With more than 1,200 square miles, California's Yosemite National Park offers opportunities for day hikes in Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point Road, Wawona and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Hetch Hetchy, White Wolf and Tuolumne Meadows. Over 750 miles of trails of varying difficulty are scattered throughout the park, offering hiking for the novice or the experienced hiker.
At the park's entrance, each pedestrian is charged $10; the fee for each car is $20 (as of 2010). Rates vary for annual passes, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Although reservations are not needed for park entry and for some camping areas during the summer, camp areas that do require reservations include Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, Bridalveil Creek, Hodgdon Meadow, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf ,Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat and Tuolumne Meadows.
The backdrop of Yosemite that Ansel Adams immortalized with his photographs can be reached by following the trails to Vernal Fall and subsequently to Nevada Fall. If you stay at Curry Village, one of areas where campgrounds are available, you can start your hike at sunrise. The beginning of the trails can be found at shuttle stop #16, within a mile of your campsite. If you start at daybreak, you will avoid the crowds of people that hike to Vernal Fall via Mist Trail. At this point to can follow the Mist Trail to Nevada Fall. If you decide to continue to Nevada Fall, you have an option of returning on Mist Trail or opting for an easier but longer trail back. This round trip will take you about 6 hours..
If you are adventurous, and not a novice hiker, you may want to continue your hike past Nevada Fall to Half Dome. Because of the treacherous nature of the climb, permits are required when helping cables are operational on weekends and federal holidays. The hike, which takes 10 to 12 hours to complete, should not be attempted during inclement weather.
The Yosemite National Park Service provides maps when you enter the park, but you can plan your trip by checking its website for a complete description of hiking options. Depending on the time of year and the weather, certain trails may be closed. Check with the visitor's information center at 209-372-0200 for updated information. For general information regarding trails, check the website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hiking.htm.
