Best Things To Do in Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is like a celebrity among nature spots - it's got the works: towering granite cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, alpine meadows, and some of the biggest, oldest trees in the world.

This wild playground spans over a mind-boggling 748,000 acres, so whether you're a tree hugger, a mountain admirer, or an avid hiker, Yosemite's got a little something for everyone.

Yosemite Valley

One place you don't want to miss is Yosemite Valley, with famous sites like El Capitan and Half Dome. Here are a couple of things to get you excited:

Hiking and Walking Trails

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Yosemite Valley has some incredible hiking trails. The Mist Trail is famous for its waterfalls. Feeling feisty? Take on the Half Dome trail - just make sure you've got the permits and some extra leg muscles for the uphill hustle.

RELATED: Yosemite Hiking Guide

Landmarks and Viewpoints

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You've got to check out Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. For a jaw-dropping view, go to Tunnel View. From there, you'll get a postcard-worthy sight of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. There aren't many spots as stunning as this in the world.

Wildlife spotting

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Though Yosemite Valley is popular, you still may find some animals lurking around. Bears come down into the valley frequently, as well as deer and coyotes.

Beyond the Valley

Yosemite Valley is the most famous part of the park, but there are so many other places to explore:

Mariposa Grove

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Mariposa Grove is home to the world's largest trees - sequoias. You can walk among the towering giants and explore this massive grove.

Glacier Point and Taft Point

Get ready for your eyes to be spoiled with stunning views of Yosemite's hits by visiting Glacier Point and Taft Point. From these VIP seats, you'll see Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls all in one panoramic sweep. Sunrises and sunsets here are one-of-a-kind.

Tuolumne Meadows

High up in the Sierra Nevada is Tuolumne Meadows. It's far from Yosemite Valley, so you might find it has way fewer crowds.

Winter Activities

snowshoeing in yosemite Snowshoeing/ Image from Flickr by Mitch Barrie

When Yosemite gets a snow blanket, it's like the park is saying, "Guess what? Winter fun time!" Here's the scoop on two popular winter activities:

Skiing and Snowboarding in Badger Pass

Badger Pass Ski Area is a popular winter destination. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, there's a slope with your name on it. Slide down on skis or snowboards and soak in the winter wonderland.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

If you're the chill type, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are your winter jams. Stomp around in snowshoes or glide along the trails on skis.

Pro Tips

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Weather

Before you head out, peek at the weather forecast. Yosemite's weather can be unpredictable, depending on the season. So, bring layers for all the mood swings.

Park Guidelines

Safety first! Know the rules. Stay on the marked paths, keep your distance from the wildlife (they're not fans of your selfie sticks), and secure your snacks to avoid any uninvited animal parties.

Bears

Bears are the park's VIPs. Give them space and keep your snacks in bear-proof containers.

Shuttles or Buses

Want to ride in style? Hop on the free shuttle buses that run in the summer. Check out the guide for bus and shuttle routes.

Possible Closures

Check if any parts of the park are having closures and restrictions. You don't want to show up and find your favorite trail unavailable.

Reserve A Campground

Camping's awesome, but getting a spot can be tricky. Plan months in advance to secure a campsite.

Yosemite National Park isn't just about the jaw-dropping cliffs and postcard views. It's a treasure trove of epic experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a hardcore nature nerd or just love a good sunset, there's something in this park that'll make you feel like a wild child.

Oh, and don't forget, when you're crafting your epic adventure, check out our Yosemite National Park tour. We've got your back, making sure you don't miss a wink of Mother Nature's best show!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Yosemite Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.

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