Yosemite - California

National Park

Today Cris pelo Mundo will feature tips from our newest contributor, João Barata!
He went to Yosemite National Park in California, was dazzled by the natural beauty and wanted to share it with us, so let's check it out, shall we?

Yosemite National Park is one of the best-known wildlife parks in the USA. Located in the High Sierras in the state of California, Yosemite attracts people from all over the world every year, especially in the spring and summer months. You only have to go there and experience its peace and beauty to understand why so many people fall in love with the place. It's truly awe-inspiring!

To make the most of what the site has to offer, it is recommended that you go by car. Although accessibility is a serious matter and very well thought out for all ages and mobility abilities, because it is so large, people without a car may not be able to take advantage of everything it has to offer. However, if you can't get there on four wheels, don't worry. The park has a free internal bus line for people to get around, as well as trails and paths on all sides.

Wheelchair users will find paved paths throughout the park to reach the points of photographic interest.

The park has three entrances, two of which are through the state of California. If you have to leave Los Angeles, you will probably enter either through El Portal or the south entrance near the city of Fresno. At both entrances you'll find a gate to pay for your ticket (20 dollars per car for a week) and you'll get a small newspaper about the park and a map. Keep this map with you, as it is precious.

There are plenty of activities in the park. Even standing anywhere and admiring the view of the mountains is magical. Just being there is refreshing. Entering from El Portal, you have two options. Either go straight at the fork to what seems to be the center of the park, with several stops for hiking and wonderful views, or turn right towards the "Tunnel View" and the exit to the city of Fresno.

Tunnel View is the park's postcard. From there, you can enjoy an exuberant view of the Yosemite Valley. Don't worry, you'll be given a map at the park entrance. Once you've received it, stop on the shoulder of the road. Feel the air and take a good look at the map. Identify the points you think are interesting to visit and move on.

What I recommend is searching for the attractions that interest you most, such as trails, viewpoints and so on, so that when you arrive you don't get too lost. Even more so for people who are staying for a short time, like two days at most.

Don't forget to be very careful with your food. Bears are common in the park and have a very keen sense of smell, even if the food is in a closed car. In addition, there are heavy fines for anyone who messes up or throws garbage in the street, and you'll also have to pay for the material damage after the bear's work.

To avoid any problems, pay attention to the instructions on the "foodlockers", which are used to store food.
Another important issue is feeding wild animals. DON'T DO IT! Even if it's a cute squirrel or raccoon that you want to take home, the hefty fines of around 5,000 dollars will change your mind. Money lost aside, feeding these wild animals can do them a lot of harm and even cause death.

There are several options for staying in the park. The cheapest and not necessarily the worst is the Curry Village. This huge campsite has heated cabins, unheated tents and space for you to put up your tent.

It's also where the nightlife is, with a bar, a pizzeria and communal areas. Even if you're not staying overnight, it's worth a visit.
Other accommodation options include camping sites and hotels, both inside and outside the park, some of which are super-luxury.
Outside the park you'll find that prices are more affordable. The further away, the cheaper. There are some good options in the El Portal region, with hotels just 20 minutes from the park.

Reservations for any hotel can be made through the park's unified system. All you have to do is call and ask. You can find the telephone number on the Yosemite National Park website.