Yosemite National Park is full of epic mountain adventures — it’s also one of the most iconic national parks in the country! There are so many things to do in Yosemite, you’ll never run out of fun activities for every member of your group.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I love visiting this beautiful area of California, and I’m excited to share the best things to do in Yosemite with you.
This article includes information on family activities, hiking, biking, winter activities, and so much more.
Keep reading (or if you want to fast-forward, click on the links below) to find the perfect activities for your specific interests!
The Top 10 Things To Do in Yosemite
You want to be sure to see all of the highlights when you visit Yosemite for the first time! Combat your fear of missing out with this list of the top things to do in the park.
If you make it through this top ten list, you can relax knowing that you’ve had a well-rounded, complete tour of Yosemite!
When you are ready for more detailed information on the top things to do, including driving directions and trip planning help, click over to this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to Yosemite.
Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows is a gorgeous high alpine meadow located along Yosemite’s famous Tioga Road. Up here, you’ll see sparkling alpine lakes, majestic mountain peaks, and lots of wildlife.
Tunnel View Viewpoint
Tunnel View is the most iconic view of Yosemite! From up here, you’ll look straight into Yosemite Valley with beautiful views of Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, and El Capitan.
Sentinel Dome
Sentinel Dome sits high above Yosemite Valley and provides 360-degree views of the park. It’s a 2.2-mile hike to the top — this hike provides some of the most scenic views in Yosemite in the shortest amount of hiking!
The Mist Trail
If you only have time for one hike in Yosemite, make it the Mist Trail! This trail travels up the side of Vernal Fall, a roaring waterfall that will “mist” (or soak, depending on the season!) you as you make your way up to the top of the falls.
This trail can be lengthened or shortened depending on how far you want to go, but I highly recommend at least getting to the top of Vernal Fall!
Olmsted Point
Olmsted Point is one of the best views along the Tioga Road! From here, you’ll be able to soak in the beauty of Tenaya Lake, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest.
Lower Yosemite Fall
If you love waterfalls, you’ll love the short walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls.
This waterfall is the bottom section of Yosemite Falls, which is one of the highest waterfalls in North America at 2,425 feet tall!
BEAR SAFETY 101
You may encounter black bears while exploring Yosemite National Park. Learn how to prevent an encounter and what to do if you see a bear. (Please note that bear spray is illegal in Yosemite, so disregard those instructions!)
Valley View Viewpoint
Valley View provides a spectacular view of Yosemite’s granite cliffs from the banks of the Merced River.
I love standing here beneath the pines, listening to the babble of the river, and soaking in the views of the valley!
Mariposa Grove
The Mariposa Grove is a stunning grove of Giant Sequoias, the largest trees in the world by volume. These massive trees are impressive and will absolutely leave you speechless!
Hiking through the Mariposa Grove is the best way to get to know these massive trees in Yosemite National Park.
Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall is the first large waterfall you’ll see as you enter Yosemite Valley, and it is spectacular!
Take the short 0.5-mile hike to the base of this waterfall to enjoy the power and mist from this beautiful waterfall.
Glacier Point
There isn’t a better place to go for in-your-face views of Half Dome than at Glacier Point!
You’ll feel as though you can reach out and touch the park’s most famous monolith from here, and the view of Yosemite Valley below is unparalleled.
For more trip-planning information (including driving directions) on each of these stops, check out this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to Yosemite.
How long does it take to see the top ten things in Yosemite?
You’ll want no less than three full days of sightseeing to get through this list, but you’ll have to move fast in that amount of time! If you’re able to give yourself four full days, you’ll be able to see the best things in Yosemite while avoiding the crowds and enjoying each stop to the fullest.
If you’d like more help, I have a whole article devoted to helping you figure out how many days to spend in Yosemite.
Planning a trip to Yosemite can be overwhelming.
How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the park before? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?
You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.
If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this Yosemite Itinerary.
You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Yosemite has an adventure for every age and skill level! Now that we’ve covered the top 10 things to do in the park, it’s time to dig deeper into your own personal interests.
Things to Do in Yosemite With Kids
Yosemite has a great variety of short hikes and fun activities for kids. You don’t need to go on a huge hike to get breathtaking views, see wildlife, or feel like you’re on an adventure!
One of my favorite things to do in Yosemite with kids is to hang out by the water. Tenaya Lake has a nice picnic area and beach on the north side of the lake. Sentinel Beach and Cathedral Beach are great for playing in the Merced River as it flows through Yosemite Valley. If you visit the park in June or July, Mirror Lake is also a great place to wade in the water. Pack a lunch and plan on swimming and playing for a few hours! The swimming pools at Curry Village and the Yosemite Valley Lodge are open to the public if you’d rather swim in a pool than a lake.
Rent a bike in Yosemite Valley (they have bikes and trailers for kids!) and enjoy the stunning views from the valley’s multi-use paved pathways. You’ll find 12 miles of mostly flat designated biking routes that travel all around the valley.
If your kids get excited by waterfalls, then be sure to hike to the base of one! The Lower Yosemite Fall and Bridalveil Fall trails provide a quick and easy way to feel the spray of the most famous waterfalls in Yosemite.
The Grizzly Giant Loop, Sentinel Dome Trail, and Soda Springs Trails are my favorite easy hikes in the park. All of these are scenic hiking trails with things to keep their attention as you go. If you’re hoping to hike with your kids, check out this post on the best easy hikes in Yosemite.
Don’t forget to pick up a Jr. Ranger book at any park visitor center. These books have activities that your kids can complete to earn their very own ranger badge. This is a great way to keep them engaged and excited about Yosemite — you’ll probably even learn something too!
Things to Do in Yosemite if You Love to Hike
If you’re able to hike longer distances and are feeling extra adventurous, Yosemite has so many epic longer trails that shouldn’t be missed! If you’re looking for a challenge, consider hiking Half Dome, Cathedral Lakes, the Mist Trail, Upper Yosemite Falls, or the John Muir Trail.
Standing on the top of Half Dome is a huge accomplishment for even the most seasoned hikers. You’ll need a permit to use the cables that travel up to the summit of Yosemite’s most famous landmark.
The Cathedral Lakes Trail is located in the Tuolumne Meadows area of the park. This hike travels through a gorgeous alpine landscape to two pristine lakes.
The Mist Trail is another of Yosemite’s most famous day hikes. It’s a good climb, but you’ll love getting misted as you hike to the top of Vernal Fall. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, continue to the top of Nevada Fall as well!
The thigh-burning Upper Yosemite Fall Trail travels to the top of Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America! This trail has a lot of switchbacks, but the panoramic views from up here are incredible.
And last but certainly not least, the John Muir Trail is a 211-mile hike through some of the best mountain scenery in the country. If you’re looking for an epic multi-day trip through Yosemite, the JMT is a great option.
Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
Things to Do in Yosemite if You Don’t Want to Hike
If hiking isn’t something you’re able to do or want to do in Yosemite, you can still see a lot of the park! Floating in a river, signing up for a guided activity/tour, or taking a scenic drive are some great alternative options for your time here.
You can easily see what makes Yosemite National Park so special from the very first time you see the mountains — no hiking required! There are many majestic views to be seen from your car, and some of my favorite scenic drives in the park are:
- Tioga Road (views of high alpine lakes and mountains)
- Glacier Point Road (takes you to an amazing view of Half Dome)
- Yosemite Valley Drive (views of Yosemite’s waterfalls and granite cliffs)
If you like the idea of a guided tour, I suggest the Valley Floor Tour. This 2-hour tour takes you through Yosemite Valley in an open-air tram with a park ranger as your guide. You might also consider horseback riding or biking as an alternative way to see the park.
Birdwatching, fishing, or enjoying one of the park’s art galleries are also great ways to soak in the beauty of Yosemite.
One of the most unique ways to see Yosemite is from the water! You can rent a raft and float down the Merced River if you’re looking for a cool way to see the park’s most famous landmarks!
Winter Activities in Yosemite
Winter in Yosemite is an exciting adventure! If you like snowshoeing, skiing, snow tubing, or ice skating, you’ll love the winter months in this park.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are extremely popular winter activities in Yosemite. The Glacier Point Road and Badger Pass area is the most popular place to go for groomed trails. You can even stay overnight in the Glacier Point Ski Hut (currently closed until further notice).
The Badger Pass Ski Area is located along the Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park. Here you’ll find downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing!
During the winter, you can also go ice skating in Yosemite Valley.
Things to Do in Yosemite if You Love Ranger Programs
Participating in ranger programs can greatly enhance your experience in Yosemite. You’ll learn interesting facts, meet other travelers, and connect with someone who loves the park and knows it well! Yosemite has phenomenal ranger programs, including wildlife talks, guided walks, and evening programs.
Evening programs are held nightly in various locations around the park. These programs can range in topics, and you’re guaranteed to learn something interesting. Stop in at the visitor center to see the schedule and topics available while you’re there, or check out the Yosemite Guide before you go.
Be aware that some programs listed in the Yosemite Guide are not run by the NPS and have fees, but there are always free options run by the NPS.
Daytime ranger programs include wildlife viewing, guided hikes, and talks about the park’s history and features. Be sure to pick up a Jr. Ranger book for your kids — there are special programs just for them as well!
If you like the idea of a guided tour, I suggest the Valley Floor Tour. This 2-hour tour takes you through Yosemite Valley in an open-air tram with a park ranger as your guide.
Wheelchair-Friendly Things to Do in Yosemite
You’ll be able to enjoy many of the best sights if you’re visiting Yosemite in a wheelchair — there are so many fabulous viewpoints and scenic drives in this park!
Most viewpoints, trailheads, picnic areas, and visitor centers in Yosemite have handicapped parking stalls and ramps. The official park website has detailed information about each area of the park and its accessibility.
All park shuttle buses are equipped with a lift and tie-downs. Bus drivers will be there to help you embark and disembark with a wheelchair if needed. The park also has a supply of tandem and hand-cranked bicycles available to rent as an alternative way of experiencing Yosemite Valley!
Several of the best wheelchair-friendly trails in Yosemite are the Big Trees Loop, Cook’s Meadow, and Lower Yosemite Fall trails. You can find out more about each of these trails and a few others in this article (near the end).
Things to Do in Yosemite With Your Dog
Due to the large amount of wildlife and efforts to protect them, you won’t find many places to take your dog in Yosemite National Park. For more information on things to do with your dog in Yosemite, check out this detailed article: Is Yosemite Dog-Friendly?
High Adventure Activities in Yosemite
If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline going, consider rock climbing, rafting, downhill skiing, or horseback riding while visiting Yosemite.
Yosemite is a world-famous rock climbing destination — a reputation that has only been amplified in recent years by the release of the Free Solo documentary. For the ultimate thrill, sign up for a guided climb or lesson with the Yosemite Mountaineering School. You can’t get much more adventurous than that!
Rafting is a thrill, and it’s a popular activity that you can do within the national park or just right outside its borders. Floating the Merced River is an incredible way to experience the beauty of Yosemite Valley. If you’re hoping for a little more thrill, you can find whitewater rafting options near the gateway towns of El Portal or Fish Camp.
Horseback riding is another popular way to experience Yosemite. Guided trail rides explore the Wawona area of the park daily during the summer.
Downhill skiing is extremely popular during the winter season. The Badger Pass Ski Area is located in Yosemite along the Glacier Point Road. Don’t like to ski? Try tubing instead!
Things to Do in Yosemite if You Love to Bike
If you want to bike in Yosemite, the best option in the park is Yosemite Valley’s multi-use trail network. This collection of mostly-flat paved pathways travels through the valley and provides beautiful views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. You can bike to the most popular trailheads without having to wait for the park shuttle!
Biking is not permitted on any trails in Yosemite National Park, so if you’re looking for mountain biking adventures, you’ll want to head out of the park for that. There are many options in the mountains near Groveland — check them out here.
Things to Do Near Yosemite
The area around Yosemite could easily keep you busy for a long time! If you’re hoping to see another national park while in the area, Sequoia Kings is just a few hours south. Other places that might pique your interest include Muir Woods, Mammoth Lakes, and Bass Lake.
Many people combine Yosemite and Sequoia Kings National Parks into the same trip because they are only separated by a 2.5-hour drive. Sequoia Kings is an exciting national park complex that showcases the largest and most beautiful Giant Sequoia trees in the world!
Speaking of giant trees, Muir Woods National Monument is a stunning forest of Coastal Redwoods located just outside of San Francisco (about a 4.5-hour drive from Yosemite). If you’re flying into San Francisco or plan on spending any time in the city, be sure to stop here while you’re in the area.
Mammoth Lakes is a spectacular mountain town located near the east side of Yosemite National Park. You’ll love the sparkling lakes and majestic views as you hike, bike, climb, and ski in this area.
Bass Lake is a fun, family-friendly destination near Yosemite’s South Entrance. You’ll love boating, fishing, and hiking at this beautiful and popular lake! And don’t forget to add in a train ride on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad while you’re in the area.
I hope you have an amazing time working your way through these things to do in Yosemite. Happy Trails!
More Yosemite Trip Planning Information
Yosemite Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Yosemite — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Yosemite? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
12 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Yosemite — the top 12 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Yosemite Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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