Yosemite
Yosemite National Park, California
Prior to becoming a national park, Yosemite was inhabited by the Southern Sierra Miwok, a tribe of American Indians. The Miwok called Yosemite Valley Ahwahnee, "Place of a Gaping Mouth". The discovery of Yosemite by white settlers was spurred by the Gold Rush in the late 1840’s. L. H. Bunnell, a member of the Mariposa Battalion, gave Yosemite its name in 1851 in honor of the tribe they were about to capture. He named it Yosemite, which settlers used to refer to Central Miwoks living in the Valley.
Tunnel View
Today, Yosemite National Park covers more than 1,200 square miles and has elevations up to 13,000 feet. It’s open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. It features many outdoor activities, as well as shopping, dining, and museums.
Tunnel View, as pictured right, is one of the many famous lookout points in Yosemite. This view is the whole length of the Valley and includes waterfalls, El Capitan and even Half Dome. Just breathtaking!
The Mist Trail
(Vernal & Nevada Falls)
The Mist Trail has fabulous views scattered all along it. Beginning at a bridge overlook, progressing to two unforgettable waterfalls that fall a combined total of more than 900 feet (270 meters), and ending with perhaps the most striking of all: the view of Nevada Fall, Liberty Cap, and the back of Half Dome from the Muir Trail return segment.
Mariposa Grove
This is the largest grove of giant sequoias in the Park, with several hundred mature trees. Two of its trees are among the 30 largest giant sequoias in the world. It features the giant sequoia ‘Grizzly Giant’ which is the 25th largest tree in the world. It stands 210 feet (64 m) tall.
Glacier Point
No trip to Yosemite would be complete without a stop at Glacier Point lookout point. The view, which is more than 8000 feet (2400 meters) high, is spectacular and should not be missed.
As one of the country’s most popular park destinations, Yosemite features many activities year-round:
Hiking
Whether you are looking to trail the renowned John Muir, looking to shoot the next Ansel Adams or just want to see Yosemite, hiking is the way to go. From a simple stroll to a multi-week trek, this National Park has it all. Overnight stay in the park requires a Wilderness Permit.
Horseback Riding
Take your vacation by the reins. Get the exhilaration of riding your horse through water on the ‘Big Creek’ ride; the most popular provided by Yosemite Trails.
Fishing
Within the park you are most likely to catch rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Crappie, sunfish, and black bass are also common in some of the warmer lakes surrounding the park. Yosemite National Park follows fishing regulations set by the State of California.
Rafting (seasonal)
If you have never tried rafting, the Merced River is an excellent place to test the waters. There are two main locations for river rafting. Yosemite Valley where the ride is smoother, and outside the park on the Merced River where the runs can be Level 2 to 4 depending on the water conditions and time of year. The River is great choice for those who would like to combine their rafting adventure with a visit to the park.
Skiing (seasonal)
Badger Pass Ski Area has it all; from renting equipment to taking lessons, you will find many groomed trails perfect for ‘Cross-Country Skiers’ and downhill skiers alike. A challenging terrain park for snowboarders and skiers to test their limits, and a tubing area where the whole family can experience the thrills together.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbers come to Yosemite from all over the world to climb El Capitan and other granite rocks. Climbers here can enjoy an endless variety of challenges. From the sustained crack climbs of the Merced River Canyon to pinching crystals on sun-drenched Tuolumne Meadows domes to multi-day aid climbs on the big walls of the Valley.
Skydiving/Aerial Tours
Take to the skies and experience Yosemite Park from the air with various skydiving packages or aerial tours. Enjoy spectacular views of El Capitan and Half Dome as you jump tandem from an airplane for a once in a lifetime experience.
Yosemite is a park of superlatives and spectacular sights
, Highlights include:
Three of the tallest waterfalls in North America - Yosemite Falls (2,425 ft), Sentinel Falls (2,000 ft), Ribbon Falls (1,612 ft)
Mariposa Grove features giant sequoia trees, many over 2,500 years old
Merced River , the fastest in North America
The abandoned Yosemite Valley Railroad
El Capitan , the largest granite monolith in the U.S. (3,593 ft)
Half Dome , the most renowned granite shape in Yosemite (cables are installed spring through fall to assist climbers)
Glacier Point - 7,214 ft above sea level with panoramic views of the valley
Tioga Pass, the highest pass in the Sierra 9,945 ft (3031 m)
Tuolumne Meadows, high elevation approx. 8,619 ft (2,627 m)
The "Living Yosemite" has wildlife, wildflowers and plant communities in their natural habitat
Wawona’s Pioneer Center features historic buildings
Yosemite Valley has a short loop trail that winds through a reconstructed Miwok-Paiute village.
The park also has museums, Ansel Adams’ art gallery, self-guiding trails, nature centers and ranger-led walks.
Mariposa
Historic gold mining town;
now Yosemite’s gateway.
Originally founded during the 1849 California Gold Rush, Mariposa is one of the few remaining original gold rush towns. It is also home to the oldest courthouse west of the Rockies still in continuous operation. It was erected in 1854. A remarkable history museum, named one of the best small museums in America by the Smithsonian Institution, is located just down the road in Mariposa. And the newest State Park- the California State Mining and Mineral Museum, featuring dazzling exhibits and displays is just a few miles from the Little Valley Inn. Mariposa, like Yosemite, offers a great deal of outdoor fun for all seasons. Don’t forget to stop in to our numerous quality wineries and craft breweries. There are also many wonderful and unique shops in Mariposa nestled amongst the various restaurants.
Little Valley Inn
Explore the grounds at the Inn and discover history here as well! See the Ancient Miwok Indian grinding rock in the backyard. This was used many, many years ago by the local Indians as they ground acorns into flour. Don’t forget to check out the nature path which takes you down a short walkway to the seasonal creek. The creek normally runs Dec-June depending on the amount of rainfall/snowpack. Or take a look at Little Valley Inn’s authentic mine cart and mining equipment. You will have a wonderful experience! Book today!