Fresh air, vigorous hikes, crystal clear waters and breath taking mountains makes the trip to Yosemite National Park leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Yosemite National Park is an ideal vacation spot for many reasons: (1) people go to Yosemite from all over the world all hoping to relax in their own way, (2) there are those who just want to drown in the splendor of the mountains around them, or (3) they want to stay in a comfortable lodge, wake up each morning to take a deep breath and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Each day, relaxing as lodges are, you can participate in some light walks along the trails; enjoy lunch and dinner in the dining room, or other restaurants, while having the time to bond with nature. Yosemite National Park is a place where nature is extremely well preserved where the buildings and people blend in to become part of nature.

Others who go to Yosemite National Park are ready for a challenge may think of Half-dome Mountain and push themselves to the limit just to see how many hours they can complete the hike in. For those who think Half-dome is not enough of a challenge, starting a hike further away. Arranging a hiking/camping trip that ends in a descent down the half-dome means to come equipped with large backpacks, serious hiking boots and camping gear. If you are a rock-climber get ready to scale the mountains as Yosemite is an ideal place for rock-climbing. Many go to Yosemite for rock-climbing and there are many support groups and guidebook for those who want to try it for the first time, or ones returning for a new challenge. For those into rock-climbing, Yosemite National Park is no place to relax; it’s a place to conquer the mountains.

There are still other ways to enjoy Yosemite’s mountains. In the winter skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes of Badgers pass. It is an ideal family vacation spot, since the little town makes everyone feel at home. In addition there is a special kid’s downhill ski program for kids aged 4-6 years old, ski lessons are also available for other ages. The slopes are not too difficult, as most are at beginner and intermediate levels. Ski season is from mid-December to late March, or sometimes early April, depending on ski conditions.

Of course, there are many ways to enjoy the rivers and valleys in Yosemite. Two of these are drift-rafting and white water rafting. Lazy drift-rafting is usually done on the Merced River found on the valley floor. For those who are ready for thrill and excitement there is also white water rafting on the Merced River which flows out of Yosemite Valley. It’s a thrill that is simply addictive. Once you start white water rafting, it’ll be hard to go back to lazy drift-rafting! There is over-night white water rafting trips down the Merced River, including the “Quarter Mile Rapid,” which is over 500 meters of thrilling white water.

The list of things to do in Yosemite Park is simply endless! Most find that one trip is simply not enough. Yosemite National park is truly one of the best places for vacationers.