Top Things to do in Yosemite National Park
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Things to do in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park: The Best Bodies of Water
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. Dog Lake
2. Dana Fork
3. Gaylor Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Hiking to the lake offers peace and quiet away from crowds.
Reviewed By 519jeremiahz - Roseville, United States
Probably one of the most neglected trails in Yosemite NP, in my opinion, is the hike into the Gaylor Lakes Basin. It has everything you'd ever want in a hike...a good workout, amazing scenery, some cross-country adventure and hours of solitude if you time it right. The trailhead is located right next to the east entrance station to Yosemite along Tioga Road. The parking lot is not signed, so keep that in mind if you are trying to figure out where the trailhead is. The first 0.6 mi. is definitely a climb...you head up almost 600 ft. to the ridge above, but the views of the Dana Meadows valley below you are absolutely delightful the entire way. Once you reach the ridgeline, Middle Gaylor Lake appears below you, and you only drop about 200 ft. down to the shoreline into the basin. Following the trail around the north side of the lake, you eventually head past Upper Gaylor Lake and eventually you climb up to the Great Sierra Mine, the designated end of the trail. The views of the lakes and basin from this spot are incredible. If you climb a short distance above the mine you'll get even more sweeping views not only of the Gaylor Lakes Basin, but Tioga Lake, Ellery Lake and Lee Vining Canyon down to the east. The total distance to the Great Sierra Mine from the parking lot is only around 1.7 mi. one way. An option is to hike cross country to the Granite Lakes, which is quite easily accomplished. Both Upper and Lower Granite Lakes are gorgeous in their own right and worth the effort to reach them. To complete the hike, you'll need to hike cross country back across the basin meadows to Middle Gaylor Lake, back up to the main trail and back down to the parking lot. This trail may not have the wow factor of places in Yosemite Valley, but if you want a true wilderness day hiking experience in the park w/ solitude, this is probably your best bet. One of my favorite moderate hikes I've ever done.
4. Illilouette Fall
5. Tenaya Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
Reviewed By sdbctb - Brooklyn, United States
This is a must stop when on tioga road, you can feel the amazing water with the backdrop of these granite mountains and pine trees. get out of the car and take it all in.
6. Merced River
7. Emerald Pool
8. Mirror Lake/Meadow Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 815 reviews
This clear lake is a popular hiking spot.
Reviewed By pmerick63
Temps were in the 90s during our visit, so we were hoping for nice hike by the lake. However with no vehicle access, it was too far to walk. Luckily, we were able to rent bikes, which was an adventure in itself! So much fun! Really added another level of fun to the beautiful Mirror Lake hike!
