14. Cool off in Tenaya Lake
With its reflection of the neighboring granite peaks, this lake makes for a instagram-worthy scene.
In the warmer months, it’s a perfect place to go swimming in the cool water or relaxing on the sandy banks.
Another upside: Tenaya Lake is located about 40 miles east of Yosemite Valley, which makes it much less crowded than some other parts of the park.
13. Ice skate in Curry Village in the Winter
Visitors of Yosemite have enjoyed ice skating in Curry Village in Yosemite Valley for almost 100 years. Stunning views of Half Dome and Glacier Point ensure an unforgettable ice skating experience.
12. Admire the Valley and Bridalveil Fall at Tunnel View
Located right after the tunnel when entering Yosemite Valley from Wawona Road, Tunnel View features the most classic view of the valley.
From left to right, you can see El Capitan, Half Dome in the distance, and Bridalveil Fall.
Visit this place in the afternoon, when sunlight bathes the granite walls.
11. Go rafting in Merced River
Calm down, we don’t mean you should go rafting in the wild parts of the river!
Just on the contrary: Lean back and start floating down the calm Merced River through the Yosemite Valley.
Watch the massive granite walls including El Capitan passing by and then take the shuttle back to the start.
10. Rock Climb with the Yosemite Mountaineering School
For over 50 years, the Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service has led and taught climbing at Yosemite National Park.
Their teachers know the park better than anyone. If you’re interested in climbing in Yosemite, this is the way to start!
Climbing in this park should be on every adventure-lovers’ bucket list. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Yosemite!
9. Drive along the scenic Tioga Road
You want to enjoy some of the park’s best views without putting too much energy in it? Driving Tioga Road is your best option!
Starting from the base of Yosemite Valley to an elevation of almost 10,000 feet, this about 50-mile long drive boasts countless breathtaking vistas.
Our recommendation: Stop at Olmsted Point and watch hikers climbing Half Dome.
Important: Consider that the road is only open approximately late May or June through October/November, depending on conditions.
8. Hetch Hetchy Valley
Hetch Hetchy is located in the comparably uncrowded northwest corner of Yosemite. It’s worth visiting in all seasons.
You’ll experience remote lakes, hidden canyons, and impressive peaks here, with colorful wildflowers and thundering waterfalls in the Spring.
As the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is the primary water source for about 2.5 million Bay Area residents, swimming and boating is prohibited here.
7. Hike to Yosemite Falls
Being the tallest waterfall in North America and the fifth-largest waterfall in the entire world, Yosemite Falls is actually made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall, the middle cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall. Together, they’re almost 2.500 feet tall.
These falls can be seen from many places around Yosemite Valley. You can also hike a one-mile loop trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall.
Or, if you are bold (and fit) enough, you can do a strenuous one-day hike to the top.
6. Hike Half Dome
Awe-inspiring from every corner, the iconic Half Dome is one of the country’s most photographed monuments.
The hike to its top is very demanding, so if you’re afraid of heights and/or not in good shape, think twice before starting this trail.
5. Wander along Tuolumne Meadows’ trails
Tuolumne Meadows is located in the park’s east section. It’s a large, open subalpine meadow enclosed by impressive domes and peaks.
Hike along the winding Tuolumne River or along more rugged trails to the tops of the granite formations, or just enjoy the breathtaking scenery!
This area is only accessible in Summer via the already mentioned Tioga Pass or in Winter via cross-country skis.
4. Experience El Capitan
The 3,593-foot tall El Capitan is the planet’s largest single piece of granite and there are multiple ways to experience it.
Climb it, hike it, watch the climbers, or just take pictures: The possibilities are endless.
Climbing is only an option for a very small percentage of visitors, all routes are very strenuous and only for very experienced climbers.
The best place for watching the daredevil climbers is El Capitan Meadow. If you want to be able to watch them as closely as possible, don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars!
Other good spots to take pictures are from the roads in western Yosemite Valley, including Tunnel View and the Bridalveil Fall area.
The El Capitan hike is brutally difficult, with a distance of almost 20 miles and an elevation gain of over 5,200 feet.
Hiking or climbing this giant rock is one of the best things to do in Yosemite, especially for adventure seekers!
3. Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
This is one of Yosemite’s most popular trails, and for good reason: You’ll experience stunning vistas (as in many other places in the park), especially the trail’s name giving spot.
While climbing a 600-step staircase so close by the 317-foot tall Vernal Fall that its mist sprays onto the trail, don’t be surprised to get a light, natural shower.
Prepare for slippery footing!
The 2,5-mile hike to Vernal Fall takes about 3 hours. If you want, you can continue upward to the 594-foot tall Nevada Fall, taking about 5-6 hours in total. Together, Vernal and Nevada Falls make up the so-called Giant Stairway.
If you want to learn more about the Golden State’s waterfalls, check out our list featuring the most beautiful waterfalls in California!
2. Visit the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove
Mariposa Grove is home to about 500 mature giant sequoias. It is the largest of the three sequoia groves in Yosemite.
Located right at the south entrance of the park, some of the most impressive sights here are the 1,800-year old Grizzly Giant, which is 96 feet in circumference and has branches up to almost seven feet in diameter, and the California Tunnel Tree, the only sequoia in the park with a tunnel carved out of the centre of the trunk.
The top spot in our list of things to do in Yosemite National Park is…
1. Hike the Panorama Trail to Glacier Point
This 8,5-mile one-way trail is located between Glacier Point and the already mentioned Mist Trail.
It boasts stunning views constantly and passes places like Panorama Point and the beautiful Illilouette Falls.
The 7,214-foot high Glacier Point features views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra crest. You can see the Giant Stairway with Vernal and Nevada Falls, the Merced River canyon, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and more.
Visit at sunrise or sunset, when the granite formations turn pink.
If you wanna see more of the beautiful Sierra Nevada, be sure to read our blog post featuring the best places to visit in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park!
Also, check out our complete guide to California’s National Parks if you love the Golden State’s nature as much as we do!
And if you enjoyed reading this list, you’ll LOVE watching it in video-format:
