Are you planning a Californian wilderness trip? If you are, you’re probably looking
for things to do in Yosemite National Park. It’s one of the state’s most famous parks,
after all! And that’s for a good reason! Yosemite was first protected way back in the
late 1880s, and today, the park covers an astonishing 1,200 square miles. It’s best
known for its picturesque waterfalls, but its peaks, valleys, and glaciers also attract
everyone from mountain sportspeople to families looking for an easy nature adventure.
But Yosemite is more than just a geographic location with some of the most extravagant
wilderness in America. It’s also a place to explore the early history of America, from
Native American culture and the country’s logging, mining, and pioneering days right
through to today’s focus on art, environmental preservation and education, and the natural
sciences. So if you’re looking for things to do in Yosemite National Park or curious
to see if it’s the spot for your next American wilderness vacation, watch on for our top
picks in this perfect all-season destination.
1. Wish on a Waterfall
Did you know that one of Yosemite’s oldest trails ever established leads to the top of
the USA’s tallest waterfall? That’s how passionate we Americans are about seeing water
cascading over cliff faces. Some of the best to add to your list include Yosemite Falls,
Sentinel Falls, Horsetail Fall (it glows orange at sunset), and Wapama Falls (great if you
want to avoid crowds). For the best waterfall experience, head to the park in the spring.
The snow is melting, filling the rivers—and therefore the waterfalls—with enormous volumes
of water. If you’re traveling in the winter, keep an eye on the weather and road reports.
Due to heavy snowfall, the roads to some of the park’s waterfalls are closed in the
colder months.
2. Watch the Abundant Wildlife
Honestly, wildlife watching is probably the reason most people come to Yosemite. There
are hundreds of species of animals to check off your wildlife Bingo card and numerous
plant zones to walk through and observe. Some of our favorites include marmots and squirrels,
black bears, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. There are also over 200 songbird species to
listen out for! Are you looking for more deep dives into what to see and do at the most
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3. Plan Around Festival and Activities
If you’re nervous about exploring the vast Yosemite National Park on your own or keep
to hear what the experts have to say about everything you’re seeing, book a ranger-led
tour. There is a wide range of options to take part in, from going camping to simple
multi-hour or multi-day hikes. Time your vacation to coincide with a music festival or holiday
activity and experience the park at its best—with things to do for kids and adults, you can
relax knowing the itineraries already planned out for you.
4. Walk Among Giants (Trees, That Is)
Of course, a lot of the reason people make a journey to Yosemite National Park is to
walk among some of America’s most enormous trees. The towering sequoias can be seen in
Mariposa Grove, and with newly renovated boardwalks, the entire area is now very family-friendly.
If you hate crowds or want to get in a bit of solitary forest bathing, a few other groves
are less popular—namely Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove.
5. Hike the Trails
Ah, that feeling of getting out on the trail. Is there nothing better? Honestly, few tracks
in the States compare with the majesty of Yosemite National Park. If you’re looking
for leisurely walks with classic Yosemite views, try the Valley Loop Trail. If you want
to stand in front of a mighty waterfall, head off on the Mist Trail. And if you’re up
for a real challenge, climb the Half Dome. You can even ride your horse on some trails!
6. Catch Your Dinner
Believe it or not, but fishing is allowed in many rivers and lakes in Yosemite National
Park. The catch? (Pun very much intended.) You need to have a California fishing license
if you’re over 16 years old and can’t use any bait. To ensure you don’t break
any rules and arrive back at camp with nothing for your supper, we recommend hiring a guide
or booking a fishing charter.
7. Take in the View
Not everyone is willing or able to go hiking, but that doesn’t mean you should have to
miss out on those incredible Yosemite views. There are numerous viewpoints located just
off the road. The Tunnel View is at the western entrance to Yosemite National Park, just outside
the east end of the Wawona Tunnel. And the Glacier Point view, probably the most spectacular
in the entire park, is right at the end of Glacier Point Road. And be sure to add a drive
up to Tenaya Lake, just off Tioga Road, to your bucket list, too.
8. Get on Yer Bike
Okay, so this one is a little bit sneaky. That’s because mountain biking is prohibited
within Yosemite National Park. However, just outside the park are an endless maze of quality
off-road bike trails to suit skill level. For those looking for a more sedate ride,
the Yosemite Valley boasts over 12 miles of paved bike paths with a 15 mph speed limit,
and road riding is also allowed. Are you new to biking and don’t have your own bike?
Don’t fret. There are plenty of places near the park to rent one.
9. Go Ice Skating
Yosemite National Park often gets covered in a layer of fine, powdery, white snow in
the winter. It gets cold enough for snow sports and what could be more wintery than ice skating.
Probably the most popular ice skating rink in the park is at Curry Village. After all,
you get to skate underneath the Half Dome!
10. Admire Art About Nature
If the weather’s bad, embrace it. After all, it gives you the chance to check out
some Yosemite-themed art. Ansel Adams was a famous photographer and conservationist
who captured images of natural America in black and white. The Ansel Adams Gallery,
founded way back in 1902 and still run to this day by the Ansel family, houses some
of his greatest works.
11. Sleep Under the Stars
Whether you’re keen to get out on the trails and stay there for a few nights, just want
to find a spot to put up a tent and your feet, or looking for somewhere to park your RV,
Yosemite has options for you. There are 13 campgrounds inside the park, some with full
facilities and others with decidedly more basic offerings, and they’re all popular.
Booking a reservation is essential.
12. Play in the Snow
While the spring in Yosemite Valley is undeniably beautiful, there’s also a lot to see and
do in the winter, too—especially if you’re into snow sports. Badger Pass Ski Area is
probably the most family-friendly snow sports spot, and it also happens to be the oldest
skiing area in California. There, you can ski, snowboard, or go snowshoeing. Just don’t
bring the sled because they’re banned. If you’re lucky that there's enough snowfall,
take the little ones to the snow play area at Crane Flat Campground instead.
13. Scale Some Rocks
Rock climbing has exploded in the States in recent years, and Yosemite Valley is no exception.
There are crack climbs in the Merced River Canyon, sun-drenched challenges on the Tuolumne
Meadows domes, and everything in between. If you’re a seasoned climber, you could
simply pick up a climbing guidebook or and make your way to the rockface of your choice.
For beginners, it might be best to book with an experienced guide or tour company. For
those without a daring bone in their body, why not just watch the climbers from the safety
of the trail? With a pair of binoculars, you’ll be able to pinpoint the experts sleeping overnight
in bivouacs high on the side of a cliff.
14. Take a Dip in a River or Lake
Not many people think of coming to Yosemite just for swimming, but there are actually
many swimmable spots. If you’re there camping or hiking in the summer, why not take the
opportunity to cool off in a lake or river? Almost anybody of water is okay for swimming,
though there are four or five spots that are prohibited, so check the Yosemite National
Park official website before you go. If you’re nervous about putting your unprotected body
into the water, why not try rafting or kayaking instead? Water sports are encouraged on Merced
River, South Fork Merced River, and Tenaya Lake.
15. Geek Out on Yosemite History
Are you a fan of all things wild, wild West? Then it’s worth your time to dig deep into
some of the many historical sites on offer in Yosemite. From museums to the historical
theatre, this park has something to tempt everyone. Kids and adults alike will love
the Pioneer Yosemite History Centre. Walk into a covered bridge and come out on the
other side in a new world full of historically accurate buildings just waiting to be explored.
We also recommend the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre, the Yosemite Theatre, and the nearby
California State Mining and Mineral Museum.
Do you think this is a comprehensive list of things to do in Yosemite National Park?
Or would you add some lookout spots, historical education activities, or remote campgrounds
we’ve missed? If you want to watch more videos like this one, head over to the ViewCation
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