Auto Tour, Yosemite National Park

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

A two-mile road to get to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Yosemite Valley

Be sure to take a moment to enjoy what is perhaps the most beautiful spring in the Park.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

A grove of more than 500 giant sequoias, some of them up to 3,000 years old.

Yosemite Valley

The Battalion entered Yosemite Valley for the first time in March of 1851 and camped in this meadow.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

A 617-foot waterfall that flows year-round and is the first one you'll see when you enter the Park.

Yosemite Valley

This 617-foot waterfall that flows year-round is the first one you'll see when entering the Park.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

The parking lot fills up early, so your best bet may be to take the free shuttle.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

The most famous vantage point into Yosemite Valley with expansive views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome.

Yosemite Valley

A rugged collection of cliffs, buttresses, and pinnacles on the south side of Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Valley

A Merced River beach that sits under the watchful gaze of 7,000-foot Sentinel Rock on the Yosemite Valley floor.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

A great spot for photographing astounding views of the Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Valley

John Muir considered this view from Eagle Peak to be the most beautiful view of Yosemite Valley.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Biologists suspect that this giant sequoia, 26 feet in diameter and 285 feet long, fell centuries ago.

Yosemite Valley

This 112-mile river is popular among boaters, anglers, campers, hikers, and photo-snapping tourists alike.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

The longest tunnel in California that was bored through solid granite bedrock and travels through a granite mountain.

Yosemite Valley

A 3,073-foot granitic peak named for its watchtower-like appearance.

Yosemite Valley

Four giant sequoia trees that have grown very close together in the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

One of the largest trees in the Mariposa Grove and estimated to be 1,800 years old.

Yosemite Valley

Stop here and take a swim in the Merced River while enjoying the excellent view of Yosemite Falls.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

At the top, you'll enjoy a stunning view of El Capitan and Half Dome without the crowds of Tunnel View.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

A giant sequoia with a tunnel cut through it in 1895 to allow horse-drawn stages to pass through.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Two large trees that have fused together at their bases, but remain clearly separated above.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Numerous fires have left the trunk of this tree in the shape of an old-fashioned clothespin.

Yosemite Valley

One of the best spots to view the Yosemite Falls.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

This was the first stagecoach road to reach the floor of Yosemite Valley.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

A replica of Galen Clark's cabin with giant sequoia displays, books, maps, and a gift store.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Named for the former Guardian of Yosemite National Park who discovered the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia Trees.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

The midway point between Wawona and Yosemite Valley named for the Sierra Chinquapin evergreen shrub which is common in the area.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

An ideal place to stop for lunch and enjoy panoramic views to the west and north.

Yosemite Valley

The oldest building still in use in the Valley and a fine example of the chapels of its time.

Yosemite Valley

This section of the Yosemite Valley was once the center of all visitor services.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

This was the longest incline rail system ever built and was once used to haul logs to Merced Falls.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

One of the most famous trees in the world, this giant sequoia stood in the Mariposa Grove until 1969.

Yosemite Valley

This stone-arched bridge is a popular picture spot.

Glacier Point Road

A 16-mile road between Chinquapin and Glacier Point.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

This creek is officially called Elevenmile after the former stagecoach station that once operated here.

Yosemite Valley

The original visitor's center for the Park is now a conservation and natural history library, a museum, and a lecture hall.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

This campground was originally called Camp A.E. Wood after Capitan Wood, the first acting military superintendent of Yosemite.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

This magnificent tree is a notable example of the sequoia's resilience in resisting fire, disease, insects, and decay.

Yosemite Valley

The Village provides visitors with a unique and rustic setting in which to enjoy the wonders of Yosemite.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

This is the largest tributary of the Merced River.

Yosemite Valley

These striking "arches" of color rise above Yosemite Valley and are visible from numerous sites in the Park.

Yosemite Valley

This is the southern summit of Indian Ridge.

Yosemite Valley

This is a popular destination for rock climbers, but unfortunately, does not provide any hiking or sightseeing opportunities.

Yosemite Valley

One of the Park's most familiar rock formations and a Yosemite icon.

Yosemite Valley

Visitors to the Nature Center can view exhibits that teach them about Yosemite's nature, flora, fauna, and eco-system.

Yosemite Valley

As a glacier retreated, this moraine, or accumulation of glacial soil and rock debris, was left behind.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

A History Center consisting of several historic structures, each representing a different era of Yosemite history.

Yosemite Valley

This is a small, seasonal lake fed by Tenaya Creek that beautifully reflects the cliffs that surround it.

Glacier Point Road

A great place to view the Merced River Canyon.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

This Visitor Center and the historic Hill's Studio are located on the grounds of the Wawona Hotel.

Yosemite Valley

Named by the Mariposa Battalion when they observed "the clouds rapidly settling down to rest upon that mountain" before a snowfall.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

A lovely spot, especially in early summer, when wildflowers such as lupine and clarkia are in full bloom.

Yosemite Valley

An elegant stone bridge that provides unique views of Yosemite and has an interesting history as well.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

A lovely resort reminiscent of the Victorian era, with classic white buildings, expansive verandas, and lush natural surroundings.

Yosemite Valley

This viewpoint towers 3,242 feet above Yosemite Valley and provides a spectacular view of Glacier Point.

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite's distinctive AAA four-diamond hotel, famous for its rustic design, stunning interiors, and fabulous views.

Yosemite Valley

The largest visitor center in the Park with helpful information to guide you through your Yosemite adventure.

Wawona Road (Rt 41)

The main entrance for visitors from the south.

Yosemite Valley

A reconstructed Indian village located on the former site of the largest Indian village in Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Valley

Changing exhibits provide insight into the cultural history of the native Miwok and Paiute tribes.

Yosemite Valley

This historic cemetery is located just across the street from Yosemite Museum and is worth some investigation.

Yosemite Valley

The Village is rich in Yosemite history and a good place to do some shopping and grab a bite.

Yosemite Valley

Once just a tent in the wilderness, the Gallery today is a cultural center celebrating the arts and the environment.

Glacier Point Road

Perfect for winter enthusiasts of all ages with alpine and cross-country ski trails, a terrain park, and tubing area.

Glacier Point Road

Merced Peak is located close to the southern border of Yosemite National Park.

Glacier Point Road

Visitors come here from around the world to enjoy panoramic views of the Yosemite Valley and El Capitan.

Glacier Point Road

Due to its high elevation and smaller crowds, this is a popular summertime campground.

Yosemite Valley

A glimpse of what the large, wide meadows that once filled the Valley would have been like.

Glacier Point Road

The source of Yosemite Valley's Bridalveil Falls.

Yosemite Valley

The highest waterfall in North America and one of the Park's most famous sights.

Yosemite Valley

A popular hotel for hikers because it is located in close proximity to Yosemite Falls.

Glacier Point Road

The perfect vantage point to take in the incredible majesty of this subrange of California's Sierra Nevada mountains.

Yosemite Valley

A trail leading visitors to the top of the famous Yosemite Falls.

Yosemite Valley

A rustic campground developed in the mid-20th century that is still popular with rock-climbing enthusiasts today.

Glacier Point Road

A fairly unimpressive granite dome that is actually the second highest viewpoint in Yosemite Valley.

Glacier Point Road

This meadow is named for the unusual round pools of water that form here in spring and summer months.

Yosemite Valley

Remnants of the largest mass wasting, or slope movement event, in Yosemite history can be found here.

Glacier Point Road

Snake your way up these switchbacks on Yosemite Falls Trail to be rewarded at the top with incredible views.

Yosemite Valley

This trail is often the starting point for hikers who are heading to the nose of El Capitan.

Yosemite Valley

This famous monolith is popular with rock climbers who enjoy the challenge of climbing its sheer granite face.

Yosemite Valley

This moraine, located directly west of El Capitan Meadow, was formed nearly 15,000 years ago.

Glacier Point Road

The shortest and easiest walk in the Park, with breathtaking views across the valley.

Yosemite Valley

From this vantage point, you can see Bridalveil Falls across the Merced River.

Yosemite Valley

A good spot to view the Valley from alongside the Merced River.

Glacier Point Road

An overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high country.

Hetch Hetchy

The O'Shaughnessy Dam and reservoir are sources for the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct and provide water to the San Francisco area.

Hetch Hetchy

This entrance takes you into Hetch Hetchy Valley, a scenic, tranquil area worth visiting any time of year.

Hetch Hetchy

Poopenaut Pass is located at 5,064 feet in elevation.

Hetch Hetchy

A 68-mile standard gauge railroad constructed by the City of San Francisco to support construction of the O'Shaughnessy Dam.

Hetch Hetchy

A lookout with scenic views of Poopenaut Valley, once home to sheepherders and cattlemen.

Hetch Hetchy

A curved gravity dam on the Tuolumne River in the Hetch Hetchy Valley of Yosemite National Park.

Hetch Hetchy

This glacial valley once rivaled Yosemite in beauty, but was flooded when the O'Shaughnessy Dam was built.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

Toga Road is 47 miles long and gains about 3,800 feet in elevation from Yosemite Valley to Tioga Pass..

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This road, now closed to vehicles, serves as a trail to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This area is named for the once-numerous sandhill cranes which stopped here.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

When traveling this historic road, drivers have easy access to some very impressive views of Yosemite's high country.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This summit meadow is said to be named after a barrel of gin that fell off a freight wagon.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

The discoverers of both the Yosemite Valley and the giant sequoias.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

As brook, rainbow, and brown trout are abundant in this river, it is a popular fly fishing area.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

There was once a small, primitive campground here, but it has long since been abandoned.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This stand of California red fir is typical of the upper montane forests of the Sierra Nevada.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This tiny, undeniably beautiful lake is a delightful spot along Tioga Road to rest or picnic.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

A beautiful sub-alpine meadow that is home to a rustic campground and popular high sierra lodge.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

Traveling this road through Yosemite's high country, you'll enjoy the same visual vistas pioneers encountered many years ago.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

The perfect vantage point to take in the incredible majesty of this subrange of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

Thriving best in isolation, these trees develop into grotesque shapes that are among the most picturesque in Yosemite.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

From this point, you can learn more about granite, which is so much a part of Yosemite.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This peaks in this area of Yosemite are excellent examples of the exfoliation process in rocks.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This 13.2-mile creek flows steadily over the Yosemite Valley rim to create Upper Yosemite Fall.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

Native to cool areas of North America, these trees have tall trunks, smooth pale bark, and glossy green leaves.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This is a 25-foot, multi-stranded waterfall off Tioga Pass Road.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This is the turn-off for Porcupine Creek Campground, one of the smallest campgrounds in the Park.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

Observe some of the most common types of these trees on a short, interpretive trail with good views of surrounding peaks.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

The view of Half Dome from this point is considered to be one of the best.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

The short pull-off located here offers views of Half Dome and Mt. Starr King.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

Take the enjoyable 1.8-mile ride to the May Lake Trailhead and observe beautiful Snow Flat along the way.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This is the location of a moraine created by a glacier moving down Snow Creek.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This vantage point offers excellent views of Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and Mt. Starr King.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

A viewing area off Tioga Road where in various directions, you'll observe Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome, and Tenaya Lake.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This alpine lake is made even more beautiful by the light granite rock formations that serve as its backdrop.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

The name given to stands of Lodgepole pines that are bleached of color and stripped of bark by invading insects.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

A scenic vantage point where you can get a good view of the rocky face of Mount Conness.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This is a classic granite dome typical of those found in the Yosemite landscape.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This granite dome gets its name from the distinctive holes carved out of its surface by glaciers.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

These neighboring mountains are part of the Cathedral Range and are popular with mountain climbers.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This is the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada and is a popular destination for with wilderness hikers.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This Ranger-staffed facility includes a bookstore and exhibits detailing the area's geology, plant and animal life, and history.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

The river begins at Mount Lyell Glacier and flows nearly 150 miles to the San Joaquin River in the Central Valley.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

Nestled high in the wilderness and surrounded by nothing but nature, this camp is a popular Yosemite destination.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

The distinct difference between these springs and others is that the water here is naturally carbonated.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

Built by the Sierra Club, this small building is named for Edward Taylor Parsons, the club's director from 1905 to 1914.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This granite dome rock formation is a popular destination for hikers and rock-climbers alike.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This is Blue Slide, a glacial moraine that was left by the retreating glaciers from Mount Lyell.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

Running along side Highway 120, this Fork is very accessible to visitors who enjoy fishing for native trout.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

An interpretive sign located here describes the old Native American trail over Mono Pass.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

From this point, you can view both Mount Dana and Mount Gibbs in the distance.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This variety of pine (Pinus contorta) is one of the most common trees found in Yosemite National Park.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This meadow's high elevation brings cold temperatures throughout the year and snow is not uncommon here, even in warmer months.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

This highest pass in the Sierra Nevada is named for the Iroquois and Mohawk term meaning "where it forks."

Big Oak Flat

From this point, Coulterville Road, Turtleback Dome, Wawona Road, and Elephant Rock are visible.

Tioga Road (Rt 120 East)

A large, shallow saline soda lake that was formed at least 760,000 years ago.

Big Oak Flat

This small pullout offers views of Cascade and Tamarack Creek before they combine to form Cascade Falls.

Big Oak Flat

From this point, Bridalveil Fall can be seen at the lower Yosemite Valley.

Big Oak Flat

There is an interpretive sign located here that describes the glacial process that helped shape the canyon.

Big Oak Flat

An unincorporated community located to the immediate west of Yosemite National Park.

Big Oak Flat

From this point, the site of the Big Meadow Fire of 2009 can be seen in the valley below.

Big Oak Flat

This flat is named for the once-numerous sandhill cranes that visited here on their trans-Sierra journeys.

Big Oak Flat

From this vantage point, Clark Range is visible as you head towards Yosemite Valley.

Big Oak Flat

When conditions are good, you can see all the way to the Coastal Range of California from this valley.

Big Oak Flat

This trail follows a section of the Old Coulterville Road and takes you to the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Big Oak Flat

This northerly view includes the Hetch Hetchy Valley and Reservoir and the distant northern section of Yosemite Valley.

Big Oak Flat

You'll find a wealth of Park information at the Big Oak Flat Information Station located here.

El Portal Road (Rt 140)

This waterfall begins as a series of waterfalls tumbling through dense forest before plunging 500 feet into the Merced River.

El Portal Road (Rt 140)

This road was one of the first pathways into Yosemite and has a lot of interesting history.

El Portal Road (Rt 140)

The main entrance for all visitors coming to the Park from the west.

Hetch Hetchy

Provides a viewpoint of the Valley's waterfalls.