You’ve seen Ansel Adams’ black-and-white photographs. You’ve got the wallpaper on your laptop. But nothing can prepare you for witnessing Yosemite in real life. Mammoth granite walls tower over giant sequoias, flowing rivers, and golden valley meadows in this pinch-yourself-to-believe-it national park. You can see Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls—the most popular things to do—on a day trip. But pack your hiking boots (or climbing shoes) and stay a while to uncover the enduring magic of this California icon.
Yosemite is glorious in any season, but it’s easiest to visit the national park in spring (March–April) and fall (October–November). Both seasons have smaller crowds than summer. In spring, you get thundering waterfalls from winter’s runoff; in fall, you get beautiful autumn colors and a chance to see wildlife busy preparing for winter’s arrival. It’s easier to book in-park lodging in these months, too.
Unlike many national parks, you have lots of options for getting around Yosemite National Park. Having a car is certainly the simplest, though from late May to late September, you’ll need a reservation to enter the park between 10am–4pm. Hikers and backcountry campers have plenty of options for off-grid, sustainable adventures thanks to the Yosemite Valley Shuttle System, Mariposa Grove Shuttle, Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle, Yosemite Valley-Tuolumne Meadows hikers’ bus, and Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System or YARTS.
To get away from what can feel like the world’s largest parking lot, park your car early in the morning, go off into Mother Nature (bring a picnic!), and come back at the end of the day. Or opt for one of Yosemite National Park’s less popular spots, such as Chilnualna Falls, Hetch Hetchy reservoir, or Tuolumne Meadows, all with trails far away from that river of brake lights. Don’t worry—these less popular spots are just as beautiful.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PDT (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 21 | Tours 62 | Reviews 1,450 |
The biggest attraction in Yosemite National Park is Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley. Cascading some 2,425 feet (739 meters), it’s one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. It’s visible from Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and Loop Trail. View El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls from this scenic valley, too.
...MoreAs one of the country’s most popular national parks, there are many things to do at Yosemite National Park. You can go hiking, touring, and wildlife viewing. Or go picnicking, backpacking, biking, fishing, rock climbing, and camping. Others like to take photographs and scope out historic lodges like The Ahwahnee.
...MoreThe crown jewel of Yosemite National Park is Yosemite Valley, which is about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) long and easily driveable. It’s where many of the park’s famous icons can be seen—including Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Bridalveil Fall. Hiking trails wind along the valley as well.
...MoreIf you do three things at Yosemite National Park, make one of them hiking around the park’s magnificent waterfalls—either Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls. You’ll also want to scope out the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove and stop at the panoramic overlooks at Tunnel View and Glacier Point.
...MoreYosemite National Park is fun to hike, bike, and drive through to gawk at its beauty. Have fun seeing its “cathedral” of granite, littered with waterfalls, wildflower-rich meadows, and a very scenic valley. Most visitors do a combination of hiking and driving to appreciate the park.
...MoreYou can do Yosemite Valley—the iconic portion of Yosemite National Park—in one day, with time to drive through the valley, stop at overlooks, and take a short hike. But with two or three days, you can stop at Mariposa Grove, south of the valley, and the scenic Tuolumne Meadows area.
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