Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, one of California's most formidable natural landscapes, features nearly 1,200 square miles of sheer awe: towering waterfalls, millennia-old sequoia trees, striking, intimidating cliff faces, and some of the country's most unique rock formations. Despite its immense size, the majority of tourist activity occurs within the 8-square-mile area of Yosemite Valley. The park's most famous landmarks – Half Dome and El Capitan – are located here, as are excellent hiking trails through the natural monuments.

Even inexperienced hikers can enjoy Yosemite: local adventure outfitters offer guided tours and climbing lessons. Just don't expect to be able to experience it on your own. Crowds are the biggest impediment to an enjoyable Yosemite vacation, as they are in so many other American tourist destinations – approximately 4 million people visit each year. However, if you go at the right time (and begin your day a little earlier than usual), Mother Nature's wonders will reveal themselves to you in a miraculous and serene way.