Top Things to do in Yosemite National Park
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10 Free Things to do in Yosemite National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
Tucked into the mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is renowned for its granite cliffs and waterfalls. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the formations made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. The valley is open year-round for camping, hiking, and climbing. Traffic is congested during peak season and park rangers encourage visitors to use the free shuttle system. For upscale visits, the Ahwahnee Hotel, built in 1927, is chic and luxurious.
1. Glacier Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,561 reviews
This rustic geological formation is most famous for the magnificent sunsets that can be viewed from its top.
Reviewed By W6633PYpauls - Costa Mesa, United States
It's been probably 20 years since I was last at Glacier Point and it's as amazing as I remember it. I was last here "pre-kids" with my wife when we were first married and finally got around to bringing the boys to see Yosemite National and, of course, Glacier Point. This is a well reviewed attraction so, instead, here's some logistical items that might make the visit more enjoyable: 1. Depending upon where you're coming from, this will be a long drive - check your GPS and plan accordingly. 2. Services are minimal. Get gas for your car before you start. Bring snacks and drinks. I would turn this into a picnic location. 3. Take your time and make the journey part of the adventure. Yosemite has much to see and don't race around from point to point. Stop along the way and enjoy this trip. FWIW, I would use this as your first stop and then work your way through other stops on your way back to your base camp. 4. Camera/Phone is a MUST. Definitely take panoramic photos. The view here is awesome.
2. Tioga Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,160 reviews
Dramatic drive starting at elevation 6,100 feet outside of Yosemite Valley and finishing 47 miles later atop Tioga Pass.
Reviewed By sherylfu - Berkeley, United States
Such a beautiful drive over Tioga Pass--something for everyone, photographers, geology freaks, hikers, lake lovers.
3. Mist Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,020 reviews
Eminently accessible and popular, the Mist Trail takes hikers through Yosemite National Park to Vernal Fall Bridge, the best place to watch the waterfall.
Reviewed By val0rih - Brainerd, United States
Our family with two kids (6&7) did his hike at the end of August and we had a great experience and views. It was not smoky at all. The trail gets very busy so an early start is recommended!! I am in decent shape so this may be why I think this but I thought down was harder on the body than up!! We went down the John Muir trail and my knees and toes hurt quite a bit. Bring enough water as we didn’t and was quite parched by the time we reached the water refill station. We brought a picnic lunch and had one lunch on top of Vernal falls in the rocks by emerald pool and then another lunch on top of Nevada Falls....some of the best picnic spots I’ve ever experienced. It’s such a great feeling reaching the top of Nevada Falls and knowing what was accomplished to get there!!! Awesome, rewarding hike. Take your time and just do it... we took many breaks and took us 6 hours roundtrip!
4. Sentinel Dome
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 731 reviews
At 4,150 feet high, this peak offers an extensive view.
Reviewed By ElaineMI
We hiked up here for sunset, with a pizza for dinner (which we packed out--always take your trash with you!) Fantastic 360 degree view with a guide--there is a rock with a plate on the top that tells you all that you are seeing. We neglected to bring headlamps, which frustrated the photographer, as the best light on Half Dome was actually a bit after sunset given the elevation. Leave lots of time to drive up here as the road is winding and the hike isn't substantial except for a steep dome ascent. A highlight of a place of superlatives.
5. Nevada Falls Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 347 reviews
Reviewed By MoranTravels - Palatine, United States
We thoroughly enjoyed this memorable hike. Please read through a number of previous reviewers with great tips...they helped us immensely in preparing for a great hike. The keys: Leave extra early (it really pays off). If there is a decent waterfall during the time of year you go, pack hooded rain jackets to put on for the slippery steps area up to Vernal Falls. A picnic lunch at the top of the first set of Falls is a great treat. Many people do not continue on to Nevada Falls, as it's very steep and takes endurance after making the first trek...but oh so worth it. And I too, highly recommend taking the John Muir trail on the way back down for great views you don't get on the way up the other two trails. This hike will definitely be one of the best in our lifetime!
6. Taft Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 312 reviews
Reviewed By tommN2611VV
IN the dozens of trips to Yosemite I had neever been to Taft Point. We decided to do this short hike after leaving Glacier Point. This is a fairly easy hike of a little over a mile each way. The view from the point looking straight down into the Valley is amazing.
7. Tuolumne Meadows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 551 reviews
A good place for hiking to get away from the crowds.
Reviewed By W6633PYpauls - Costa Mesa, United States
Along Highway 120 / Tioga Pass Road, you will drive through Tuolumne Meadows. This location is one of the reasons you should take your time along Highway 120 / Tioga Pass Road. There are so many things to see here. Don't go around racing from point to point. Stop and spend the time to actually see the park. While this may not be a "destination" location, it's a series of points and stops along 120 that make this drive so incredible. Make sure to get photos and remember that services are limited. Gas up your car before leaving and bring snacks and drinks.
8. Vernal Fall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,384 reviews
Though not as tall as Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall is popular for the green foliage that surrounds it year-round and the rainbow mist it produces as the water cascades.
Reviewed By MariaCaders - Los Angeles, United States
I have not worked out in the past 4 years but yet I was able to do this without struggling and I was carrying 1 Gallons of water on my back. Wear good shoes with plenty of traction. There is NO SOCIAL DISTANCING and 25 % of the people were wearing masks. Allow 2-3 hours to do the regular loop. The way back down brings you down the hill a different way from the way up. Beware bc it can be steep and those not used to running on trails may fall. I did not need it but bring salty snacks just in case
9. Nature Center at Happy Isles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By archlav - Glenmoore, United States
They have art classes and wonderful animal exhibit. We learnt so much about the flora and fauna around the area. The staff is wonderful. This is a great place for the jr ranger program and getting into some fun scavenger hunts and learning. Definitely go across the bridges to see some lovely rivers.
10. Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Next time you visit Yosemite stop by the beautiful granite-walled Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (YCHC). formerly known as the LeConte Memorial Lodge. It is located at Shuttle Stop #12 across from Housekeeping Camp. The Sierra Club’s historic home offers a library, exhibits, interactive activities for all ages, park info, and FREE evening programs. Open Wednesday through Sunday, from May 1 - September 30, 10AM – 4PM it is a must-see Yosemite destination! The building, a National Historic Landmark, was built by Sierra Club volunteers in 1903-04. The Sierra Club still operates the iconic structure as a public education and visitor center, presenting and promoting the conservation ethic through public programs, educational displays, a library, and interactive programs for kids and families. Although styled a lodge by its founders (in the traditional meaning of a small house at the gates of a park or a meeting and gathering place), this small stone building has never been used for overnight accommodations. Rather, it has always been used as a library and education center. The library collection includes books on the natural and human history of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada; books by and about Yosemite luminaries like John Muir, Ansel Adams, and David Brower; children's nature literature, and Sierra Club books, magazine, and pamphlets. Free programs on natural history, outdoor adventure, and conservation issues are presented several evenings each week at 8 P.M.
