Yosemite National Park

A hike up to Sentinel Dome rewards people with great views of the landscape around them.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Yosemite National Park will not require vehicle reservations in 2026
Yosemite National Park today announced it will no longer use a timed reservation system in 2026. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.
Yosemite National Park Prepares for 2026 Horsetail Fall Viewing
Yosemite National Park is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for the annual viewing of Horsetail Fall, the natural phenomenon that occurs for a brief window each February when the setting sun can illuminate the waterfall on El Capitan with a striking, firelike glow. The projected viewing period for 2026 is Feb. 10–26, depending on natural conditions. 
Three BASE Jumpers Convicted for Base Jumping in Yosemite National Park
The National Park Service today announced three recent convictions for illegal BASE jumping in Yosemite National Park, underscoring the park’s commitment to visitor safety, resource protection and the enforcement of federal law.
Two tall waterfalls flowing down snow covered granite walls.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring
Photo by NPS Photo
A rainbow over a mountain in the distance.
Photo by NPS / Bob Roney
A mountain reflecting in a lake.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
A waterfall flowing down a granite cliff.
Photo by NPS Photo / Cindy Jacoby
El Capitan on left, Cathedral Rocks on the right, all covered in snow, low clouds and sun
Photo by NPS Photo
Glaciated valley with vertical cliffs.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Mountains reflecting in water
Photo by NPS
Cluster of tall trees with cloudy sky.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
Mountains surrounding a lake.
Photo by NPS
Granite dome with trace amounts of snow.
Photo by NPS / Cindy Jacoby
El Capitan and reflection in Merced River with some low clouds
Photo by NPS Photo/ Christine Fey