State Park Core Editors Desk

Yosemite National Park’s Mariposa Grove is a must-visit destination for state park touring enthusiasts, especially those with an interest in advanced details and specifications. This sequoia grove, located near Wawona, California, is the largest in Yosemite National Park and is home to several hundred mature sequoias, including two of the 30 largest giant sequoias in … Read more

Yosemite National Park offers a free annual pass to active duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents, as well as a free lifetime pass to Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans. These passes provide free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. What is … Read more

The Mirror Lake Hike in Yosemite National Park is a popular and relatively easy trail, offering beautiful views of Tenaya Creek, Half Dome, North Dome, and Mount Watkins. The trail is 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip to the lake and back, or 5 miles (8 km) for the full loop around the lake. The … Read more

The Yosemite National Park Mist Trail is a renowned and challenging hike that takes visitors on a journey through some of the park’s most iconic natural wonders. This steep, 7-mile (11 km) out-and-back trail follows the Merced River, offering up-close views of the stunning Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. Along the way, hikers can also … Read more

The Glacier Point Trail in Yosemite National Park is a 1-mile (1.6 km) round trip hike with no significant elevation gain, making it one of the easiest hikes in the park. The trailhead is located at the end of Glacier Point Road, which is typically open from late May or early June to November. The … Read more

Yosemite National Park Glamping offers a unique and luxurious way to experience the great outdoors. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping, surrounded by the majestic granite cliffs and towering sequoia trees of Yosemite. With upscale amenities and a touch of elegance, glamping in Yosemite allows you to immerse yourself in nature without … Read more

The Yosemite National Park Golden Waterfall, also known as the “Firefall,” is a natural phenomenon that occurs each mid- to late February at Horsetail Fall. This captivating display is created when the setting sun hits the waterfall at just the right angle, illuminating the upper reaches of the waterfall and giving the illusion that it … Read more

Yosemite National Park is renowned for its awe-inspiring granite cliffs, which have been sculpted by millions of years of geological processes. These towering rock formations, such as the iconic Half Dome and El Capitan, are a testament to the park’s unique and captivating geology. The Geological Origins of Yosemite’s Granite Cliffs The granite cliffs in … Read more

Yosemite National Park is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, from the towering granite cliffs of El Capitan to the serene alpine lakes. However, one of the park’s most fascinating and elusive inhabitants is the grizzly bear, which once roamed freely in the region but has since vanished from the landscape. The Disappearance of Grizzly … Read more

Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. With its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush meadows, Yosemite is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a week-long adventure, this comprehensive Yosemite National Park Guide … Read more