Tucked into the mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is renowned for its granite cliffs and waterfalls. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the formations made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. A year-round destination, Yosemite allows access to high-elevation hiking in the summer due to melted snow. But summertime is also the most congested season, and park rangers encourage visitors to use the free shuttle system to minimize traffic. Plan ahead, as many iconic hikes require permits.