YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Yosemite National Park is one of the most spectacular places on Earth and is a nature-lover’s paradise. Yosemite offers a diverse landscape filled with rivers, glacial carved valleys, picturesque alpine meadows and peaks, several of the world’s highest and most spectacular waterfalls, and the world’s largest trees and tallest granite walls.
There is much to see in Yosemite, and for those willing to seek out the paths less traveled, some particularly amazing discoveries and experiences await. To truly appreciate what Yosemite has to offer, we recommend spending at least three days exploring the Park.
While the list of spectacular sites in Yosemite is endless, there are a few key areas that attract most visitors to the Park:
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Yosemite Valley is the showcase area of the Park and receives most of the visitors and traffic. Towering waterfalls leap into the Valley and the huge walls of Half Dome and El Capitan dominate the landscape.
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The Merced River, which starts in the High Country, spills over majestic Nevada and Vernal falls and flows through the Valley. Key attractions include Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, the Mist Trail, Mirror Lake and Bridal veil Fall, among others.
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Glacier Point, which offers a stunning overhead view of Yosemite Valley, is easily accessible from the Valley floor as well.
PARK ENTRANCE FOR VISITORS
To ensure a smooth park experience and reduce wait times, it is recommended to purchase your park entry in advance.
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Please note the changes to park entrance fees for non-residents of the USA, effective as of January 1, 2026.
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You can refer to the information flyer to the left, or visit the National Park Services website for more information.
BADGER PASS SKI AREA
Badger Pass Ski area is a fantastic ski destination for those looking to visit Yosemite in the Winter time. This ski location is easy to access and has equipment ready to rent along with lessons for beginners. Badger Pass has far fewer crowds then many other ski destinations and includes winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snow tubing. Activities include backcountry ski tours and cross-country skiing.
For the 2026 Winter Season, Badger Pass is open from January 16 to late-March depending on conditions. Ski lift hours are typically between 9am and 4pm. Adult all day lift tickets are $64 and for children ages 7 to 12 are $38.50. Single rides are $5.50.
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7082 Glacier Point Rd.
Tuolumne Meadows, CA 95389
(209) 372-8430
https://www.yosemite.com/things-to-do/winter-activities/yosemite-westbadger-pass/
YOSEMITE FIREFALL
Horseshoetail Falls at Yosemite
Each February, Yosemite National Park hosts a rare natural phenomenon known as the Yosemite Firefall, when the setting sun illuminates Horsetail Fall on El Capitan, making the water glow bright orange and red like flowing lava.
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This effect lasts only a few minutes at sunset and depends on precise conditions: clear skies, the correct sun angle, and enough snowmelt to feed the seasonal waterfall.
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The Firefall typically occurs in mid- to late February and attracts visitors and photographers from around the world.
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For 2026, the peak viewing period is projected for February 10-26. No reservations are required to view it this year. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and allow plenty of time due to expected crowds and winter road conditions.
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Visit the dedicated site from Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism for more information on logistics and up-to-date conditions.
