Yosemite: America's Treasure
National Parks Week airs April 13 - 18 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
By Amy Marathe
Head skyward where granite peaks and giant sequoias conspire to create a beauty that's beyond belief. You can soar like an eagle, climb a mountain or stay at some of the most breathtaking resorts in the U.S. It's the legendary landscape of Yosemite. Click here to learn more about Yosemite, including information on the items in the Must-See List below.
Must-See List
- El Capitan is one of the largest monoliths of granite on Earth. Be sure to watch the El Cap Show, too.
- Do not miss the giant sequoias of the Mariposa Grove. These trees are considered the largest living things on Earth in terms of total volume! Be sure to visit the Grove's most celebrated tree - the Grizzly Giant. Other must-sees include the Telescope Tree.
- Yosemite Falls is a 2,400-foot waterfall and is the tallest in North America.
- The Mist Trail is one of the most scenic climbs in the valley. Another trail to check out is Half Dome, where those who make it to the summit say it's like being on top of the world.
- Stay at the Ahwahnee Hotel. This Four-Diamond hotel first opened in 1927. Another option is the Wawona Hotel, one of California's oldest resort hotels, dating back to the 1870s. Outside the Wawona Entrance is the Chateau du Sureau - a Five-Diamond retreat that keeps things private and serene with only twelve rooms. If you are unable to stay there, then be sure to visit their famed restaurant - Erna's Elderberry House.
- The Ansel Adams Gallery is a park institution and leads photo walks that follow in the great photographer's footsteps.
- Tuolumne Meadows Lodge is a must-stay. The lodge has the only tent cabins reachable by road. What is a tent cabin? A raised wooden floor with canvas walls and ceiling. Other places to camp include High Country Cabins and Camp May Lake, which faces Mount Hoffman.
- Visit Camp Four if you're itching to rock climb or rope climb one of the many rock formations in the park.
- If you are certified to hang glide or just want to watch the action, head on up to Glacier Point.
- Head to the Merced River for mighty class III and IV rapids, but beware of frigid temperatures and swift currents.
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