El Capitan towers over Yosemite Valley

Location

Yosemite is located in California, almost a casual days drive east from San Francisco.

Recommended Activities

Rock Climbing - If crack climbing is your thing Yosemite is for you. It is a world renowned climbing location, mostly for experienced climbers. Due to the lack of rainfall, the granite is not as consolidated as coastal climbing spots, so experience certainly enhances your safety. However incidents are few and far between. Some climbs take days, such as El Capitan and Half Dome.

Hiking - This activity is a little safer. It would take weeks, if not months to exhaust Yosemite's trails, most of which offer views that simply have to be seen to be believed. Glacier Point has the prime views. The Half Dome peak hike only takes 12 hours and is spectacular. Waterfalls are plentiful and are incorporated in many hikes.

When

The summer months are the best for the above activities, however Yosemite under snow is quite scenic.

Accomodation

Climbers normally congregate in the campsites that don't have car-parks. The majority of visitors camp however the number of campsites are gradually being reduced due to environmental concerns. You must book ahead for a camp site - to be sure book at least 6 months ahead, if not a year. Ignorant campers also facilitate problems with Black Bears breaking into cars and disturbing camp sites. Do not let this discourage you from camping as a little prevention research is all you need to avoid bear problems. There is other accomodation available just outside of the National Park including hostels.

Transport

Use the bus. Hitch hiking is not recommended in the lower 48 states of the USA.