Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beyond the Valley
From May to October,
shuttle buses carry
visitors to Mariposa
Grove, 35 miles (56 km)
south of Yosemite Valley,
where the Grizzly Giant is
the largest and oldest
sequoia tree in the Park.
Northeast, Tuolumne
Meadows is the largest
Sierra alpine meadow
and a good place to
see deer and bears.
Giant sequoia tree
Half Dome in Autumn
A formidable trail climbs to the top
of this polished cliff jutting above
the wooded valley floor.
0 meters
0 yards
1500
1500
Tips for Travelers
Distance from San Francisco:
180 miles (312 km).
Duration of journey:
About four
hours to reach Yosemite.
Getting there:
From Stockton,
Hwy 120 is the fastest route; Hwy
140, the All-Weather Highway, is
prettier and preferable in winter.
Bus tours operate to Yosemite
Valley (see p267), but a rental car
is advisable for other parts.
When to go:
Waterfalls are fullest
May-Jun. Peak season is Jun-
Aug. Crowds diminish Sep-Oct.
Snow can close many roads: tire
chains are required between
Nov-Apr (weather dependent).
Where to stay and eat:
Accommodation ranges from
rustic tent shelters to lodges. All
hotels have good restaurants.
Visitor information:
Valley Visitor
Center, Yosemite Village.
Te l
(209)
372-0299.
∑
nps.gov/yose
Te l
(209) 372-0200 (24-hour park,
weather, and traffic info).
Key
Road
Bicycle route
Suggested walk
Paths and trails
Rivers
Vernal Fall
The Merced River pours into
its canyon over the 317-ft
(97-m) lip of this waterfall.
For additional map symbols
see back flap
