The Complete Guidebook to Yosemite National Park

by Steven P. Medley

Created by the people who know Yosemite best, this guidebook has become a standard reference for park visitors and is now available in a revised and expanded edition. This title features things to see and do, provides reservation information and dining options for all areas of the park, lists hiking trails and backpacking tips, and covers major and little-known natural features. Also included are information on roads and gateway communities, tips on how to reserve a campsite, photos of flora and fauna, and a list of important phone numbers. New to this seventh edition are updated information on internet and mobile phone access, a history of rock climbing in the area, and all new photographs and maps.

Genres: Travel

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1902

Reviews

[TheConsultingWriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hoping not only to read and review this book but also to put it to use while visiting Yosemite. Unfortunately, there has been a terrible fire(s) raging in the area requiring the closure of the park for public safety. Several lives have been lost, including firefighters, not to mention the animal and plant life. While visitors are unable to see the natural wonders within Yosemite, I highly recommended coming back at a later date. This is one of those places not to be missed. Lots of hiking, grand splendors like El Capitan, Half Dome, so many waterfalls, plus the Merced River. Really, there's a ton of things to do in the park. It's no wonder it's always packed with visitors each summer.

And while I was unable to use this guidebook due to those fires, I can review how well the book is put together. This would have been perfect for planning our Yosemite trip! In fact, I had several pages bookmarked as I begin to decide what I wanted to take my kids to see. I often use AllTrails to help determine whether or not to hike in a given area and which trails to take. This book would work well to start with and maybe use AllTrails as a backup because really, this is a guidebook, not a hiking book. It does have a lot of maps, broken down by areas within Yosemite (the valley, South of the valley, North of the valley). Each section offers the best of that area: activities, hikes, camps, gas, food and other lodgings. So if you were wanting more than just a day trip, this would be an excellent place to start and find out what is available in the park.

This guidebook has a lot of beautiful pictures to give a hint as to what is waiting when the reader arrives. I was hoping to visit the Tuolumne Meadows, Mariposa Grove, and Wapama Falls, at the very least. Besides what to explore, it also covers what to look out for, such as dangers with wildlife, poisonous plants and diseases. I would not skip over this section. While it may seem over the top to some, I myself think it's necessary to have all the facts going in, being well prepared. I should have been a Boy Scout. :)

For those who enjoy history, you'll want this book! Eighteen pages (if I counted correctly) cover the history of the park alone. Want to know the reason behind a name, like Happy Isles? It's in the book. Or perhaps you'd be interested in a historical timeline? It lists, in chronological order, the years and history of the park.

So, have I sold you on this book yet? Overall, this is an excellent guidebook and I highly recommend it to anyone planning on visiting Yosemite National Park. The version I'm reviewing is the revised 8th edition. What I love about this book is that the Yosemite Conservancy is continuing to update the book as necessary so it will remain relevant for visitors in years to come. I received a complimentary copy from the Yosemite Conservancy at my request in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Handy guidebook to review beforehand and take with you on your trip to Yosemite National Park. We found the maps to be especially helpful. However, if you want detailed hiking and biking routes, you’ll need to delve further elsewhere.

[John Orman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very complete guide to Yosemite, with many features I have not seen in other Yosemite books, such as info on wilderness permits, a Yosemite chronology, Yosemite in fiction, etymology of place names, poisonous critters, and internet links.

I especially liked the sections on Mammals, Activities in the Valley and 10 Best Views.

If you are heading for Yosemite, you should take a look at this book first!

[Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not nearly as helpful as I thought it would be. Contains information that can be found on the Internet. On the other hand, I didn't get the Internet in the Valley so this would have been helpful during those times if I had remembered to pack it. The danger of any print book, however, is that the information gets dated pretty quickly.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I have to recommend this book published by the Yosemite Conservancy for anyone planning a trip to Yosemite. Also check out www.yosemiteconservancy.org for help with your trip planning and things to do.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of park and its history. Wished it had more maps.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The guide doesn't offer as detailed information about the hikes as we would have liked, but it's a great intro to the history and everything to do in the area.