Can you die without walking? Trip to American National Parks (1) Beginners OK Yosemite Great View Trail 《Tuff Points and Sentinel Dome》

Written by Sayaka Kato

table of contents

America's National Parks are a Hiking Paradise
The American wilderness that captivated me and that I want everyone to experience at least once before they die
General Information for Getting to Yosemite National Park
If you visit Yosemite, you should definitely go here! Hidden famous hiking route
- Taft Point and Sentinel Dome: Beginner's Guide

America's National Parks are a Hiking Paradise

Hello everyone. My name is Sayaka Kato, and I'm a tour coordinator and hiking guide living in San Francisco, USA. Today, I'd like to share some hiking information for Yosemite National Park, a place I wholeheartedly recommend, especially in America, a land of vast nature

Hiking in the US?

How can we do this when we don't even speak the same language?

How can I do this if I can't drive a car overseas?

How do you get to Yosemite National Park?

Many people feel that hiking overseas is a high hurdle

But that's not the case. If you do your research, it's not difficult at all! It's almost the same as hiking in Japan. America is a vast country with magnificent scenery, and there are a total of 59 national parks, with trails of various lengths open to everyone from beginners to experienced hikers. Visitors can plan a variety of trips based on their goals and inclinations. There is a beauty there that is different from that of Japan

We want you to come and experience more of America's nature, so we've put together some useful information for those planning to visit Yosemite

Another good point about the United States, which is the birthplace of national parks, is that the parks are easily accessible, highways run relatively close to the parks, and accommodation and communication coverage are far more convenient than in other countries

The American wilderness that captivated me and that I want everyone to experience at least once before they die

The United States is 25 times the size of Japan. This vast, diverse region is home to numerous natural art pieces that have been created over a long period of time. It's home to numerous breathtaking views, World Heritage sites, and national parks, and the pulse of nature is unimaginable

Of these, California, blessed with abundant nature, captivated me at first sight, having been fond of mountain climbing since my days in Japan, and was one of the major catalysts that helped me decide on the direction of my life. On the west coast, there is Yosemite National Park, with its beautiful valleys carved by glacial erosion, and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, home to giant trees said to be the largest in the world. Plants over 2,000 years old continue to live here. It is a place where you can experience the passage of time

General Information for Getting to Yosemite National Park

What kind of place is Yosemite?

Yosemite (Yosemite National Park) is a national park rich in nature located in California on the west coast of the United States. This park, with its beautiful valleys carved out by glaciers, is full of attractions, including El Capitan, popular with climbers, and Half Dome, Yosemite's symbol. The view from Glacier Point, which is open every year from around May-June after the snow melts until around November before the snow really starts falling, is breathtaking. The park's numerous hiking trails also continue to attract many hikers. We recommend staying overnight rather than just visiting for a day trip, so you can fully enjoy the spectacular natural art that Yosemite National Park has created over the years

One of the charms of Yosemite is that the scenery changes completely with each season, spring, summer, fall, and winter

If you want to see the waterfall, we recommend March to June when there is a lot of melting snow

If you want to enjoy hiking, head to May or June, when the snow melts and all the roads are open. (The opening period varies depending on the amount of snow that year.)

Autumn is a beautiful time when the mountains are enveloped in yellow leaves and the colorful trees are truly beautiful

In winter, there are fewer people and you can enjoy the quiet, snow-covered Yosemite Valley in a space that is just for you and nature

With over 4 million visitors a year, once you've visited you'll understand why people return time and time again

How to get to Yosemite National Park (from San Francisco to the park)

The nearest major airport is San Francisco, with direct flights from Japan operated by Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and United

The quickest way to get from San Francisco to the Yosemite National Park Visitor Center is to rent a car, but if you're not used to driving long distances, you can also take Amtrak (train) and a bus from the city

By car

It is about 4 hours from San Francisco by rental car (or local tour car) (about 300km)

By train and bus

We recommend driving to America's national parks for its convenience and reduced travel time, but you can also use public transportation

When going from San Francisco to Yosemite, you first need to go to Merced. There are several ways to get there, but we will introduce the recommended and easiest way

Directions 1

You can purchase tickets from San Francisco to Yosemite all at once on the Amtrak website

First, take an Amtrak bus from the Ferry Building in San Francisco to Emeryville (

Emeryville , take the Amtrak train to Merced.

Once you arrive in Merced, transfer to the YARTS bus and head to Yosemite National Park

Directions 2

From San Francisco, take the BART line to Richmond, then take the Amtrak train to Merced, then take the YARTS bus to Yosemite National Park

There are buses that run from Merced (Merced/San Joaquin line) to Yosemite Lodge several times a day (the journey takes about 6 to 7 hours). Train and bus tickets can be booked in advance online

When is the best time to travel and hike?　

Yosemite Park is open 365 days a year. It changes its appearance with the seasons, so it's attractive no matter what time of year you visit. Camping is popular in the summer, the leaves change color in the fall, and the snow-covered valley can be seen in the winter

The meltwater from Yosemite falls as a waterfall, and the waterfall has the most water in the spring, from early April to the end of May. This is the best time to visit for sightseeing

The full-scale hiking season begins in late June, when the melting snow begins to subside, and runs until the end of October. If you want to avoid the crowded summer vacation period for American children, May, September, October, and November might be the best seasons for hiking

Recommended clothing for hiking in Yosemite National Park

Clothes (Spring & Autumn)

One thing to be aware of in Yosemite National Park in spring and autumn is the temperature difference between day and night. Even if it's warm and sunny during the day, the temperature can drop sharply once the sun goes down, so don't let your guard down. Regardless of the weather forecast, make sure to pack something to put on over your clothes, such as a jacket or hoodie. Shawls are also very useful here

Rain also increases in early spring and late autumn. Getting wet in the rain can make the temperature feel lower, so don't forget to bring rain gear such as a folding umbrella and rainwear

Clothes (summer)

In Yosemite National Park, where daytime temperatures can reach around 30°C in the summer, a T-shirt and shorts are generally fine. However, you should still protect your skin with insect repellent and sunscreen. The sun is also stronger here than in Japan, so it's easy to get sunburned and your skin and hair can easily become dry and flaky. To protect against UV rays, we recommend long pants, a thin long-sleeved shirt, and a hat

Many areas are not paved, so please wear sturdy shoes such as sneakers or trekking shoes that are easy to walk in. If you are hiking, be sure to pack trekking shoes

When hiking, bring a backpack. It's best to carry it in a rucksack so you can keep your hands free. When the weather is nice, the sun can be strong, so don't forget to bring UV protection items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as well as a hoodie or windbreaker if you're staying overnight

Clothing (winter)

Hiking is not possible during this time of year due to snow cover. The area is enveloped in a silvery midwinter world, and the high altitude means low temperatures. Yosemite National Park experiences a lot of rain and snow in the winter, so it's important to be especially careful about what you wear. Be sure to protect yourself from the cold by wearing outerwear such as coats, down jackets, and scarves, as well as warm innerwear such as turtlenecks and sweaters. As snow accumulates, don't forget to bring boots, gloves, and knit caps. Hot packs are also very useful

Do I need to go through any procedures before entering the park?

There are some long-distance trails deep within the park that require a permit, but there are no special procedures required to enter Yosemite National Park

What is the admission fee?

If you are visiting by rental car or other vehicle, the entrance fee to the park is $30 per vehicle (as of June 2019. $25 per motorcycle, $15 per person on foot or by bicycle. *Free for children under 15)

There is a toll booth at the entrance to the park, and a park ranger will be there to pay the fee and enter the park

Are there any prohibited things to be careful of or anything in particular that you should pay attention to?

National parks have several rules that must be followed to maintain the beauty of the parks and avoid damaging the ecosystem. Park rangers monitor the parks, and violations can result in fines, so be careful. Here are two of the most basic rules

*Take Nothing but Pictures; Leave Nothing but Footprints
Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints

This means not taking anything from the park and not leaving anything behind, including trash, in the park

＊Help Wildlife Stay Alive and Wild
Preserving the lives of wild animals

All the animals you see in the park are wild. No matter how cute they may seem, never approach them. Do not touch them, try to feed them, or startle them. Also, throwing trash anywhere other than the designated trash cans will alter their lives

Other detailed rules and specific safety advice are listed in detail on the following page, so we recommend that you read it as much as possible (English)

Where are the information centres in the national parks? Can I replenish my food and equipment?

Unlike Japan, American national parks are characterized by the abundance of facilities and information points that allow visitors to fully enjoy the park's natural environment according to their individual interests. In the case of Yosemite, if you go to Yosemite Village in Yosemite Valley, the center of the park, you will find a variety of facilities, including a visitor center with recommended information, the latest information, a tour desk and hiking guides, a supermarket, restaurants, a bookstore, a post office, and more. We recommend stopping here first when you arrive in Yosemite to get useful information for sightseeing and any equipment or items you may be missing. There is also a wide selection of souvenirs!

There is also a lodging facility called Yosemite Lodge within Yosemite Valley, where shuttle buses stop just like at Yosemite Village. There is also a cafeteria, souvenir shop, Starbucks, and more, and many people use the shuttle bus to get to hiking trailheads, have lunch, and take a break

Useful things to bring on a hike

Cold weather wear that can adjust the temperature
Trekking shoes
hat
sunglasses
Sunscreen
Drinks (more in the summer)
Snacks and more for eating while hiking
If you have a regular medicine, first aid such as medicine or band-aid
headlights
rain gear

What kind of accommodation is available? Where should I stay? Hotels? Lodges? Camping?

There are lodges, hotels, and camping spaces within the park. There are also lodge and hotel options outside the park. However, during the high season (spring and summer), you will run out of places to stay unless you make reservations for any accommodation at least two months in advance. There are few accommodations within the park compared to demand (which is unavoidable since you are in the middle of nature), and it can be difficult to make a reservation even six months in advance. In the United States, there are many private lodging options such as Airbnb, which are recommended

You can search for availability and make reservations for accommodation within the park at http://www.yosemitepark.com/. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance. Access to sightseeing spots is extremely easy

If you visit Yosemite, you should definitely go here! Hidden famous hiking route

Now that we've covered the basic information, we'll introduce you to the Taft Point and Sentinel Dome trails, hiking routes that are hidden gems in Yosemite National Park

Taft Point and Sentinel Dome: Beginner's Guide

Taft Point

DISTANCE 2.3 miles (approximately 3.5 km)
Elevation gain: 374 feet (elevation difference: approx. 113 m)

Sentinel Dome　

DISTANCE 2.1 miles (approximately 3 km)
Elevation gain: 456 feet (elevation difference: approx. 138 m)

About an hour's drive from Yosemite Valley is the popular viewpoint "Glacier Point," where you can get a close-up view of Half Dome. The trailhead is located about two miles before Glacier Point

These two trails share the same trailhead and therefore the same parking area. They both start from the same parking lot but go in opposite directions

A sheer cliff overlooking Yosemite Valley. It's a place with a thrilling view, but one of the reasons it's so popular is that it's safe even for beginners

The trail is easy and easy to walk, with very little up and down, and takes about 30 minutes each way. If you're in Yosemite, you should definitely stop by Sentinel Dome and Taft Point, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view

The trails to Taft Point and Sentinel Dome are both easy and family-friendly

From Taft Point, El Capitan, a monolith popular with climbers, towers directly ahead, and the view of the Yosemite Valley floor, 1,067 meters below, is thrilling

From Sentinel Dome, you can see the nearly 4,000m high mountains of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which are not visible from Glacier Point

The Glacier Point Road that leads to this place is only open from mid-May to mid-November (the opening period varies depending on the year), and in winter it is closed off by deep snow, so be sure to check before you visit

The Taft Point and Sentinel Dome hike is a day trip from San Francisco. The sandwiches you can eat here taste especially delicious. This is one of the places I would definitely like to take my guests

Kato Sayaka

Leave your Yosemite hiking to us. Due to my father's influence, I have always loved outdoor activities, and since I was in Japan, I was captivated by the great nature of America and Canada, and as a result, I arrived at the United States, which I had longed for. We currently run ANAMI TOURS, which offers local optional tours that can be created with customers, including completely private hiking tours with Japanese guides. We will introduce you to some special options that you can find out because you are a local resident. If you are interested, please visit the website below.

ANAMI TOURS https://www.anamitours.com/