10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
10 Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park? Don’t set off without reading about these 10 incredible things to do in Yosemite. You won’t want to miss them!
Yosemite National Park, 761,266 acres of gorgeous natural beauty. No doubt, one of the most beautiful treasures in the United States.
Are you planning to join the over 3.5 million people who visit each year? With a little bit of preparation and advance planning, you can ensure that you get the most out of your visit.
Read on to learn about 10 things to do in Yosemite. You don’t want to miss any of these spectacular sights!
Tenaya Lake
First up on our list is Tenaya Lake. This pristine alpine lake is super easy to access. You can drive right up to the water, no hiking involved. It’s a nice place to stop along Tioga Road (Highway 120).
Bring some snacks because the white sandy beach is an inviting place to take a break. Sit back, relax and enjoy. The adventurous can even go for a swim. But remember, it is an alpine lake so it will be a bit chilly.
Sentinel Beach Picnic Area
For a more epic spot to chow down, visit the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area. This place has the works. There’s tables, grills, and vault toilets. The only thing it doesn’t have is potable water so you’ll have to bring along what you’ll need.
The beach along the river is soft and sandy and perfect for splashing about and having fun.
Listen to your steaks sizzle and take in the natural beauty of the towering granite peaks. This is a little piece of paradise on earth.
Bridalveil Falls
If you love waterfalls, Yosemite is the destination for you. The park boasts one of the best waterfall collections on the planet.
Bridalveil Falls is the iconic waterfall of Yosemite. If you’ve done any research on things to do in Yosemite, you may have seen a photo of it already.
You do have to hike to see this epic sight, but it isn’t too difficult. The paved trail is a short half mile round trip. It is very steep, though, and not ideal for strollers and wheelchairs.
The Mist Trail
For some more epic waterfalls and a bit more challenging hiking, try out the Mist Trail. They call it the Mist Trail for a reason, Vernal and Nevada Falls will cover you with a fine mist.
But bring warm clothes and don’t let the mist get you down. These waterfalls are too beautiful to describe. You have to see them for yourself!
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is a peaceful oasis in the midst of a bustling tourist location. The paved trail to get here is wheelchair friendly and about 2 miles roundtrip.
This is a beautiful spot from which you can enjoy the granite cliffs. Plus, you’ll see the famous Half Dome of Yosemite Valley.
To warn you, in late summer the lake sometimes dries up. But all is not lost! It leaves in its place a lush meadow that is still pleasant to visit and the view is still spectacular.
Lower Yosemite Falls
More epic waterfalls! Lower Yosemite Falls is one section of North America’s tallest waterfall. The other two sections are the Middle Cascades and the Upper Yosemite Falls.
The great thing about this waterfall is that it is easy to access. The trail is only a mile round trip and is not difficult.
The trouble is that everybody and their uncle will be visiting for that very reason. But the epic view of this waterfall is worth braving the crowds to see it.
One thing to keep in mind is that, like Mirror Lake, the falls sometimes dries up in late summer. If this is on your absolute must-see list, plan your trip at a different time of the year.
Valley View Viewpoint
You can find the Valley View Viewpoint on a one-way road leading out of the park. For this reason, it’s best to visit this spot on your way out.
Don’t miss it, though. This pristine spot gives you the feeling of seeing the park the way it was in the beginning.
The river trickles by, the intense smell of pine is in the air, and the granite peaks preside over it all.
Tunnel View Viewpoint
If you’re a photographer, this is one of the best things to do in Yosemite. The Tunnel View Viewpoint is the place to be to get the perfect shot.
As you come out of the tunnel you will see 3 of Yosemite Valley’s most famous sights. Let the view of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome inspire you.
This is a popular spot so be careful when driving through this area. But the breathtaking is worth the visit.
Mariposa Grove
The Mariposa Grove is one of the more unique things to do in Yosemite. Instead of gigantic peaks, step into a gigantic forest. And when we say gigantic we mean the trees themselves, not the acreage of the forest.
Giant Sequoias are awe-inspiring trees and they fill the Mariposa Grove. Nice hiking trails are available to take a stroll through and enjoy the forest.
A couple points of interest are the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree. But keep walking, as the crowds thin you’ll start to see lots of birds and other wildlife. You might even glimpse a coyote sneaking through the underbrush.
Glacier Point and Washburn Point
We’re going to mention both of these Points as you will find them along the same road. The views are a bit different, but both are spectacular.
Glacier Point is the most well-known, and thus the most crowded. This is a high point in the park and from here you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the valley.
In summer when there are long delays at Glacier Point, Washburn Point is a nice alternative.
From here you can see both Vernal and Nevada Falls. It’s fun to step back and see their size and grandeur from this spot after having hiked to them if you took the Mist Trail.
Things to Do In Yosemite
Bottom line, regardless of what you decide to do in Yosemite your trip will be amazing! This piece of the world is breathtaking and well-deserving of your time.
Check out our travel guide for more exciting things to do in the area. And if you need a place to stay, don’t hesitate to contact us!
