Things to do & places to visit in Yosemite National Park, California, United States

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.

Yosemite National Park national park in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 12:28.

Top things to do (13)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Tunnel View (3.078 reviews)
- Absolutely Amazing
Lookouts

As soon as you exit from the tunnel (if you are coming via Route 41), you will arrive at Vista Point. Turn in there, park your car, walk a few steps, and be blessed with a flabbergasting view of the three iconic sites of Yosemite Valley – El Capitan, Bridal veil Falls and Half Dome. The stunning vista of granite and the deep valley below with all the trees just gives you a sense of the immense size of the park. There is a small wall where you can sit and take some great photos. The place is a little crowded, but people are in and out of the small parking lot fairly quickly after getting a quick photo. Worth a short stop just to take in that beauty. On your return home, if you are able to catch the sunset rays, you will see the granite glow red, and look as if it is on fire. That is Amazing! See more..
5.0 Half Dome (1.485 reviews)
- Fun and adventurous!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Geologic Formations

Major rock formation in Yosemite. See more..
5.0 El Capitan (1.376 reviews)
- Stupendous
Geologic Formations

Challenging, popular rock to climb in Yosemite. See more..
5.0 Tioga Pass (1.177 reviews)
- Grand Sights
Scenic Drives

Dramatic drive starting at elevation 6,100 feet outside of Yosemite Valley and finishing 47 miles later atop Tioga Pass. See more..
5.0 Mist Trail (1.042 reviews)
- There is water on the way up
Hiking Trails

Eminently accessible and popular, the Mist Trail takes hikers through Yosemite National Park to Vernal Fall Bridge, the best place to watch the waterfall. See more..
5.0 Sentinel Dome (739 reviews)
- Awesome Hike for ALL
Geologic Formations

At 4,150 feet high, this peak offers an extensive view. See more..
5.0 Nevada Falls Loop (359 reviews)
- A top 10 hike!
Hiking Trails

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! See more..
5.0 Taft Point (315 reviews)
- M A R C H of the B R I D E S
Geologic Formations

On a Friday afternoon - Not a Saturday - I passed no fewer than 10 Brides headed to the Point for Sunset Wedding Portraits. Some in Wedding Gowns with Groom and photographers in tow. Others with full wedding parties, lugging coolers and valet bags. The most Congratulatory Hike full of beautiful brides and grooms I've ever been on and also, as reviews indicate, one of Yosemite's best views. TIP: You won't see a bride on this trail in 2022. The Road will be closed for repairs for the entire season. See more..
5.0 Panorama Trail (293 reviews)
- Go from Glacier Point to Nevada Falls instead of the reverse
Hiking Trails

I have done this trail now twice, going once in each direction. While it is a fine trail, the route heading from Glacier Point to Nevada Falls definitely has the better views (and has the advantage of being net downward, though with some climbs after Illilouette Fall). Mostly this is a way to connect from Nevada Falls to Glacier Point, with a nice stop at the Illilouette for a snack. Note that the trip FROM Nevada Falls can be tricky as the turn off to Panorama Trail goes the opposite direction from which you are heading and is easily missed. If you have hit the ledge wall with great views of the falls, then you have gone too far! See more..
5.0 Valley View (167 reviews)
- Favorite place for a photo and reflection
Lookouts

This is my most favorite place to take photos in Yosemite, morning, or afternoon. 2 little pull outs, room to walk along the shore to find a quiet spot or to take photos. Deep reflection is almost automatic. Just an amazing sot in one of the most amazing places in the world. See more..
5.0 Cloud's Rest (69 reviews)
- Half Dome Lottery Fail, but what a Plan B
Geologic Formations

On our through hike of the JMT, we headed off trail to Sunset Lake for water and to camp. The next day we climbed Clouds Rest. I was not prepared for how incredible this hike was. After 9 days on the trail, we had our legs and climbed past many day hikers to the summit over that knives edge section to one of the best viewpoints on our hike from VVR to Yosemite. Simply a day to treasure as well as a trip of a lifetime. See more..
4.5 Yosemite Valley (6.718 reviews)
- Time your visit carefully
Spent More than 3 hours Valleys

Many climbers consider Yosemite Valley among the world's very best climbing sites. See more..
4.5 Yosemite Falls (2.318 reviews)
- Tallest Falls in North America - MUST SEE
Waterfalls

The fifth tallest waterfall in the world, Yosemite Falls is the centerpiece of Yosemite National Park. See more..
4.5 Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (1.911 reviews)
- Great views of the sequias, but take the long hike!
Parks • Hiking Trails

We loved our visit to the mariposa grove. Outside of Muir Woods in CA, this was our first visit to a large grove and it was really breathtaking. Most folks on tours or visiting only go on the shorter trail. Take the long trail and see the trees around the upper grove. We would have hiked more, but missed a few shortcuts we could have taken on perimeter trails They could use some better maps to show how the short cuts will save you time, especially for folks that dont want longer hikes. Fantastic views for us with fantastic weather! See more..
4.5 Bridalveil Falls (1.513 reviews)
- Closed Up Close but Best Viewed from Afar
National Parks • Waterfalls

Landmark waterfall located in Yosemite. See more..
4.5 Vernal Fall (1.401 reviews)
- Starts moderate then gets strenuous
Waterfalls

Though not as tall as Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall is popular for the green foliage that surrounds it year-round and the rainbow mist it produces as the water cascades. See more..
4.5 Tuolumne Meadows (561 reviews)
- All buttoned up
Hiking Trails

A good place for hiking to get away from the crowds. See more..
4.5 Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias (436 reviews)
- Beautiful spot!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

My husband and I enjoyed our time here. Yes, it’s true that there are not a lot of sequoias to see (as compared to our trip to Sequoia National Park), but we still thought it was beautiful and a piece of history! The path down is easy and beautiful - at the bottom are picnic tables and a loop you can follow through the grove. As went went during 2020, reservations were limited and we had no trouble finding parking (even at 1pm) and had the place practically to ourselves. It was incredibly peaceful. We enjoyed the tunnel tree and the large sequoia that had fallen over and took a picture with its large root system. All in, it was a nice way to spend about an hour and twenty minutes on our way down Tioga Road. And what they say is true - the way back up is a little tough, especially in the heat and when you aren’t used to the altitude. We were glad we brought water with us. Highly recommend this stop! See more..
4.5 Ahwahnee Historic Building (431 reviews)
- Premier Lodging within a National Park
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

This is one of those historic NPS hotel that invokes both majesty of the location as well as the historic setting. It is an incredible and unique hotel set in an amazing setting. The exterior appears that it was carved out of the granite cliffs while the interior displays a size and scale of a glorious time past before technology made the world small. In today's world of tourism, grand public spaces like lobby's and retail areas are gone. However, here is a hotel that is as expansive as the valley itself. We stayed here one night and enjoyed it greatly. We also ate lunch and dinner at the restaurant which is just as amazing. While expensive, it is so nice to stay in the park and to enjoy its amazing amenities like a medieval banquet size fireplace. Again, I can not say enough great things about our stay here. It is simply one of the premier stays in the National Park system. See more..
4.5 Olmsted Point (393 reviews)
- G E T ... R E A D Y ... 2022
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

When Glacier Point Road closes for 2022, this is one of the highest vantage points to appreciate Yosemite. Yes, there's always the Valley, but for extra perspective Glacier Point was the obvious road trip. That won't happen when cars and bicycles are stopped from going to Glacier Point for a season long construction project. TIP: Head to this Point! Olmsted Point is 2nd most obvious panoramic gateway to this majestic park. Pack a lunch or snack. Not much around here but nature and nuts. See more..
4.5 Tenaya Lake (367 reviews)
- Pristine
Bodies of Water

it’s absolutely gorgeous. We did the short hike to get there from the restroom area, but realized if we had driven farther there is a way To enter the Lake from the Tioga road which passes right though it’s side. Lake may be the most beautiful of all Yosemite's lakes. It's a mile (1.6 km) long and bordered on three sides by granite peaks and domes. The Tioga Road passes along the lake's northern edge. See more..
4.5 Valley Visitor Center (366 reviews)
- A Nice Place for Guidance
Visitor Centers

After lunch at the Ahwahnee Dining Room, we boarded the Shuttle to the Yosemite Village Stop. This is where this Visitor Center is located. We made this stop, so that I could get my Stamp and Sticker for the Parks Passport. But we also found lots of Maps, Brochures and a general orientation to the National Park. There was also an informative board that informed us of the road and weather conditions for the day, plus the fire dangers. The 3-D Exhibit was amazing and very educational. The Gift and Souvenir Store inside was pretty good, and all the Park Rangers there were extremely pleasant and very helpful. Worth a stop here if you are visiting for the first time. See more..
4.5 Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (312 reviews)
- Stunning Scenery
Dams • Waterfalls

Wow! This was by far our favorite part of visiting Yosemite. We drove up to the Hetch Hetchy road and waited for the ranger to open it right at 8am. Just a few minutes from there was the dam where we started our hike. Two young kids that made it all the way to Wapama falls and even swam in the pools below. Without the cool water, this may have been miserable. There is very little shade along the trail and although along the reservoir the entire time, there is no way to access it because of the steep drop offs. We saw many people struggling when we were nearing the dam at the end of our trip that were wearing flip flops/crocs and had one water bottle between them. Come prepared for high temps in the summer and start as early as you can get in the gate. When you get to the falls cross the first bridge and climb down under the second. This was where you could get into the water to cool off. See more..
4.5 Four Mile Trail (214 reviews)
- Awesome v2.0
Hiking Trails

Hiked this morning at sunrise before the crowd after reading David S. review. 2hrs 20 not pushing hard at all (and carrying 10kg pack for conditioning) it’s easily doable. Two young guys passed me going up they got there in 1hr 40. Just pack water and snacks and maybe lekkie sticks for your knees coming down. This is one of the most rewarding hikes in Yosemite because of the amazing views enroute and at the Too. Also with the road closed there are none of the usual big crowds at Glacier Point. If you have time and the legs! another 4-5hrs will bring you back down to the valley via the panorama trail. See more..
4.5 Lower Yosemite Fall Trail (194 reviews)
- Nice walking path to view the water falls and large trees
Hiking Trails

You can access the Lower Yosemite Falls trail by multiple ways. A park shuttle bus stops at #6 and then you can walk to the falls. There are parking lots across the meadows and you can walk to the falls. Or you can park at the Visitor center and take the Yosemite loop trail to get to the falls. The path is a loop and it is pretty scenery as you walk towards the falls. There is a bridge that you can take pictures of the falls. We spotted a coyote who ran right in front of us and then seemed to hang out in the forested area for awhile. Unfortunately, too many people were crossing the "do not enter" area and walked up to the water fall spray. First it could be dangerous and slippery, plus it ruins photos for other people who are observing the signs. From some of the walk, you can view 3 waterfalls, so a nice area to visit. See more..
4.5 Lembert Dome (154 reviews)
- Excellent, tough climb up to Lambert Dome with exceptional views from the Top
Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations

Our first hike in Yosemite was up at Tuolumne area to Lambert Dome. We were by ourselves almost all the way up and then just a few folks at the Dome. What magnificent granite rock and views. Saw deer, but alas, no bears! I wanted to see one, but my wife, well, perhaps not. See more..
4.5 Wapama Falls (70 reviews)
- Main attraction in Hetch Hechy area
Waterfalls

You can see Wapama falls even from main Hetch Hetchy parking. But it is worth to take about 2.8 miles hike to waterfall ( round trip less than 6 miles). You'll enjoy excited views at Hetch Hetchy reservoir and surrounded mountains. Hike is easy and can be completed even by small kids. We were there on Sunday and there was not many people . So you'll enjoy unique waterfall view without big crowd. See more..
4.5 Chilnualna Falls (58 reviews)
- Upper Fall Trail carpeted with Bear Clover
Waterfalls

The trail to Upper Chilnualna Fall is fairly consistent in its gradient, about 600’ per mile. But this is a great trail if you like bear clover, also called Mountain Misery. It was in bloom for our early June hike and was lovely to see. There are numerous views of Wawona from the trail as well as views of the cascades of the waterfall. Note that there are some open unshaded sections of the trail, so we got pretty hot. A highlight for me was seeing a baby rattlesnake along the trail. I am afraid it is too close to people, but I did not try to pick it up and move it to a more unpopulated location. While at the top, we picnicked with a view, checked out campsites, took lots of photos, and admired all the cascades. We did not choose to swim in any of the potholes or pools of water. Note that the Lower Chilnualna Fall Trail is short & somewhat steep but ‘worth’ the walk. The Upper Fall Trail is definitely a hike rather than a walk. See more..
4.0 Mirror Lake/Meadow Trail (830 reviews)
- Don't do in winter, signage is confusing
Bodies of Water

This clear lake is a popular hiking spot. See more..
4.0 Yosemite Village (517 reviews)
- Lots offered but better signage would be helpful!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Here you will find new/clean bathrooms right in the main parking lot then it’s a 5 minute walk to the village. Signage very poor, not very obvious how to get there. You’ll see cars parked closer but this is short term parking for the store. There are several options for food, our favorite was the pizza bar in Curry Village a little further east down the road. We also did a free bike rental via Yosemite Bike share (get app). Regular bike rentals are $30/person for 4 hrs. Good swimming areas available throughout the valley also. See more..