Yosemite National Park: A guide for beginners

Some tips for visiting Yosemite: -Park at a visitor center and hop on a free shuttle bus that will take you around the park. It'll save you time, gas (which can be mind-bogglingly expensive the closer you get to the park), and effort, and you can relax and enjoy the views rather than worry about the traffic. -Cell service can be spotty-- don't rely on getting a signal for maps/directions, communicating with pals, or posting that epic shot of Glacier Point. Pack a paper map, just in case. -Since you're in a valley, things will be a little cooler than you might expect. Even in the summer, you might want to pack a sweatshirt along with your shades and sunscreen.

It's about an hour drive from Yosemite Valley to the famous overlook at Glacier Point, but it's one of the most incredible overlooks in the entire country. The walk from the parking lot to the lookout is short and paved, but it doesn't matter since the view is literally heart-stopping. If you're afraid of heights, seriously, be careful, you're three thousand feet above the valley, and can see forever; some find it pretty intense.

You don't have to go too far north up the coast to see massive redwoods, you can find plenty in Yosemite. The lower grove loop at Mariposa Grove is about two miles, while the upper and lower groves are about 5-6 miles, so you can take as much or as little time here as you want, but there's plenty of impressive features in the lower grove alone.

Perfectly situated near Yosemite National Park, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites is not only just outside the park's entrance, but it's also a 5-minute drive from the Chowchilla Municipal Airport and a 10-minute drive from the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County. With contemporary furniture, a gym, and a full breakfast bar, this hotel is an ideal resting place for anyone on their way to or from Yosemite.

Simple and classy, a meal at Savoury's is a great way to get out of the park and enjoy a light, fresh, and delicious meal... with a glass of wine, of course. Lamb, chicken and pasta, plus nice apps and decadent desserts make the menu here classic but fun.

Smaller and quieter than the Mariposa Grove, the stand of trees at the Merced Grove makes for a more reflective hike. Pack a picnic (and some big spray) if you're feeling adventurous.

Isn't it nice when the best views in the park are easy and convenient to access? Right off the road, you'll find another one of Yosemite's iconic lookouts: Tunnel View. But just because it's easy to reach doesn't make it any less impressive. Seriously, it's one of those places you have to see to believe.

Bridalveil Fall is a year-round feature of the park, and is one of the more popular waterfalls in Yosemite. You can hike to it, or appreciate it from afar. However, it's totally worth the hike, since the Ahwahneechee tribe, who lived in the valley, believed that inhaling its mist would improve your chances of marriage. Then again, they also reportedly believed that those leaving the valley couldn't look directly into them, lest they be cursed by the demon guarding the valley.