The Yosemite center point is around 3 miles south of Glacier Point and 4 miles east of Badger Pass.
For the most part, Yosemite is notably warm all year long. Of course, the mountainous areas are going to be colder as elevation increases, but most of Yosemite boasts that warm California air that so many have grown to love. The hottest month is July, in which average highs reach upward of 94 degrees, though lows that month can fall to around 59 degrees. If you don't mind the cold, you can visit during January when lows hover around 34 degrees and occasionally drop below freezing. If you're looking for warm weather, however, virtually any month outside of the winter season will be satisfactory.
To fully enjoy the sprawling landscapes and breathtaking geological features, the skies need to be at least somewhat clear. If you're looking to avoid the rain, the best time to visit would be the summer. August is the driest month of all with hardly any rain to speak of as the entire month barely gets 0.1 of an inch of rain. On the other hand, December features a daily chance of precipitation of 27 percent, with 7.8 inches falling over the month. That can be advantageous, however, as snowy mountain tops offer a great opportunity for skiing.
Because Yosemite is such a popular destination, there are always plenty of visitors in the area. The peak travel season occurs in July, thanks to the warm weather and sparse precipitation. November is a slower month due to the increased precipitation in the form of rainfall instead of snow. Just keep in mind that February is notably busy for a winter month, so book in advance if you travel during that time.
One of the best ways to start off your trip is by booking your stay at a discounted price. Fortunately, quite a few hotels in the area offer discounts that you shouldn't hesitate to take advantage of. If you work for the government, for example, you can enjoy a 19 percent discount on your stay at Heidelberg Inn. Here, you'll find a flat-screen television in your room complete with cable programming. Your room also features a coffee/tea maker and a kitchenette with a refrigerator and stovetop. The hotel itself includes a sauna and two spa tubs.
More government discounts can be found at Miners Inn. At this hotel, you'll find a 32-inch flat-screen television equipped with cable programming in your room, along with a refrigerator and a microwave. Wireless internet access is complimentary, and you even have access to a coffee/tea maker and iron/ironing board. The hotel itself features an outdoor pool and a spa tub to provide you with some extra relaxation, and you'll find a restaurant on-site, along with a bar/lounge area. Each morning, a complimentary continental breakfast is served as well.
Some travelers would prefer not to go all-in on affordability or luxury. More middle-of-the-road value hotels may be best for cultivating a trip that offers some bonus amenities without straining the budget. Fortunately, Yosemite has several hotels like this, such as the Yosemite View Lodge. Each room at this hotel features a kitchenette complete with a microwave and refrigerator. Wireless internet and cable programming are available as well, alongside a coffee/tea maker. Two on-site restaurants are included and are accessible only to hotel guests.
The Narrow Gauge Inn also has a lot to offer any Yosemite traveler. Your room here comes with satellite television and a private balcony. You can even bring your furry friend along as the hotel is pet-friendly. Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the hotel including inside your room, and there's an outdoor pool you can enjoy. At the on-site restaurant, you can enjoy delicious food and then grab a drink at the bar/lounge area. They also provide breakfast buffets every day from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for a fee.
Yosemite National Park is massive and includes several different vegetation zones, so there are quite a few destinations you might want to visit within the park. One of the most important is Glacier Point, which looks across mountains and valleys and offers a truly breathtaking view of the sunset and sunrise. If you're more interested in climbing, the Yosemite Valley area features numerous opportunities, with some spots already outfitted with the necessary equipment and climbing experts to help. Half Dome is particularly easy to climb, thanks to the implemented rope handrail.
The centerpiece of the entire park is arguably Yosemite Falls, which is also the fifth tallest waterfall on the planet. If you hike the Mist Trail, you can reach Vernal Fall Bridge, which is commonly known as the best place to view the majestic Vernal Fall. If you didn't already feel small, you can visit one of the Giant Sequoia groves to see towering, centuries-old trees stand tall and seemingly stretching into the clouds with their massive trunks.
Wherever your adventure takes you throughout Yosemite, you need to make sure you book a hotel that can offer the kind of experience you're looking for. Fortunately, the Yosemite area features a wide variety of hotels, allowing all kinds of travelers to book satisfying accommodations. Find the right hotel for your needs and make the most out of your unforgettable trip to Yosemite, California.