Yosemite National Park
USA Holiday Destinations
Yosemite National Park, on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain, was the very first wilderness park in the United States to be protected from commercial interests. This landmark decision led to many other parks being set aside and protected, and gave birth to the love affair American's have with the natural beauty of their vast and beautiful country. Over 3.5 million people visit Yosemite every year for the breathtaking scenery and the range of fun outdoor activities.
RV rental holidays in Yosemite are an unforgettable experience. You can easily reach the park from two of our branches. It is only a 3.5 hour drive from our San Francisco RV rental branch and approximately 6 hours from our Los Angeles RV rental branch.
Most of the visitors who come to the park stay in the Yosemite Valley which covers only 1% of the park's total area. Many of the parks businesses and services are concentrated in this area. Open-air tours operate around the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Walking trails offer a variety of experiences such as short walks that are easily completed with only a few hours to spare. Visitors undertaking longer hikes will be rewarded with unforgettable hiking alongside spectacular waterfalls and through Giant Sequoia groves. Bus tours frequently visit Glacier Point which provides sweeping views of the Yosemite Valley and the high country.
Yosemite National Park is open year round however a portion of the park is closed from late fall to early spring. No matter what time of year you decide to visit, one of our camper rentals will make your experience even more enjoyable. For one thing, you will never have to worry about what the weather is doing outside your own camper's cozy cabin. For another, you can self cater your own meals with all the creature comforts of home. No matter how you choose to visit Yosemite you are sure to find a range of fun and interesting activities that will make your holiday a memorable one.
There are 13 campgrounds within the parks borders, most of these accommodate RV rentals. While there are no hook ups available there are designated dump stations throughout the park. Many of the campgrounds offer sweeping views of forest canopies and are roomy enough that even during peak periods the campsites do not feel cramped. Be warned, camping is extremely popular and campgrounds within the park often fill up on the first day that reservations are taken. You could of course always stay in one of the many communities surrounding Yosemite.
Here is a small taste of the type of holiday activities available in the park :
Hiking & Rock Climbing
Because of the stunning natural beauty of the park there are a wide variety of hiking options. You can hire a guide for a day hike ranging from a few hours to full day trips. Some organizations even offer overnight group backpacking trips which anyone can join. If you are visiting with a group some tour guide operators even offer customized backpacking trips tailored just for you.
Yosemite offers an unbeatable climbing experience. Climbers can be spotted around the park during the snow free months on anything from 10 ft high boulders to the 3,000 ft high face of El Capitan.
If you are new to the world of backpacking and climbing and wish to learn more, we strongly recommend taking the time to learn from the Yosemite Mountaineering School. The school is staffed by qualified, certified climbing instructors and offers regular guided overnight trips into back-country where you will be taught all the basics of successful wilderness camping. Absolute beginners will learn to tie their first knot, whereas more experienced climbers will be taken on multi-day climbs of the famous El Capitan.
If you are the adventurous type you may wish to try your hand at climbing, although many people find it equally enjoyable to sit back and watch the climbers over a picnic lunch. RV rental holiday makers may wish instead to use their kitchen facilities to cook a more substantial meal which can be taken along for a picnic or simply enjoyed in the comfort of the RVs cabin.
Evening Programs
Yosemite National Park offers visitors a wealth of fun yet enriching activities which goes beyond mere nature tours and outdoor sports. Visitors may learn about the national park's history and legend through a variety of means such as song, story, art and theatre. These performances aim to give visitors an understanding and appreciation for what an amazing national treasure the park is. Family groups visiting Yosemite on an RV rental holiday will find these evening programs a particularly rewarding way to spend the evening together as a family.
Rafting & Water Sports
The warm summer days are best spent down by the water. Yosemite has many rivers and lakes which provide fantastic fishing grounds both in front and back country. The river systems also make great places for a variety of recreational activities. Rafts can be rented inside the park for a leisurely cruise down the Merced River. The views from the river are simply breathtaking.
If you are a keen angler and manage to catch dinner you will be glad you choose to visit in one of our RV rentals. You can easily clean and cook your catch using the fully equipped kitchen inside the cabin of your camper.
