Reasons You Should Visit Yosemite National Park

2016 was the 100^th birthday of the National Park Service, which it celebrated by launching a major campaign to raise support and introduce a new, more diverse generation of millennials and children to “America’s best idea,” the national parks.

As a way to show solidarity with this awesome campaign with tenaya lake, here are some reasons why you should visit Yosemite National Park. It’s time to put down the phone and hit the parks! 

About Yosemite National Park System

Yosemite is 1,200 square miles of protected area in northern California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite village sees an average of 4 million visitors each year, although 2016 saw that number increase to a total of 5 million!

Photo by Amit Patel via Flickr

Things to see in Yosemite include granite cliffs, tuolumne meadows, lakes, giant sequoia groves, mariposa grove, glaciers, forests and waterfalls. The park is home to bears, deer, coyote, bobcats, river otters, foxes, cougar, bats and several bird species, among other animals. Yosemite is truly a paradise for the outdoorsy traveler – hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding and rafting are just some of the activities you can enjoy. During the winter there is skiing and snowboarding.

Photo by Valdiney Pimenta via Flickr

Hiking Opportunities

Yosemite has over 800 miles of hiking trails to discover! Sure, you could spend just a day seeing the most visited sites in the park, but hiking is hands-down the best way to enjoy the lesser known (but just as stunning) wonders of the park.

If you’re considering hiking, Just Roughin’ It has awesome multi-day Yosemite Hiking Tours by expert trail guides. From the ever-popular Half Dome to the seclusion of Buena Vista Lake, Just Roughin’ It has great options for discovering the wonders of Yosemite National Park.

Everyone’s Doing It

According to a recent AAA survey, 46% of Millennials say they are more likely to visit a national park in the next year, more than either Generation X or Baby Boomers. AAA’s survey also said the top parks that Americans want to visit are: Yellowstone (33%), Yosemite (17%) and Grand Canyon (12%).

How to Plan a Trip to Yosemite

• Yosemite is very popular from May through October, so visiting during off-season will mean less traffic and less people.
• The only way into the park is via YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation Service) and this service only runs from Fresno and Merced.
• If you are planning a trip, start early because lodging can book up a year in advance.
• Bring along light, sturdy, superior quality hiking boots that are well broken-in. Spend a month walking in your new boots before your trip and add a footpad for added comfort during hiking.
• Ride the free shuttle buses to enjoy Yosemite Valley most easily once parked.
• Store ALL food and scented items in a bear proof canister.

“National parks are the legacy of the next generation to protect.”  -Bill Nye

Have you ever been to Yosemite? Leave us a comment below about your experience!