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Planning a Yosemite adventure? Get ready to be swept off your feet by sky-high granite cliffs, roaring waterfalls, ancient Giant Sequoias, and awe-inspiring trails. Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic and unforgettable destinations in the world. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a weeklong trek, these top attractions should be on your list.
Local Tip: Witness the reflection of Half Dome in the Merced River at sunrise or sunset, a picture-perfect moment.
Interested in climbing Half Dome? Learn more about the permit here.
If you only have time for one viewpoint, make it Glacier Point. Open seasonally and perched 3,200 ft above Yosemite Valley, it offers sweeping panoramic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra peaks. Explore trails and campsites along Glacier Point Road.
Local Tip: Bring a blanket to sit on and experience a spectacular sunset. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the alpenglow.
Glacier Point Road is closed in the winter.
This iconic waterfall drops an impressive 2,425 feet over three cascades, Upper, Middle, and Lower falls. Spring and Summer are the best times of year to see Yosemite Falls in its full flow, when snowmelt feeds the falls. The Upper Yosemite Falls trail is strenuous, but the incredible panoramic view payoff at the top, overlooking Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Glacier Point, makes it worthwhile. In contrast, the Lower Yosemite Falls trail is short, accessible, and great for families.
Local Tip: Lower Yosemite Falls has a great picnic area with restrooms and water fountains, a great spot to enjoy a snack or lunch. Be sure to dispose of any garbage properly in the bins.
Bridalveil Fall welcomes you to Yosemite, as it is the first major waterfall visitors encounter as they enter the Valley. Its ethereal mist and graceful 620-foot flow make it one of Yosemite’s most photographed landmarks. Explore the paved trails and viewing platforms for unique angles of this iconic waterfall.
Local Tip: This area connects with the Valley Loop Trail, an 11.5-mile mostly flat trail that borders Yosemite Valley.
Just inside Yosemite’s southern entrance, Mariposa Grove is home to nearly 500 ancient Giant Sequoias, some over 2,000 years old! Hop on the free shuttle from the welcome plaza up to the grove entrance and don’t miss the Grizzly Giant or the California Tunnel Tree on the Big Trees Loop trail.
Local Tip: There are several trail options of varying distances and difficulties. Try the Big Trees Loop for a nice, accessible stroll, or set out for the day and hike up to Wawona Point for panoramic views of southern Yosemite.
One of the most popular hikes in Yosemite National Park, the Mist Trail, takes you along two waterfalls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, for stunning views of the rolling river and lush forest. Expect steep granite steps and, as the name implies, lots of mist!
Local Tip: Bring rain gear, especially in the spring and early summer, and watch your step as the granite is slick. Check trail conditions here.
Rising 3,000 feet above the valley floor, El Capitan is the world’s largest granite monolithic rock, a mecca for rock climbers, and a breathtaking sight. This rock is the star of popular documentaries, including Free Solo and The Dawn Wall.
Local Tip: Bring binoculars and try to spot climbers on the wall from El Capitan Meadows on your way out of Yosemite Valley.
High above the valley is the breathtaking High Sierra, with miles of pristine and quiet hiking trails, refreshing lakes, and endless granite peaks. Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and Tioga Pass offer incredible views and peaceful exploration, as most visitors do not make the drive.
Local Tip: Read about an excursion to Mount Dana by one of our local explorers, Judi.
Whether you are exploring for one day or two months, Yosemite National Park delivers adventure and beautiful views at every turn. Book your accommodations, explore dining, local shops, and can't-miss activities.
