \u2014 seriously, they&#8217;ve learned. The rules are strict and the fines are serious. Every campsite and car park has metal bear boxes, so please use them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_tips_to_finish\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_tips_to_finish\"><\/span>Practical tips to finish<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_pack\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_pack\"><\/span>What to pack<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For Yosemite, you need to dress in layers \u2014 mornings in the valley can be 10\u00b0C, afternoons 30\u00b0C, and Glacier Point is windy. Essentials are good hiking boots, quick-drying clothes, and a waterproof jacket (for the waterfalls as much as for the occasional thunderstorm). We cover packing in detail in our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/carry-on-packing-tips\/\">how to pack into carry-on luggage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mobile_signal_and_internet\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mobile_signal_and_internet\"><\/span>Mobile signal and internet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Yosemite Valley, mobile signal is <strong>patchy to non-existent<\/strong>. Wi-Fi is available in some hotels (Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge), but don&#8217;t count on it. <strong>Download offline maps<\/strong> (Google Maps, Maps.me, or AllTrails) before you arrive. If you&#8217;re travelling from the UK, I&#8217;d recommend getting an eSIM for the US \u2014 I have a detailed <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/holafly-esim-review-travel\/\">Holafly review<\/a> with all the info you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flights_and_travel_insurance\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flights_and_travel_insurance\"><\/span>Flights and travel insurance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Look for affordable flights to San Francisco or Los Angeles \u2014 direct flights from London Heathrow are available with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and United. Book well in advance for the best fares, and you can find return flights from around \u00a3400\u2013\u00a3600.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a holiday in the USA, don&#8217;t forget travel insurance \u2014 American hospitals are notoriously expensive. We&#8217;ve written more about travel insurance in our <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/safetywing-travel-insurance-review\/\">SafetyWing review<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Car_hire\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Car_hire\"><\/span>Car hire<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yosemite is very limiting without a car. Ideally, pick one up at San Francisco airport \u2014 Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I have had great long-term experience with <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"RentalCars.com\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/rentalcars-com\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">RentalCars<\/a>, which we use all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wildlife_in_the_park\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wildlife_in_the_park\"><\/span>Wildlife in the park<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yosemite is home to <strong>black bears, deer, coyotes, and occasionally mountain lions<\/strong> (pumas). Encountering bears is relatively common \u2014 we saw two during our 4-day stay. They&#8217;re curious animals, but if you follow the rules (don&#8217;t carry food in your backpack on trails, store food in bear boxes, make noise on the path), there&#8217;s nothing to worry about. If you do encounter a bear, speak calmly and back away slowly. NEVER run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_avoiding_the_crowds\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_avoiding_the_crowds\"><\/span>Tips for avoiding the crowds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yosemite gets over <strong>4 million visitors a year<\/strong>, and most of them come in summer, and most of those never leave Yosemite Valley. Here are some tried-and-tested tricks for enjoying the park without the crowds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Get_up_before_dawn\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Get_up_before_dawn\"><\/span>14. Get up before dawn<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m not joking. <strong>Between 6:00 and 9:00 AM<\/strong>, the park is a completely different world. Car parks are empty, trails are quiet, the light is at its most beautiful, and wildlife is most active. By 10:00, the day-trippers arrive and things start filling up. By noon, main trails have queues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We set our alarms for 5:30 and were at the Mist Trail trailhead by 6:15. We had the place entirely to ourselves. When we came back down around 10:00, we passed hundreds of people still heading up. The difference is enormous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Explore_beyond_the_valley\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Explore_beyond_the_valley\"><\/span>15. Explore beyond the valley<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vysokohori.jpg\" alt=\"Granite domes in the high country of Yosemite near Tioga Road\" class=\"wp-image-159394\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vysokohori.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vysokohori-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vysokohori-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vysokohori-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-vysokohori-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hetch Hetchy (tip #12), Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Road (tip #9) \u2014 outside Yosemite Valley, you&#8217;ll find a fraction of the visitors and scenery that&#8217;s equally (if not more) breathtaking. If you have more than 2 days in the park, dedicate at least one full day to exploring areas beyond the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another tip: <strong>hike from less popular trailheads<\/strong>. North Dome Trail from Tioga Road, Pohono Trail from Glacier Point, or anything from Hetch Hetchy \u2014 on these routes, you&#8217;ll have Yosemite practically to yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_%E2%80%94_Frequently_asked_questions_about_Yosemite\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_Frequently_asked_questions_about_Yosemite\"><\/span>FAQ \u2014 Frequently asked questions about Yosemite<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767317868\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_days_do_I_need_for_Yosemite\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_days_do_I_need_for_Yosemite\"><\/span>How many days do I need for Yosemite?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Two full days is the minimum \u2014 one for Yosemite Valley (Mist Trail, waterfalls, El Capitan) and one for Glacier Point and surroundings. Ideally, aim for <strong>3\u20134 days<\/strong>, which gives you time for Tioga Road, Mariposa Grove, or Hetch Hetchy as well. For Half Dome, allow an extra full day. We spent 4 days and still left feeling like we&#8217;d barely scratched the surface.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767317869\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_reservation_for_Yosemite\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_reservation_for_Yosemite\"><\/span>Do I need a reservation for Yosemite?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>During the summer season (usually April\u2013October), <strong>yes<\/strong> \u2014 you need a vehicle entry reservation. Without one, you won&#8217;t be allowed in. Reservations are released on recreation.gov \u2014 the main wave in March, and a daily wave 2 days in advance. In winter, no reservation is needed.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767317870\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_was_Yosemite_Valley_formed\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_was_Yosemite_Valley_formed\"><\/span>How was Yosemite Valley formed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yosemite Valley was carved by <strong>glaciers<\/strong> during several ice ages over the last few million years. The glaciers gouged a deep U-shaped valley into the granite mass of the Sierra Nevada. Granite monoliths like El Capitan and Half Dome are made of harder rock that the glaciers couldn&#8217;t erode. After the glaciers retreated, the valley filled with a lake that was gradually silted up \u2014 creating today&#8217;s flat valley floor with the Merced River.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767317871\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Yosemite_the_oldest_national_park_in_the_world\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Yosemite_the_oldest_national_park_in_the_world\"><\/span>Is Yosemite the oldest national park in the world?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No \u2014 the world&#8217;s oldest national park is <strong>Yellowstone<\/strong>, established in 1872. Yosemite Valley was first protected in 1864 (under the Yosemite Grant), but didn&#8217;t gain national park status until 1890. Both parks combine beautifully on a single road trip \u2014 we have a <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/narodni-park-yellowstone\/\">detailed guide to Yellowstone<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767317872\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Yosemite_the_largest_national_park_in_the_USA\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Yosemite_the_largest_national_park_in_the_USA\"><\/span>Is Yosemite the largest national park in the USA?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, not by a long shot. The largest is <strong>Wrangell\u2013St. Elias in Alaska<\/strong>, covering over 33,000 km\u00b2 \u2014 that&#8217;s bigger than Belgium. Yosemite is &#8220;only&#8221; 3,083 km\u00b2, but even so, it&#8217;s enormous. You definitely won&#8217;t see everything in 4 days.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767317873\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_there_dangerous_animals_in_Yosemite\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_there_dangerous_animals_in_Yosemite\"><\/span>Are there dangerous animals in Yosemite?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Black bears live in the park, but attacks on humans are extremely rare. Follow the rules \u2014 store food in bear boxes, never feed bears, and keep your distance. Truthfully, the bigger risk comes from slippery rocks near waterfalls and underestimating trail difficulty \u2014 sadly, around 12\u201315 people die in the park each year, mostly from falls and drowning.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778767317874\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_bring_my_dog_to_Yosemite\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_bring_my_dog_to_Yosemite\"><\/span>Can I bring my dog to Yosemite?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, but with very limited access. Dogs are <strong>only allowed on paved paths, roads, and in campsites<\/strong> \u2014 they&#8217;re banned from trails, wilderness areas, and shuttle buses. If you&#8217;re travelling with a dog, plan ahead \u2014 you won&#8217;t be able to see most of the main attractions with them.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD start q=\"national kalifornie\" lang=\"en\" rendered=\"2026-05-15T06:19:48+00:00\" v=\"1\" -->\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD end -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Yosemite National Park is one of those places that permanently recalibrates your sense of beauty. Granite monoliths towering over a kilometre high, waterfalls plunging hundreds of metres into a glacier-carved valley, ancient sequoias that make you feel like an ant \u2014 all in one park in the heart of California&#8217;s Sierra Nevada.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":159387,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_seo_score":""},"categories":[374,320,684],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-161122","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-north-america","8":"category-travel","9":"category-united-states-of-america-usa"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/yosemite-nevada-fall-half-dome.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lucie Kone\u010dn\u00e1","author_link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/author\/lucie-konecna\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161122","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=161122"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161122\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":162073,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161122\/revisions\/162073"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/159387"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=161122"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=161122"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=161122"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}