The 15 finest issues to do in Yosemite Nationwide Park

With its spectacular granite monoliths, plunging waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys, Yosemite Nationwide Park delivers the sort of epic surroundings and journey that sticks with you lengthy after your journey ends. Most guests arrive anticipating to see the icons: Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. And whereas they completely ship, what surprises many is how a lot selection lies past the postcard views of Yosemite Valley. Unspoiled high-country lakes, secluded groves of historical sequoias, backcountry camps, off-the-radar swimming holes, even a ski space. Right here, grandeur is available in many varieties.

Regardless of its wild, untamed look, Yosemite is surprisingly accessible, with well-maintained roads, free shuttles and an amazing vary of experiences for each traveler, from veteran hikers to first-timers. The park is famously huge, and with a lot to see, it may be tough deciding what to deal with first. These 15 memorable issues to do will enable you to zero in on the most effective of Yosemite.

1. Get a dramatic Yosemite welcome at Tunnel View

This jaw-dropping viewpoint delivers one of the vital photographed vistas in your complete nationwide park system. Yosemite Valley’s panoramic sweep greets you the second you exit the Wawona Tunnel, El Capitan to the left, Bridalveil Fall to the fitting, Half Dome rising within the distance. We’ve by some means all the time managed to seek out parking, however the lot is pretty small, so mentally put together your self to must drive previous it and make a loop simply in case. 

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Planning tip: Guests are required to have reservations to enter Yosemite at occasions throughout peak season. Dates and occasions differ barely yearly; in 2025, they embody 6am to 2pm Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, plus June 15 by August 15.

2. Discover the park’s biggest hits in Yosemite Valley

That is the Yosemite you’ve seen in postcards: granite behemoths like El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite Falls thundering down from 2,425ft (739 meters), climbing and biking trails crisscrossing golden meadows. Yosemite Valley serves because the park’s bustling hub, with a scenic loop drive, a number of lodging and eating choices (Yosemite Valley Lodge alone has a number of; Base Camp Eatery is often my go-to), bike leases, guided excursions and trailheads for a number of widespread hikes. Discover the valley on foot by way of the Valley Loop Path, look ahead to wildlife in Cook dinner’s Meadow, snap pictures of Yosemite Valley Chapel (and catch Sunday providers!) and pop into the Ansel Adams Gallery, open year-round.

Planning tip: The free Yosemite Valley shuttle loops across the valley from 7am to 10pm day by day in the summertime, with stops each 12 to 22 minutes. 

3. Stretch your legs with out breaking a sweat at Mirror Lake

One in all Yosemite’s best hikes (it’s nearly fully flat, a rarity on this park), Mirror Lake presents postcard-worthy views with minimal effort. Entry the trailhead from Curry Village, the Yosemite Valley Loop Path or shuttle cease #17, Mirror Lake Trailhead. From there, a paved 1-mile service highway results in the lake, making the primary stretch superb for wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles. Most guests cease on the lake itself, however persevering with on the 5-mile loop round it will get you away from the crowds.

Planning tip: By late summer time, Mirror Lake isn’t often a lot of a lake in any respect. It usually dries up by August and isn’t full once more till springtime. It’s also possible to attain the lake year-round, and winter presents a memorable frozen wonderland scene.  

4. Get a style of the enduring Mist Path at Vernal Fall

The 317-foot-tall Vernal Fall is without doubt one of the strongest, rewarding waterfalls within the park, and also you gained’t see it from the valley ground. Ranging from Comfortable Isles (shuttle cease #16 or a brief stroll from Curry Village), hike a few mile to the Vernal Fall footbridge for a view from the cascade’s base. To succeed in the highest, proceed up the path’s famously misty granite staircase – over 600 steps perpetually slick with waterfall spray. The climb is brief however strenuous, and in spring, the mist is extra of a drench. 

Planning tip: For a much bigger problem, proceed on the Mist Path previous Vernal Fall to the highest of 594-foot Nevada Fall. The out-and-back route totals 5.4 miles with round 2000ft of elevation achieve.

5. Cruise Glacier Level Highway’s unforgettable panoramic overlooks

This scenic 16-mile highway results in a few of Yosemite’s most arresting viewpoints, together with legendary Glacier Level, arguably the most effective sundown spot anyplace. Take in in-your-face views of Half Dome and vistas stretching throughout Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls and Vernal Fall. Open roughly Could by November, Glacier Level Highway additionally briefly (sometimes just some days) opens to cyclists solely every spring earlier than autos are allowed, providing a uncommon alternative to expertise Yosemite with out visitors. Alongside the way in which, deal with quick hikes just like the one to Taft Level and Sentinel Dome.

Planning tip: In case you desire to not drive, take the Glacier Level Tour from Yosemite Valley Lodge. The round-trip tour is 4 hours, however you too can e book a one-way ticket and hike again down into Yosemite Valley by way of the Panorama Path or 4-Mile Path. 

6. Seize sundown reflections from Valley View

Tucked alongside the Merced River simply off Northside Drive, unmarked Valley View is considered one of Yosemite’s most photogenic vistas. You’ll have unimaginable views of El Capitan rising to your left, with Cathedral Rocks, Sentinel Rock, the Three Brothers and Bridalveil Fall (in spring and early summer time) throughout the water, all completely framed by the river within the foreground. It’s a shocking view any time of day, however the gentle turns golden and the scene transforms into one thing genuinely magical at sundown.

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Planning tip: Arrive about an hour earlier than sundown to stake out a spot. This is without doubt one of the park’s hottest spots for golden hour, particularly for photographers. 

7. Stroll amongst giants within the Mariposa Grove of Big Sequoias

The biggest of Yosemite’s three sequoia groves, Mariposa Grove is house to over 500 historical big sequoias. Among the most well-known residents embody the three,000-year-old Grizzly Big and the California Tunnel Tree. A number of trails lead by the grove and wind previous clusters of towering sequoias, from the quick, accessible Huge Bushes Loop to the 2-mile Grizzly Big Loop or difficult Mariposa Grove Path.

Mariposa Grove is tranquil and reflective, permitting guests to expertise Yosemite’s splendor at a quiet, contemplative tempo. A free shuttle runs from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza to Mariposa Grove from mid-April by November. Within the winter, guests can entry the grove by climbing or snowshoeing 2 miles every means on Mariposa Grove Highway.

Planning tip: Mariposa Grove is simply inside Yosemite’s South Entrance, closest to Fish Camp and Oakhurst and never near a lot else within the park aside from Wawona. Plan your go to in your means in or out for the day, or pair it with a visit to the Wawona swinging bridge (#8 beneath).

8. Hike to an under-the-radar swimming gap close to Wawona Swinging Bridge

This 40-foot picket swinging bridge – sure, you’ll really feel it sway below your ft – crosses the South Fork of the Merced River. The peaceable ¾-mile riverside path is almost flat, making it superb for households or a break between difficult hikes. In late spring, the river rushes with a thunderous roar; by mid-summer, shallow emerald swimming pools beneath the bridge flip it right into a blissful, off-the-beaten-path swimming gap. It ought to go with out saying, however don’t even try and swim when rapids are current.

Planning tip: Mix the swinging bridge with a hike to Chilnualna Falls. Discover each trailheads on Chilnualna Falls Highway. Do the waterfall hike first, then cool off on the bridge.

9. Drive Tioga Highway to find Yosemite’s quiet aspect

Climbing out of Yosemite Valley and into the excessive nation, Tioga Highway (Freeway 120) presents a vastly totally different perspective on the park. The winding 47-mile highway connects Crane Flat to Tioga Cross, carving by a panorama of subalpine forest, granite domes, wildflower meadows and glacier-carved lakes. Highlights embody crystal-clear Tenaya Lake, wildflower-blanketed Tuolumne Meadows, Soda Springs and the dramatic Olmsted Level, the place the valley sprawls out beneath. 

Tioga Highway sometimes opens just a few weeks after Glacier Level Highway, often late Could or June, and closes by November. From mid-June by early September, the Yosemite Valley–Tuolumne Meadows hikers bus presents one-way rides from Yosemite Valley to key websites and trailheads alongside the highway.

Planning tip: For a ‘secret’ viewpoint, cross the highway from the Olmsted Level parking space and hike up the granite dome behind it. From the highest, soak up sweeping views of Tenaya Lake, Cloud’s Relaxation, Mount Hoffman and a dramatic angle on Half Dome. 

10. Keep within the well-known tent cabins and benefit from the social scene in Curry Village

Instantly below Glacier Level in Yosemite Valley, Curry Village is a vigorous hub that places you near among the park’s hottest hikes, together with the Mist Path, Vernal Fall and Half Dome. Lodging ranges from the enduring tent cabins (4 of us stayed in a single the evening earlier than tackling Half Dome to keep away from touring to the trailhead) to conventional picket cabins and lodge-style rooms.

Past a spot to sleep, Curry Village capabilities like a small city. Begin your days at Espresso Nook, seize tacos from Taqueria at The Meadow Grill, sip very good cocktails at Bar 1899 and refuel post-hike with a Half Dome pizza from the Pizza Deck. Nobody will decide in the event you eat your complete factor. Snag a rocking chair on the porch in the event you can. Curry Village additionally has a well-stocked normal retailer, bike leases with youngster trailers and helmets and even an out of doors swimming pool. In winter, pop by for a spin across the old-school ice-skating rink, full with cozy hearth pits.

Planning tip: The unheated tent cabins provide the most effective in-park lodging cut price by far. They’ve lights however no electrical shops, so carry a light-bulb socket adapter and a brief extension twine. 

11. Get fancy for dinner or drinks at The Ahwahnee

Framed by Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Level, The Ahwahnee is without doubt one of the Nationwide Park Service’s crown jewels. Its grand stone and timber structure blends with the environment, and the hovering ceilings, floor-to-ceiling home windows and large fireplaces inside make the resort a vacation spot in its personal proper. In a single day stays are a serious splurge for most individuals, however anybody can wander the grounds or get pleasure from a drink or meal in The Ahwahnee Eating Room.

Planning tip: It’s usually simpler to attain a seat at The Ahwahnee Bar than within the eating room. Plus, the bar is extra informal – in the event you eat dinner within the restaurant, males should put on pants and a collared shirt; ladies are required to put on a gown, a skirt or shirt and pants.

12. Chase waterfalls away from the crowds at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Greatest for ditching the crowds

Over one hour from Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy sees a fraction of park guests – round 1% yearly. The glacial valley that after bore a placing resemblance to Yosemite Valley was flooded within the early twentieth century to create a reservoir to complement San Francisco’s water provide. The huge O’Shaughnessy Dam serves because the gateway to one of many park’s most underrated landscapes.

Steep granite domes and thundering waterfalls, together with 1080ft Wapama Falls, ring the reservoir. The 5-mile round-trip hike to Wapama is considered one of Hetch Hetchy’s highlights, with the path bringing hikers shut sufficient to get sprayed. Lookout Level is one other widespread hike. Birders additionally discover this part of the park rewarding, with over 100 chicken species calling it house.

Planning tip: Hetch Hetchy is the one space in Yosemite that doesn’t require a reservation throughout peak season. Its decrease elevation additionally means it tends to open a bit earlier within the spring and keep accessible later into fall.

13. Take a dip with a view at Sentinel Seashore 

Tucked alongside the Merced River in Yosemite Valley, Sentinel Seashore presents a peaceable spot to soak up iconic views of Higher Yosemite Fall and Sentinel Dome. When water ranges drop in late summer time and fall, a large sandy seaside emerges – excellent for picnicking, enjoyable, or dipping your toes within the river. At different occasions of yr, particularly throughout spring runoff, the seaside could also be utterly underwater or not seen in any respect. Nonetheless, its devoted picnic space with tables and BBQ grills makes it a terrific riverside cease when circumstances enable.

Planning tip: Sometimes in July and August, you’ll be able to hire two-to-four-person rafts on the Curry Village Exercise desk and paddle 3 miles to Sentinel Seashore. Shuttles decide up on the seaside and return to Curry Village. 

14. Hike the notorious Half Dome Cables Route

Few hikes in Yosemite – or anyplace, actually – ship just like the trek up Half Dome. Not one of the 14 to 18 mile hike is for the faint of coronary heart, however the closing ascent by way of the storied Cables Route is very difficult: hikers should scale slick, near-vertical granite utilizing nothing however metal cables bolted into the rock, with sheer drop-offs on both aspect. For many who earn it, the sense of accomplishment and views from the summit are unforgettable. I’ve completed it myself, and actually nonetheless can’t imagine I did. 

Hikers should rating hard-to-get permits to climb the cables, though you’ll be able to hike to the bottom of Half Dome with out one. Really, although, why go all that strategy to not conquer the cables? Apply in March yearly for the most effective odds for the season forward; in the event you don’t get one, you too can apply for the day by day lottery two days forward. 

Planning tip: Take into account tenting at Little Yosemite Valley the evening earlier than to separate the hike into two days. Our group did your complete path as a day hike on one brutally sizzling September day and unanimously agreed we’d camp subsequent time. To do that, you want a wilderness allow (versus a day hike allow). Bonus: in the event you snag one, you’ll be able to merely add a Half Dome allow to your reservation – no want to attain reservations for each the campground and hike individually. 

15. Play in a winter wonderland at Badger Cross Ski Space

Curry Village isn’t Yosemite’s solely winter playground. Open roughly mid-December by March, Badger Cross has beginner-friendly downhill snowboarding, snowboarding, tubing, cross-country trails and snowshoeing. It’s like a ski resort, however refreshingly low-key. It’s also possible to take a wide range of classes by the ski faculty or discover untouched terrain on a backcountry ski tour. Even in the event you don’t hit the slopes, gear leases, heat drinks and souvenirs within the day lodge make this a worthy hangout. 

Planning tip: A free shuttle runs between Yosemite Valley and Badger Cross day by day at any time when the ski space is open. It’s a 40-minute drive, operating roughly 8am to 4:30pm.