No matter how many times we have visited we are always in awe of Yosemite National Park. When arriving from State Highway 41 the first sweeping expanse of the views of the valley is glimpsed from Tunnel View Overlook. Here you will see visitors jumping out of their cars and looking out in a state of shock at the expansive granite cliffs. Although not as famous the Vista Point view is also pretty incredible when entering the valley through the Tioga Pass. How is this possible that this landscape is only 5 hours from Los Angeles and 4 hours from San Francisco? If you plan on visiting either of these cities on a trip to California a stay in Yosemite is a must do nature experience. Prepare yourself for an encounter that will completely take your breath away. Photographs, even those taken by Ansel Adams cannot capture the scale or prepare you for what you will see.
Yosemite National Park is also a favorite National Park to visit because there are many cultural and physical activities to engage in that will fit travelers with diverse interests. Here are some favorites:
- Biking the paths around the valley is at the top of the list. There is a lot of ground to cover and biking the relatedly flat bike paths to tour the major locations is a quick way to tour or mode of transportation to the major hiking trailheads. If you don’t have a bike you can rent one.
- Day and night, rain or shine attend the various programs to learn more about the landscape, flowers, stars, culture and bears. Some are for kids, others for adults and some are for both. Remember anyone at any age can become a Jr. Ranger.
- Stop by the Visitor’s Center to learn about the history and geology of the park and the apple trees through the rangers and interpretive exhibits.
- Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery and become inspired. Learn from staff photographers how to take your own artistic photos.
- Take a dive into the huge swimming pool at the Yosemite Lodge.
- Get up close to Yosemite Falls (the tallest waterfall in the world made up of 3 different falls) and if you are up for a hike do that too.
- Stop in for some food at the market, café or head over to Curry Village for pizza.
- Watch the sunset and the light change on Half Dome.
- Fish on the river, hike or visit the Nature Center at Happy Isles.
- Visit historic Camp 4 and chat with climbers or try to spot them as tiny dots on El Capitan.
- For an easy hike explore Mirror Lake. The lake it is now considered a stream but there is an abundance of wildlife and it is fun place to play and stack rocks.
- Soak up the sun at Cathedral Beach or one of the other spots on the serene Merced River.
- Hike Mist Trail to Vernal Falls or even further to Nevada Falls.
- Birdwatch, look for Monarch butterflies, beetles, bears and other wildlife.
- Climb Half Dome if you have the skills. Although Half Dome does not require technical climbing skills it does require a 17-mile hike that involves walking on wooden planks and grabbing on to metal cables. Permits are required.
- With abundant massiveness to look around the park don’t forget the spot the details.
To chill out visit the historical Ahwahnee Hotel, one of the great hotels built for our NP system. Enjoy the architecture, public spaces and some down time. When it is raining outside play board games or cards in the lobby. If you are up for a bite, there are a few spots to choose from.
To explore more of the park and fewer people head further out.
- Drive to the high valleys above the park including Tenaya Lake, Lyell Canyon and Tuolumne Meadows. Stop in at the Visitor’s Center, hike and explore the streams.
-If you are skipping nearby Sequoia National Park visit the Mariposa Grove to see what all the buzz is about when we praise the size of Sequoia Trees. Here you can experience some of what you would see in the Sequoia National Park without the drive over there.
- In the upper elevations at Badger Pass in winter you will find groomed trails for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing and downhill skiing.
- Visit the town of Wawona and the Hotel which is a National Historic Landmark. President Theodore Roosevelt slept here. Try the restaurant.
- Hike to Glacier Point if it is open.
- Head to Hetch Hetchy, the valley that many have fought hard to preserve for over a century. It was dammed and is now filled with water but still a great place to visit to escape the crowds.
Tips for visiting Yosemite
- Choose a time that has fewer visitors. March, April and early May still may be cold, but you won’t find as many people. In summer the Yosemite Valley turns into a city of 100,000 people. In fall you may get a glimpse of the leaves changing colors however many of the waterfalls may be minor trickles. In winter you may be lucky and see snow in the valley and on the mountains and can snowshoe or cross-country ski.
- Camp to suite your comfort. There are many options but if choosing a site in the valley but don’t expect a serene experience in nature. The campsites are hard to get and always packed. Curry Village and Housekeeping provide tented structures. If you want to get away from people, consider backpacking.
- Take the shuttle bus instead of driving. If taking the bus, be prepared for long waits with many others to compete with for seats. The solace is that you do not have to battle traffic and find a parking space and can relax and enjoy the views.
- Don’t rely on digital tech for maps, booking campsites or making plans. Cell service is spotty. The village and hotels are your best bet to find it.
- Search the National Park Website for current construction projects. With construction driving could take more than twice what you have planned and halt access to places you would like to see. Plan on parking your car far from the destination and walking.
