With all of the superlatives come the crowds; some 3 million people visit the valley each year. That amounts to 95% of all Yosemite visitors, whereas the valley occupies only 1% of the park's 1,169 square miles. But the wilderness does not end at valley's edge -- in many ways, that's where it starts.

Is it safe to go to Yosemite right now?

Yosemite is open with some services limited due to COVID-19

Reservations are not required to visit Yosemite but are recommended if planning to stay overnight in the park.

How many people have fallen from Yosemite?

The dangerous beauties of Yosemite National Park have tempted generations of intrepid nature lovers, and people die in accidents in the park every year. More than 1,500 deaths have been recorded in the park since 1851.