Things to do in Yosemite National Park

Closures: Yosemite is open year-round but some roads are closed in winter due to snow. Certain areas are off-limits because of rock falls. Additionally, Glacier Point Road was closed in 2022 for improvements and is expected to reopen in 2023 but with potential delays. For updated information, visit the National Parks Service Government Website.

We have compiled the top highlights to help you plan your vacation to this bucket-list destination. So, break out your camping gear, stock up on supplies, and prepare to explore Yosemite National Park.

Best Way to See Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is a 4.5-hour drive from Los Angeles and a 3-hour drive from San Francisco. You can easily rent a car in either of these cities. We found it convenient to drive one way and return the car at the end of our trip in the opposite city.

We explored Yosemite on a self-drive tour; however, visitors should be aware that arriving early is essential to enjoy the sights fully. Consequently, parking lots fill up rapidly, making it advisable to reach the trails or lookouts early in the morning.

The park covers an area of 1,200 square miles (3,027 km²), but most of the popular attractions are located around Yosemite Valley. The park provides a shuttle service to take visitors to key attractions. You can park at Yosemite Village and use the shuttle from the visitor center to access numerous highlights. The YARTS public transit system also offers shuttle services throughout the area.

1. Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley serves as the main hub for your national park adventure, featuring top attractions like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.

2. Half Dome

No trip to Yosemite is complete without seeing the iconic Half Dome. This renowned site is a favorite among avid rock climbers, while visitors can safely watch from the various lookout points.

For the best view, head to Glacier Point, although there are multiple locations to view and even climb Half Dome itself.

3. Half Dome Hike

The Half Dome Hike is a strenuous 14-mile round trip that elevates hikers 5,000 feet above the valley floor. Expect to spend 10 to 12 hours for this trek, so start early in the morning. The last portion requires the use of cables to reach the summit, making it essential to be prepared for a challenging climb.

4. Mariposa Grove

One highlight of Yosemite is Mariposa Grove, where guided tours unveil the majestic forest of 500 Giant Sequoias. This historic area was designated for preservation by President Lincoln in 1864 and serves as a key piece of national park history.

Parking is available at the Mariposa Grove welcome plaza, followed by a two-mile hike each way to access the grove via the Washburn Trail or Mariposa Grove Road.

5. Ansel Adams Gallery

A significant draw for visiting Yosemite is experiencing the photography of Ansel Adams firsthand. The Ansel Adams Gallery, located centrally between the Visitor Center and Post Office, displays his iconic images and includes staff knowledgeable about the park.

This gallery features views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point, enhancing your experience as you explore this storied location.

6. El Capitan

A dominant feature of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan attracts climbers from around the globe. The challenging Nose route climbs 3,000 feet straight up its sheer wall, with renowned climbers setting remarkable records along its ascent.

Tunnel View offers fantastic views of El Capitan, but we recommend El Cap Meadow for an unforgettable perspective.

• You have the opportunity to enroll in climbing courses at Yosemite, as Yosemite Mountaineering School is the park’s only authorized climbing school. Visit their website for details.

7. Tunnel View

Tunnel View presents one of the most photographed scenes within Yosemite National Park. Make your way to the parking lot at Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41 for stunning views that incorporate El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. It’s ideal to arrive at sunrise to enjoy this iconic view in tranquility.

8. Bridalveil Fall

The trail to Bridalveil Fall is currently closed due to the Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project, expected to reopen in 2023 with an updated viewing platform and improved trails.

This beautiful waterfall plunges 620 feet (189 meters) into the valley, accessible by a straightforward 0.5-mile (0.8 km) round trip hike from the Bridalveil Fall Parking lot, making it a perfect short walk for visitors.

9. Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is another must-see and ranks as one of the highest waterfalls globally. Various viewing spots exist throughout Yosemite Valley, with rich views available from Yosemite Village itself.

This waterfall consists of three sections with a total drop of 2,425 feet, including Upper Yosemite Falls (1,430 feet), Middle Cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Falls (320 feet). A hike to the top of Yosemite Falls covers 7.2 miles round trip.

10. Mist Trail

The Mist Trail is recognized as the signature hike of Yosemite National Park. It leads to two remarkable waterfalls: Vernal Falls (3-mile round trip) and Nevada Falls (7-mile round trip).

The initial segment takes you to Vernal Fall Footbridge, with the option to continue to the top of Vernal Falls for a breathtaking overlook. The trail merges into John Muir Trail as you ascend to Nevada Falls, providing panoramic views along the way.

• Arrive early to avoid the crowds and secure parking.

11. Mirror Lake Trail

The hike to Mirror Lake is relatively easy and leads to stunning reflections of the Yosemite Valley scenery. The lake is conveniently situated right at the base of Half Dome, creating a picturesque backdrop for visitors.

12. Tioga Road

With a car, don’t miss the chance to drive on Tioga Road (Highway 120), open from late May to November. This scenic route reveals meadows, lakes, and remarkable views of Half Dome from Olmsted Point.

A short hiking trail at Olmsted Point offers striking views of Tenaya Peak, Tenaya Lake, and Mount Conness.

13. Tenaya Lake

Tucked along Tioga Road, Tenaya Lake is the largest lake in Yosemite. It serves as a perfect spot for kayaking, canoeing, and picnicking amidst beautiful surroundings.

14. Tuolumne Meadows

This fascinating area stands as one of the highest-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It features several easy hiking trails, including Lyell Canyon from the John Muir Trail, and offers more challenging options as well.

Access Tuolumne Meadows via Tioga Road, which operates seasonally. Cathedral Lakes is a popular day hike taking 4 to 6 hours for a 7-mile round trip trek with a 1,000-foot elevation gain.

15. Cycling Yosemite

Cyclists are welcome on the park roads, with dedicated paved paths available for rides. The Valley Bike Share program, launched in 2018, aims to reduce traffic congestion by providing bikes near camping areas for easy access to attractions.

16. Yosemite Museum

Take a break from outdoor activities by visiting the Yosemite Museum. It features exhibits on the indigenous people who first inhabited Yosemite Valley and details the history of the national park itself.

17. Glacier Point

Note that Glacier Point Road was closed in 2022 for repairs, but visitors can access Glacier Point via the Four Mile, Panorama, and Pohono Trails. Although this location is an incredible viewpoint of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome, the area is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and visitors should check conditions before planning a trip.

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

18. Sentinel Dome

The Sentinel Dome hike is usually straightforward, but recent road closures may require extra travel time. Currently, the route begins with a 4.7-mile (7.5 km) hike to Glacier Point, followed by 1.5 miles (2.5 km) on the Pohono Trail to reach Sentinel Dome.

The hike totals about 2.2 miles round trip, taking roughly 1-2 hours to complete. From its peak at 4,150 feet, hikers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the valley, making it a favored spot for sunset enthusiasts.

19. Hiking Trails

Yosemite National Park offers numerous hiking opportunities, and visitors can spend an entire summer exploring its diverse trails. While the Half Dome Hike is a popular bucket-list trek, many other options await discovery.

• Lower Yosemite Falls: Experience a 1-mile loop trail to the lower falls, accessible from Yosemite Village.
• The Sentinel Dome Trail: This 2-mile hike provides fantastic views above Yosemite Valley and Merced River Canyon and showcases the famous Jeffrey Pine that Ansel Adams immortalized.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Curry Village, previously known as Half Dome Village, offers a range of accommodations from canvas tents and wooden cabins to hotel rooms. Options vary from basic tents with shared bathrooms to private hotel suites with en-suite amenities.

For pricing comparisons, consider checking TripAdvisor.

The Yosemite Valley Lodge is also highly recommended due to its excellent location, offering free parking, complimentary internet, and a pool.

These highlights encapsulate some of the best experiences to be had in Yosemite National Park. You could devote an entire summer to exploring this majestic landscape and still discover something new.