Even if you can’t travel to the park right now, you can still see, hear and experience what’s happening in Yosemite, thanks to some amazing technology like Yosemite webcams and Google Earth. Here are some of our favorite ways to feel like we are in the park.
See Water Spill over Yosemite Falls on Webcams
Interested in seeing just how much water is currently tumbling down Yosemite Falls, one of Yosemite Valley’s most beautiful sights? View it on a live stream. You can also admire Half Dome by checking out the park’s webcam trained on this amazing geologic feature to see what it looks like today. You can even visit Yosemite’s high country to see if it’s snowy, rainy, misty or a bluebird-day up there by looking at a webcam.
Head to Yosemite’s webcam page here. www.nps.gov/yose/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm
Fly to Yosemite from Your Couch
Fly via Google Earth right now to Glacier Point in Yosemite and then virtually stroll down the switchbacks of Four-Mile Trail down to the Yosemite Valley. Then fly to the top of North Dome, taking in the views without having to do any of the hard work to climb up it. If you can’t be at the park now, this is a really fun way to explore it. earth.google.com+
Hear Yosemite Stories on Video and Audio Podcasts
If you can’t attend a Yosemite ranger talk, the next best thing is tuning into Yosemite Nature Notes, a video podcast series produced by the National Park Service. These fun video podcasts share stories about Yosemite National Park’s natural and human history through the voices and experiences of park rangers, scientists, historians and park visitors.
But the park also offers two audio podcasts. In Buffalo Soldier Speaks, you’ll get a fascinating look into Sergeant Elizy Boman’s life at the turn-of-last century. Boman was part of Troop “k” in the Ninth U.S. Cavalry, also known as the Buffalo soldiers. They were African-American military personnel dispatched to Yosemite National Park in 1903. National Park ranger Shelton Johnson is the voice of Boman. Yosemite Voices is an audio podcast series that provides a window into the natural and cultural history of Yosemite National Park, including the lifestyles of the people who live and work in the park.
Get inspired for your next trip to the park by watching one of the Yosemite Presents, a series of park videos. There’s a 15-minute video on everything you need to know before you visit, as well as specific videos like how to handle bears and food storage when you are camping in the park. You’ll be a know-it-all by the time you visit the park in person.
For videos and audio podcasts, visit www.nps.gov/yose/learn/photosmultimedia/
View Gorgeous Photo Galleries
Get inspired by browsing our extensive photo collection including photo blogs by professional photographer Grant Ordelheide plus “How To” articles for improving your own shots.
Other Resources
For more webcams, virtual tours, photo galleries, apps, videos, and other digital content at www.nps.gov/yose/learn/photosmultimedia/index.htm