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 Outdoor Activities
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. El Capitan Meadow
2. Swinging Bridge in Wawona
3. 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.
4. 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!
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. Panorama Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 290 reviews
Reviewed By robinhW6199DC - Cincinnati, United States
The Panorama Trail, when you start at the top of Glacier Point and hike down to the valley is a rigorous trail with a mix of terrain, grade, exposure and most of all beauty! It took us about 6 hours and by the end, our calves were sore. We opted to take the John Muir Trail rather than the Mist Trail and stopped for a breather at Nevada Falls. Don't miss this one.
7. North Dome
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States
We hiked to North Dome. The first several miles of the trail is through the forest and is a fairly easy/moderate hike. You will pass a number of stream crossings, which you can easily get across by walking on the rocks or a fallen tree branch. Near the top, is a short side hike to Indian Rock which has an impressive view and is a fairly steep hike up. Careful going back down, the gravel is slippery, as I found out (literally) the hard way. Then, continueing to North Dome, you walk down a very large granite rock. When you are near the end, the trail to North Dome will be on your left and is marked with a bunch of rocks, lining the start of the path. The first part of the path contains an approx few meter fairly sharp incline. You almost need to slide down it (and wonder how on earth you are going to get back up -- but you will). The rest of the walk is moderate/easy through the forest and then on to North Dome. The scenery from North Dome is magnificent. On your left is a great view of Half Dome and on your right, a great view of Yosemite Valley. It was really worth it and I would do it again. The hike back up is not that bad until you get to that steep slide part. It is easier to go up on on the left side of that short incline. Then you need to walk back up the granite rock - which seems a whole lot longer and steeper on the way up. Then, you again hike through the forest, which is mostly downhill, and pleasant with a not too bad incline up the last 2 miles or so. Bring plenty of water and your lunch! There is a restroom (not flush toilets) at the trail head/parking lot. We saw no restrooms anywhere along the hike.
8. Twin Bridges Trail
9. Elizabeth Lake
10. Artist Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By BikeWMa - East Longmeadow, United States
For those who use REI or All Trails, and can find this trail, it really does provide the best view of the valley. Beware Inspiration Point is a harder hike with lousy view. Artist Point is a 1.25 mile hike one way with fabulous view. We enjoyed hiking from the pull-off just up the road from Bridal veil falls better than hiking from the parking lot at tunnel view.
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