The Pines Resort

Sentinel Rock
Looming over Yosemite Valley, almost directly across from Yosemite Falls, is massive Sentinel Rock. Its silent vigil is a testament to the ages.

Glacier Point
Walk to the edge and catch your breath at one of the most spectacular overlooks on earth. From this perch and on the rim of Yosemite Valley you'll look down 3,242 feet to the Valley floor and have an eagle's view of many of the popular features of Yosemite National Park!

Gates of the Valley
Along Northside Drive, past El Capitan Meadow, you will find a turnout to look back toward El Capitan. It is a serene spot beside the Merced River. Here you'll find one of the best Valley-level views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Valley.

Tunnel View
The turnout on Yosemite Highway 41 has one of the most photographed vistas on earth. It provides the classic view of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks and Bridalveil Fall.

Half Dome
Was there ever another half? Do you see the lovely profile of an Ahwahnee Indian princess stained on the side of its face? What mysteries surround this most visible and dominant feature of Yosemite Valley? These are typical questions often asked by visitors about the most famous natural rock formation in the world.

Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls and Mist Trail
Among the most popular hikes in Yosemite Valley is the Mist Trail. This hike climbs beside the scenic Merced River to Vernal Fall (317 foot drop) and Nevada Fall (594 foot drop). The first mile is moderately difficult. Beyond the Vernal Fall view footbridge, the Mist Trail is a strenuous climb. However, you are rewarded by seeing rainbows in the midst of the falls when the light is at the right angle, and Nevada Fall is awesome. Carry a poncho or rain jacket in the Spring.

El Capitan
This massive monolith is the largest single granite rock on earth, standing nearly 4,000 feet from the base to summit. Rock climbers from around the world come to challenge their abilities on the face of El Capitan.

3,000 Year-Old Big Trees
Mariposa Grove, on the southern edge of the park, just 14 miles from Bass Lake, contains some 250 awe-inspiring Giant Sequoias, the largest trees in the world. Many are nearly 3,000 years old. Several trees, standing more than 200 feet tall and 15 or more feet in diameter, may be seen in the parking area. But to view the largest of the Big Trees, a short walk or shuttle ride is required. The shuttle's six-mile loop provides easy access for viewing and photographing all the grove.

Bridalveil Fall
The Yosemite Indians (Ahwahneechee) called this place "Pohono" or spirit of the puffing wind. The wind swirls about this place, often lifting Bridalveil Fall and blowing it sideways. Although Bridalveil Fall appears to be small when seen in comparison to the surrounding canyon walls, it is the height of a 62-story building!

Yosemite Falls
Impressive views are seen on the path to the falls. The Yosemite Falls drop 2,425 feet, making them the highest in all of North America.

Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows
At 9,941 feet, Tioga Pass (Highway 120 East) is the highest vehicle pass in California. A number of scenic pullouts and parking areas are located along the way. A wonderful stop is found at Tenaya Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Sierra. Further on, Tuolumne Meadows is the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada. California bighorn sheep can sometimes be seen grazing along the Tioga Road beyond the eastern boundary of the park.

Winter in Yosemite

Ice Skating
Skate on one of the few outdoor rinks in the western United States. It's at Curry Village, with a spectacular view of Half Dome. Warming hut, skate rentals, hot drinks and snacks.
Downhill Skiing
Badger Pass is California's oldest operating ski area. Six lifts, including the modern Eagle triple chair lift, take skiers to the 8,000 foot summit. Skiing terrain is ideal for beginners, improving skiers and families. The Yosemite Ski School is recognized as one of California's best.
Cross Country Skiing
Yosemite has 350 miles of skiable trails and roads. Most cross-country skiing in the National Park occurs at Badger Pass on the 90 miles of marked trails which begin from the ski area. 23 miles of machine-groomed track and skating lanes travel from Badger Pass to Glacier Point and to the Clark Range Vista. There's nothing like cross-country through the wonderland of Yosemite!
Snowcat Tours
Tours of the Badger Pass ski area leave the Badger Pass Day Lodge several times daily, conditions permitting, traveling along the edge of two ski runs to the top of the ridge.
Snowshoe Walks
Walks are conducted by National Park Service Rangers from Badger Pass and Crane Flat. These walks explore the forests around the ski area and the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. All are easy walks. A small fee is charged for use of snowshoes.