Top Things to do in Yosemite National Park
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What to do and see in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. YExplore Yosemite Adventures - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 338 reviews
The only Yosemite Tour Company offering custom guided Yosemite experiences (Adventure Hikes, Half Dome Hikes, Multi Day Backpack Trips, Nature Walks, Birding Walks, Wildflower Walks, Snowshoe Hikes and Photography Workshops) 12 months a year. We guarantee smaller group sizes for a more personalized experience with our professional guides who are all local to Yosemite. We are a socially responsible company providing educational services that follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize our impact in nature to ensure that the ecology of the park will not be compromised. Custom Adventures, Workshops and Family Activities are available to Individuals and Groups of all ages and experience levels in every season.
4. Yosemite Family Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 265 reviews
Yosemite Family Adventures provides private guided Yosemite tours that are customized to each individual group. We are one of the only guiding companies servicing Yosemite that are permitted to transport our guests in and out of the park. We do the driving and guiding, you relax and enjoy all the beauty. We provide the following tours: Yosemite Sightseeing Tour, Hiking Tours, Fly Fishing Tours, Backpacking Tours, One Day Tours, Stargazing Tours and All Inclusive Packages.
5. Cloud's Rest
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By florindahysa - San Francisco, United States
That was a f$$$ing awesome hike of 12.6 miles in total. Don’t rely too much on the mileage signs along the way. They tend not to be very accurate. My boyfriend and I did all way up for a little less than 3 hours including a couple of pretty quick water stops. It gets kinda hard after mile 1.5 having to go fully up hill for another 1.5 miles. Also another bad part is the mile before you get down at the spine part. The spine itself is not that bad as you could see on the videos. I would freak myself out one night before the hike looking at you tube videos :). Was so ready to abort the mission when the alarm went off later on in the morning, but somehow did it. It is actually not that bad as it looks. It’s pretty wide. The trick is not to look down and take the left side. It won’t take you more than 5 min to get along the spine and reach the very top. Once you’re there it looks amazing. I even had a nice little run for fun. You have a full view of everything around. Half Dome looks so close. All the 3D view you get to see is so rewarding and beautiful. Spoiler: don’t bring kids up there. ????They would be scared and exhausted. At least we didn’t see any kids up there.
6. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By KaimukiGirl24 - Columbia, United States
What an amazingly beautiful area! If only we had known, we would have gotten here earlier in the day. The Hetch Hetchy reservoir...easily seen why John Muir and others like him fought for this land to be protected. Due to the population needs of the time, this huge dam became quite a man made work of engineering. We happened upon a Tuesday talk from an enthusiastic Park ranger who gave us a brief history of the area and showed us before and after pictures of what the area looked like before the construction of the O’Shaughnessy dam. As others have mentioned, you need to be prepared when you visit this area but it is so worth it! 1. Allow at least half a day if you want to go exploring or take one of the several hikes in this area. 2. There are no close amenities in the park so have gas in the car, food and water for the day. 3. The road to this area runs many miles and must be traveled carefully and not in the dark! It is paved but there are many narrow twisty turns and no guardrails in some sections. We were told this road use to be used by the railroad to bring materials in when the dam was being built. 4. Bring your park pass if you are coming from another area of Yosemite National Park, you are leaving one section and entering another. It took us about 1 1/2 hrs. one way from Yosemite Valley to get here. Once you enter this section you drive for several miles. Drive carefully pass some roaming cattle who sometimes wander into the street, pass the Evergreen Lodge, campsites and then eventually come to a small park entrance gate where a ranger will give you a day pass to put on your dash board that allows you to park close to the dam. You still need to go several more miles to reach the final destination! 5. You will have several vistas as you descend down to the reservoir, such incredible views of granite walls and rock formations but do not take your eyes off the road!! A few miles before you reach your destination there will be an awe inspiring first peak at the size of this dam. 6. Restroom is available in the over flow parking area. 7. You can walk all across the top of this dam. Read information placards placed along this rim and peak over the bridge to see the powerful release of water as it travels down the Tuolumne river on one side and the Sapphire blue color of the reservoir on the other side. All surrounded by large granite formations that remind you of similar famous ones in Yosemite valley! 8. You will see a tunnel at one end where you can travel through and hike to Wapama Fall or other trails in the area.(Fall was running low this time of year). 9. This is such a pristine area, quiet and an area you can enjoy in almost complete solitude. Pictures don’t come close to seeing it in person! We happened upon a man leading a mule train through the tunnel. It was explained that he was coming from the higher elevations bringing out supplies for the California Conservation Corp who have been doing trail work for the last month or so... incredible!
