Yosemite National Park is an iconic park in western California; consisting of around 3,027 km2 of ancient forest, glacial erosion, and pristine mountain lakes. It is most well-known for its awe-inspiring waterfalls and the monumental granite walls of the Sierra Nevada mountains, which are renowned by rock climbers around the world as some of the best climbing in the world.
Hostels in Yosemite are a great way to experience the mountains in an authentic way. They’re surrounded by nature and offer a variety of activities including bonfires and yoga classes; or take a trip to the hostel spa and rejuvenate in a hot tub or sauna. It’s the perfect balance of rustic and luxury.
Yosemite hostels are all close to the numerous activities, so no matter where you stay you’re bound to have a great time. They’re generally in quiet locations that won’t have much in the way of nightlife, but your days will be so jam packed that you’ll be in bed early anyways! Staying near Yosemite Valley guarantees plenty of activities, as well as being around people who are looking to get out and enjoy the views just like you.
There’s no shortage of activities in Yosemite; from hiking and biking, swimming and fishing, and even rock climbing there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Packing a lunch and making use of one of the picnic areas is a relaxing way to spend the afternoon, or you can even go to a restaurant if you feel like treating yourself! Yosemite also has several events such as painting and writing classes, live music, and plane and car shows. If you’re looking to get the classic Yosemite photos, head to the Yosemite Valley chapel, Nevada and Vernal falls, and Tunnel View.
AMTRAK Trains service San Diego, Los Angeles, Fresno, San Jose, San Francisco, and Sacramento to and from Merced/Riverbank, which connects with the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS). Once in Yosemite National Park, YARTS is a great way to get around to the main sites, and there’s a Tuolumne Meadows Hikers Bus available on certain days throughout the summer. Having a car will give you the most freedom, but you will need to pay an entrance fee and may have a hard time finding parking if you don’t arrive early. There’s also a network of paved biking trails that make cycling one of the best ways to see the park while also avoiding the traffic and parking hassle!
