National parks all over the country have closed in an effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, but that doesn't mean we don't get to enjoy the many things that nature has to offer—virtually speaking, that is.
Take Yosemite National Park—which sprawls well over 1,100 square miles in the Sierra Nevada mountains—for example: a bunch of webcams are set up all across the park and the feeds are accessible directly from your couch. Fun and beautiful stuff at the click of a button.
Given the sheer enormity of the destination, there are a whole lot streams available to be viewed, depending on what it is that you want to see. Here, we direct you to some of them. And don't forget to be on the look out for wolves, deers and bobcats while streaming: the animals have been spotted freely roaming the grounds while the park is closed.
Yosemite High Sierra
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Access this webcam if you're looking to spot the iconic Half Dome that calls the area home. After all, it's one of the 14 geological must-sees listed by the National Park Service. Did you know that it takes hikers over 10 hours to climb to the Half Dome? The camera is place 8,000 feet above ground, so expect a sweeping view to literally take your breath away.
Badger Pass Ski Area
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Fun fact: reaching 8,000 feet in elevation, this is only one of three ski areas with lift service found within a national park. This particular camera was set up here for skiers to be able to check weather and terrain conditions before heading to the slopes, but who says we can't just stare at the view day-dreaming about the next time we can go skiing with friends?
Yosemite Falls
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This is one of the tallest waterfalls in the whole wide world (2,425 feet!) and it includes Upper Yosemite Fall, the Middle Cascades and Lower Yosemite Fall. We dare you to find something more soothing to stream with a cup of coffee in hand. The feed is available all year long.
Half Dome
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Although the Yosemite High Sierra cam will catapult you right in front of the iconic Half Dome, virtual visitors can also opt to peek at the scene from the floor of Yosemite Valley instead.
El Capitan
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Believe it or not, the El Capitan vertical rock formation is over twice as tall as New York City's Empire State building. It's no surprise, then, that the most adventurous souls out there vow to hike the 3,000-feet high mountain at least once in their lives. Usually, you can live-stream their attempts. These days, you get to stare at an empty—albeit beautiful—feat of nature while taking in the view of the wonderful Yosemite Valley as well.