Unique Places in Yosemite National Park

Located next to the Inyo National Forest, this monument is known for its 60 foot basphalt columns which were made by volcanic eruptions and glaciers.

There are 21 campsites that are open from mid- june to mid-october. Plenty of hiking.

Located off CA. 203, and 40 minutes from Yosemite NP.

Mariposa is a town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada that usually thrives off its position on Hwy 140, one of the principal routes into Yosemite Valley. In 2006, a large rock slide covered the road between the town and the park; pretty soon, it became empty. We passed by Mariposa on our way to Oakhurst and the South Entrance of the park. It is a typical Gold Country town, with souvenir shops and a very western-looking main street (Hwy 140).

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We pulled over here on our first evening in the park, simply because it looked so peaceful and pretty. Travelling from the valley, it's located on the right hand side of the road just before arriving in Wawona. It's by a (comparatively) small, bubbling little river, and there's a campsite, some picnic benches and a pebbly beach. There's not a lot here, and I'm not aware of any trails near here, but if you're looking for somewhere away from the crowds, then this is a good choice.

The best moments in any national park are those found off the beaten path, away from the masses who congregate at the visitor center and the scenic overlooks. The real beauty of a park, or any place of natural beauty, can only be captured in the silence of a stolen moment.

Its tough to find your moment in a brief visit to Yosemite. If you were to strap on a backpack and hike into Yosemite's wilderness, you'd surely find a spot of your own. But when your trip is restricted to the paved portions of one of our most popular parks, solitude, for even a moment, is at best a challenge and likely an impossibility. But there are spots, high and far on a less popular trail, where you can find that moment. Like all great things in life, you'll have to work harder to get it here. But if you hike or climb just far enough, that moment can be yours.

Everything is so green, the crisp morning air, it's wonderful. It really pays off to get up very early in the morning and enjoy Yosmite. A few hours later this place is unrecognisable. Tourist busses are parked here, and lots of people are around. Nothing can beat this moment of tranquility, sigh... wish I was there right now.

If you drive up to Glacier point you will be able to look straight (and I mean straight) down into the valley. Glacier point is roughly above the Curry Campground and it is reached by a road that is closed in the winter and spring.
You also get a wonderful view of all the falls except Bridalveil from Glacier Point as well as Half Dome and El Capitan.

... when standing on the soil of this extraordinary event. Close your eyes, and you can feel the heat of the campfire, smell the smoke, and hear Mr President talk to Mr Muir. Don't you feel the strong desire to sit down with them? 101 years later... You'll be SO inspired!

While driving around you can see wild animals crossing the road, so you have to be very careful.

We had been very lucky on this trip as we had some really god chances to see them