best places to visit yosemite national park

14 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Written by Lana Law Updated Mar 20, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lana Law has spent many happy days hiking and camping in Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite has long been a place of inspiration for artists, climbers, and nature lovers, and remains one of California's most popular places to visit . Beginning in the 1920s, Ansel Adams' stunning black-and-white photographs of Yosemite drew attention to the park's breathtaking landscapes and iconic sights like never before.

For the adventurous, climbing has always been one of the most popular things to do in Yosemite. Following WWII, climbers descended on the park and agonized over how to ascend the magnificent sheer walls. In their attempts, failures, and eventual successes, they created a cult following in Yosemite like no other climbing area in history.

And all along, campers and hikers have been coming here to lose themselves in the park's magnificent mountains and valleys.

The most famous and beautiful section of the park is Yosemite Valley , home to big-name tourist attractions, like Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

Outside the valley, Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road provide seasonal access to other areas of the park. Glacier Point Road allows access to stunning views over the Yosemite Valley. Tioga Road crosses the park in an east-west direction and runs through alpine scenery, where you can find lovely, and often less busy, hiking trails . Due to the altitude, Tioga Road opens later in the spring than Glacier Point Road.

For more details, have a look at our list of the top attractions and things to do in Yosemite National Park.

See also: Where to Stay near Yosemite National Park

1. Yosemite Falls

2. half dome, 3. el capitan, 4. tunnel view, 5. glacier point, 6. bridalveil falls, 8. climbing, 9. tioga road, 10. see the giant sequoias at mariposa grove, 11. camping, 12. yosemite museum and indian village, 14. ansel adams gallery, where to stay near yosemite national park, map of yosemite national park - attractions & things to do, best time to visit yosemite national park, ca, more california adventures.

Tumbling over a granite wall and pounding the rocks at the base of the cliff, Yosemite Falls is one of the most memorable and striking features in Yosemite Valley. It's also among the best waterfalls in California .

Repeatedly popping into view over treetops and around corners as you drive through the valley, the falls look different from every angle, and it's impossible to take your eyes off.

You don't have to hike or even get out of your car to appreciate this waterfall, but the most complete view, and one of the best views , of the falls is from the start of the Yosemite Falls hike , along the non-handicapped route on the left side of the river. You can walk right to the base of the falls with minimal effort and feel the mist sweeping over you.

Another outstanding perspective is from the picnic site at the Swing Bridge .

Half Dome is one of Yosemite's most famous sites and particularly well-known in the climbing world for being one of the first "big climbs."

This granite icon looks much different depending on the angle you are viewing it from. Looking up at the sheer rock face from the valley, the enormity of the wall is obvious, and you can appreciate why climbers have been drawn here.

You can also see Half Dome in the distance from Tunnel View, but the best place to view it is from the lookout at Glacier Point . From here, you get a true picture of the rock, how it looms over the valley, and how much higher it stands than the surrounding mountains. The dome shape is clearly evident, and you can easily see why it's called Half Dome.

For close-up views, the Mirror Lake hike is the best option. From this trail, you look almost straight up the rock face.

Adventurous souls can hike up Half Dome . The last portion of this hike takes you up the bald back side of the formation. This isn't your average hike, and it's not for everyone. It is considered one of the best hikes in Yosemite , but be sure to look into the details before attempting it.

Legendary among climbers, El Capitan is a 3,000-foot sheer rock face on the north side of Yosemite Valley. Although it may not seem like it, El Capitan is actually 1,000 feet higher than the face of Half Dome.

El Capitan gained interest with the free solo climb of Alex Honnold in June of 2017, and the Academy Award winning documentary film, Free Solo . He became the first person to climb El Capitan without ropes, and completely unaided. The climb took three hours and 56 minutes.

From the Tunnel View lookout, El Capitan is the massive cliff on the left side of the valley, standing notably higher than everything else in view from this vantage point.

You can see the wall as you drive through the valley, but many people stop and view it or photograph it from El Capitan Meadow off the North Drive through Yosemite Valley. Since this is a one-way road, it's best to view it on your way out of the valley. At certain times of day, rangers set up in the meadow and offer talks on El Capitan.

If you want to get up close to the wall or even touch it, you can park on the right side of this same road, beyond the El Capitan picnic area, and walk up to the wall .

The short trail is marked as far as an open field, not far from the face, and rudimentary trails from here lead up through trees and boulders to the base of the wall. Climbers are almost always set up here. This trail is not promoted by the park.

The most classic view of Yosemite Valley is from Tunnel View. This vista, which will feel very familiar to most visitors, stretches out to El Capitan on the left, Bridalveil Fall on the right, Half Dome in the distance, and also takes in the lush valley at the base of the huge granite walls.

Although it's an incredible sight at any time of day, in the morning, the walls are mostly in shadow. The best time to appreciate this scene is in the afternoon , when the walls are bathed in sunlight.

The parking area is just beyond the tunnel as you enter Yosemite Valley from Wawona Road. If you are heading out to Glacier Point from the valley, you will pass Tunnel View just before you enter the tunnel.

A drive through Yosemite Valley generally entails looking up to see the sites. Glacier Point, at an elevation of more than 7,200 feet , gives you the grand view over the entire valley, as well as many other sites beyond, and provides a whole new perspective.

This is one of the most incredible views in Yosemite National Park and is an absolute must-see sight.

In 2022, the Glacier Point Road closed for a massive construction project. The road, dating from 1936, requires significant structural rehabilitation. The work continues into 2023, however, vehicles will be allowed on the road but significant delays of 30 minutes or more are expected from January through to October. The portion of the road leading to Badger Pass Ski Resort will be open during the ski season.

Typically, the drive from Yosemite Village to Glacier Point takes about an hour, but you'll also find hikes and other lookouts in the area worth exploring.

Four Mile Trail hike runs from Glacier Point down 3,200 feet to Yosemite Valley, coming out near Sentinel Rock. Despite the name, the trail is almost five miles. It's also a steep grade and in relatively poor condition.

Not far from Glacier Point, Washburn Point is an equally spectacular lookout with incredible views over Vernal Fall.

Another classic sight in Yosemite National Park is Bridalveil Fall, on the south side of Yosemite Valley.

In 2019 the park undertook a two-year but long-overdue project to rehabilitate and revitalize this trail, which was truly showing the signs of overuse. It's expected that the new trails will still deliver you to the base of the falls where you can feel the spray hitting you and hear the pounding water as it crashes on the boulders.

From Tunnel View, you can also get a good look at the falls from a higher vantage point.

Read More: Best Waterfalls in California

It's hard to imagine visiting Yosemite without hitting some of the best hiking trails .

The park has a full range of hikes, from quick and easy, including some with wheelchair accessible paths, to full-day or multi-day hikes. The most popular trails involve hiking to waterfalls or out to high overlooks, but you can also hike to alpine lakes and meadows.

The shorter and easier trails in the valley are always the busiest, but it is possible to escape the crowds if you tackle some of the longer hikes, or those with more elevation gain. Hikes along the Tioga Road are also less busy, but only accessible in summer.

One of the park's most well-known hikes is the hike up Half Dome ; a huge day hike with 4,800 feet of elevation gain and an open section with cables (reservations required).

Easier, more family friendly hikes include Mirror Lakes , the hike to the Vernal Fall Footbridge , and beyond the footbridge to the Mist Trail .

In summer, when the Tioga Road is open, you can hike through some beautiful alpine scenery. Also seasonal, but usually with a longer season, the Sentinel Dome and Taft Point hikes along the Glacier Road are popular sunset trails.

If you don't want to hike alone or would prefer to go with a guide, you can sign up for a Yosemite Hiking Excursion designed to meet your ability .

Read More: Top-Rated Hiking Trails in California

Yosemite is the most famous rock climbing destination in the United States , and for many climbers, it is the pinnacle of their climbing careers. Half Dome and El Capitan have been luring climbers for decades.

Climbing legends and leaders in the sport, like Royal Robbins, Warren Harding, Jim Bridwell, and Alex Honnold, all made names for themselves on Yosemite's walls.

Camp 4 campground , the place where climbers have been pitching their tents since the 1950s, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in the sport of climbing. It's hard to imagine another location so closely associated with the sport of climbing.

Rock climbing is still as popular as ever in Yosemite, even more so since the release of the documentary film Free Solo , following Alex Honnold's historic free solo climb of El Capitan in June of 2017.

The stunning alpine scenery along Tioga Road, Highway 120, running in an east-west direction through Yosemite, is a wonderful place to visit for summer hiking and camping. Wildflowers bloom in the open meadows, and pristine lakes reflect the mountain peaks.

Due to the elevation, this road is only open in the summer , and it opens later than Glacier Point Road. At the east entrance to the park is Tioga Pass, with an elevation of 9,945 feet.

Highlights along here include the views from Olmsted Point, and Tenaya Lake and the surrounding hiking trails.

Near Tuolumne Meadows , you can hike to Lembert Dome and walk up the swooping back side of the dome.

Although Mariposa Grove is located quite a distance from the main attractions in Yosemite, it's well worth the effort to get there. The size and grandeur of the trees, many of which are over 2,500 years old , is hard to explain unless you've actually seen them.

A variety of trails wind their way through the grove and past iconic trees like the Grizzly Giant, the California Tunnel, and Telescope Trees.

If you are up for it, consider hiking the seven-mile round-trip all the way to Wawona Point . Along the way, you'll pass stunning trees that most people never get to see and be rewarded with incredible views at the end.

To avoid congestion, a shuttle system has been put in place from the main parking area to the trailhead, a distance of two miles.

Tourists, families, and climbers have been camping in Yosemite for decades. It's a great way to experience the park, and it allows you to wake up on-location, ready for a day of exploration or hiking.

The park has some excellent campgrounds to choose from. The most popular campgrounds for visitors are North Pines, Upper Pines , and Lower Pines . Climbers head to the infamous Camp 4. It's also possible to rent tents and cabins at Curry Village .

If you have your heart set on camping but can't get a campsite in the park, you can find a few good campgrounds or RV parks outside the gates. For complete details on campgrounds in the park and nearby, see our guide to the best campgrounds at Yosemite National Park .

While most people only think of Yosemite's natural wonders, the Sierra Nevada region in and around Yosemite has been inhabited for more than 3,000 years.

You can learn all about the first peoples of the valley at the Yosemite Museum and Indian Village . The museum displays artifacts, and docents are on hand to give demonstrations and answer questions.

Behind the building are some bark-covered dwellings, built in the traditional style used by the Miwok people, who once lived in the area, as well as their later, Euro-American-style buildings.

The museum is free and conveniently located in Yosemite Village.

Families looking for things to do in Yosemite may want to consider some easy bike riding. In addition to biking on the roads, the park offers 12 miles of paved paths .

One of the most popular areas for casual biking is along the paved service road on the north side of the river, which leads to Mirror Lake . Many people walk this stretch, but you can easily bike in to the start of the lake and walk the final short portion to the upper section of the lake.

Another loop, east of Curry Village (formerly Half Dome Village), skirts the Upper Pines Campground and runs past the trailhead for Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and the John Muir Trail. This road is only open to bikes, pedestrians, shuttle buses, and wheelchair-transporting vehicles. Bicycle rentals are available at Curry Village.

Although Ansel Adams' photography went far beyond Yosemite, his name and works are closely associated with this park, where he created many famous images. His powerful black and white images of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and Jeffrey Pine are some of his most well-known works.

The small Ansel Adams Gallery makes an interesting stop if you are in Yosemite Village. Even if you are not looking to buy a piece of art, you may be inspired to create your own masterpieces after seeing some of the artwork on display in this store. The shop sells Ansel Adams original photos, reproductions, posters, books, and more.

The best place to stay, if it falls within your budget, is right in the park. This allows you to bypass the traffic getting in and out of the park, forget about having to find a parking spot, and it takes the stress out of almost every aspect of a visit to Yosemite.

If staying in the park doesn't suit your spending plan, you will have to commute. Hotel options near Yosemite are surprisingly limited, but you can find a few good hotels in the nearby small towns.

In the Park:

• For a combination of luxury, convenience, and history, you can't beat The Ahwahnee , classified by the National Parks system as a Premier Lodge. Built in 1927, this outstanding property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and also a National Historic Landmark, is set in the heart of the Yosemite Valley, surrounded by the iconic sites of the park. The stone façade and open-beamed ceilings blend beautifully with the scenery, while the rooms offer modern comfort and elegance.
• Another classic choice is the Wawona Hotel. The hotel was built in 1876 and has been in operation ever since. The rooms are decorated in Victorian style, and many of the 104 rooms have balconies. A nine-hole golf course is across the street.

El Portal :

• One of the best options for people day tripping to Yosemite is the Cedar Lodge in the small town of El Portal, just 30 minutes from Yosemite Village, along Highway 140. This is a mid-range motel-style property with a pool. Rooms are large, and some come with full kitchens and a separate bedroom.

Highway 120 and Groveland:

• Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite is located along Highway 120, about 50 minutes west of Yosemite Valley. The hotel features rooms and suites with balconies, a large outdoor pool, games room, and restaurant.
• Farther on, in Groveland, The Groveland Hotel is modest but cute.
• Although commuting this far makes for a long day trip, you can find some decent hotels in Oakhurst, about a 1.5-hour drive from the main section of the park. Two good options here include the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn and the Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites .

Showcasing the splendor of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, Yosemite National Park is a beautiful place to visit no matter the time of year. The months between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the peak visiting season at Yosemite . Between June, July, and August, the park receives over a million-and-a-half visitors each year.

Yosemite's high country and Tuolumne Meadows are snowcapped throughout the winter. Tioga Road, which accesses this northern part of the park, is generally open to vehicles between May and November. Places at lower elevations of the park, like the illustrious Yosemite Valley, are open the entire year. Looming rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome are also impressive features to see no matter the season.

Perfect summer weather and the full accessibility of a snow-free park make summer a great time to go to Yosemite. Visitors in summer will need to pack some patience and plan for crowded conditions. Spring and fall in Yosemite feature fewer crowds and pleasant weather, and the months of May and September are some of the best times to visit Yosemite .

Winter visits are often deterred by road closures, variable driving conditions, and cold weather. With the right preparation and warm layers, though, the winter is the best time to visit Yosemite to avoid the crowds . Alongside a fraction of park visitors, Yosemite in winter provides scenic appeal with fresh layers of snow.

Looking for inspirational travel ideas to add to your bucket list? How about hiking below the tallest trees on the planet in Redwood National and State Parks or camping with the largest trees on Earth in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park ? These are experiences you won't forget!

Hit the hiking trails at Lake Tahoe to wander along the shores of the deepest alpine lake in the United States.

To discover the wonders of the desert , head over to the fascinating landscape of Joshua Tree National Park . This park is a true gem, and one that people often forget to include on their itinerary. The park is home to outstanding hiking trails of varying length, perfect for all levels of hikers. Or, plan a bit of time here and camping under the star-filled sky

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A Complete Guide to Visiting Yosemite National Park 

As America’s first swath of public land set aside for protection, Yosemite National Park is often credited as the site that birthed the entire national park idea. Home to enormous ancient sequoia groves, glacially-carved granite domes, roaring waterfalls, and over 800 miles of developed trails, Yosemite is not only one of the best national parks in California —it's the kind of place that continually amazes, whether it’s your first time visiting or your fiftieth.

The park has dark spots on its history too, from the removal of the Ahwahneechee people , to the controversial damming of  Hetch Hetchy Valley to provide drinking water to the city of San Francisco in the 1920s. Though not always a perfect model, the park continues to be a living laboratory for conservation and stewardship to this day.

Also noteworthy: In 2023, Yosemite has elected to do away with its COVID-era  vehicle permit system , meaning that day-use visitors can enter and exit the park with ease (after paying the $35 entrance fee; valid for seven days). As such, it’s sure to be an excellent season to visit this legendary park, for locals and out-of-towners alike.

Keep scrolling for our favorite hikes, sights, and stays in Yosemite National Park.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Come winter, Yosemite's icons, like El Capitan, take on a whole new personality. 

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park

Like many of America’s iconic national parks, Yosemite is a land of vastly different elevations and, as a result, extremes in conditions across the park’s different zones.

The valley, home to jaw-dropping granite walls (like Half Dome and El Capitan) and sky-high waterfalls, sits at a sensible 4,000 feet. It gets hot in the summer (50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) and sees minimal snowfall most winters. The “high country,” located off Tioga Road to the north, is a sprawling high-altitude expanse of snow-capped Sierra peaks, dense stands of conifers, and glittering alpine lakes. As such, these byways are  typically only open from late May through October, depending on the weather.

Spring is a phenomenal time to go chasing waterfalls in Yosemite Valley, while summer brings crowds down low and excellent hiking weather up high (stick a pin in Tuolumne Meadows for some of the prettiest hiking paths). In autumn, fall colors start to shift along the Merced River in the valley, waterfalls run dry, and cooler daytime temps can make for wonderful backpacking trips across the entirety of the park. Winter is Yosemite’s quiet season, though the  Curry Village ice rink and  Badger Pass Ski Area liven things up once the first snow arrives.

How to get there

There's no sugarcoating it. California is a big place, and the Sierras are a big, protected mountain range. For better or worse, the closest airport to Yosemite is the  Fresno Airport . That’s still roughly 90 minutes from the park boundary and 2 hours and 20 minutes from its fabled valley cliffs, so you’ll want to rent a car, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the drive. On the plus side, you’ll be able to easily access Yosemite’s best trailheads with ease.

A handful of flights touch down in the tiny  Merced Airport , which boasts year-round  YARTS public transportation into the park. Yosemite offers a  free park shuttle around its popular valley. Those taking public transit can also opt for a paid  hiker’s bus between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, if you'd like to hike the high country.

Things to do in Yosemite

Half Dome is one of Yosemite's most popular hikes, but there are also lesser-known backpacking trails perfect for escaping the crowds. 

Hiking and backpacking

Hands down, the best way to get out and see Yosemite is to go for a hike, and this park is home to some of the most spectacular trails in the country. If you’re looking for quick, family-friendly options, take in the powerful spray of California’s tallest waterfall on the one-mile, wheelchair accessible   Lower Yosemite Fall Trail , then head to the  Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and go for a romp along the .3-mile Big Trees Loop or the two-mile Grizzly Giant Loop.

Yosemite is also a bastion of calf-burning all-day adventures for serious hikers. Along the road to Glacier Point, trekkers can soak up gobsmacking views of the valley on the five-mile  Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop . Or, head for the high country on a seven-mile (round trip) up to  Cathedral Lakes , two postcard-worthy sapphire tarns that sit beneath a toothy granite summit.

Want to escape the crowds? Planning an overnight backpacking trip is a surefire way to experience the pristine magic of Yosemite’s wilderness, and at 747,956 acres, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Reserve a  wilderness permit for your preferred trailhead, double-check your gear, and be sure to pack (or rent) a bear canister to store your food (it’s required by law). Need some inspiration? We recommend the stunning, 6.5-mile alpine journey to  Ten Lakes or the 4.5-mile romp to  Sunrise Lakes .

Get more tips on Yosemite hikes in our complete guide.  

Scenic drives

For travelers who don’t want to dirty their loafers on a national park visit, Yosemite is full of top-notch stretches of  scenic pavement . In summer, when Tioga Road is open, visitors can motor across the “range of light,” from Lee Vining all the way to El Portal, on the western edge of the park. Along the way, enjoy purple spider lupine and brilliant pink penstemon in  Tuolumne Meadows , stopping to admire the sweeping view of Half Dome and Clouds Rest from  Olmstead Point .

If you’re dead set on exploring  Yosemite Valley by car, go early in the morning to avoid traffic jams and enjoy the peaceful light as deer graze in  Cook’s Meadow . Be sure to stop at the incomparable waterfalls (Vernal, Yosemite, and Bridalveil are our top picks), then pull over at El Capitan and try to imagine Alex Honnold scaling the 3,000-foot-tall cliff face, sans-rope.

You could go way off the beaten path and avoid crowds altogether in Yosemite’s gorgeous  Hetch Hetchy area, which sits in the park’s northwestern corner and features that aforementioned massive reservoir, punctuated by cascading waterfalls.

Cycle or drive through Yosemite National Park for miles and miles of views. 

Cycling the Valley Loop

Yosemite’s breathtaking valley is home to one of the best (and flattest)  multi-use bike paths in the national park system. BYO-bicycle or  rent one at Curry Village, Yosemite Village, or Yosemite Valley Lodge, then wheel onto more than 12-miles of designated bike trails, which wind past Half Dome, Happy Isles, Mirror Lake, Merced River, and Lower Yosemite Fall.

Guided tours

For travelers hoping to dig a little deeper or venture a little further, there are a wealth of expert-led guided tours in Yosemite, too. Those hoping to follow in Honnold’s footsteps (roped up, of course), should check out  Yosemite Valley Mountaineering School , which has been in business since 1969 and offers courses ranging from the beginner-focused “Welcome to the Rock” to big wall seminars for experienced granite aficionados. Nearby,  Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides also offers day- and weekend-long outings for budding climbers, plus day hikes and backpacking excursions.

If you’ve only got one day inside the park, book a  Grand Tour with Aramark, the park’s licensed concessionaire, for an all-day adventure (lunch included) that takes in the majestic rock domes of Yosemite Valley, the skyscraper-sized trees of Mariposa Grove, and panoramic views at Glacier Point. Just outside the valley,  Rush Creek Lodge offers a bevy of great day trips as well, ranging from sunset happy hours to view-filled snowshoe excursions.

Don’t want to overnight alone, or just prefer to hike in a group? REI offers a pretty fantastic  lodge-based hiking tour that explores the park’s most noteworthy nooks and crannies, from Budd Lake and to Glacier Point, to the Middle Earth-esque Mist Trail. However, the best stargazing (and most pristine solitude) can only be soaked up on an overnight backpacking trip, and  Wildland Trekking can throw down with the best of ‘em. Test your nerves and attempt to summit  Half Dome’s slick spine or do a deep-dive into Yosemite’s high country on the seven-day “ Wonders of Yosemite ” journey.

Rent an Airstream at AutoCamp Yosemite for connection to the outdoors—and the comforts of home. 

Where to stay in and around Yosemite

Hoping to car camp under the stars? Sleep in a vintage Airstream? Or perhaps you’d prefer a top-notch lodge, complete with a delicious dinner menu? No matter your style, there’s sure to be something to suit even the choosiest traveler in your crew.

Yosemite is home to thirteen, yes,  thirteen   car-accessible campgrounds , all of which book up within minutes and are on a reservation system from April through October. Reserving a primo spot (especially in the coveted valley) can be a bit of a headache, as  some campgrounds become available five months in advance, some two months in advance, and others just two weeks out from a trip. Plan ahead, triple-check the park website, and book early, especially if your heart is set on pitching a tent under Half Dome–at the popular Upper, Lower, or North Pines campgrounds.

In winter, many campgrounds close, but a few (Camp 4, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow) switch over to a first-come, first-served system. Upper Pines, located in Yosemite Valley, has reservations available year-round for those who don’t mind the cold.

Read more about camping in Yosemite in our complete guide.  

Hotels, glamping, and vacation rentals

As one of the most-visited sites in the NPS system (over 3.6 million visited in 2022), Yosemite has a wealth of posh accommodations just outside the park boundary.  Rush Creek Lodge & Spa , located a mere five minutes from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, is a haven for foodie families looking for a post-hike massage and epic cocktail menu (there’s even an on-site pool and zip line for the kiddos). Discerning travelers seeking white glove service and excellent fine dining should head south for  Château du Sureau , a European-style castle with a phenomenal restaurant ( The Elderberry House ), set on nine private acres in the mountain town of Oakhurst.

As far as historic park lodges go,  The Ahwahnee , in Yosemite Valley, is considered the crown jewel of the bunch. Built to complement the park’s soaring granite walls and verdant conifers, it first opened in 1927 and is known for its stately dining room and incomparable location.

Intrepid park-goers craving the comforts of home (think hot showers, luxe linens, and private patios) in a more adventurous setting might prefer a chic Airstream stay at  AutoCamp Yosemite . Or, of course, you could always splurge on a vacation house rental inside the park, like  this breezy craftsman in Yosemite West or this plush log cabin in Wawona .

Read more on the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park.  

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Yosemite Itinerary: Ultimate First Time Visitor Guide (1, 2 & 3 Day Itinerary)

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: July 29, 2020

UPDATED: May 21, 2024

Yosemite is a treasure trove of beauty and one of the crown jewels among the very best USA National Parks . This Yosemite itinerary will help you plan the most efficient way to spend your time in this spectacular corner of California. 

The spellbinding awe of Yosemite’s landscapes, smooth domed rock formations and unspeakably majestic valley have to be seen in person to be believed.

We will show you the best way to spend 1, 2 and 3 days at Yosemite to cover day trips, weekend breaks and those fortunate to have an extra day.

No matter how long you spend here, we know you will be swept off your feet – just like the great writers and photographers who immortalized Yosemite before you.

Why Visit Yosemite National Park?

Yellowstone is arguably the King of US National Parks – being the first established and immensely popular – but every King needs a Queen and Yosemite National Park’s astonishing grandeur is regal enough for our vote .

The park has something for everyone, from family vacations and couples who love hiking , to expert rock climbers and pro photographers.

Beloved panoramas of sweeping valleys, waterfalls and famous granite monoliths steal the show at Yosemite. Photography enthusiasts will be blown away.

El Capitan and Half Dome are even more impressive than you imagine but simply driving through Yosemite valley is scenic enough to justify a visit.

Various stop-off points around the valley scenic loop road are perfect for the less able or young children.

Yosemite is the gift that keeps on giving. It also happens to be a hikers paradise with hundreds of epic miles of trails with awe-inspiring climaxes to spur you on.

In summary, you should visit Yosemite National Park in California because it is a natural wonder perfect for everyone!

Yosemite National Park Factfile

Address : PO Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 Website : nps.gov/yose Phone : (209) 372-0200 Park Hours : All day, every day Entrance Fee : US$ 35 Vehicle 7 Day Pass (or free with America the Beautiful Pass ) Campgrounds : Yes, spread across the park (see campgrounds) Accommodation : Notoriously challenging, some lodging in Yosemite Valley, more in surrounding areas Backcountry camping : Backcountry Use Permit Required Top Activities : Hiking, Camping, Rock Climbing, Stargazing, photography Annual Visitors : 4.5 million

How To Get To Yosemite National Park

Flying / Closest Airports to Yosemite

Smaller –  Fresno-Yosemite International, Merced and Modesto airports are all under 3 hours drive from the National Park.

Larger –  San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento and Reno-Tahoe airports are all under 5 hours drive. More flights and of course the only options for those traveling from further afield.

• We always use and recommend searching for flights with  Skyscanner  for best prices, options and user experience.
• If you plan to hire a car and drive to Yosemite, compare prices and options with Rental Cars for best value.

Related : Save money with our 15 expert tips on finding cheap flights

Driving Entrances to Yosemite

There are a total of 5 entrances to Yosemite National Park but we will focus on the 4 with access to Yosemite Valley.

Tioga Pass Entrance (East, only open May-October, crosses Sierra Nevada);  Big Oak Flat Entrance (Northwest);  Arch Rock Entrance (Southwest) and  South Entrance (South).

Hetch Hetchy is the 5th entrance to park boundaries but it is a secluded and does not lead to the main Yosemite attractions.

• Los Angeles, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree and San Diego – enter via Fresno and South Entrance
• San Jose – enter via Arch Rock entrance
• San Francisco and Oakland – enter via either Arch Rock Entrance or Big Oak Flat Entrance
• Sacramento (and North to Oregon/Washington) – enter via Big Oak Flat Entrance
• Reno, Las Vegas, Death Valley (and East to all US) – enter via Tioga Pass Entrance (May-Oct)

Read about the best things to do in  San Francisco , Los Angeles and San Diego to help plan your California road trip.

Public Transport Options to Yosemite

Amtrak offer a train/bus combination from most major cities around California. Be aware there could be a number of transfers and it will take between 5-7 hours from San Francisco.

Alternatively, you can book a greyhound to Merced and hop on a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS).

This would pass though Mariposa, Midpines and El Portal (all places you might be forced to stay in Summer with lack of accommodation options) and enter via Arch Rock.

YARTS also runs services from Sonora (Big Oak Flat entrance), Mammoth Lakes (Tioga Pass entrance) and Fresno (South entrance). More information on YARTS .

Yosemite Valley Shuttle

Yosemite provides a free shuttle bus which loops around the valley regularly, saving on congestion and pollution.

Especially in Summer, you will need to arrive very early and if you are fortunate enough to find a parking space near Yosemite village, do not move your car until you are ready to leave!

Take the shuttle bus that you can hop on – hop off at each stop.

Need help planning your trip to Yosemite?

Our popular Yosemite travel guidebook helps you with planning every aspect of your visit, including what to see, the best hikes, where to eat and stay, itinerary ideas and map!

Best Time To Visit Yosemite National Park

Close your eyes and point to an annual calendar … it doesn’t matter which date you choose, Yosemite is going to blow you away. Every season offers its own unique take on the park and you will have to compromise one thing for another.

Summer is renowned for being unbearably packed so we advise if possible to plan your Yosemite itinerary in Spring or Fall.

• Spring – The best time to visit for waterfalls in full flow, spring bloom, fewer crowds than Summer, will need layers for hot/cold/hiking.
• Summer – Slightly longer daylight hours, warmer weather, overcrowding problem, busy trails, traffic jams, book accommodation way in advance to stand a chance.
• Fall – Gorgeous autumnal foliage colors, barely any water flowing, comfortable temperatures and crowd levels, layers required.
• Winter – Unique time to visit Yosemite with Skiing, Ice Skating and Snowshoeing very popular. Expect fewer crowds, stunning winter wonderland scenery and cold weather.

We first visited Yosemite National Park in October at the heart of the Fall season and like many places in the US at this time of year, it was beautiful. However, we were (extremely!) disappointed the postcard perfect waterfalls were bone dry.

But hey, that’s the trade off. And you can see how pretty the autumnal foliage is in this Yosemite itinerary. Next time we will visit in Spring!

Best Things To Do In Yosemite National Park

The overwhelming majority of best things for you to do on your Yosemite itinerary are within Yosemite Valley itself. However, there are other amazing places to explore away from the valley that are far less crowded.

Here are some of the top highlights for you to consider in Yosemite:

Half Dome Hike

Half Dome is Yosemite’s iconic granite dome at the far end of the valley appearing as though a meat cleaver sliced it precisely in half.

Standing proudly at just under 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and dominating most nearby viewpoints, Half Dome is one of the most sought after and amazing hikes in the world.

What was once considered inaccessible can now be accessed by multiple rock climbing routes and one hiking path. This hiking path is only open between Memorial Day and Columbus Day (May-Oct) and is not for the feint hearted.

Cables are inserted each May to aid hikers with the final stretch to Half Dome summit and it is steep. Extremely steep.

Many take this hike on and have to be assisted by park rangers each year because they underestimated either its difficulty or they were afraid of heights.

Half Dome Lottery Permit

In order to summit Half Dome, you will need a permit and they are not easy to acquire. To be in with a chance, you have to enter a lottery in March for the upcoming season. Only 300 hikers are permitted to summit Half Dome per day, consisting of 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers.

You can apply for up to 6 people and you can only apply once.

If you are successful, you will become the permit holder and everyone else in your party become alternates. This is important because the permit holder must be present on the day for any of the group to summit.

If you are unsuccessful, you can take your chances by applying for a permit in the daily lottery. You can apply 2 days before the date you want to hike Half Dome.

For example, you apply on Monday to hike on Wednesday. You find out the same day if you are successful. Read NPS guidelines for Half Dome to plan your hike.

Half Dome is one of the best hikes in the world but it isn’t easy. To reach the base of Half Dome, you can either take:

• John Muir trail (longer but more gradual) at 16.4 miles roundtrip
• Mist trail at 14 miles roundtrip (shorter but steeper)
• Or a combination of both trails in a loop

Most people take between 10-12 hours total time for this round trip route to Half Dome summit.

Leave at sunrise and give yourself / your group a non negotiable turn around time. For example, if you haven’t summited by 2pm, turn around.

Check Yosemite sunrise times before your visit.

The Mist Trail / John Muir Trail Loop

Half Dome is the quintessential Yosemite hike but don’t sweat it if you can’t get a permit or you visit out of season. Yosemite has a ton of awesome alternatives and here’s something to remember:

You can’t see Half Dome from the top of Half Dome!!

Mist trail is Yosemite’s signature hike and therefore the most crowded trail in the park. You will pass two of Yosemite’s rock-star status waterfalls in Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls on this fantastic hike.

Views over Yosemite Valley and the back of Half Dome from Nevada Falls are worth the effort.

• Trail Distance : 7 miles roundtrip / 8 miles roundtrip Mist up, John Muir down loop (add on 1.5 miles roundtrip if walking from Curry village and not taking park shuttle to trailhead)
• Elevation Gain : 1,900 feet to Nevada Falls
• Trail Time : 4-6 hours if loop completed
• Trail Difficulty : Moderate / Strenuous

In peak season or weekends through Spring/Fall be sure to set off either very early or later in the afternoon to avoid the mid-morning rush.

Read our complete Yosemite Mist Trail hiking guide to learn more, featuring John Muir Loop, Vernal and Nevada Fall, maps and tips to help plan your hike.

Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall will be the very first waterfall you see as you enter Yosemite Valley. It is the iconic waterfall to the right of famous valley images taken in Spring when the fall thunders.

During Summer and Fall Bridalveil Fall is wispy and a light spray trickles from 189 meters above a viewing area.

The trail is just 0.5 miles roundtrip close to a car park which makes it perfect for young children or those with less able family members.

Yosemite Falls

The mighty Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America and the fifth tallest in the world.

However, you will only see water here between November and July – as you can see in our photo above taken in October the falls were bone dry.

You can hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, an easy 1 mile flat round trip trail (where the photo above was taken) or hike a strenuous 6-8 hour / 7 mile roundtrip trail to Upper Yosemite Falls.

“El Cap” is one of the most impressive and iconic monolithic features in all of Yosemite.

If you hadn’t heard of it a few years back, you certainly have now thanks to nail biting television productions bringing extreme rock climbing to a wider audience.

Watch The Dawn Wall and Free Solo before visiting El Capitan.

When you arrive at the base of El Cap after a short easy hike from a nearby car park, look up and you will really appreciate what these climbers achieved!

Aside from its notoriety, El Capitan is a mightily impressive granite feature in Yosemite. It is best viewed from El Capitan Meadow, Tunnel View and Valley View (more on these later).

Sunrise is the most beautiful time to photograph El Cap as the pink rays of first light illuminate its famous wall. 

For those with more time in Yosemite who want to say they’ve walked on the summit of El Cap, you can either climb it or hike a 13.5 strenuous round trip trail beginning close to Yosemite Falls.

Views are not as impressive as at the summit of Half Dome but hey, you’re standing on top of El Cap!

Tioga Pass Road

Tioga Pass Road runs from Yosemite’s Northeast entrance (near Mammoth Lakes) to Big Oak Flat Road close to Yosemite Valley entrance.

Use this entrance if also visiting Lake Tahoe, Death Valley or the best natural northern California hot springs around Mammoth Lakes.

This road is also known as CA Highway 120 and is incredibly scenic with plenty of awesome stops along the way.

Although the majority of Yosemite’s highlights are in the valley, Tioga Pass Road – known as the High Sierra – is a fantastic place to begin/end a 3 day itinerary if you have the spare time.

Here are some recommended highlights:

• Hike to Dog Lake and Lembert Dome Summit – 4 mile roundtrip with awesome views.
• Cathedral Lakes hike – 7 mile roundtrip and one of the most popular in the area.
• Olmsted Point – Fantastic viewpoint featuring huge cracked and smooth boulders.
• Others to consider include Tenaya Lake, Gaylor Lakes and Mono Pass (but you can’t do them all!).

Note : Tioga Pass Road is only open May-October. You will not be able to cross the Sierra Nevada on this road between November and April.

Sequoia Tree Groves

Although not on the scale of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite has its own fair share of gigantic Sequoia Trees.

There are three main areas you can walk among Yosemite’s Sequoias:

1. Tuolumne Grove – Located at the joining of Tioga Pass Road and Big Oak Flat Road. A 2.5 mile roundtrip trail with a sharp descent to the grove (and sharp ascent back to the car park) is home to around 30 mature Sequoias.

One dead Sequoia has had a tunnel cut through its base so you can pass underneath and appreciate the circumference of these enormous trees.

2. Mariposa Grove – Located near South entrance. This is the largest and best Sequoia grove in Yosemite with over 500 mature giant Sequoias.

Hike the Big Trees Loop trail if short on time, otherwise, hike the 2 mile Grizzly Giant Loop trail. There are longer trails for those with more days.

3. Merced Grove – The smallest Sequioa grove is located further up Big Oak Flat Road on the way in or out of Yosemite. There are only 20 Giant Sequoias but it is by far the least crowded of the three groves.

You know they’re going to be massive, everything you see and read tells you that, but when you see one in person you will still be shocked!

Glacier Point

Glacier Point boasts the best panorama in all of Yosemite, arguably on par with Half Dome. However, getting to Glacier Point is not the easiest or most enjoyable.

You have to drive 16 miles up Glacier Point road – a very congested, constantly winding and at times extremely narrow road. That being said, it is without question worth the drama!

Access to this road is 23 miles from South entrance and best driven either at the beginning or end of your Yosemite itinerary.

Magnificent 270 degree views over Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and the Merced River are unbelievable. Glacier Point and nearby Washburn Point are the best places in Yosemite to watch sunset.

There are a number of hikes at nearby trailheads: 

• Sentinel Dome – 2.2 mile roundtrip, moderate and find Jeffrey Pine (one of the most photographed trees in the world).
• Taft Point and the Fissures – 2.2 mile roundtrip, easy and stunning views without guardrails found at Glacier Point.
• Four Mile Trail – You can hike to Glacier Point from Yosemite Valley if you take this strenuous 9.6 mile roundtrip trail.
• Panorama – This is an extension of Mist/John Muir trail which can be joined close to Nevada Falls and hiked to Glacier Point, but its 8.5 miles one way and strenuous.

One tip for photographers is to consider the time of your visit because huge valley covering shadows appear in the later afternoon. Astrophotography would be perfect at Glacier Point.

Yosemite Valley

Do not entirely disregard Yosemite Valley in favor of hikes and domes. There are a number of fantastic photography spots around the Merced River, often with reflections of granite monoliths or beautiful autumnal foliage.

Yosemite’s one way loop means you can pull the car over as often as you like. It is perfect for families with older or younger members to enjoy the beauty of this National Park.

Some of the notable stops include Cathedral Beach, Sentinel Beach, Swinging Bridge, Sentinel Bridge, El Capitan Bridge and Valley View (the best one).

You can see the likes of El Capitan and the Three Brothers reflect perfectly on still water in Fall.

Yosemite is one of the top places to visit in the US and you will be blown away by the sheer beauty inside Yosemite Valley. Plan to spend a lot of time here.

Best Yosemite Photography Locations

Yosemite national park is a beautiful part of America, the perfect environment for landscape and nature lovers. Photography doesn’t get much easier than inside the valley, looking up at waterfalls and towering granite domes.

We truly enjoyed taking photographs around Yosemite and will definitely be back in future for many more.

If you would like to see all of our favorites from the park in more detail, read our complete guide to Yosemite Photography next.

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is the quintessential Yosemite photograph made famous by Ansel Adams.

You will see the majestic flat face of El Capitan to the left, straight ahead at the end of the valley is Half Dome on a slight angle and Bridalveil Fall to the right.

Vistas don’t get any better than this wobbly-knees-moment anywhere in the world.

Spring is the best time to capture this iconic image at its most powerful. Bridalveil fall takes the photograph to another level and you won’t get it in Summer or Fall.

Winter is another excellent time to photograph Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View as it is shrouded in mist and a light sprinkling of snow.

There is no hiking involved, you simply park at one of the lots close to Wawona/Yosemite Tunnel just a few minutes drive from the Valley. Arrive at sunrise to avoid the crowd. Sunset will inevitably be busy, particularly in Summer.

Go to Tunnel View instead of driving to Glacier Point for stars, which would be amazing but a lot of effort.

T he Milky Way will appear over the tunnel and you can get a great night shot with the tunnel in your foreground.

Also, if you take a long exposure over Yosemite Valley with a wide angle lens, you will see white streaks on El Capitan – they are rock climbers making a night climb to El Cap’s summit. Pretty cool, right?!

Valley View

Depending on the type of photography you prefer, Valley View could beat Tunnel View when you consider how much more you can capture in the foreground.

With still water at sunrise, you can compose an image with a reflecting El Capitan glowing red. This place gets busy and there’s not a lot of room to park so plan accordingly, particularly around sunset.

Take a sturdy tripod and wade out into the river – if it is safe to do so – for enhanced composition. Maybe even walk out to a rock and get a photo of yourself in the foreground?!

Various Yosemite Valley / Merced River Rest Areas

As we mentioned earlier, these Valley floor stop offs aren’t to be missed!

You will see plenty of pro photographers at various points of the day wading through the shallow Merced river (in Fall) searching for the best river reflection shots of towering granite rocks.

Yosemite Valley Meadow

Walk out into the meadows around Yosemite Valley using wooden boardwalks. You will be able to shoot different perspectives of the valley and all of the major features within it.

When we visited in Fall, the meadows had turned yellowy-brown and straw like. Barely anyone will be around and you can get creative with your images.

Yosemite Itinerary Broken Up Into Regions

Phew! That’s a lot of information to digest. Yosemite is a big park and it helps to understand the layout.

Above is a map of Yosemite broken into 3 regions: North, Valley and South. You will find each of the 4 entrances labeled to give you an idea of the routes around Yosemite.

Note : This is separate to the Interactive Map at the end of this article on which you can zoom in / out and move around to orientate yourself with Yosemite, accommodation options and itinerary highlights.

How Many Days For The Perfect Yosemite Itinerary?

Yosemite is an incredible place, if there’s ever been a true ‘bucket list’ destination, this is it. You could easily spend weeks here and not get bored. However, that is entirely unrealistic for the majority of visitors.

Personally, we believe three days is the perfect amount of time to spend at Yosemite, considering work/life/family commitments and what you can achieve here in 3 days.

However, 2 days will allow you to hit most of the major sights and even in one day you can still get through a big slice of Yosemite pie.

Let’s get stuck into the most efficient way to visit Yosemite for each of those timeframes and make the most of your trip.

Yosemite Itinerary Assumptions

The following itineraries do not include hiking Half Dome. If you are hiking Half Dome it will take one full day but you can pick up the 2 or 3 day itineraries around the big hiking day.

One and Two Day itineraries should begin and end either at Big Flat Oak, Arch Rock or South entrances; a common loop route from San Francisco.

Three day itinerary should begin at East entrance and end at South entrance or vice versa for maximum efficiency, ideally as part of a wider US road trip .

An example route would be Las Vegas – Death Valley – Yosemite – San Francisco .

Yosemite Itinerary Map

We have created a 3 day Yosemite Itinerary map to show you how we would spend 3 days in the park.

Please note the map is based on our 3 day itinerary listed below. Our 1 and 2 day Yosemite itineraries do not feature in this map.

Click into the interactive map, zoom in / out, scroll around and click on any icon to see details of attractions on days 1 -3.  Follow the points each day from morning to evening for the most efficient way to see Yosemite.

We always find that spending just a few minutes working out where things are really helps when we arrive.

One Day In Yosemite Itinerary

Morning – Day 1

• With just one day available, you will need to arrive early and expect to leave late.
• Drive straight to Yosemite Valley and watch sunrise at Tunnel View .
• Right next to Tunnel View you can park up at Bridalveil Falls trailhead and hike the short trail.
• Drive around the one way loop and take the first left as if leaving the park. Stop at El Capitan meadow/bridge to see the impressive granite tower contrast against the shadowy foreground you are standing in.
• Continue as though you are leaving the valley and stop at Valley View for the other spectacular viewpoint in the park for photography.
• Do not leave the valley, instead drive round in a loop to join back up where you were not long ago. Frustrating to be retracing steps but necessary.
• Drive past the turn you made to El Cap and stop at Cathedral Beach or Sentinel Beach to see reflections of trees and granite towers in the Merced River.
• Continue to the Visitor Center parking lot and park up. Take the shuttle to Mist/John Muir trailhead.

Afternoon – Day 1

• Hike to Vernal Falls and if you’re quicker you can make it up to Nevada Falls . Go down on whichever trail you didn’t go up on to complete the loop.
• Drive to Lower Falls trailhead and walk the short loop to see the tallest waterfall in North America. You won’t have time to hike to Upper Falls.
• On the way out of Yosemite Valley, stop at El Capitan and walk to its base so you can appreciate the sheer scale.
• Drive through Wawona Tunnel and take Glacier Point Road all the way to the end in time for sunset over Half Dome.

2 Days In Yosemite Itinerary

M orning – Day 1

• Enter via Big Flat Oak entrance before stopping at Tuolumne Grove to see Giant Sequoias.
• Drive down into Yosemite Valley, stopping first at Bridalveil Falls, then El Capitan Meadow and Valley View.
• Loop around, stop at every turn off along the valley until you reach either your hotel, lodge or campground. From your hotel or campground, make your way to Mist Trail and hike up to Vernal Falls / Nevada Falls.

A fternoon – Day 1

• Drive the loop, stopping at Cook’s Meadow Loop and Lower Yosemite Falls.
• Walk to the base of El Capitan, stop once more at Valley View and head up to Tunnel View for amazing vistas.
• Head back towards your hotel/campground but stop to watch sunset at either Stoneman Meadow near Curry Village or Sentinal Bridge close to the visitor center. You will have an excellent view of Half Dome at both.
• If you want to stargaze or take astro shots, Summer is best and head to Sentinel Dome / Glacier Point (a long drive) Valley View, Tunnel View or Sentinel Bridge (closer).

M orning – Day 2

• Grab an early start and hike to Upper Yosemite Falls or even further to El Capitan summit. In Spring definitely hike the Falls and only the quicker hikers should continue to El Capitan on the morning of day 2.
• That will take up your entire morning!
• Alternatively, spend the morning walking around the visitor center, Ansel Adams gallery (we bought an awesome astrophotography book here!) and more time in the meadows/valley floor for amazing photography.

A fternoon – Day 2

• Drive through Wawona Tunnel (stopping again at Tunnel View – time of day impacts images) and onto Glacier Point Road. Stop at Taft Point / Sentinel Dome trailhead and choose one of them to hike. Both are great choices.
• Continue to Glacier Point before the huge shadows of late afternoon arrive for the best photographs of Half Dome. It will be busy up here!
• Leave via South entrance but stop at Mariposa Grove to hike the 2 mile Grizzly Giant loop among Giant Sequoia Trees.

Yosemite 3 Day Itinerary

• Enter via South entrance, stop at Mariposa Grove and hike among Giant Sequoias including Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
• Head North and take Glacier Point Road all the way to the end. Enjoy sweeping views over Half Dome and the 3,000 feet drop to Yosemite Valley. The views are simply stunning.
• Hike to either Sentinel Dome or Taft Point for more astounding views.
• Drive all the way into Yosemite Valley, stopping at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan Meadow/Bridge, Cathedral Beach and Sentinel Beach.
• Check in to your hotel or campground before walking around the Visitor Center and Ansel Adams gallery.
• Sunset at Sentinel Bridge or Stoneman Meadow with great views of Half Dome and stargaze at any of the places mentioned earlier.
• Wake up early to hike up Mist trail before the crowds arrive. Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap and the backside of Half Dome await you.
• Return via the John Muir Trail to complete the loop.
• Expect between 4-6 hours of total hiking time.

Afternoon – Day 2

• Walk the Lower Yosemite Falls loop. We saw a mountain lion cub on the loop when we visited. Fortunately we avoided the mother!
• A little further round the loop, hike to the base of El Capitan to see how frightening the prospect of free climbing it would be! More than likely there will be climbers on the wall. Take a telephoto lens or binoculars.
• Spend the remainder of the afternoon around Yosmite Valley’s many meadows, special viewpoints and river reflection spots.

Morning – Day 3

• If you’re a big hiker and don’t mind early starts – wake up and hike to Upper Yosemite Falls as early as possible. Alternatively, hike Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point.
• Both are strenuous and will take a good few hours.
• For those who prefer an easier morning / if you missed Mariposa Grove at the beginning of Day 1 – drive to Mariposa Grove at the start of Tioga Pass Road to walk among Giant Sequoias.

A fternoon – Day 3

• Before lunch both of the above would converge around Mariposa Grove (hikers wouldn’t have time for the Sequoias). Begin the drive up Tioga Pass Road.
• Stop at Olmsted Point for more awesome views including Half Dome and walk around Tuolumne Meadows.
• Choose either Cathedral Lakes trail (7 mile popular roundtrip) or Dog Lake and Lembert Dome(4 mile roundtrip with excellent views from dome summit).
• Leave via East entrance.

Note: This 3 day Yosemite itinerary can easily be done in reverse (East to South entrances)

Yosemite National Park Map of Key Locations and Accommodation

Spend a few minutes studying our interactive itinerary map of Yosemite National Park and its surrounding areas.

Click on the map, zoom in / out and move around to orientate yourself with the park.

• Hotels and Campgrounds in and around the National Park – Purple Markers
• Gas Stations (don’t run out!), Entrances, Visitor Center and Car Parks – Black Markers
• Hiking Trails, Domes, Photography Locations, Major Points of Interest – Orange Markers

Learning the local geography is the best way to save time when you actually arrive into Yosemite.

Where To Stay For Your Yosemite Itinerary

Yosemite’s beauty is revered on a global scale but its popularity means finding somewhere to sleep can be a real problem, particularly in peak season.

We’ve written an extremely popular guide to the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park which we highly recommend as a very useful planning resource.

Campgrounds are notoriously difficult to book and often hotels close to the park charge exorbitant fees.

Whether you prefer camping or hotels, the earlier you know your Yosemite itinerary dates, the better. Be as organized as humanly possible – we’re talking months in advance here! 

Our example

We visited Yosemite in October and began to look for accommodation around 1 week before but barely anything was available.

We lucked out with a spot at Upper Pines campground on 1 of our 3 nights but no other spaces at any campground opened up for our other nights.

So, we spent a night in one of the top hotels in Mammoth Lakes the first night and began Day 1 very early entering from East entrance.

Night 2 we spent in a less than perfect yurt-like cabin (yes it was very cold!) between El Portal and Incline, and night 3 was in Upper Pines campground.

From experience, we can tell you how inconvenient driving in and out of the park is each day. But it will be far cheaper.

Another trade off!

Mariposa is a great place to base yourself to save money. We stayed at Best Western Plus  Mariposa on night 4 and enjoyed a pizza at Pizza Factory after a few days of camp food!

Book in advance if you don’t want to be traveling long distances or moving every night.

Yosemite Campgrounds

If you know your dates early and are certain you want to camp, book immediately. The same goes for backpackers and Half Dome hikers. The earlier the better in all circumstances at Yosemite!

Here are the 4 campgrounds in Yosemite Valley:

• Upper Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 238 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• Lower Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 60 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• North Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 81 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• Camp 4 – Late May to early September campsites are only available through a daily lottery one day in advance ( information here ). September to May is first-come, first-served but fills early and is only US$ 6 / night.

There are more camping options North and South of Yosemite in Wawona and Tioga Pass road. Check NPS for all Yosemite campground information .

Camping Exclusive

Would you like to camp in Yosemite National Park but can’t find any campsite availability?

We have teamed up with The Dyrt to offer our readers the chance to take advantage of our exclusive  30 day free trial of The Dyrt PRO , which can help you get reservations at sold out campgrounds in Yosemite National Park by using a fantastic new feature called Dyrt Alerts.

You can create alerts to notify you of any cancelations at campgrounds in Yosemite, which is huge. When a space becomes available, you simply book it right away to snag a near impossible campsite in Yosemite.

You can try The Dyrt PRO for free, no strings attached!

Hotels Near Yosemite

Booking hotels in and around Yosemite takes a bit of perseverance and a lot of patience. Usually, we would say being flexible gives you the best chance of grabbing a good deal.

However, unless you book a long way in advance, you might not have a choice to be flexible.

Your first step should be to take a look at  hotels and lodges in Yosemite Valley for availability and prices. These hotels and lodges are booked through the National Park Service.

Availability and prices for your selected dates may not work for you. In that case you will need to find a hotel as close to the park as possible .

Your best bet is to find any hotels that have availability for your travel dates. Here’s a complete list of all hotels near Yosemite National Park .

• Input your dates
• Search by list or better yet by map
• Find a hotel (or hotels) in the best regions of the park to suit your itinerary

Cabins / Lodges / Yurts Near Yosemite

A decent compromise between high prices in Yosemite Valley and long drives in/out from the likes of Mariposa is to stay in a yurt, lodge or tent.

There are plenty of these small lodge grounds in places like El Portal, Incline, Yosemite West, Wawona and Fish Camp.

More From Yosemite

• Yosemite Mist Trail: Fun Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls (John Muir Loop)
• Where To Stay At Yosemite: Best Places, Hotels and Lodging Options
• Yosemite In October: 10 Important Things To Know Before You Go
• Yosemite Photography: Best Locations, Iconic Landmarks and Epic Vistas

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• San Francisco Itinerary: 15 Amazing Things To Do In 3 Awesome Days
• 10 Unmissable Things To Do In Los Angeles For First Time Visitors
• Alcatraz Tour Review: Is It Worth Your Valuable Time And Money?
• One Day In Death Valley: Perfect Day Trip Itinerary From Las Vegas

We hope this helped you plan your Yosemite National Park itinerary!

Have you been to Yosemite? What was your favorite part?

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help planning your visit to Yosemite in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

12 thoughts on “Yosemite Itinerary: Ultimate First Time Visitor Guide (1, 2 & 3 Day Itinerary)”

Hello Mark, I want to come from San francisco to yesemite for 2 days and then go to lake taho via tioga pass from October 17th to 18 ( at yosemite) and leave either on 19th or 20th to lake taho. I just need little help to let me know how to exit the park for tioga pass to Lake taho. I have seen your maps but i just needed littel help. YOU have done such a wonderful job of visiting yosemite in october…thank you Mark

Hi Anjana, we’re glad to hear you will be visiting Yosemite in October, the valley is beautiful and a little less crowded this time of year. You should be fine leaving Yosemite via Tioga Pass Road on October 20th (the earliest they have closed that road in the last 10 years is October 21 but it is usually November). You will exit Yosemite Valley on Big Oak Flat Road and take a right turn onto Tioga Road near Tuolumne Grove. That road will take you all the way out of the park to the northeast. Once you reach Lee Vining, take a left onto US-395 N heading for South Lake Tahoe. Have a great time!

Any chance you have a similar guide for Kings Canyon/Sequoia and Joshua Tree?

Hi Kyle, Unfortunately we do not, but we hope to have more Guidebooks published later this year. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions 🙂

Great article!!

We are coming in from Monterey and staying 1 night in Mariposa… Which entrance and itinerary would be best suited to us please!

Thanks, Vish! If you are coming in from Monterey, the best entrance to use is Arch Rock entrance on El Portal Road. Assuming you have 2 days including travel both ways we would suggest spending the first day exploring all of Yosemite Valley after arriving, staying in Mariposa, heading back into Yosemite via Oakhurst and Fish Camp so you can do the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias and Glacier Point, before maybe hiking another trail in Yosemite Valley. We would then leave via El Portal Road to head back to Monterey. It is a lot to drive in just 2 days and staying in Mariposa means you have to drive back out and in again then next morning, but you will still be able to see the top sights easily, especially if you don’t take on any of the longer hikes. Let us know if you have any more questions and have a great trip!

Thank you so much!! This really helps to plan our 3 day trip to Yosemite! Great information and details!

Hi Shrenik, we’re very happy to help and hope you have a fantastic trip to Yosemite!

Enjoyed this so much! My granddaughter is a ranger at Wawona. Her mom and I are hoping to travel to Yosemite this summer. Thank you for all your travel tips!

Thank you Sylvia, Yosemite is a beautiful park – your granddaughter has a great job! We really hope you are able to make it this Summer and enjoy your trip!

An amazing national picture perfect park, almost everything you could wish to see in one place. Excellent pictures once again, keep it up.

Thanks Graham! Yosemite really is difficult to beat for landscapes and photography. Hope you get to use this Yosemite itinerary one day!

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31 Things to do in Yosemite National Park (Ultimate Bucket List)

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL;DR: The best things to do in Yosemite National Park are hiking to Upper Yosemite Falls and the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls; taking a scenic drive to glacier viewpoints like Glacier Point and the iconic Tunnel View; and walking among ancient giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove.

We’ve all been there – you’ve spent years dreaming up a vacation. You finally make it happen, start planning, and book the trip. 

Finally, the time comes to actually enjoy it, and you want to maximize every second of your hard-earned vacation. 

Or maybe your vacation rolls around, and suddenly the weather doesn’t cooperate, or the visitor center is closed, or your knee hurts, and you can’t do the big hike you planned. 

Maybe you’ve never been to Yosemite and want to know what the must-dos are, or perhaps you’re a long-time visitor looking for something new to do. 

No matter which camp you fall in, we’ve rounded up the top and unique things to do in Yosemite. 

Not only will this article help you maximize your long-awaited trip, but we’ve included links directly to the Yosemite National Park webpages most relevant to you. 

By the end of it, you’ll get vacay inspo AND have all the most updated and accurate information at your fingertips. 

So go ahead, bookmark this site, and use it for all your Yosemite planning needs. This is the ultimate bucket list for the best things to do in Yosemite National Park!  

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Table of Contents

Map of Things to do in Yosemite

Get your FREE California Travel Planner – including printable checklists and my favorite two-week itinerary for the state. 

Practical Info

Yosemite National Park is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California . 

It’s home to famous sights like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls and is one of America’s first national parks. 

And Yosemite National Park is huge! With 800,000 acres (aka about the size of Rhode Island), there are a million fun things to do here. 

Yosemite is most easily accessed by car or public transportation. San Francisco International Airport and Reno-Tahoe International Airport are the two biggest airports near Yosemite. 

There are several entrances to the park, which you can read more about in our complete guide to California National Parks . 

Top Things to do in Yosemite National Park

Take in the majestic viewpoints on a scenic drive, tunnel view.

Hands down, one of the top things to see in Yosemite National Park is the vista from Tunnel View . 

I remember the first time I emerged from the tunnel and saw Yosemite Valley for the first time – I literally gasped. 

Tunnel View is perhaps one of the most iconic landscapes in America. It overlooks beautiful Yosemite Valley and is accessible from Highway 41 towards Fresno, CA . 

Tunnel View also offers one of the best vantage points to see El Capitan, Bridal Veil Falls, and Half Dome. 

Glacier Point

Another excellent location for Yosemite sightseeing is Glacier Point . 

Glacier Point is located at the end of Glacier Point Road, off Highway 41, and gives an unparalleled view of the iconic Half Dome. 

Glacier Point not only features some of the most dramatic drop-offs in the park but also the Geology Hut, with informational signs about the incredible geology of Yosemite. 

Glacier Point is also a particularly good spot to watch the sunset or sunrise in Yosemite. 

Olmsted Point

Olmsted Point is located along Tioga Road in the Tuolumne District of Yosemite. 

From Olmsted Point, you’ll get to see Yosemite Valley from the back, with Half Dome in the distance. 

Olmsted Point is also a great place to get out and stretch your legs if you’re on a long road trip around the park. 

Yosemite Valley View

Yosemite Valley View is another beautiful location to see El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls, but a little closer than you would see them at Tunnel View. 

Valley View is a small, unmarked pullout on Northside Drive in Yosemite Valley. It’s located just before the Northside Drive splits into Highway 140/Southside Drive. 

Taft Point is not accessible by car, but it’s only a 2.2-mile round trip hike with minimal elevation gain to another stunning vista in the park. 

You can look across Yosemite Valley to El Capitan from this vantage point. 

Another cool thing you’ll see if you hike Taft Point is “the fissures,” which are large cracks in the rock along the edge. 

These are neat geological features, but, of course, be careful near the edge!

You can access the Taft Point trailhead from the Sentinel Dome parking lot on Glacier Point Road. 

Walk Along Cooks Meadow

One of the best views of Yosemite Falls is from Cooks Meadow . 

Walking along Cooks Meadow is one of those fun things to do in Yosemite that many people miss out on because they’re set on hiking mountain peaks. 

Cooks Meadow is located near the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and is a combination of paved sidewalk and wooden boardwalk with interpretive signs. 

Chase Some Waterfalls

Although Yosemite might be best known for its breathtaking viewpoints and mountainscapes, it’s also home to many stunning waterfalls. 

Yosemite is the perfect place to do a waterfall hike to immerse yourself in the natural misty beauty. 

These are a few of the waterfall hikes I’d recommend (usually best seen in the spring when the snow starts melting).

Vernal Falls

The Vernal Falls hike is one of the top things to do in Yosemite Valley because it takes you to a giant, beautiful waterfall – Vernal Falls!

Vernal Falls is located on the Mist Trail and is a 2.4 mile round trip with 1,000 feet of elevation gain (it’s strenuous!). 

The Mist Trail is very heavily trafficked in the peak summer months, so the best time to see Vernal Falls is in the spring, early summer, or late winter. 

Always check for trail closures before you plan your hike!

Nevada Falls

Nevada Falls is another one of the most popular waterfall hiking trails in Yosemite and is also located on the Mist Trail past Vernal Falls. 

To get to the top of Nevada Falls is a 5.4-mile round trip hike with 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

This is a very strenuous hike, but if you go prepared with enough water and the proper footwear, the views of the waterfall are spectacular. 

The route to Nevada Falls is not open year-round due to icy, dangerous trail conditions; the best time to hike it is early summer or late fall. 

Remember to check the trail conditions before you go!

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is one of the top Yosemite attractions because it takes you to the top of one of the tallest waterfalls in North America!

The Yosemite Falls trail, also sometimes called the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, happens to be one of the oldest historic trails in Yosemite (1877). 

The top of Yosemite Falls gives a unique vantage point of Yosemite Valley in that you can see the valley from the north side (whereas most other viewpoints are from the south side). 

This trail is not for the faint of heart or knees. It’s 7.2 miles round trip with 2,700 feet of elevation gain and is rated as strenuous. 

Lower Yosemite Falls

The Lower Yosemite Falls trail is one of the best things to do in Yosemite with a dog or young kids because the trail is entirely paved. 

This is an easy, 1-mile loop trail located directly across from the Yosemite Valley Lodge that offers a close-up vantage point of the lower and upper portion of Yosemite Falls. 

The best time to walk the Lower Yosemite Falls trail is early spring, when the lower falls are roaring.

Bridalveil Falls

Bridalveil Falls is undoubtedly one of the most iconic waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, but as of December 2021, this short, 0.5-mile round trip hike was closed to rehabilitate the area. 

Once this trail reopens, it’s a sight to see. It’s rated easy and usually takes people about 20 minutes to enjoy. 

The best part is that you can enjoy Bridalveil Falls any time of year; just be aware that the mist from the waterfall makes the trail very icy in the winter. 

With that said, the best time to walk the Bridalveil Falls trail is early spring, when runoff is at its highest. 

Keep an eye out for the trail opening date here . 

Tackle an All-Day Hike

There are plenty of amazing hikes to enjoy in Yosemite. However, if you’re looking for a bucket list hike that’s as challenging as it is rewarding, these are the top two all-day hikes in Yosemite. 

Hike Half Dome

If you’re lucky enough to score a permit, hiking Half Dome is an experience of a lifetime. 

The Half Dome trail is a 16-mile round trip hike with 4,800 feet of elevation gain (in other words, it’s extremely strenuous). 

Much of the hike takes place in designated wilderness, and while beautiful, it should only be hiked by those in good shape. 

Permits to hike Half Dome are available for the year starting in March, but there are a few permits available two days in advance as well.  

Rangers at the base of Half Dome will check permits to make sure you have the proper paperwork. 

The route to the top of the dome takes place on the Half Dome cables, which are thick metal cables strung up on either side of wooden boards. 

The only time to hike Half Dome is between late May/early June and early October when the cables are up. 

Learn more about the permit system and how to prepare for a Half Dome hike here . 

Clouds Rest

The Clouds Rest Trail is said to rival Half Dome in terms of views, and you don’t need a permit to do it. 

This 14-mile out-and-back trail begins at the Sunrise Creek Trailhead, adjacent to Tenaya Lake on Tioga Road. 

The trail for Clouds Rest features 3,166 feet of elevation gain and is rated as strenuous. 

The reward for all your hard work is a stunning 360-degree view of Yosemite’s granite peaks and the lush Yosemite Valley. 

The best time to hike Clouds Rest is early summer to early fall due to some exposed parts of the trail that may become icy during the colder months. 

Explore the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is Yosemite’s largest grove of giant sequoia trees and is located near the south entrance to the park, near Fish Camp, CA. 

Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 giant sequoias and walking among them is truly an awe-inspiring experience. 

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is typically accessed via shuttle bus. 

However, due to the pandemic, you must park your car at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center and walk the rest of the way on a paved road. 

The total trip is 5.5 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and is considered moderately difficult. 

Road Trip Along Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows is one of the best places to visit in Yosemite National Park by car because it’s about an hour and a half from Yosemite Valley. 

This section of the park is located along Tioga Road and is situated at the highest elevation in the park – making it much cooler than the valley during the summer. 

Tuolumne Meadows also has a much quieter and peaceful atmosphere than Yosemite Valley, so it’s an excellent place to get away from the bulk of the crowds.  

Tioga Road, also known as Tioga Pass, is one of the few roads that cross the Sierra Nevada from east to west and is the only way to access Tuolumne Meadows. 

Along Tioga Pass to Tuolumne Meadows, you’ll take in stunning scenery, including sparkling alpine lakes and white granite mountains. 

There are many hiking trails, picnic areas, parking areas, and trailheads along the way. 

To make a day out of your trip to Tuolumne Meadows, make a stop at the Olmsted Point parking area and read about the geology of the Sierra Nevada. 

Next, take a dip in Tenaya Lake, then grab a burger at the Tuolumne Meadows Grill.  

Hike to a Lake

If you’re looking for more water-focused hikes, hiking around a lake is another must in Yosemite. These are two of my favorite lake hikes.

Mirror Lake

If you want a close-up view of Half Dome, Mirror Lake is your destination. 

Mirror Lake is a 2-mile round trip, flat hike located on the east end of Yosemite Valley, right at the base of Half Dome. 

The trail is named “Mirror Lake,” after the fact that you used to see the reflection of Half Dome in the lake. 

Over the years, the dam that once created the lake has eroded, and today the gully features more of a peaceful river than a standing lake. 

Cathedral Lakes

Cathedral Lakes are located at the base of the majestic Cathedral Peak in the Tuolumne District of Yosemite. 

The hike is moderately strenuous, at 7 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead is just west of the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. 

Take the Valley Floor Tour

Do you want to immerse yourself in the deeply complex history of Yosemite while sitting in the comfort of an open air-tram? 

How about avoiding the confusing valley traffic while still getting to see all the best sights? If all of this sounds good, the Valley Floor Tour is for you. 

The tour takes you to all the icons of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan and Tunnel View, while being guided by an expert park ranger. 

Yosemite Valley traffic is notoriously confusing and congested, but you can avoid the worst parts of road tripping this area of the park with a tour. 

Have a Drink at the Ahwahnee Hotel

Unwind from the day and grab an El Capitini at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel . 

The Ahwahnee Hotel is a uniquely elegant lodge that was designed to highlight the beauty of Yosemite Valley. 

The Ahwahnee is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has had both queens and presidents as guests!

To boot, the Ahwahnee is within walking distance of Yosemite Village and Curry Village, two bustling areas in the park.  

Watch Climbers from El Capitan Meadow

Since the movies Dawn Wall and Free Solo came out, watching climbers from El Capitan Meadow has become one of the top things to do in Yosemite. 

You can see little blobs of color against the giant granite wall, see them make progress, or gasp as they take short falls. 

El Capitan Meadow is located on Northside Drive in Yosemite Valley. Be sure to bring your binoculars and a camp chair . 

And remember to be respectful of the vegetation while you watch. The meadow is closed to foot traffic, so be sure to stay on the sidewalk. 

Explore Hetch Hetchy

Hetch Hetchy and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir are located in the northwest corner of the park, one of the least visited areas of the park. 

The stunning valley, which is part of the Tuolumne River, has been dammed and is a source of drinking water for the Bay Area. 

The area is definitely worth visiting; it’s known for its gorgeous spring wildflowers and excellent birdwatching. 

Attend a Ranger Program

Ranger Programs at Yosemite National Park are excellent. The programs are sometimes called “interpretive” programs because the rangers help “interpret” nature for visitors. 

Yosemite has ranger programs on all sorts of topics, including nature and history, as well as photography programs, which you can learn more about here .  

And don’t forget the best part – programs led by park rangers are entirely free!

Go on a Yosemite Naturalist Walk

Are you looking for things to do with kids in Yosemite National Park? In addition to ranger programs, you can also participate in a Yosemite Naturalist Walk . 

A naturalist walk is led by an expert naturalist with the Yosemite Conservancy, the partner organization for Yosemite National Park. 

The Yosemite Conservancy helps raise money to fund Yosemite’s critical operations, so while a naturalist walk comes with a small fee, the money goes directly towards keeping Yosemite beautiful. 

The Yosemite Conservancy also runs several tours that feature park icons like El Capitan and Half Dome. 

Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery

The Ansel Adams Gallery is located in Yosemite Village and is a great place to pick up unique gifts and keepsakes. 

The gallery is dedicated to the work of photographer Ansel Adams, who is famous for capturing breathtaking black and white photos of the park in the mid 20th century. They even have some of his originals for sale!  

The gallery also features books and other fine art mediums from local artists. 

Visit the Yosemite Museum & the Pioneer Yosemite History Center

The Yosemite Museum is located in Yosemite Valley and is primarily focused on historical artifacts and stories from indigenous cultures. 

And the Yosemite Museum was actually the first building constructed as a museum in the national parks system in 1925.

The Pioneer Yosemite History Center is located in the Wawona District of Yosemite, near the south entrance to the park, and highlights the history of the first European-American immigrants. 

As a bonus, the Pioneer Yosemite History Center offers blacksmith demonstrations and horse-drawn carriage rides during the summer. 

Enjoy a Picnic with a View

Picnicking in Yosemite next to the Merced River can be a peaceful respite on a hot day. 

Just remember that Yosemite is home to many wild animals, including bears, so it’s essential to keep your food stored properly at all times. 

All picnic areas in Yosemite National Park are on a first-come, first-served basis and are open from dawn to dusk. 

Cascade Picnic Area

The Cascade Picnic Area is located on Highway 140 between the Arch Rock entrance station and Yosemite Valley, next to the Merced River. 

This picnic area offers tables and grills and is situated in the most tumultuous section of the Merced River. 

Cathedral Beach Picnic Area

The Cathedral Beach Picnic Area is another picnic location along the Merced River on Southside Drive in Yosemite. 

From Cathedral Beach, you can watch the sunlight off El Capitan and, of course, take a dip in the Merced. 

Swinging Bridge Picnic Area

The Swinging Bridge Picnic Area is located on Southside Drive in Yosemite Valley and features excellent views of Yosemite Falls and a large beach area.

Swinging Bridge is the most popular picnic area in the valley, and for that reason, you can expect it to fill up quickly on nice days.  

View the Wildlife

No trip to Yosemite is complete without some wildlife viewing! For some people seeing wildlife is the highlight of their trip to the park. 

Yosemite is home to a huge variety of animals , including some endangered species. 

Some common species you may see include mule deer, coyotes, bears , foxes, and peregrine falcons. 

While it can be very exciting to see wildlife, never approach or follow wildlife. Wildlife that loses its fear of humans sometimes has to be killed by rangers, which no one wants.  

To view wildlife safely , always give animals at least half a football field of space (even if the animal seems to be ignoring you), and come prepared with binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens. 

Ski at Badger Pass Ski Area

Look no further than the Badger Pass Ski area if you’re looking for Yosemite winter activities. 

The ski area includes groomed trails for cross-country skiing, as well as downhill skiing areas and a lift. 

The Ski School at Badger Pass offers lessons for new winter sports lovers, as well as a shuttle.

Unique Things to do in Yosemite National Park

Take a climbing class with yosemite mountain school.

Do you want to learn to rock climb in the home of the greatest outdoor climbing on earth? 

Take a class with the Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service . These guys are the only official climbing guides in Yosemite, and every instructor is an expert climber. 

As an added safety precaution, every instructor is also a certified Wilderness EMT or Wilderness First Responder. 

Learn About Indigenous Culture at Indian Village

Behind the Yosemite Museum in Yosemite Village is a reconstruction of an Ahwahneechee Indian village . 

In fact, one of the biggest indigenous villages in the valley is located where the modern Yosemite Village is today. 

You can walk among reconstructed structures and learn how indigenous Southern Sierra Miwok and Northern Paiute people lived. 

Take a Jeep Tour

If you don’t want to waste a second of your day in Yosemite, consider booking a 4×4 Jeep Tour , which picks up at select locations outside the park. 

The tours can be customized to cater to your personal interests. They also have an all-inclusive option with a picnic lunch included. 

Take an Art Class

Many people throughout history have felt inspired by the majesty of the valley, so taking an art class isn’t really an unusual thing to do in Yosemite National Park. 

That said, you might be surprised to learn that the park offers daily art classes. 

Classes must be booked online ahead of time and are open to anyone 12 years old and up. The classes cost a small fee but remember that these fees support the park. 

If you didn’t come prepared with art supplies, you can purchase them at the Ansel Adams Gallery. 

Bike Yosemite Valley

Biking is one of the best things to do around Yosemite if you want to see the sights but don’t want to wait in traffic or walk everywhere. 

There are a few ways to bike in Yosemite . You can rent a bike at Curry Village, you can bring your own bike, or you can take part in the pilot bike share program. 

Bikes are only allowed on fully paved surfaces, you must wear a helmet, and biking on the road is not advised during peak traffic for safety reasons. 

Snowshoe the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias

The Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias is located off Highway 120 and features a smaller but less trafficked grove of giant sequoias. 

The grove is located on a closed road, but you can travel it via snowshoe or cross-country skiing during the winter. 

The trail is three miles round trip and includes 500 feet of elevation gain on the way back. 

This is an excellent trail for those who don’t want a strenuous hike but still want to see giant sequoias in the snow .  

Make Your Dog a BARK Ranger

The honest truth is that there aren’t many things to do with dogs in Yosemite. 

National parks are set aside in part to preserve scenery and wildlife, and pets can be a direct threat to the health and safety of wildlife and other visitors. 

Dogs in Yosemite are only allowed on completely paved surfaces. They aren’t allowed on any trails except the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, and they’re also not allowed on beaches. 

If you want to bring your dog to Yosemite, though, you can learn how to be a respectful visitor by making your dog a BARK Ranger ! 

BARK stands for:

• B ag your waste
• A lways leash your pet
• R espect wildlife
• K now where you can go

You can complete a short activity card to understand the rules around pets, and then your dog will get sworn in by a real ranger as a BARK Ranger. 

Being a BARK Ranger means setting an example for other dog owners by following all the rules.

Yosemite Valley Chapel

The Yosemite Valley Chapel is a picturesque, scenic chapel built in the 1870s that’s the oldest European structure in Yosemite Valley. The chapel still holds nondenominational church services and weddings. 

The chapel is located on Southside Drive just before Sentinel Bridge and might be one of the most charming places to visit in Yosemite National Park. 

Experience Yosemite Firefall

The Yosemite Firefall is a naturally occurring event that usually happens around the last two weeks in February. 

A combination of sunlight hitting a small, ephemeral waterfall causes the waterfall to look like it’s on fire, hence the name, “Firefall.”

If you want to learn more about this beautiful natural phenomenon, you can read our complete guide to Yosemite Firefall . 

Go Fishing in the Merced River

Fishing is one of those outdoor activities many people (including myself) consider fun and relaxing, and great news, you can fish in Yosemite National Park .

Just like anywhere else, you must have a valid California fishing license to fish in the park, and you cannot use live, dead, or scented baits of any type. 

You can fish almost anywhere in Yosemite except from bridges. 

See Hill’s Studio at the Wawona Visitor Center

The Wawona Visitor Center, located directly adjacent to the Wawona Hotel, contains Hill’s Studio . 

This space is dedicated to the fantastic floor-to-ceiling artwork of Thomas Hill, an American artist during the 19th century. 

Hill is most famous for his California landscapes, including, of course, Yosemite Valley. 

Enjoy a Night of Stargazing

What better activity to do on your Yosemite vacation than stargazing? If you’re from a city, take advantage of the dark night skies to enjoy the wonders of a dark night in Yosemite. 

You can do your own stargazing in places like Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, or really anywhere there aren’t trees in the way. 

If you’d like a more curated stargazing experience, you can sign up for any number of night sky programs offered by the park concessionaire. 

Volunteer During Facelift

If you have a day in September and love giving back, you can volunteer for Yosemite Facelift . 

Facelift is a service day organized by Yosemite Climbing Association and the National Park Service to help clean ol’ Yosemite up. 

Volunteers walk around Yosemite Valley to pick up trash and enter to win giveaways. 

The event was inspired by the fact that, well dangit, with millions of people visiting the park every year, trash and micro-trash can accumulate quickly. 

Take a Private Winter Tour

In addition to the million different things to do in Yosemite, there are also a million different times of the year to do them. 

Yosemite in winter is a special time. With fewer crowds, and snow dusting the granite cliffs, the park has a different and unique feel. 

One way to take advantage of this time of year is to book a customizable winter tour . 

This allows you to enjoy the park with a knowledgeable guide without having to worry about driving on the park’s winding mountain roads in the snow. 

Looking for an already planned out itinerary? Read our two days in Yosemite itinerary .

Where to Eat & Drink in Yosemite National Park

Lots of people bring food in with them to the park, but if you need a snack, check out one of these places to eat at Yosemite. 

• Degnan’s Deli
• Ahwahnee Hotel
• Base Camp Eatery
• Mountain Room
• Village Store
• Village Grill
• Curry Village
• Glacier Point Gift Shop and Snack Stand
• Wawona Hotel
• Wawona Store
• Tuolumne Meadows Grill (open summer only)
• Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (open summer only)
• Crane Flat Gas Station (open summer only)

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

For more information on hotel-style lodging in Yosemite, click here.  

My picks for hotels include:

• The Ahwahnee
• Yosemite Valley Lodge

Click for more information on camping, including canvas-sided tent cabins and campgrounds . 

Note that many campgrounds are only open seasonally and some campgrounds have remained closed during the pandemic. 

Canvas-Sided Tent Cabins

• Housekeeping Camp
• White Wolf Lodge
• Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
• High Sierra Camps
• Glacier Point Ski Hut

Tent Campgrounds

• Upper Pines
• Lower Pines
• North Pines
• Bridalveil Creek
• Hodgdon Meadow
• Tamarack Flat
• Yosemite Creek
• Porcupine Flat
• Tuolumne Meadows

Where to Stay Near Yosemite National Park

• Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort in Tuolumne, CA
• Sierra Sky Ranch , in Oakhurst, CA
• Autocamp Yosemite , in Midpines, CA

See more about Autocamp Yosemite in our article on uniquely beautiful Glamping Spots in California. 

Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park depends on what you want out of your trip. 

If you want to hike Half Dome and other trails, you should visit between May and October for warmer weather and more open trailheads. 

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway , try a January trip to Yosemite. 

There’s really no wrong time to visit the park as long as you plan ahead and prepare for the season.

How to Get Around Yosemite National Park

There are several ways to get around Yosemite National Park. Check out the park website on getting around for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

You can use your own vehicle to get around Yosemite, and this is especially recommended for visiting anywhere outside of Yosemite Valley. 

Note that some national park roads close during the winter, and tire chains may be required at any time. 

Also, note that traffic in Yosemite Valley is notoriously bad during the summer and the rest of the year on weekends and holidays. 

Traffic is known to back up for hours as thousands of private vehicles attempt to enter or exit the park simultaneously. 

To avoid this, you can use public transportation to get in the park any time of year. 

Yosemite offered a free shuttle around Yosemite Valley before the pandemic. It’s currently not operating, but keep an eye on the park website for updates on when the shuttle will return. 

Tips for Visiting Yosemite National Park

Don’t let surprises ruin your Yosemite vacation! Follow these tips for a smooth national park adventure. 

Reservations

Yosemite National Park required entrance reservations between May and October during the pandemic. 

As of October 31, 2021, the park no longer requires reservations; however, this may be subject to change depending on public health guidelines. 

Entrance Fee

The park always collects entrance fees at each park entrance station. 

If the station is closed when you arrive, you must fill out a self-registration card and submit your payment into a box (bring cash and a pen). 

The fee for a private vehicle is $35 for a seven-day pass. Click here for detailed fee information for other types of vehicle entrances . 

Read our guide on how to get from San Francisco to Yos emite .

Expect crowds

Yosemite National Park is routinely listed as one of the most visited national parks in the country. 

On top of that, most of the park’s visitors want to visit Yosemite Valley, which is a relatively small portion of the park. 

For this reason, expect very crowded facilities and congested traffic, especially in the summer months. 

Help keep Yosemite wildlife wild by following these tips.

• Keep 25 yards from deer and 50 yards (half a football field) from bears and all other wildlife.
• Even if wildlife appears to be ignoring you, or walks towards you, keep your distance.
• Store food and trash properly. Always keep food and trash within arms reach or in a locked vehicle or food storage locker.
• Obey the speed limit! Every year up to 30 bears are hit by vehicles in Yosemite.
• Know what to do if you see a bear . 

We’ve all seen amazing footage of beautiful outdoor spaces taken with drones, so I understand the appeal of a drone. 

However, national parks , and especially Yosemite, are not the place for drones. 

First and foremost, Yosemite regularly uses helicopters for emergency rescue operations, and if there’s a drone flying, the helicopter can’t fly. The same goes for wildfire emergencies using aircraft. 

Second, people have used drones to locate wildlife, and in the process of getting their amazing shot, have harassed and disturbed the wildlife. Don’t be that person!

What to Pack for Yosemite National Park

When you’re ready to gear up for your Yosemite vacation, be sure to pack all the necessary gear to keep you safe and comfortable. 

• A map and a navigation device (remember phones don’t always work in the wilderness)
• Hiking backpack
• Sturdy, comfortable shoes
• Camera with a zoom lens or binoculars to help you view wildlife safely
• Sun protection, including sunscreen and sunglasses
• Food and water
• Bear canister , if you plan to backpack in the park
• Extra layers , including a waterproof layer
• Light source (e.g., headlamp , flashlight , extra batteries )
• Outdoor watch (like a Garmin watch ), handheld GPS (if you plan to do some backcountry exploring), and a downloaded hiking app
• First-aid kit (bonus points if you know how to use it)
• Your national park passport

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mimi McFadden Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Mimi McFadden initially started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her adventures abroad. But since 2019, The Atlas Heart has become a love letter to the Golden State. Mimi enjoys sharing her first-hand knowledge and expertise with the places she knows so well and making the most comprehensive travel guides possible. When she’s not hiking and exploring new places in California, she loves to travel abroad, read in her cozy chaise lounge, play basketball, and connect with friends and family over board games. Over her 28 years in California, she has lived in Santa Cruz (18 years), San Diego (5 years), and the San Francisco Bay Area (5 years), where she currently resides.

Looking for more California parks and Sierra Nevada travel inspiration? Check out my related posts below!

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Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park

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California State Parks List (Every Park Organized by County)

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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The best things to do in Yosemite

You can't go wrong in this gorgeous national park, but here are the best things to do in Yosemite, according to people who know

Photograph: Shutterstock/Lorcel

There are national parks , and then there are NATIONAL PARKS. Yosemite’s one of these, with instant name recognition—and with inclusion on many people’s lifetime bucket list. It’s a walker’s paradise, but also enjoyable by car, guided bus or tram tour, so long as you take time to pull over and really inhale the views and the scents of fragrant incense cedar and sequoia. Climbers love the granite face of El Capitan, an impressive monolith, and brave hikers can tackle the seasonal cable climb of Half Dome. Wildflowers abound and wildlife roams free, including bears right in the valley. Striking waterfalls, an amazing February phenomenon called the Firefall , and beauty in all four seasons appeal to photographers—Ansel Adams spent significant time here, and there’s a gallery in his name you can visit. Learn about the Miwok at the Indian Village of the Ahwahnee, which includes, among other structures, a roundhouse still used for ceremonies by the local community. Stay in a tent or upscale your stay at the Ahwahnee, an iconic example of “parkitecture.” Above all, take a few deep breaths and marvel at the incredible natural beauty of America’s third national park.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best things to do in Yosemite

1.  mist trail.

The quintessential Yosemite experience is this three or seven mile hike with up close, feel-the-spray views of two of Yosemite’s most magnificent waterfalls. This signature hike has amazing views, including one that encompasses Nevada Fall, Liberty Cap, and the back of Half Dome. If you’re not up for a five-hour hike, turn around at Vernal Fall (approximately two hours total), although the crowds thin out if you keep going. The best time to go is in the spring and early summer and as early in the morning as you can manage.

2.  The Ahwahnee

This grand hotel is known for its dining room complete with 24-foot windows and luxe dining experience. (Note: Dinner requires ‘proper attire’—even kids must dress up.) Make time to roam the stunning grounds and admire the magnificent architecture known as National Park Service rustic, a style developed to make buildings harmonize with their surroundings—in this case, a sheer granite cliff behind the hotel. You can now take a 360-degree virtual tour of the hotel; don’t forget to “turn right” after the check-in desk to see the red elevators that inspired Stanley Kubrick’s choices in The Shining .

3.  Skydive Yosemite

This is the only skydiving center with views of Yosemite National Park. You’ll take a Cessna 10-14,000 feet into the sky and see Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Valley in a completely new way. Oh, and the part where you jump out of a plane and free fall with views of the Sierra for 40-60 seconds isn’t too bad either. You’ll land where you started, at the Mariposa-Yosemite Airport in Mariposa, outside of park limits. You can order a big ‘marry me’ banner in the landing area for marriage proposals when your intended is already breathless.

4.  Mariposa Grove

This beautiful part of the park is home to 500 mature giant sequoias, which is why the idea of national parks came to be. President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for 'public use, resort, and recreation' in 1864, the first time the federal government set aside scenic areas to be protected. Here, the trees are so big that they have their own names on the map, like the ‘Faithful Couple’ trees and the ‘Bachelor and Three Graces.’ You can even walk through the ‘California Tunnel Tree,’ which was carved into in 1895 to permit horse-drawn stagecoaches to pass through.

5.  Gold Rush BBQ at Tenaya Lodge

Enjoy a summer barbecue at a beautiful hotel property right outside of the park in the tiny town of Fish Camp. Reopening Memorial Day 2024 for the season, the barbecue takes place in a conifer forest clearing and is all about getting a taste of the Old West. There’s live music and a hearty menu, and if past pricing holds true at $59 for adults and $29 for kids, it’s a good deal for a fun evening activity. (If you’re going to Yosemite in colder weather, check out the hotel’s Jackalope’s Bar & Grill, which offers tasty burgers and sandwiches and house specialties like carnitas sheet pan nachos.)

6.  Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures

This family-run pack station offers one- and two-hour horseback rides departing daily. Experienced riders can also take the five-hour round-trip ride to Grizzly Giant, a 2,000-year-old redwood tree visited by President Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir in this same equine way. The trail horses are all ‘sure-footed’ American Quarter Horses trained while young to travel in the high Sierra. You’ll have the pleasure of riding with these calm horses through water whenever the trails cross through streams. All trail rides start with a hands-on lesson in the arena before departing and are not offered in winter.

7.  Yosemite Falls Trail

Here’s your chance to hike 7.2 miles round trip to the top of mainland North America’s tallest waterfall . You’ll follow switchbacks through oak woodland on a steep trail that gains 2,700 feet in elevation, taking six to eight hours round trip. You start with a one-mile climb to Columbia Rock, which has beautiful views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock, and after another half-mile, you can see Upper Yosemite Falls. The remaining two miles are even more strenuous but worth it for the vistas and to see the relatively small creek responsible for the roaring runoff in spring and early summer.

8.  South Gate Brewing Company

This small-batch brewery and restaurant sits 10 minutes from Yosemite’s South Gate in Oakhurst, CA. South Gate rolls out beautiful beer while offering a wide range of core house brews. With views of Deadwood Mountain from the dining room’s large windows and excellent pub grub, this place makes the trip to Yosemite even sweeter. Try to make it for events like Oktoberfest to make the visit even more memorable.

9.  Happy Isles Art and Nature Center

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scott (@farallon24)

This f amily-friendly space has natural history exhibits, interactive displays and art workshops. The center also includes the Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore. Outside, you can travel short trails for short legs, and see evidence of a horrific rockfall in 1996 that sent 90,000 tons of rock tumbling from the Glacier Point cliff above the center—the equivalent of 2,000 SUVs landing on the valley floor simultaneously. It knocked down hundreds of trees! You can paint that massive cliff with daily art classes for anyone 12 and up held outside during the summer months, for a fee, while younger kids can have free lessons. The center is open from April through October.

10.  Glacier Point

This jaw-dropping overlook perches 3,200 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley with gorgeous views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra. All Yosemite views are impressive, but this one is beyond special. You’ll be staring right at Half Dome’s monumental curve almost at eye level. Glacier Point provides a great starting or finishing point for three strenuous hikes: the Four Mile Trail, the Panorama Trail, and the Pohono Trail. Glacier Point is open for cars from late May through October or November, depending on snow melt, and is accessible in winter by snowshoeing or skiing. 

11.  Yosemite Wine Tails

That’s right; it’s not ‘trails’ but ‘tails’... like on the dog that will accompany you to this dog-friendly wine bar in Oakhurst, near Yosemite’s southern entrance. This establishment serves one-of-a-kind drinks you can’t find in the grocery store, an excellent selection of California wine and beer, and locally-made snacks. The owners require that every winery, brewery and other vendor they work with donates a percentage to a pet-centered nonprofit. Need we say more?

12.  Yosemite Health Spa

Part of the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort in Midpines, CA, just outside the park limits, this spa boasts its own garden deck overlooking the valley below. You can do yoga here or get a massage, step into a locally made herbal steep bath, and enjoy the hot rocks sauna. The huge stainless steel hot tub uses UV light and oxygen-infusing food-grade hydrogen peroxide. Does going to the spa seem a little indulgent for a trip centered on the outdoors? Maybe. Will you care when you’re completely blissed out? Absolutely not.

13.  Hetch Hetchy Valley

This beautiful (and less visited) glacial valley in the park's northwest corner offers hiking, fishing, waterfalls, and wildflowers. It has one of the longest hiking seasons in the park and is dotted with remote lakes and hidden canyons. It’s also home to the 430-foot O’Shaughnessy Dam that creates the reservoir, giving San Francisco some of the cleanest municipal water in the United States. There’s no swimming or boating in the reservoir for that reason, but you can fish it year-round. Before the dam was built, John Muir—who fought its construction—called Hetch Hetchy ‘a wonderfully exact counterpart of the great Yosemite.’

14.  Iron Door Saloon & Grill

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Historical Iron Door Inc. (@the_iron_door_saloon)

This place claims to be the oldest continuously operating saloon in California, established in 1852 (maybe). If you’re entering or exiting Yosemite through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, stop in Groveland (a 30-minute drive) for breakfast, lunch or dinner and ‘free drinks tomorrow.’ Their Bloody Mary mix is so in demand that they sell it in 32oz Mason jars to go. This historic structure has walls made out of solid granite and a sod roof covered in tin. The iron doors were made in England, brought around the tip of South America by ship and hauled in by mule to their present location.

15.  Half Dome

If you can manage to climb Half Dome , it’s one of those memorable adventures you’ll never forget. The 14-mile (10- to 12-hour) round trip hike gains 5,000 feet in elevation—and you’re at 8,800 feet above sea level where the air is thin. The infamous cables you’ll need for the last, steepest 400-foot stretch are metal ropes you hang onto while widely spaced wooden slats provide ‘resting stops’ for your feet. You have to get a permit in advance for this experience, which is open from late May through mid-October. Note: this winter’s incredible snowpack means the cables may not open until June.

16.  Golden Crown Mine

Before the park was set aside for preservation, silver miners excavated here, and you can hike to five log cabins that were part of a mining camp near the Golden Crown Mine . The mine operated from 1879 to 1890 at Mono Pass, at a dizzying 11,000 feet elevation. The fragile mine complex has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, and the park encourages visitors to make the challenging hike to increase awareness of its historic importance. Start at the Dana meadows side of Mt. Gibbs to hike to Mono Pass, with an even more difficult hike up Bloody Canyon to the mine.

17.  Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep

Try to capture a glimpse of one of these majestic mammals by visiting Cathedral Range, where they have been repopulating after an absence of 100 years. The bighorns were once abundant in Yosemite, but hunting and disease brought them near extinction. Now, there are three herds thanks to a state-funded recovery plan that relocated ewes and rams from Inyo National Forest and Sequoia National Park to the Yosemite wilderness (they wear GPS collars and can be tracked). From Tuolumne Meadows, you can view the steep cliffs and rocky outcroppings of Cathedral Range —and hopefully bighorns.

18.  Indian Village of the Ahwahnee

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alessandra Balin (@alebalin1976)

It’s important to spend some time thinking about how the entirety of the Yosemite Valley was land that belonged to the Miwok people and that violence and even murder accompanied the seizing of it. The last authentic Indian village was removed in the 1960s, while today’s recreation village was created in the 1920s during a period of overlap. The ceremonial roundhouse built in 1992 is used by local members of the Native American community for ceremonies, while you can also see a sweathouse, chief’s house, bark house, food storage systems like acorn granaries and other items that help give insight into what the valley used to look like.

19.  Wawona Hotel

This historic hotel is in the European style (most rooms don’t have a private bath and you share one down the hall) and is open seasonally. It’s just a short walk to the golf course and to the Pioneer History Center—and best of all, it’s close to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. You can eat all three meals in this 1856 structure with wonderful piano performances in the lounge in the evenings. Barbecues in summer, a crackling fireplace in winter: this place is memorable. Plus, Wawona is really fun to say.

20.  Bridalveil Fall

A timeless, classic waterfall easy to find in the valley, Bridalveil Fall usually flows year-round. The National Park Service recently completed a construction project that updated the visitor experience and viewing area. No more yucky vault toilets, congested parking, and unclear walkways. Most importantly, there’s now an accessible trail to the primary viewing platform. Previously, the path was paved but at such a steep grade that it was not wheelchair accessible.

21.  Balanced Rock

This health & wellness organization offers customized retreats and adventures, yoga, hiking, Ayurveda, and more, right within the national park. For instance, join the Summer Solstice Backpack in June for five days of hiking and backcountry yoga with Ayurvedic-inspired meals, guided meditations, and refreshing alpine lake or river swims. The founders are Heather Sullivan and Eliza Kerr, and one-time instructor Chelsea Griffie was the first Black woman to climb El Capitan. Balanced Rock continues to run Women of Color Retreats annually to support inclusivity and celebrate diversity for women of color in the outdoor space. This year, it takes place in early October as a camping retreat in Yosemite Valley.

22.  Elderberry House

The Elderberry House is the only fine dining restaurant in the Yosemite area, serving up French fare at the Château du Sureau, a castle resort just a half-hour from the south entrance of Yosemite. After a day of hiking and seeing incredible vistas, you can wind down with a three or five-course tasting menu and world-class wines. Along with European standouts, their list showcases California’s robust wine production offerings—for instance, just their Chardonnay list features close to 30 wines from Napa, Sonoma, the Russian River Valley and others.

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17 Breathtaking Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

• California / North America / Outdoors / USA / Yosemite

Looking for the best things to do in Yosemite National Park? Don’t miss these places if it’s your first time.

Yosemite is easily one of our favorite places in the United States. It was the first national park I visited as an adult, and as most firsts go, it will always hold a special place in my heart.

We’ve visited six times so far in the summer, fall, and winter. Yosemite is a massive park with so much to explore that it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. If you’re visiting Yosemite National Park, here’s a to help you get started.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: April 17, 2024

− − Content Menu

• 17 Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
• Map Yosemite National Park
• More Things to Do in Yosemite
• Essential Tips for First Timers
• Yosemite Park Tours
• What to Pack

Best Places to Stay in Yosemite

Planning checklist, more resources, 17 things to do in yosemite national park that will take your breath away, 1. glacier point.

37.7284714,-119.5731828,  map

This is one of Yosemite’s best viewpoints that you can drive up to with easy access. Located on the south wall of Yosemite Valley, you get a spectacular view of the valley and Half Dome. If you can make it, sunrise and sunset are the best times to go.

2. Taft Point & Sentinel Dome

Trailhead Coordinates: 37.712620, -119.586448,  map

Taft Point and Sentinel Dome are right next to each other. Taft Point is easy to get to and a great spot to conquer your fear of heights. Edge up to the cliff and stare straight down into the valley to appreciate its grandeur. Sentinel Dome is an easy 1-mile walk from the parking lot and gives you a 360-degree view of Yosemite.

See More: 11 Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park

3. Yosemite Falls

37.7565999,-119.5990961, map

Standing at 2,424 feet, this is the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth largest in the world! The best time to view it is in late spring, when the melting snow creates the most substantial flow. You can even day hike to different portions of the falls, including the top.

Local Tip: For an extra special experience, go during  the moonbow .

See More: 7 Magical Moonbow Dates and Locations You Need to Know

4. Tunnel View

37.7158029,-119.6796714, map

This spot can get crowded with tour buses and cars, but still makes the list of top places to see. From here, you get a view of Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, and El Capitan.

Local Tip: Hiking the Artist Point Trail gives you a slightly higher vantage point of the same view without the crowds.

5. Bridalveil Fall

37.7166784,-119.6485457, map

This waterfall is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the park and is just a short hike away (0.5 miles). It has quite the spray in the spring. The Ahwahneechee Native American tribe believed inhaling the mist would improve your chances of getting married.

They recently finished a new trail for Bridalweil Falls, which allows visitors to see the falls closer.

6. Half Dome →

36.0306029,-113.8290033, map

This is Yosemite’s most popular rock formation. You can even hike to the top. Check out our guide on hiking this  15-mile trail here . I still can’t believe I climbed those cables with my fear of heights! It was one of the scariest hikes I’ve done.

Local Tip: Remember that you need a permit to do this hike. Click below for details.

See More: How to Get Half Dome Permits

7. El Capitan

Coordinates: 37.730755, -119.636021, map

This is the ultimate climb, stretching about 3,000 feet from bottom to top, and rock climbers worldwide make the trek here. The most popular route is The Nose. You can watch other climbers or try this bucket list-worthy climb yourself. You’ll often see headlamps from climbers on El Cap at night. We mainly boulder, and while we’ve dabbled in sport and trad, we have trouble imagining 31 pitches of climbing.

Pro Tip: Watch Free Solo to get a better look at the scale of El Cap.

8. Lembert Dome

Coordinates: 37.880482, -119.348960,  map

A 2.8-mile roundtrip hike takes you to the top of this granite rock, giving you a great view of Yosemite’s Tuolumne Meadows. This is the view from the summit.

9. Cathedral Peak

Coordinates: 37.847908, -119.405866,  map

Cathedral Peak was first scaled by John Muir in 1869 and is still as spectacular today.

10. Vernal and Nevada Falls

37.727429,-119.5458875, map

Take the Mist Trail to see this beautiful fall, but be sure you have hiking shoes since the trail gets very slippery from the mist. Just a bit further past Venal Fall is Nevada Fall, the closest waterfall to the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

11. Olmsted Point

Coordinates: 37.810733, -119.485184,  map

Located about an hour from the valley floor, stop here for a less common view of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. You can even see people climbing the cables of Half Dome. Here’s a photo from our friend, Josh, from California Through My Lens .

12. Tenaya Lake

37.8310653,-119.4684337, map

Some say that this is the most beautiful lake in Yosemite. Nestled in between granite peaks and domes, you can kayak, swim, or even ice skate (on very rare occasions in the winter) at this high country lake.

13. Tuolumne Meadows

7943 Willow St, Wawona, 95389,  map

This beautiful meadow runs along the Tuolumne River and offers great views of the Cathedral Range, Lembert Dome, and Mount Dana. Take a stroll or camp overnight.

Local Tip: The road to Tuolumne Meadows is closed in the winter.

14. Mariposa Grove

Coordinates: 37.504613, -119.600608,  map

Stand face to face with giant Sequoias. They even have a tree that you can drive through.

15. COoks Meadow

Coordinates: 37.745392, -119.593712,  map

This is where Ansel Adams took some of his most famous photos. You get a great view of the Cathedral Rocks, Three Brothers, and Half Dome.

16. Camp and Boulder at Camp 4

37.7414843,-119.6037445, map

Yosemite is a mecca for rock climbing. Camp 4 is an iconic and historic spot for the  growth of rock climbing in the 20th century . The rock is really slick and polished, so it was much tougher than we imagined. If you’re interested in rock climbing, here are a few of our posts to help you get started.

• Rock Climbing Tips for Beginners
• 15 Clever Rock Climbing Hacks, Tips, Tricks, and Etiquette
• Best Exercises and Games to Improve Rock Climbing

Below is Midnight Lighting, the most famous bouldering problem in the world.

17. Badger Pass (Winter)

7082 Glacier Point Rd, 95389,  map

Yosemite is a winter wonderland. There are fewer people in the winter too. You can snowshoe, ski, or snowboard. You can see more of  our snow day adventures here .

See More: Snowshoeing Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park Map / Yosemite Attractions Map

More Things to DO in Yosemite National Park

If you’ve already blown through all the above, here are some more ideas for your next visit!

• Horsetail Falls during the Firefall
• Photograph Valley View
• Inspiration Point (2.3 mi out and back, 1043 ft gain, moderate)
• Washburn Point
• Merced Grove – densest sequoia grove in the park
• Raft or Kayak down the Merced River
• Chilnualna Falls Hike (7.9 mi out and back, 2188 ft gain, difficult)
• Ansel Adams Gallery
• Mirror Lake
• Yosemite Museum
• Pioneer Yosemite History Museum
• Soda Springs
• Happy Isles Bridge
• See  Frazil Ice  (spring only)
• Wawona Swinging Bridge Swimming Hole  (summer only)
• Pothole Dome Hike
• Camp in Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village) – We did this before our Half Dome Hike.
• Photograph Sentinel Bridge
• Hetch Hetchy and Wapama Falls
• Drive Tioga Pass Road / Tioga Road to get to quieter areas of the park (check road conditions on whether it is open)
• Astronomy Walks and Talks
• Dine at Majestic Yosemite Hotel
• Ribbon Falls Hike – unmaintained trail
• Lyell Canyon Hike
• Dewey Point Lookout
• Yosemite Valley Chapel / Community Church (especially beautiful in winter)

See More: How to See Firefall Yosemite National Park

Essential Tips for Visiting Yosemite

• Best Time to Visit:  If you want the least crowds consider visiting in the fall or winter. If you want to see the gushing waterfalls, visit in May or June.
• Special Events:  The  Moonbow  happens on select dates and times between April through June. The Firefall happens late February.
• Download Alltrails+ so that you have trail maps even when you don’t have service.
• The Valley gets extremely crowded, especially in the summer. Expect to wait and hit traffic driving around. If you only stay in the Valley, you might get overwhelmed by the crowds, but Yosemite is a massive park with plenty of places to find solitude.
• It’s always best to stop by the Visitor Center to get the most up-to-date info.

Yosemite National Park TOurs

• Valley Orientation Tour
• 3-Day Camping Adventure
• 3-Day Yosemite National Park Tour

What to Pack for Yosemite

• Sunscreen , sun protection
• Down jackets in Spring / Fall / Winter
• Hiking shoes  if you plan on doing moderate to challenging hikes.
• Reusable bottles (these are our current favorites)

We’ve stayed at a few different places in Yosemite National Park. Most recently, we stayed at the Yosemite Valley Lodge (pictured below) which was the perfect home base for Firefall . We also stayed in Curry Village when we hiked Half Dome and Jacob stayed at the Wawona Hotel. We can’t wait to visit again and stay at The Ahwahnee. The property is stunning and we love how grand the dining hall is.

If you book a stay in the valley, it also helps you bypass the reservation system (when reservations are required to enter the park).

If accommodations are full, check the map below for other options.

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on Yosemite hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Yosemite travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Geographic Trails Illustrated Map
• Lonely Planet Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
• Best Easy Day Hiking Guide and Trail Map Bundle: Yosemite National Park
• Hiking Yosemite National Park: A Guide to 61 of the Park’s Greatest Hiking Adventures

Have you been to Yosemite National Park? Any other spots we need to add to the list?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

SEE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES

BLACK CANYON GUNNISON

BRYCE CANYON

CRATER LAKE

DEATH VALLEY

GRAND CANYON

GRAND TETON

GREAT BASIN

GREAT SAND DUNES

JOSHUA TREE

SEQUOIA + KINGS CANYON

WHITE SANDS

YELLOWSTONE

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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Things to do in Yosemite National Park

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: February 11, 2024

Looking for things to do in Yosemite National Park? Keep reading! When taking one of our many  road trips through California , one of our favorite stops was Yosemite National Park. We had heard so much about it for years and couldn’t wait to see the Half Dome and El Capitan with our own eyes.

Located in the Central Sierra Nevada of California Yosemite is known for its mountain peaks, waterfalls, and hiking trails. There are so many things to do in Yosemite National Park, it requires a few days to really take it in.

Table of Contents

Closures: Yosemite is open year-round but some roads are closed in winter due to snow. There are some areas of the park that are closed due to rock falls. Also, Glacier Point Road was closed in 2022 to improve the road. It should reopen in 2023 but there will be 30-minute delays. Visit the National Parks Service Government Website for road closures and updates.

We have rounded up some of the  best hiking trails and viewpoints to help you plan your vacation to this bucket list destination. So break out the  camping gear,  stock up on supplies, and let’s visit Yosemite National Park.

Best Way to See Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is a 4 1/2-hour drive from Los Angeles and a 3-hour drive from San Francisco. You can rent a car in either San Francisco or Los Angeles. We drove one way each time returning our car at the end in the opposite city. Get car rental prices at  CarRentals.com

We toured Yosemite National Park on a self-drive trip, but be warned, you need to get out early to see the sights.

Parking lots fill up quickly so you will want to make your way to the trails or lookouts early in the morning.

Yosemite National Park is huge at 1200 square miles (3,027 km²). However, most of the top things to do in Yosemite are situated around Yosemite Valley. Yosemite has a good shuttle service to take you to the top attractions.

You can park at Yosemite Village you can take the shuttle from the visitors center to see a lot of the top attractions. The YARTS public transit system offers shuttles.

You can also book this highly-rated tour of Yosemite. It includes a stop at Tunnel View to see Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and El Capitan, plus Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls.

Enjoy a boxed lunch included at Cathedral Beach before setting off on a hike at Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. And there are ride-share bikes set up around the park as well.

1. Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is the main area of the national park where you will most likely spend most of your time. It contains the top tourist attractions including El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

2. Half Dome

One of the most famous attractions in Yosemite National Park has to be the Half Dome.

Avid rock climbers put this at the top of their list as one of the great climbs on earth and park visitors can watch them tackle their routes from the safety of its lookouts.

Glacier Point offers the best view of the Half Dome but there are plenty of chances to see it as well as climb it yourself.

3. Half Dome Hike

The Half Dome Hike is a 14-mile round trip hike that takes you 5000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor.

It takes 10 – 12 hours so make sure to leave before dawn. Be prepared for a challenging hike with the last 400 feet requires the use of the half dome cables to allow hikers to summit without climbing equipment. Read our complete guide to climbing Half Dome

4. Mariposa Grove

One of our favorite stops in Yosemite was Mariposa Grove. We took a guided tour to see the forest of 500 Giant Sequoias.

Mariposa Grove is the birthplace of the National Parks system. In 1864 President Lincoln set aside this natural area to be preserved for future generations. Now that is some kind of foresight.

There is parking available at the Mariposa Grove welcome plaza and then it requires a two-mile hike (each way) on the Washburn Trail or the Mariposa Grove Road. 

5. Ansel Adams Gallery

One of our main reasons for visiting Yosemite National Park is because of seeing the photography of Ansel Adams.

Having the chance to see his iconic images in person was at the top of our bucket list. The Ansel Adams Gallery is located in the heart of Yosemite between the Visitor Center and Post Office.

It’s in a prime location with views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. It showcases the photography of Ansel Adams and the people who work in the gallery who love Yosemite. Their staff includes climbers, photographers, and hikers.

You can book camera walks, photography classes, and workshops at the gallery.

6. El Capitan

Dominating the view of the west end of Yosemite Valley is the mammoth El Capitan.

Climbers come from around the world visit yosemite to climb the Nose of El Capitan. It’s a huge undertaking climbing 3000 feet up its sheer wall, but superstars Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell set a record climbing to its peak in under 2 hours.

Another crazy fact is that Alex Honnold was the first person to climb El Capitan without rope inspiring the documentary Free Solo.

Tunnel View offers great views of El Capitan but our favorite spot was at El Cap Meadow located directly in front of El Capitan.

• You can take rock climbing courses in Yosemite – Yosemite mountaineering school offers guided hikes and climbing as the only authorized climbing school in Yosemite. Visit their website for details.

7. Tunnel View

Tunnel view is most certainly the most recognizable scene of Yosemite National Park.

It is the top spot for photographers and a must-stop for anyone visiting Yosemite. Make your way to the Tunnel View parking lots located at the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41 for this iconic valley view features El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Go here for sunrise to beat the crowds.

8. Bridalveil Fall

The Bridalveil Fall trail is closed due to the  Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project but should reopen in 2023. The project includes an updated viewing platform and trails and should reduce crowds at one of Yosemite’s most popular attractions.

Bridalveil Fall is the first waterfall you’ll see when entering Yosemite Valley. Bridalveil Fall plunges 620 feet (189 meters) into the valley and the hike to the waterfall is an easy 0.5 mi (0.8 km) round trip with only an 80 ft (24 m) elevation gain. It is about a 20 minute easy walk from the Bridalveil Fall Parking lot.

9. Yosemite Falls

Another must-see waterfall in Yosemite is Yosemite Falls. There are great views of Yosemite Falls from Yosemite Village.

But being one of the highest waterfalls in the world, (the world’s fifth tallest to be exact) you can see them from several places throughout Yosemite Valley.

The waterfall is actually made up of three different waterfalls creating a total cascade of 2425 feet.

Upper Yosemite Falls (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Falls (320 feet). Hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls is 7.2 miles round trip, but be prepared, there is a 2,700-foot elevation gain. 

10. Mist Trail

The mist trail is considered the Yosemite national park signature hike.

There are two waterfalls to hike to along the Mist Trail, Vernal Falls is a 3-mile (4.8 km) round trip and Nevada Falls is a 7 miles (11 km) round trip.

The first part of the Mist Trail takes you to the Vernal Fall Footbridge to see the falls and then you can continue on to the top of Vernal Falls to a lookout above the waterfall.

The Mist trail then continues on to the John Muir Trail as you make your way to Nevada Falls for one of the best views in Yosemite National Park. Going to Nevada Falls is worth it.

• Make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds and find a spot in the parking lot.
• See our complete guide  to hiking the John Muir Trail.

11. Mirror Lake Trail

Another popular hike in Yosemite NP is to Mirror Lake. It is an easy hike to mirror lake and it is known for its reflections of the Yosemite Valley.

Mirror Lake will also take you right to the base of Half Dome for a close up view.

12. Tioga Road

If you have a car, make sure to take a drive on Tioga Road (Highway 120).

It is only open from late May to November as it sits in Sierra Nevada’s high country. Up here you’ll see meadows, lakes, and a great view of Half Dome from Olmsted Point.

There is a short hiking trail at Olmsted Point offering views of Tenaya Peak, Tenaya Lake, and Mount Conness.

13. Tenaya Lake

While driving on Tioga Road, an easy lake to access from the road is Tenaya Lake.

Tenaya Lake is the largest lake in Yosemite and makes for a great place to go kayaking or canoeing. You can also make a base here for a picnic.

14. Tuolumne Meadows

This interesting stop is one of the highest-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

There are a few different easy hikes such as Lyell Canyon from the John Muir Trail, Soda Springs, Parsons Lodge, Gaylor Lake, and Elizabeth Lake.

You can get to the Tuolumne Meadows by taking Tioga Road (which opens from late May to November) and there are shuttles.

A popular day hike is Cathedral Lakes which takes 4 to 6 hours to complete the 7-mile round trip. (11.3 km) 1,000-foot elevation gain.

15. Cycling Yosemite

If you are into cycling, Yosemite not only allows cyclists on the roads but there are paved paths as well.

The Yosemite Valley Bike Share program was launched in 2018. This is a great idea to help ease traffic congestion. The bikes are set up near Valley campgrounds to allow people to bike to nearby attractions rather than drive.

16. Yosemite Museum

For a little break from the outdoors, be sure to stop into the Yosemite Museum to learn of the indigenous people who first settled in Yosemite Valley and of the national parks’ history.

17. Glacier Point

Note: Glacier Point Road was closed in 2022 to improve the road. Access to Glacier Point is now accessible from  Four Mile ,  Panorama , and Pohono Trails. It should reopen in 2023 but there will be 30-minute delays.

Glacier point would normally be at the top of our list of things to see in Yosemite, but with the rehabilitation project, it may need to wait one more year. However things may change for 2022.

The best place to see a good overview of the Yosemite National Park is from here. It includes views of Yosemite Valley, the and the Half Dome standing s tall over the other mountain peaks. Glacier point is an excellent stop when it is open. As of now, you cannot drive up to it, but if you are determined to see it there are a couple of strenuous hikes you can take.

• Glacier Point:  9 miles (14 km) round-trip with 3,200 feet (975 meters) of elevation gain.
• Sentinel Dome: 12 miles (19km) and over 4,000 feet (1200) of elevation gain.
• Taft Point:  14 miles (22km) and about 5,000 (1500 meters) feet of elevation gain.

18. Sentinel Dome

The Sentinel Dome Hike is usually quite easy, but with the Glacier Point road closure, you will have added extra time because the regular trail head is inaccessible. In 2022, the hike starts with a 4.7-mile (7.5 km) hike to Glacier Point and then follow the Pohono Trail to Sentinel Dome for 1.5 miles (2.5 km). One way, so you are looking at about a 12 mile (20km hike return so allow time)

The hike is about 2.2 miles roundtrip and should take about 1- 2 hours. It is one of the easiest domes to access and hence one of the most popular sunset trails in Yosemite.

At its 4,150 feet peak, you’re rewarded with a stunning 360-degree view of the valley without the adrenaline rush of having to climb up El Capitan. The summit is wide and flat making it easy to enjoy the view.

The view is incredibly beautiful in every direction. Here you can see it all and much more. The three brothers, half done, and river canyon, it’s all there.

19. Hiking Trails

You could spend an entire summer exploring the hiking trails of Yosemite National Park.

In fact, hiking is one of the best things to do in Yosemite, so make sure you get out on at least one trail. While the Half Dome Hike is the bucket list hike of Yosemite, there are several other hikes to explore.

• Lower Yosemite Falls – You can take a 1-mile loop trail to see the lower Yosemite Falls. You can hike here from Yosemite Village.
• The Sentinal Dome Trail – This 2-mile hike takes you above the Yosemite Valle and the Merced River Canyon. It is also an easy way to see views of the Sierra Nevada Peaks, the Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. But it is Jeffrey Pine made famous by Ansel Adams that is the real attraction.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Curry Village (formerly known as half dome village)has a range of canvas tents and wooden cabins plus hotel rooms.

Accommodation range from basic tents with shared bathrooms to private hotel rooms with bathrooms. Check out  TripAdvisor for prices .

Yosemite Valley Lodge  is a great location to make a base in Yosemite. There’s free parking, free Internet and a pool.

And these are some of the best things to do in Yosemite National Park. You could spend an entire summer here and never see it all, but it’s fun to try!

Read our full guide of Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Did you enjoy this article on the best things to do in Yosemite? Save it to Pinterest for future travel planning.

Check out more National Parks in the USA

• Colorado: 15 Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park
• South Dakota; Badlands National Park Hikes And Things To Do
• Utah: 10 Best Hikes In Zion National Park, Utah
• Montana: 9 Of The Best Glacier National Park Hikes
• USA: Best National Parks – USA Edition
• Arizona: The Absolute Best Things To Do In The Grand Canyon
• Wyoming: 15 Best Hikes In Grand Teton National Park
• Wyoming: Where to Stay in Yellowstone National Park – Guide to the Best Hotels
• Wyoming: 27 Things to do in Yellowstone – Plus Tips for First-time Visitors
• Montana: 12 Best Hikes In Yellowstone National Park

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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3 thoughts on “Things to do in Yosemite National Park”

Hi! I love Yosemite and really visit the park again. Thank for sharing this post I like your photos!

I ran into your blog while doing research for my brand new National Parks USA forum.

Hope you like to visit it and share some of your experiences. Thanks and good luck!

I am very happy to have completed your national park tour . A trip to the park must be taken out with a lot of time on hand which you mentioned . But we must always be careful .

I watched Tommy Caldwell’s The Dawn Wall a year back. Loved the landscapes and views of El Capitan. The waterfalls seem to be quite famous too. My favourite would be the Mirror Lake Trail and Tenaya Lake. Such landscapes are my favourite.

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10 Best Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Including waterfalls, wildlife and viewpoints..

Pick and choose from these top ten things to do on your Yosemite Park vacation, including view a waterfall, see black bears, and top sights like Half Dome.

1. See Yosemite’s Waterfalls

When snow melt from mountain peaks brings icy waters rushing downstream into Yosemite Valley , great waterfalls spring to life. During the peak seasonal flow, which usually happens in April through June, the thundering of waterfalls can be heard clear across the valley. But the most famous waterfall trail has to be the Mist Trail leading to Vernal Fall and Nevada Falls.

See our waterfall photo gallery .

2. See Famous Viewpoints

Yosemite’s Tunnel View with Half Dome , Valley View with Merced River, Glacier Point , and Olmsted Point are the most famous views in the National Park. Read more about these 5 Famous Viewpoints Close to the Road in Yosemite.

3. Walk Among Giant Sequoias

Start by taking the whole family on a joyful nature walk through a grove of giant sequoias. The newly renovated boardwalks of the Mariposa Grove  are the most popular way to see the big trees, but if you want to avoid the crowds visit the other two smaller groves, Tuolumne and Merced .

4. See Black Bears & Other Wildlife

With more than 400 kinds of animals and multiple life zones for plant life, Yosemite is a top spot for wildlife watching . Be sure to secure your food and other smelly things to keep the bears away from humans .

5. Explore Yosemite Trails

Whether you want to get out of the car and do a little exploring, or you’re planning a backcountry adventure on foot or horseback, we’ve got just the thing for you and your family. Find the hike for you .

6. Go Camping

Nothing beats sleeping under the stars in Yosemite National Park, especially if you’re looking for a little family togetherness.

7. Rock Climbing

Stalwarts like the giant wall of El Capitan, the polished promontory of Half Dome, and skyscraping Glacier Point all call to expert climbers , who sometimes bivouac overnight while suspended in mid-air. Not a climber? Bring your binoculars to watch them from Yosemite Valley or take a beginner rock climbing class .

8. Ice Skate in Curry Village

When Yosemite is covered in powdery blankets of snow, the valley becomes a winter wonderland . Skate underneath the Half Dome then take a break and make s’mores over a fire pit.

9. Explore History

Yosemite is the wild, wild West. From its earliest Native American inhabitants, to the mid-19th-century California Gold Rush, and the later arrival of ranchers, loggers, and hoteliers, the land surrounding Yosemite National Park is amazingly rich in historical sites. Near the Mariposa sequoia grove, step across a covered bridge into a the the Pioneer Yosemite History Center , a collection of historic buildings from Yosemite’s past. In Yosemite Valley’s Visitor Center , pose next to a life-sized John Muir as you learn of his love for the park. Near neighboring Mariposa , stop at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum to see a huge, 13.8-pound nugget of gold.

10. Go on a Tour or Ranger-Led Activity

Follow an expert. Come to watch waterfalls in spring, go hiking in the Sierra Nevada high country in summer, roast marshmallows over your campfire in fall, and go skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Timing your visit to coincide with one of the region’s many festivals will only enhance your Yosemite vacation.

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These are the best times to visit Yosemite National Park

Mar 28, 2024 • 4 min read

No matter what time of year you're visiting, Yosemite National Park offers a one-of-a-kind experience Per Breiehagen / Getty Images

From the moment you arrive, Yosemite dazzles with its natural good looks. One of America’s most iconic national parks  and its third oldest, it captivates with myriad waterfalls, sky-grazing sequoias, gemstone-hued lakes, subalpine wilderness areas and granite cliffs and buttresses, like El Capitan and Half Dome .

High in the Sierra Mountains , Yosemite experiences four seasons, each offering something special for visitors. Summer is your best bet if you want to be practically guaranteed good weather, with May and June being the best months for peak flow at the waterfalls. But winter, when snow often blankets the park, is less crowded and has its own magic too. Here's our guide to the best times to visit Yosemite National Park.

May through September is the most popular time in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park attracts about 75% of its annual visitors between May and September. These months correspond with the best weather and are also when all the roads, trails, lodging, shuttles and attractions in the park are open. That includes  its most famous drive, Tioga Rd , a 64-mile-long scenic byway that closes when the snow begins to fall.

On the downside, you’ll see the most crowds during the summer months, particularly in July and August. Still, if you've never visited Yosemite, going in late spring, summer or early fall really is best, as you’ll experience blue skies, impressive waterfalls and the most lodging choices.

Tip: Book early as peak-season lodging fills quickly, including the campgrounds.

February is the time to see the Yosemite firefall

To witness the stunning natural phenomenon known as the Yosemite firefall , you’ll want to visit in February. The firefall happens at sunset at Horsetail Falls, which tumbles over El Capitan’s eastern edge in winter. During the magic hour, the falls appear to be flowing lava, glowing yellow, orange and even red. It makes for a sweet video or photograph. 

In May and June, Yosemite’s waterfalls are at peak flow, and lodging is (slightly) less crowded

If you’ve come to Yosemite to experience its countless waterfalls , you’ll want to visit in May or early June, when most of the winter snow melts away to create the most impressive waterfalls. By August many of them, including Yosemite Falls, will be reduced to a trickle or completely dry.

May and June are also great months to score swing-season lodging deals. Besides campsites, Yosemite has half a dozen in-park lodging options, from full-service hotels to traditional cabins and canvas-sided tents. Accommodation inside the park is usually fully booked at least a year in advance. However, when that isn't the case, May is the month you're most likely to find an available room nearer the time.

May, June and September are ideal for sunny, blue-sky days, perfect temps and camping

For the most comfortable temperatures and best chances of blue skies, visit in June or September, when daytime highs average between 70°F and 80°F and nighttime temps drop below 60°F.

Yosemite receives 95% of its rainfall between October and May, making June and September two of its driest months. May is also relatively safe, as most spring storms have passed by that point. As such, you can expect sunny blue days that are perfect for photographing top attractions, like El Capitan and the ancient sequoia trees, in excellent light. 

These months are also ideal for camping, as it's warm enough to be comfortable in the tent at night but not sizzling hot. It's easier to get reservations for campsites from May through mid-June and in September, before the crowds descend in force. (Note: reservations are still required.) 

Avoid Yosemite in July and August if crowds and heat are not your game 

Yosemite National Park sees its absolute peak crowds during July and August. You will need to book lodging – including campgrounds – and any guides, activities or tours well in advance. 

These are also the hottest months to visit the park. Temperatures can reach above 90°F during the day, and nights cool down to 50°F to 60°F. 

Visit between November and April for winter activities, smaller crowds and the best deals on lodging

Yosemite is the least crowded from November to April. If you want to have the attractions more to yourself, visit during this time. Just know that aside from lodging closures, roads also close seasonally due to weather and fewer tour options. Winter sees Yosemite blanketed by snow, however, so it's a very peaceful time of year to visit, particularly if you enjoy cold-weather activities.

Only two in-park lodgings are open year-round. The Ahwahnee  is Yosemite’s only luxury hotel. Built in the grand "Parkitecture" style, it has a central Yosemite Valley locale, and its rates are up to 25% lower in winter. It's much easier to get a reservation then too – the summer months often sell out more than a year in advance. 

Yosemite Valley Lodge is the park's other year-round option: a traditional lodge at the base of Yosemite Falls, boasting gorgeous glass-and-wood architecture that lets in lots of light during winter.

There's also one lodging option, Glacier Point Ski Hut, that's only open in winter. It is accessible via a 10.5-mile cross-country ski trail and has stunning views of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley.

This article was first published Jan 30, 2023 and updated Mar 28, 2024.

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Yosemite National Park   Travel Guide

Courtesy of 4kodiak | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Yosemite National Park

The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. It's important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. Snow can come as early as October and arrives in full force in November, typically remaining until March. But just because the snowstorms stop in March doesn't necessarily mean closed parts of the park suddenly swing their doors open. Depending on conditions, all seasonally closed roads and trails don't open until May or June.

Seasonal park closures are precisely why so many travelers visit during the summer months, making it the park's busiest time of year (think packed trails, road traffic, sky-high hotel rates and more). To avoid this, the best time to visit is before or after the summer crowds come, which is typically late May and September. Late May and early June is the best time to view waterfalls, roaring from freshly melted snow, and September offers cooler temperatures ideal for hiking (summer temps can reach the 80s). If the only time you can visit is during the summer, be sure to book several months in advance. Campsites are known to reach capacity the moment they become available for booking. If you're looking for a bargain on accommodations, winter is the best time to visit Yosemite. 

Weather in Yosemite National Park

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Yosemite National Park

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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Over 4,000 years of history, waterfalls and giant sequoias: Why Yosemite park is 'iconic'

Eight years before Yellowstone was established as America’s first national park, President Abraham Lincoln signed a document called the Yosemite Valley Grant Act in 1864. This act protected Northern California’s Yosemite Valley and the nearby Mariposa Big Tree Grove for public recreation.

“This is a landmark act, the first time anywhere (in America) land had been set aside for protection and public enjoyment,” said Scott Gediman, public affairs officer at Yosemite National Park. 

Now we know the valley and surrounding area as Yosemite National Park – one of America’s most popular national parks , with 3,897,070 million visitors in 2023 – designated in 1890. You have likely heard of its world-famous sites, such as Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and the towering ancient sequoia trees. 

“Yosemite National Park is such an iconic national park. We attract visitors from all over the world to the park,” Gediman said. 

Here’s what travelers should know about Yosemite, the second-to-last national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series .

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From Acadia to Zion: What travelers should know about each of America's national parks

What’s so special about Yosemite National Park?

Comprising 1,200 square miles, Yosemite has a lot to offer visitors. 

“It’s, like, between the natural history, the culture history, the wildlife, the beauty and the size, there’s so much to see and do in Yosemite,” said Gediman. “We feel that it just encompasses so many of the ideals and so many things that come to mind when people think of national parks.”

Of course, there’s the park's natural beauty: iconic monoliths like Half Dome, the stunning Yosemite Valley that enraptured famous naturalist John Muir, and some of the world’s tallest waterfalls.

Besides the natural wonders, the park is steeped in history, from the Native people who have lived there for centuries to establishments that convey “the growth of the national park system,” Gediman said. One of California’s first mountain resort hotels, the Wawona Hotel was established in 1856 during the Victorian Era and features a swimming pool and golf course – right inside the park. There is also The Ahwahnee Hotel , built in 1927 as a luxury hotel and today, is considered “the crown jewel of national park lodges,” Gediman said. 

Do I need reservations to visit Yosemite National Park?

Yes, if you plan on visiting this summer. 

The park is piloting a reservation system to enter the park during the peak hours of 5 a.m. through 4 p.m. on certain days between April 13 and Oct. 27 to manage traffic. (You can enter without a reservation before 5 a.m. and after 4 p.m., though.) Reservations cost $2 and are available seven days before your park visit, but you’ll need to hurry – they sell out almost immediately. 

Can I drive through Yosemite National Park?

Yes, you can drive through Yosemite (with a reservation). 

Tioga Road, also known as Highway 120, is one of the park’s most scenic drives. The 46-mile-road takes travelers past landmarks such as Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows, and to an elevation of just under 10,000 feet when it hits Tioga Pass. However, Tioga Road, like others, closes depending on the season. 

What are the towns closest to Yosemite National Park?

Several historic gateway towns surround the four corridors of Yosemite, including Sonora, Jamestown and El Portal. Travelers can find hotels, campgrounds, restaurants and gas stations in these towns, as well as a rich heritage of gold mining and railroads. 

What is the best time of year to visit Yosemite National Park?

There’s no bad time of year to visit Yosemite. However, spring and summer are its most visited seasons. 

“The park comes back to life after the spring,” Gediman said. As the ice melts, the waterfalls roar and meadows bloom. “Summer is beautiful and good for hiking,” he said. The park's lakes become a popular destination for visitors to swim and canoe. 

However, if you visit in the fall, you’ll encounter fewer crowds and still enjoy “the nice weather and longer days,” according to Gediman. In the winter, the park is still open, although some parts are closed. “Winter is the quietest time of the year, absolutely beautiful. We do get snow; it just depends on the elevation in the park.”

Who are the native people who live in Yosemite National Park?

The Indigenous people of Yosemite can be traced nearly 4,000 years ago , and many tribes continue to call Yosemite home to this day. Today, there are seven traditionally associated American Indian tribes and groups connected to the valley that make up the American Indian Council of Mariposa County : Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation), Bishop Paiute Tribe, Bridgeport Indian Colony, Mono Lake Kootzaduka'a, North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, and the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians.

To learn more about the Native people of Yosemite, park visitors can stop by Wahhoga Village , the last American Indian village in the valley that was dismantled in 1969 with its residents evicted. 

The National Park Service worked with the tribes to construct a roundhouse in the village where Indigenous people perform religious ceremonies that could also be used for public education. 

“They help us construct facilities that are respectful of the land,” Gediman said. 

The tribes also consult the National Park Service on prescribed burns , or cultural burnings, a hundreds-year-old practice meant to reduce the chances of natural wildfires and promote the growth of other plants. 

“We have a very, very close relationship … with the tribes,” Gediman said. “It’s a privilege, if you will, to work with these tribes.” 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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The Ultimate Yosemite National Park Travel Guide

Think you already know everything about our nation’s most iconic park? Think again. There’s so much beyond its famed Yosemite Valley, from seldom visited waterfalls to the underappreciated backcountry beyond Tuolumne Meadows.

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It’s no exaggeration to say that some of the most formative outdoor experiences of my adult life happened at Yosemite National Park  in California. It’s where I went backpacking for the very first time (and where I learned that you do not, in fact, need to haul along a full-size pillow and roughly ten pounds of Swedish Fish in order to survive). It’s also where I completed my first multi-pitch climb, saw my first bear, and dug my first cathole (necessary after viewing my first bear). I even completed my first long-distance hike, a two-month stint on the Pacific Crest Trail , which meandered through the park’s Tuolumne Meadows, where Alex Honnold offered me a wave from one of his famous paws as he loped off into the woods.

Climbing superstars aside, Yosemite is one of the most—if not the most—iconic national parks in the United States. It’s a perpetual bucket-list topper for good reason. Yosemite features some of the world’s tallest granite walls, a parade of thundering waterfalls, and colossal domes and peaks carved in part by the ferocious power of ancient glaciers and volcanoes. It teems with wildlife, from fuzzy little pikas to majestic (and endangered) Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. And it plays with extremes, resting at around 1,800 feet elevation at its lowest point and rocketing to more than 13,000 feet at its highest—the glacier-draped Mount Lyell.

But for all that magic, Yosemite also gets a bad rap for being overrun with tourists. (Reality check: unless you live there, you’re also a tourist.) The thing is that while the popular Yosemite Valley draws crowds year-round, it’s actually incredibly easy to find solitude in the park—after all, the Valley occupies only a tiny slice of Yosemite’s nearly 760,000 acres, almost 95 percent of which are designated wilderness.

Though the framework for this park was established in 1864,   when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant Act, these vast lands have a much longer human history, one that you should learn before setting off for adventure. The same actions that reserved this park for the public also forced out its original inhabitants, who included the Ahwahneechee, Me-Wuk, Mono, and Paiute peoples; their ancestors still hold deep ties to the area today. Consider reading Mark David Spence’s Dispossessing the Wilderness for crucial context on some of the more unpleasant history behind Yosemite’s formation and that of several other national parks.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting 

Reservations are required (for now). Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the park enacted a temporary restriction in February 2021 that requires all visitors to make a reservation . The only exceptions are people with confirmed lodging inside the park or in specific gateway towns, those with wilderness permits or traveling with approved tour groups, or folks who are entering the park via public transit.

This isn’t a theme park…  Yosemite’s natural wonders are incredible—and incredibly powerful. Trails, guardrails, and warning signs are located where they are for good reason, especially because so many of the park’s features require travel across or near water and granite, the latter often polished to a superslick sheen even when it’s dry. Still, you’d be surprised at how many people slip into the drink (or the abyss) each year. Let common sense—and not that deep desire to strike a pose for the ’Gram—prevail around steep drop-offs and water features.

…but sometimes it can feel like one. I’ll be frank: during prime time in the summer, the roads looping around the Valley floor feel like the world’s longest parking lot. This is no surprise given that, in 2019, roughly 4.5 million people passed through. If you can, drive in as early as possible and leave your car parked until you head back out, avoid visiting the Valley during peak season, or park outside Yosemite and use public transportation to finish your trip. Once inside, the park boasts a robust shuttle system, including a pair of free routes that cruise around the Valley.

The Valley is incredible, but it isn’t everything. Yes, yes, yes—it’s an iconic place filled with iconic sights. But that gives short shrift to the rest of the park, which is stuffed with special places that aren’t (always) swarmed with crowds. Want an alternative to the legendary Mist Trail ? Make tracks south to Wawona to ascend the granite steps alongside Chilnualna Falls. To the west, the area surrounding the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir sees only a fraction of the Valley’s foot traffic but still serves up an abundance of lakes and peaks. Up north, the lush Tuolumne Meadows acts as gatekeeper to the incredibly remote Yosemite backcountry, where trails—and opportunities for solitude—branch in all directions.

How to Get There

Yosemite is located in central California, a couple hours east of San Francisco. While several regional airports dot the surrounding areas, the closest major hub is the  Fresno Yosemite International Airport . Amtrak and Greyhound also offer service to the park, swapping trains for regional buses operated by the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (affectionately dubbed YARTS) as you draw closer to its boundary.

If you’re driving north from Fresno, a scenic cruise along State Route 41 deposits you first in Wawona and then the Valley. You can also get there from State Route 140, which passes northeast through Merced, or east on State Route 120, which coasts through Groveland before connecting with the park’s Big Oak Flat Road. Known as Tioga Road in the park, SR 120 bisects Yosemite to emerge at its northernmost entrance, Tioga Pass, meeting up shortly thereafter with the equally picturesque U.S. Route 395, which heads south to Mammoth Lakes and the Owens Valley and north to Bridgeport.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Yosemite?

Summertime gets all the love, but winter is a stunning time in the park if you can handle the temperatures, which routinely dip below freezing in the evenings at all elevations. Keep in mind that beyond the inaccessibility of the high country for anyone not well versed in winter alpine travel, some Valley routes close—typically portions of the Mist Trail, John Muir Trail (also known as the Nüümü Poyo), and Four Mile Trail —once they become slicked with snow and ice. Tire chains   are required for snowy park roads, although not all of them are open year-round—Tioga Road usually closes in November and reopens sometime between May and June, depending on the snowpack. Come prepared with the right gear, skills, and mindset, and you’ll have the place largely to yourself.

Calling all waterfall enthusiasts: this is your time to shine! While higher altitudes remain buried under the white stuff, lower elevations—and waterfalls—come to life as the snow begins to thaw, typically peaking in May. The flip side is that flooding and high water are real issues, not just in the backcountry but also right in the Valley, where the Merced River sometimes overflows into meadows, roads, and even campgrounds. When you’re in the backcountry, exercise extreme caution during river crossings; what was an easy rock hop in late summer can become a deadly torrent come spring.

This is prime vacation season. Traffic and crowds swell to the max, shuttle buses are standing room only, and any lodging options within what feels like a 100-mile radius are booked solid. While I avoid the Valley during such madness, it’s the perfect time to escape to the high country near Tuolumne Meadows, where lower temperatures and thinner crowds prevail. Long days let you stretch out backpacking trips, and cooler (and thus grippier) rock surfaces make for more favorable climbing conditions up high.

This is my favorite time to visit the Valley, for the sole reason that I can enjoy the sights without having to jostle for space. While visitation wanes as the mercury drops, the waterfalls also grind to a near halt until they’re replenished by winter precipitation. The upside is that it’s a great time to find backpacking permits, although you’ll need to come prepared with sturdier gear than you might tote in the summer.

Where to Stay in Yosemite

Scoring a campsite in Yosemite (from $6), especially if you want to bed down in the Valley, is a competitive sport. Out of the park’s 13 campgrounds, roughly half are first come, first served—arrive as early as possible in the morning to stake out a spot. White Wolf and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds are both beautiful, quiet, and slightly off-the-beaten-path options located near Tioga Road.

The rest of the campgrounds, including the Valley’s coveted Pines trio, require reservations, which can be made via Recreation.gov . A 30-day block of sites is released at exactly 7 A.M PST on the 15th of the month, and you can reserve up to five months ahead of time; I highly recommend enlisting some friends to tag-team the effort, since availability typically evaporates within minutes for summer bookings. The exception is Camp 4, a walk-in campground that has long served as home base for hardcore climbers. During summer, sites are doled out each day via an online lottery system .

Many of the park’s campgrounds offer at least a handful of accessible sites; Upper Pines in the Valley and Tuolumne Meadows have the most. Many are open year-round, though higher-elevation campgrounds shutter during winter months, when mountain roads also close to traffic.

If you only want to sort of rough it, plan a stay at the Valley’s Housekeeping Camp  (from $108) or Curry Village (from $90), both of which offer rustic canvas-and-wood structures, along with communal shower facilities. Like the park hotels listed below, these are operated by an outside concessionaire .

In addition, ample camping exists on all sides of Yosemite in Inyo, Stanislaus, and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests. And if you don’t mind snoozing in your car, a quick online search for “free camping” or “boondocking” near Yosemite will also yield results. Just know that you can’t sleep overnight in your vehicle anywhere inside the park.

In the Valley, the most affordable options are the cabins and motel located in Curry Village, followed by the Yosemite Valley Lodge (from $249). If you’re up for a splurge, however, plunk down your credit card at the Ahwahnee (from $426), an absolutely gorgeous Craftsman-style retreat that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pro tip for those with smaller budgets: grab a drink at the hotel’s bar, then cozy up with a good book (or a laptop, if you must) by the massive fireplace in the stunning Great Lounge.

Elsewhere in the park, the Wawona Hotel (from $153) was closed for a while to update the wiring (fair enough, since it was built in 1856), but the Victorian charmer—a National Historic Landmark—is once again open for business. Farther north, the tent cabins that make up seasonal White Wolf Lodge (from $137) and Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (from $141) are more simply appointed but put you right in the heart of high country magic.

Outside of the park, there’s no shortage of cabin rentals listed on sites like Airbnb and VRBO, although these can be nearly as competitive as lodging inside the park. Most of the gateway towns have at least a few basic roadside motels, along with some slightly more upscale options. Fish Camp’s Tenaya Lodge (from $150) stands apart from the pack with its Ascent Spa, where you can drag your weary bones after a full day of adventure. For something more down-home, the 100-year-old Evergreen Lodge (from $130) near Hetch Hetchy Valley features an array of rustic cabins, or you can sign up for an all-inclusive camping package where the gear is both provided and set up for you.

What to Do While You’re There

Sightseeing

You don’t have to break a sweat to enjoy the magic of Yosemite, especially its southern reaches. If entering via State Route 41, the very first opportunity appears at Tunnel View, where some of the park’s biggest icons— Half Dome , El Capitan , and Bridalveil Fall—magically appear as you exit the darkness of its namesake tube. Sorry, but it’s pretty much mandatory that you pull off here to gawk for a bit. Pro tip: ascend the rocky staircase next to the parking area to pick up a trail that will reward your sweat equity with crowd-free views as you climb.

Farther south, head up Glacier Point Road—note that it will be closed for repairs in 2022 for the whole year—which deposits you at its namesake vista that is often packed with photographers of all stripes just before sunset. For an equally stunning view with less jockeying for space, park at a trailhead a few miles south on the road to make the 2.2-mile round-trip hike to Taft Point. Save time to visit the Mariposa Grove near Wawona, where you’ll strain your neck (and sense of awe) while taking in an ancient cluster of giant sequoias, including the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant.

Many of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park are well known. There’s a good chance that if you’re reading this, you want to haul yourself up Half Dome along the world-famous three-mile Mist Trail, which earns its name from the spray delivered by the Merced as it barrels down toward the Valley floor via a series of waterfalls. Permits are required every day of the week for this hike, except when the metal cables are down (typically mid-October to mid-May). No matter when you make an attempt, take this hike very seriously; people have slipped and fallen to their death on the polished granite that makes up the steep and exposed final climb. Know and respect your own limits, and avoid the trip during wet weather or when it’s in the forecast.

Beyond that, the park is studded with superstar hikes, some more popular than others. In the Valley’s eastern reaches, an accessible paved trail delivers you to seasonal and surprisingly quiet Mirror Lake , created by a swell in Tenaya Creek. Closer to the action, it’s well worth your time to truck two miles up the steep (and sometimes slippery) route to the top of Yosemite Falls , a three-part cascade that boasts the distinction of being North America’s tallest. And the criminally underappreciated Valley Loop Trail offers nearly 12 miles of surprising solitude amid the hubbub.

Up north, Tuolumne Meadows is the jump-off point for a stroll through bucolic Lyell Canyon , especially beautiful in early summer when its subalpine meadows absolutely glow with chlorophyll and wildflowers abound. For a more alpine environment, start early to avoid crowds and make the seven-mile round-trip trek to Upper Cathedral Lake , which offers a front-row view of its toothy namesake peak.

Trailheads also dot the length of Tioga Road, making for easy access (for you and everybody else, alas). If you can’t snag permits for Half Dome but still want to enjoy a healthy dose of vertigo, consider the sturdy 14-mile round-trip hike to Cloud’s Rest , departing from the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead near Tenaya Lake, which has an excellent swimming beach on its northeast end if you make it back early enough. Farther afield, the trails near the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir are even less traveled, except the still worthwhile jaunt around the waterfront to catch the spray from neighboring Tueeulala and Wapama Falls. If you have a full day free, consider making the roughly 13.5-mile round-trip journey to the summit of Smith Peak, which offers a bird’s-eye view of this remote corner of the park.

Backpacking

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and John Muir Trail (JMT) join forces for much of their journey through the park, except that the former heads north from Tuolumne Meadows while the latter dips south into the Valley. Beyond these long-haul icons, my favorite short route is the less traveled, 13-mile one-way Pohono Trail , a one-nighter that traces the high cliffs south of the Valley and offers jaw-dropping viewpoints every few miles.

For an even more immersive experience, don your pack for a traverse of the deep gouge known as the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, which spans roughly 33 miles between its namesake meadow and the White Wolf area to the west. If you’re more interested in smiles than miles, sock away your pennies to enter the lottery for a spot on the famed High Sierra Camps Loop, a summertime hut-to-hut circuit that deposits you (and your day pack) at a series of fully outfitted tent cabins each evening, with catered meals to boot.

Permits are required for all backpacking trips in the park. Most trailheads maintain a 60/40 split of reserved permits to walk-ups; you can apply online for reserved permits beginning 24 weeks before your start date. Expect heavy competition, especially for Half Dome and JMT permits, the latter of which must be applied for during a special lottery period that runs from December through March. It’s worth bookmarking the Yosemite Conservancy’s listing of permit availability , broken down by each area of the park.

Yosemite is one of the world’s premier year-round climbing destinations, made even more famous by a recent spate of adrenaline-soaked documentaries like Free Solo , The Dawn Wall , and Valley Uprising . But you don’t need to live in Camp 4 or spend months projecting a route on El Cap to enjoy the park’s storied granite. Its main climbing draws are the Valley and Tuolumne Meadows areas, both filled with opportunities to boulder, clip bolts, and place gear at all levels of the game.

For more advanced climbers, the alpine backcountry provides unlimited opportunities for scrambles and peak bagging, and of course the Valley’s big walls offer some of the world’s longest and most iconic trad routes. Beginners can sign up for classes or guided adventures with the Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service . If you’re not at all interested in dangling off the side of a cliff, you can still get in on the action by lounging in El Capitan Meadow with a pair of binoculars.

Snow Sports

Not one to rest on its summertime laurels, Yosemite kicks into winter play mode as soon as the flakes start flying. Hover near creature comforts (like hot chocolate from the Ahwahnee’s bar) in the Valley while carving figure eights around the Curry Village ice rink. Or head up Glacier Point Road to the Badger Pass Ski Area , California’s oldest downhill resort, which offers the opportunity for skiing and tubing throughout the winter months. Bring your gear and skills, or rent some from the attached ski school.

There’s also a whole world of (mostly) horizontal snow travel to explore. Strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis to make tracks along a groomed section of Glacier Point Road, or head to the Crane Flat area to pick up the relatively short trails to the Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove of giant sequoias. Just remember that even though the trails breeze downhill, you have to hoof back up that same incline.

Or  make a reservation to bed down at the Glacier Point Ski Hut, a roughly ten-mile ski or snowshoe from Badger Pass. Experienced winter travelers can grab a permit for the arduous trek to overnight at Snow Creek Cabin, a nearly 100-year-old outpost hidden in the forest below Mount   Watkins. Good snow navigation skills, self-reliance, and endurance—there’s a generous 4,000 feet of elevation gain on your inbound journey—are required.

One of my most memorable nights in Yosemite was a rare evening spent camping in the Valley. I wandered off just before bedtime and found a log to sit on at the edge of Stoneman Meadow, and then I looked up. It was late enough that traffic had all but stopped, so it was easy to let the expansive darkness—and silence—fold in like a blanket. Of course, that’s not the only spot with such airy views, as just about any lakeside or peak-top perch (or, say, a portaledge on the side of El Cap) will grant you the same million-dollar celestial show.

Watersports

The power of the mighty Merced is somewhat diluted as it meanders along the Valley floor, making it the perfect natural lazy river. Take a dip (for safety’s sake, enter the water only at designated beaches) or enjoy a float (bring your own raft or rent one at the activity kiosks located in Curry and Yosemite Village, the Ahwahnee Hotel, or Yosemite Valley Lodge). Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the park’s infinite lakes, all of which are open to paddlers except Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Don’t forget your personal flotation device.

Anglers, rejoice: you can fish just about any body of water in Yosemite, most of them teeming with (non-native) trout, among other species. When given the choice, I’ll always aim for one of the glacier-carved lakes deep in the backcountry, but I wouldn’t turn my nose up at the opportunity to cast into any length of the Tuolumne River, especially its dreamy Lyell Fork. While lakes are open to year-round fishing, casting on streams and rivers is only allowed from late April to mid-November; a California fishing license is required.

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Around Yosemite

If someone else is feeling spendy and wants to treat, my first choice for in-park eats is the upscale Ahwahnee Dining Room, although taking a meal here does mean leveling up your attire, since there’s a dress code (no shorts, T-shirts, or flip-flops). The Wawona Hotel Dining Room provides just as much ambiance with a slightly less exclusive air; in summertime it hosts an even less stuffy buffet-style barbecue every Saturday night.

When it comes to more casual grub, you’re looking at a pretty standard concessions operation, with a few notable exceptions. I can’t think of a time I’ve been in the Valley without visiting Curry Village to grab a slice from the Pizza Patio and a brew from the nearby open-air bar. Meadow Grill, in the same area, offers a surprising variety of goods, including breakfast burritos and rice bowls. My meat-loving friends swear by the barbecue cooked up at The Loft at Degnan’s in Yosemite Village. When in Tuolumne Meadows, stop at its seasonal summertime grill for a post-hike burger and fries, washed down with a fluffy swirl of soft serve.

Tasty eats proliferate beyond the park’s boundaries. Near the Tioga Pass entrance, the small town of Lee Vining is famous for its Whoa Nellie Deli , which is tucked inside an unassuming Mobil station. Trust me: grab some fish tacos for lunch, then order a pizza to eat later for dinner.

Just 15 minutes south of Wawona, tiny Fish Camp boasts the rustic Fish Camp General Store , where you can grab groceries, outdoor gear, tchotchkes, and sandwiches as thick as your thigh. Head 15 minutes southwest from the Valley and hit up the gateway town of El Portal to grab a pie from Parkside Pizza, which crafts crusts that you won’t want to leave on your plate. Keep driving a half-hour south to Midpines for the  June Bug Café , a rustic gem serving elevated comfort food, much of it sourced regionally. Not far beyond that is Mariposa, a larger burg with plenty of options, including slurp-worthy noodles at the Little Shop of Ramen .

If You Have Time for a Detour

Block out at least a day or two to take in the natural wonders located within a short drive of the park’s northern entrance at Tioga Pass. Start with a visit to Mono Lake , a body of water with a chemistry so complex that chalky, stalagmite-like towers of tufa rise from its bed. Its beauty is haunting any time of day, but the view at dusk or dawn is absolutely surreal. From there, head south for a drive along the scenic June Lake Loop , which is especially stunning in fall, when quaking aspen blaze bright yellow. In summer, hop the seasonal shuttle from the ski town of Mammoth Lakes to visit Devils Postpile National Monument  and its massive stack of perfectly geometric basalt columns, a dazzling reminder of the area’s ancient volcanic history.

If you’d rather hang out near Yosemite’s southern gateway, Bass Lake is only a half-hour south of Wawona and offers a host of recreational opportunities, including excellent warm-water fishing. Farther afield, carve out some time to road-trip 160 miles to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to stand among the world’s largest trees and experience a double dose of High Sierra bliss.

Finally, if you’re heading west on Highway 120, make a pit stop an hour outside of the Valley in Groveland, a historic town with a laid-back groove. Every time I pass through, I make a beeline for Mountain Sage , a coffee shop that doubles as an art gallery and plant nursery. Put that caffeine to good use by hiring locals from the Echo Adventure Cooperative , who can, among other things, introduce you to the world-class rafting opportunities that exist outside the park.

How to Be a Conscious Visitor

Each spring, Yosemite’s steep cliffs offer safe harbor to the world’s fastest animal, the peregrine falcon, which is capable of dive-bombing its prey at nearly 200 miles per hour when on the hunt. While nesting with their chicks, however, these rapid raptors need a little peace and quiet, so  the park restricts climbing and other activities near nesting sites for several months beginning each March.

Rock hounds should also familiarize themselves with the park’s climbing regulations . These prohibit the use of power drills and the removal of foliage while establishing new routes, and they ask that folks haul away all their gear and trash—including human waste, for big-wall climbers who overnight on their routes—when finished on the rock.

Speaking of rock stars, the whole of Yosemite is one giant bearea —that is, it’s absolutely teeming with black bears. In a bygone era, visitors were allowed to feed them during ranger programs, but luckily management wised up and realized that, as the saying goes, a fed bear is a dead bear. Keep our ursine pals safe by following all regulations regarding the storage of food and other scented items. Also be sure to mind posted speed limits; each year, well over a dozen bears are hit by cars on the park’s roads.

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9 Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park has something for all of us: the extreme outdoor enthusiast, the quiet nature observer, the family camper. Even those who don’t consider themselves “outdoorsy” find something to love in the fresh water cascades, the granite domes, and verdant Yosemite valley. Once there, the park is overwhelming: what should I do first? What if I skip the best hike in Yosemite ? What if I choose a must do hike in Yosemite and it’s too hard for me. This blog is here to help!

For overnight stays in Yosemite, check out REI’s guided adventure travel trips .

Easy Hikes in Yosemite

Whether you’re new to hiking, or you are trekking with little ones or grandparents, or just want to ease into the grandeur of this intimidating park, these are the best easy hikes we recommend.

Lower Yosemite Falls

This is a wonderful hike between May to July to see the base of Yosemite Falls (Lower Yosemite Falls, to see upper Yosemite Falls check out our backpacking trip ). It is only .5 miles roundtrip from the trailhead or 1.5 miles from Yosemite Village. Give yourself 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how entranced you are by amazing waterfalls.

Mariposa Grove

This is the best of the three groves of giant sequoias and they are a must-see, and several loops exist between 0.3 mile and 7.0 miles. Depending on the loop you take in the Mariposa Grove, you can get anywhere from a 0 to 1,200 feet elevation gain/loss. Give yourself 1 to 4 hours because even the shortest loop will require plenty of ‘whoa’ time.

Taft Point and Sentinel Dome via Pohono Trail

The Taft Point and Sentinel Dome hike via the Pohono Trail is the best easy to moderate hike in Yosemite. Why? Because it has the fewest tourists. Up on Glacier Point you get incredible views of Yosemite Valley from above. The hike is about 5 miles and starting at 7,700 feet elevation at the trailhead, there is a loss of 200 feet to Taft Point, then a gain of 800 feet to the top of Sentinel Dome, followed by a loss of 600 feet back to the trailhead. You’ll need 3 to 4 hours due to all the amazing views of Yosemite Valley from above.

Moderate Hikes in Yosemite

Looking for the best day hikes that provide more of a challenge, get you a little deeper into the Yosemite backcountry, and off the tourist-trodden paths that are listed above? These are the routes for you. If you’re hoping to head into the high country for more moderate Yosemite hikes, keep in mind that you’ll be hiking at high elevation which adds an element of challenge.

The Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

A hike on the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls is a must if you’re visiting Yosemite National Park. The hike is 3 miles roundtrip to Vernal Falls and 7 miles total if you want to see Nevada Falls. It is a 1,000-foot gain to Vernal Falls and another 900 to the top of Nevada Falls. These waterfalls flow year-round, so expect to see many other waterfall-chasers on the trail. Hit this trail early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds, and expect to take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. (Read our blog on 5 waterfalls you can hike to in Yosemite )

Cathedral Lakes

If you’re headed out of the valley to see Tuolumne Meadows or anything on Tioga Road, this the Cathedral Lakes hike is the best day hike in the area. It is an 8-mile roundtrip hike to see both Lower and Upper Cathedral Lakes. Expect to take 3 to 5 hours to complete this hike. A picnic at one of the lakes is always a good idea!

Panorama Trail

Bookended by the overly popular Mist Trail and Glacier Point, the Panorama Trail offers lesser-known but equally spectacular sights such as Illilouette Falls and Panorama Point. Start in the valley if you love uphill, and start from Glacier Point if you’re a downhill fanatic. This is a long hike – 8.5 miles one-way. You can use the park shuttle to loop back to your start point. Give yourself 4.5 to 7 hours, the latter being common for the uphill route.

Difficult Hikes in Yosemite

Glacier point via four-mile trail.

Hiking to Glacier Point is 4.7 miles one-way or 9.4 miles roundtrip with a gain of 3,200 feet to Glacier Point. To hike it one-way, use the park shuttle system! Give yourself 2 to 5 hours one-way depending on your up-hill speed, and for an extra challenge and more breath-taking views, combine this hike with the Panorama Trail!

Upper Yosemite Falls

You can check out Upper Yosemite Falls from below, or you can hike all the way to the top and look down at the crowds! This hike is 7.6 miles round-trip with a 2,559-foot elevation gain to the top of the falls. Give yourself an entire day, 6 to 10 hours, to complete the hike. For an extra treat, continue another 0.9 mile (1.8 mile roundtrip; total hiking distance would be 9.4 miles and 2,969 feet elevation change) to Yosemite Point, one of the best views you’ll ever experience in the park.

Half Dome via Mist Trail

If you’re out to do the Half Dome hike, read more about it in our 7 things you need to know about Half Dome blog . But to cover the basics: get your permit (it’s REQUIRED), check the season (usually the cables are accessible Memorial Day through Labor Day but this varies based on weather), watch the weather (people have died due to wind, rain, or lightning on Half Dome), and make sure to have a big, bright-colored marker for checking this one off your Bucket List when done! Finally, if considering an overnight (my preferred method), then camping at Little Yosemite Valley is perfect, although be prepared to see bears.

The total hiking distance is 14.2 miles roundtrip, with a 4,842-foot gain to the top of Half Dome. Give yourself 10 to 14 hours to hike Half Dome, or better yet, split it into at least two days and find adventure in a Yosemite Half Dome backpacking trip .

There is no one perfect way to see and do everything that Yosemite National Park has to offer, but these hikes will give you a good starting point! Whether you’re looking for easy, moderate, or hard hikes Yosemite National Park is an incredible teacher and trail partner!

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• Things to Do Near Yosemite

Things to Do Near Yosemite National Park: 17 Memorable Activities

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: February 12, 2024

Are you looking for some fun things to do near Yosemite? My list includes more than a dozen fun activities, from hiking to wine tasting to exploring nearby historic towns.

While it's tough to match the activities inside the park, such as hiking Yosemite Falls, enjoying the views from Glacier Point, and strolling around Yosemite Valley, my list offers fun things to do before or after visiting this majestic gem.

You'll discover the best nearby ski resort, gorgeous lakes, and a few additional national parks. Other fun activities include sampling local beers, working on your golf game, and pressing your luck at local casinos.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

1. Devils Postpile National Monumnent

Devils Postpile National Monument is an unusual and extraordinary place to visit. Consisting of hundreds of vertical basalt columns, it is utterly unique. It is thought to have formed 100,000 years ago from a cooling lava flow and is a must-see feature for all nature lovers.

Close by is the beautiful Rainbow Falls, a spectacle that is 101 feet tall. The surrounding pine forest is home to plenty of diverse animals and plants.

There are popular hiking and biking trails in the immediate area. There are few geological features as unusual and spectacular as the Devil's Postpile, and you shouldn't miss it.

Visitors should know that the Devil's Postpile is open depending on the weather. It is best to see it during the Spring, Summer, or Fall months. This is because the snow during the winter makes it challenging to get there.

It's one of the most unique things to do near Yosemite.

>> Find additional national parks in Northern California

2. Sugar Pine Railroad

Located near the South Yosemite entrance, this railroad is a blast for everyone, regardless of age. There are several cute buildings, including a "local" store, and you can imagine what it was like back in the olden days here. If you are hungry, you can buy a "grab-and-go" meal here.

Of course, the massive steam engine that takes you through the forest is the main attraction. It takes about one hour, and you will learn about the history of this area and more. I love that there are covered cars so you can stay dry on rainy days.

I also love that they have a few cars made of massive trees. These are open-air cars where you can see the pine forest above and all around you.

They often have special events, so make sure to check ahead.

>> More about the Sugar Pine Railroad

3. Mammoth Ski Resort

Mammoth Ski Resort on Mammoth Mountain is a spectacular place. Open all year round and at 11,000 feet, it is proud to be the resort at the highest elevation in California.

Activities include downhill skiing, fabulous cross-country trails, plus snowmobile rides for a thrill like no other.

In the warmer months, activities are available for all ages and skills, including mountain biking, climbing, and a full range of exciting pursuits at the Adventure Center. Visitors have a choice of comfortable and beautifully appointed lodges.

These range from family-friendly to supremely luxurious. There are many places to enjoy fine meals at Mammoth Mountain with stunning views.

For truly spectacular landscapes and superb amenities, a visit to Mammoth Mountain should be on your list of things to do near Yosemite. A convenient free public bus service connects The Village with the main base lodges.

4. Wine Tasting in Madera

Madera County is a hidden gem destination for lovers of fine wine. California is famous for its wine production; some of the finest are produced in this beautiful grape-growing region. The Madera Wine Trail covers no fewer than eight of the region's finest wineries, where you can enjoy tasting sessions and follow the trail.

Visitors should plan their wine trail excursion using the Madera Wine Trail map, which is available on the website. You can find preferred transport providers to take you on a luxury trail tour.

If you are driving, make sure to have a sober designated driver. They will be allowed entry to the individual free of charge.

Many events are organized along the trail, and many of the wineries also have a restaurant. So, you can plan a day out with fine wine, good food, and superb views.

5. Wine Tasting Near Mariposa

The historic town of Mariposa is charming and worth a visit for its rich history alone. Some of the best wineries in California are close to the town, so it is a wine lover's dream location. Mariposa offers excellent vineyard weather in the beautiful surrounds of the Sierra Foothills.

Silver Fox Vineyards is a highly regarded winery that offers a range of hand-crafted and top-quality wines. It is close to Yosemite National Park and uses only locally grown grapes and ingredients.

Also close to Mariposa is Butterfly Creek Winery, where visitors can enjoy tasting sessions and other events throughout the year.

The region is home to other wineries that may be further afield yet are still worth the journey. We recommend booking ahead as winery tastings are popular in the Yosemite National Park region.

6. Mariposa, CA

Few places reflect the atmosphere and architecture of the Old West, like the city of Mariposa. Located in the lush surrounds of the Sierra Foothills, this is a town that is simply charming to visit.

Even more so, there is much to see, do, and enjoy in the region. Many wineries are close to town, and you can taste excellent wines.

Mariposa was a center for the Gold Rush in the mid-19th century. There is a museum dedicated to the mining activities of the region, which paints a fascinating picture of life in those times.

Furthermore, visitors can go panning for gold with instructors who will help them try their hand at finding gold! It is great fun for adults as well as kids.

Mariposa is a gateway to the magnificent and world-famous Yosemite National Park. It is a major attraction for families, groups, and couples who come here to enjoy the region's many delights.

7. Mono Lake

For stunning views of a rare phenomenon, visitors to Yosemite National Park should head to Mono Lake. First and foremost, one of its spectacular features is being unusual for its alkaline water.

More than that, Mono Lake is famous for the many astonishing "Tufa Towers." These massive rock formations emerge from the water and have taken thousands of years to form.

The lake is also an important stopping point for millions of migrating birds, making it a prime location for 'twitchers' and wildlife lovers.

The lake doesn't have an inlet or outlet and is saline, so it does not support native fish species. It is famous for the Mono Lake Brine Shrimp, which the visiting birds feed.

With its unique ecosystem and unusual qualities, Mono Lake is a place to visit for spectacular scenery unlike anywhere else near Yosemite National Park.

8. Bass Lake

Bass Lake is a popular destination for visitors to or from Yosemite National Park. Many choose to stay at The Pines, which is a fantastic resort on the lake. It also offers a wealth of water sports activities for everyone and is a prime family vacation destination.

Fishing in the lake is good, and the warm waters make Bass Lake great for swimming.

Located at the Southern Gateway to the National Park, the lake offers a spectacular backdrop for camping, and there are many excellent spots near the water. It has loads of mountain bike trails, hiking routes, and many other activities for kids and adults.

This makes it an excellent choice of location if you are looking for a fun and diverse vacation.

9. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Sequoia National Park is world famous for its magnificent Giant Sequoia trees. They are genuinely ancient and are among the wonders of the natural world. Visitors can stay in one of the lodges shared by Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks, both run by the same administration.

Standing alongside these mighty living trees invokes a sense of sheer wonder, and there is no sight like Sequoia Groves anywhere on earth.

Kings Canyon offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. There is nothing like those towering rock formations, magnificent caves, and canyons to explore.

A Kings Canyon Scenic Byway Trail guides visitors through the best of the scenery, and the varied and rich wildlife in the park is astonishing.

There are three lodging locations available between the two parks. Enjoy your time in them, and always check ahead as they are open at the mercy of the weather.

10. Inyo National Forest

The incredible and striking views of Inyo National Forest are challenging to match. Covering a vast area from the California and Nevada borders, the forest is a mix of towering mountain views, stunning old trees, and simply glorious landscapes.

With a great choice of campsites in some amazingly remote and tranquil locations, this is a popular destination for hikers and adventurers.

Planning a trip to Inyo National Forest should be done carefully, as the camping grounds and trails are subject to weather conditions. Use the forest's website to see what is open and for further information on the various activities.

The previously mentioned Mono Lake is within the forest and is undoubtedly worth a visit as it is a unique and beautiful place. The local wildlife is mostly safe, but remember you're in bear country, so follow advice on carefully packaging food.

11. Stanislaus National Forest

Covering almost 900,000 acres, Stanislaus National Forest is one of the wonders of the Yosemite region. The designated hiking trails cover more than 1000 miles of incredible wilderness and superb landscapes.

No fewer than 78 lakes and over 800 miles of tranquil streams are within the forest.

Camping is available at many sites in the forest, and you can choose from lakeside or forest camping. Cherry Lake is the largest in the Stanislaus National Forest. You can take a boat out on the water, swim, fish, or walk around the shore.

Camping is popular at Cherry Lake, and it is worth doing if you visit here.

The many wilderness areas of unspoiled and untouched landscapes are wonderful. You will want to play ahead, as much less accessible during poor weather.

12. Craft Beer Tasting

The Yosemite National Park region is home to many craft beer producers. Because of that, this brewing area has exploded in popularity in recent years. Local breweries make a wide variety of American and international brews, and lovers of ale and beer will be in their element here.

South Gate Brewing Company

One of my favorites in the area is South Gate Brewing Company. And, as you can tell by the name, it is south of the park in the small town of Oakhurst.

Their beers are excellent, and the food is extraordinary. I love their Southern Fried Chicken. It's fresh and tasty. I also love their Beer Cheese Marconi.

They make a variety of beers, from tasty IPAs to some with a hint of fruit.

The only problem with this place is that it's really popular and they don't take reservations. They will have a line out the door most evenings, but I assure you the wait is worth it.

Around the Horn Brewing Company

About 35 minutes west of Yosemite in the small town of Groveland is Around The Horn Brewing Company.

They offer up some yummy beers with amusing names, such as Not NOT Idea (a double IPA), Lost in Lucidity (Pilsner), and Fluffy Tutu (Sour). Their beer selection rotates, but they always have a good number on hand.

They don't take themselves too seriously but know how to make incredible beers.

They also offer a small selection of items on their food menu. You'll find some shareable items, salads, and a few sandwiches.

1850 Restaurant and Brewery

1850 Restaurant and Brewery is located in the charming town of Mariposa, close to Yosemite National Park. The restaurant is popular with visitors and locals and offers a varied selection of home-brewed craft ales.

They serve great dishes at lunch and dinner, and accommodation is available above the restaurant.

13. Skydiving

One of the most spectacular ways of getting a view of the magnificent surroundings of Yosemite Valley is to jump out of an airplane! Mariposa-Yosemite Airport is a convenient location for skydiving activities in the region.

They also have experienced guides on hand to help. A tandem jump will provide stunning views of Half Dome and El Capitan that remain unrivaled.

The association run events such as flying marriage proposals, group jumps, birthday celebrations, and sponsored jumps. You will be required to be physically healthy and over 18 years old. Beyond that, there are no age limits, and they have even had an 80-year-old make a jump.

If you're looking for an exceptional gift for a loved one, why not buy them a skydiving gift certificate? Accommodation is available in and around Mariposa, a charming town in its own right.

14. Groveland

Groveland's historic and attractive town is a popular destination for vacationers wishing to explore Yosemite National Park. One of the region's prime "Gold Rush" towns, much of the architecture reflects the town's rich history and makes for a fascinating backdrop.

It is usually busy with many restaurants, bars, and shops, making it unique. Therefore I recommend booking as early as possible.

When visiting Groveland, you must take a break in the Iron Door Saloon. It is known to be the oldest saloon in constant use in California. The traditional saloon decor and historic artifacts in the bar make this a fascinating place to relax and have a well-earned drink. Remarkably, the original bar is still used.

Take the opportunity to go fishing or white-water rafting when you are here. There are many other activities, such as horse riding, mountain biking, and hiking. Enjoy some of the most beautiful surroundings you will find anywhere.

The Big Oak Flat Entrance to Yosemite National Park is 25 miles from town.

15. Golfing

Golf is one of the popular things to do near Yosemite, with many fine courses. Playing a few rounds in spectacular settings makes the game far more special.

I recommend you check out the following Yosemite golf courses for availability and requirements.

River Creek Golf Course

It is located in the pretty town of Ahwahnee and a short distance from the Southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. The course is impressive, with the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains as a backdrop.

Laid out more than 100 years ago, River Creek must be among California's most beautiful golf courses.

Yosemite Lakes Park Golf Course

The spectacular setting for the beautifully presented Yosemite Lakes Park Golf Course is simply delightful. A neatly laid out 9-hole course, with five holes over water hazards, is regarded as challenging in places thanks to small greens and tight fairways.

The course is open to both members and non-members and offers a choice of three eateries within the grounds.

Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course

Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course open to the public. Superbly designed to engage even the best players, the surroundings are spectacular and worth the visit alone.

Located in the town of Groveland and just 26 miles from the entrance to Yosemite National Park, this is a course you need to play when in the area.

Wawona Golf Course

Entirely within Yosemite National Park is Wawona Golf Course, which has entranced golfers of all levels of experience for more than 100 years.

With varied terrain and some challenging greens, this course can be played in 9 or 18-hole formats thanks to alternative tees on some holes.

16. Casinos

A visit to the casino is always an enjoyable occasion, and several are within or close to the park. Be aware that some have a dress code, so get yourself suited up and choose from one of the following excellent casinos - and good luck!

Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino

Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino offers guests a wealth of table games and slots and is a full resort with hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Located in Coarsegold, California, and within easy reach of Yosemite National Park, this casino is for serious players and those looking for a fun spot.

Mono Wind Casino

The highly regarded Mono Wind Casino is in the town of Auberry, California. Play your favorite slots or table games, then enjoy a meal at the Broken Arrow Bar and Grill.

The menu is replete with a wide variety of dishes to suit all tastes, emphasizing classic American food.

Chicken Ranch Casino

In Sonora and close to Yosemite National Park, Chicken Ranch Casino is a fun place to enjoy your favorite games and a wide choice of slots. There are also on-the-spot competitions and events run throughout the year.

Enjoy a meal at the Ranch House Restaurant, where you'll find something for everyone on their simple but satisfying menu.

17. Don Pedro Lake and Recreation Area

Don Pedro Lake and Recreation Area sits in the Sierra Foothills and offers spectacular mountain views. This is an ideal base for exploring Yosemite National Park.

The pretty, historic towns of Groveland and Coulterville, which have their origins in the California Gold Rush, are home to many fine restaurants, bars, and shops.

Attractions include boating and fishing on the lake and rafting on the Tuolumne River. There are also many miles of walking and biking trails in the vicinity.

Railway enthusiasts will love the Railtown 1897 State Park with its great steam engines, and stunning Stanislaus National Forest is half an hour's drive.

The Recreation Area offers accommodation in various forms, including houseboats and traditional camping. If you want to camp, there are plenty of campsites throughout the local area.

This family-friendly destination makes for a central location in easy reach of the major attractions in the Yosemite area.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

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You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

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Yosemite ranked among best national parks in US. What other California spots made the list?

Love the great outdoors? In California, you can take a hike at some of the top national parks in the country.

Travel + Leisure recently ranked the 25 best national parks of 2024 , and three California spots made the list.

The travel magazine picked the parks with the help of readers.

“The best national parks in the United States set themselves apart with tantalizing natural attractions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” Travel + Leisure said.

Which California national parks are among best in US?

Yosemite was No. 3 on Travel + Leisure’s list of the best national parks in the United States, trailing behind Yellowstone National Park in first place and Grand Teton National Park in second place.

Located in the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite is known for its waterfalls, grand meadows and giant sequoias, according to the National Park Service.

Redwood National Park, a Northern California spot that’s home to the tallest trees on earth , was No. 15 on Travel + Leisure’s list.

Sequoia National Park in the southern Sierra Nevada landed at No. 16.

Which are the top 10 national parks?

According to Travel + Leisure, the top 10 national parks are:

• Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana
• Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming
• Yosemite National Park
• Glacier National Park in Montana
• Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska
• Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
• Zion National Park in Utah
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee
• Katmai National Park in Alaska
• Denali National Park in Alaska

How did Travel + Leisure come up with its rankings?

As part of its annual World’s Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — including the top hotels,cruise ships and spas.

Nearly 165,000 readers completed the 2023 survey, the publication said, casting a total of more than 685,000 votes across more than 8,500 unique properties.

Readers rated national parks based on six key factors:

• Natural attractions
• Accessibility
• Cleanliness and accessibility

“For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor,” Travel + Leisure said. “The final scores are averages of these responses.”

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email [email protected] .

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Find gorgeous adventures near Yosemite, no reservations required

The visit tuolumne county team has scenic suggestions on where to go beyond the bustling national park., by alysia gray painter • published july 17, 2024 • updated on july 17, 2024 at 2:55 pm, what to know.

• Reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park during peak hours daily through Aug. 16; reservations will be required on select days through Oct. 27
• Guests with a lodging reservation do not need a reservation to drive in; other exceptions apply, including trips on YARTS
• The Visit Tuolumne County team has offered ways to soak up nature and sights near the national park

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK... is a place, yes, but it is also, if you'll allow us, a mood, a poem, a daydream, and a waterfall-packed flight of fantasy. It is a thousand more indescribable things beyond those things, a notion that can instantly a park-loving person with all the big emotions. But when you're a legendary location that is famed for its indisputable epic qualities, you also draw plenty of devotees, especially in the warmer months; such is the well-known fact about this fantastical realm. Having a reservation to enter during peak hours is a must for most visitors over much of the summer (lodging guests with reservations are exempted as are YARTS passengers). With this in mind, the Visit Tuolumne County team has enticing ideas on where to go near the park without needing a reservation.

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STANISLAUS NATIONAL FOREST... is one beautiful and seriously big recommendation , a vista-blessed expanse boasting dozens of lakes ("over 78," sweet) and "over 1,000 miles" of trails. Groveland is another great Yosemite-adjacent pick, both for its charming shops and eateries; the Iron Door Saloon, "California's oldest continuously running saloon," is a Golden State icon. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is not too far from the quaint town and, nope, a reservation is not needed to admire its grand granite walls. But you say you're still thinking of working Yosemite into your itinerary? We get it: It's the ultimate dream place. Here's everything you need to know , include dates and details, about 2024 entry reservations.

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Best National Park in the US? It's not Yellowstone, Yosemite or the Great Smokies, according to new list

This National Park draws fewer crowds than its more popular counterparts, but is still rated highly for hiking trails and wildlife sightings

What is the best National Park in the US? The answer, of course, is entirely subjective  – but when put to the average person, most might suggest Yellowstone for its heady array of geysers , Yosemite for its tumbling waterfalls or the hazy peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains. However, a new list ranking the National Parks has named a much lesser-visited (and even lesser-known) park as the top park to visit.

According to the new list by the Wall Street Journal published last week, the best National Park is in fact Isle Royale, Michigan. Never heard of it? You wouldn't be the first, as its national visitorship is just 25,000 per year, barely a drop in the bucket compared to the 12 million who crowd the gates of Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year. And that is part of the appeal of this park.

The WSJ say they used "cold, hard numbers" to come up with their list, and looked at crowd sizes, quality and quantity of hiking trails, availability of campsites and access to recreational activities like mountain biking, fishing and horseback riding to determine their rankings. 

With that criteria in mind, Isle Royale, which sits 15 miles off the mainland in Lake Superior and can only be reached by plane or ferry, elbowed the most popular National Parks out of the way to reach the top of the list ahead of Northern Cascades, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Big Bend National Park, which round out the top three.

What's so great about Isle Royale?

The lack of crowds is key to sending Isle Royale out ahead of the pack, and makes the 45-mile long island a "true wilderness" according to the paper, which also noted the wildlife viewing opportunities, writing that the parks is "a land of moose and wolves and the drama forever playing out between them."

Last year, we reported on the long-running wolf-moose project on the island which has returned a thriving wolf population to Isle Royale and benefited the moose and vegetation.

The WSJ also noted the ease with which backpackers can pitch a tent in one of the park’s 36 rustic campgrounds, while hikers will find plenty of day hiking opportunities, too. This rugged island made our list of the most underrated National Parks thanks to its pristine shoreline, swamps, boreal forests, glacial lakes, several small mountains. 

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Isle Royale National Park is open every year from April 16 through October 31 so there's plenty of time to plan a trip there this year. There are no shops, but the Rock Harbor Lodge has two restaurants. Boaters and backpackers are encouraged to bring their own food, and it's important to know what to do if you encounter a moose or a wolf on the trail.

• Best hiking boots: hit the trails

Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the book  Restorative Yoga for Beginners . She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.  

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I never go hiking or camping without this lightweight piece of survival gear, and it's less than $10 for Amazon Prime Day

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• 2 Garmin's best beginner-friendly running watch has hit a record low price for Amazon Prime Day
• 3 There's 30% off this Yeti Camino tote bag for Amazon Prime Day – but only if you're quick
• 4 It's not a typo, this funky Garmin watch really is just £160 for Amazon Prime Day
• 5 Get a huge $75 off this Yeti Roadie 24 cooler for Amazon Prime Day (yes, really!)