national parks in the US that I ever visited; and boy was it a good way to start!
Once here, two miles of blooming fields await, offering unparalleled views of Lembert Dome, Cathedral Peak, and Pothole Dome.
Dominating Yosemite Valley’s west end, El Capitan is a legend among mountain climbers. Standing around 3,000 feet above the valley floor, it is a dramatic rock formation that really makes Yosemite so unique to visit.
If you’re looking for a dreamy and magical retreat, Tuolumne Meadows offers a totally tranquil escape.
Seeing Bridalveil Fall is easily one of the best things to do in Yosemite and a sight to behold.
Feel like a challenge, join the El Capitan Trail that’s for more experienced hikers. Although tough, is well worth the 8-10 hour trek for the views. Just be sure to be a confident and responsible hiker on the trail.
1.) Tunnel View
It’s the kind of place that’s pretty accessible by car and one iconic spot in California that’s too good to miss. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best national parks in California.
Although it really comes alive with a thundering flow of water in early spring, it’s still impressive all year round. So, don’t fret about what time of year you visit, the views are still great.
There are plenty of activities to do at Glacier Point, you can also try stargazing and birdwatching if that’s your thing Though, wrap up warm as you’ll get chilly fast!
On your trails around Mariposa Grove, you’ll find out that some trees even have names, like the Fallen Monarch, the Faithful Couple, and the Clothespin Tree.
Standing on this vantage point, you’ll see the lush valley before you, with Bridalveil Fall on the right, El Capitan on the left, and Half Dome somewhere in the distance. Try and spot them all if you can.
Finally, be sure to check out Washburn Point. It is only a few strides south of Glacier Point and offers a spectacular view of Vernal Fall.
Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Yosemite National Park. Have fun in California!
2.) Half Dome
Heading over? The best time to go to Tunnel View is in the afternoon when you’ll see the granite walls shimmering in the sunlight.
There are so many vantage points where you can get a good view of Half Dome. You can admire it from a distance at Tunnel View or you can go to Mirror Lake and see Half Dome up close.
You can’t go all the way to Yosemite and not spot Half Dome! Seeing it is easily one of the best things to do in Yosemite and an iconic part of the national park.
Read more: Best places in California to visit
Though don’t feel like you can only hike these trails in summer, Vernal Fall is awe-inspiring at any time of the year.
Read more: Best things to do in Lake Tahoe
Perhaps the most popular of them all is the Grizzly Giant, one of the largest in the grove and estimated to be more than 2,700 years old. There are some serious rings in that tree!
3.) Yosemite Falls
You can take an easy hike along the paved trail leading to the base, where you will be rewarded with the cool drenching mists of Bridalveil Fall.
Another breathtaking vantage point in Yosemite, Glacier Point is a place that shouldn’t be left out in your trip around the park. Standing at over 7000 feet, it gives you a whole new perspective of the entire Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
Yosemite Falls is made up of three waterfalls that, when combined, makeup one of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
Easy to visit from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, the towering sequoia trees are living specimens of art sculpted by nature. It sounds cheesy but you’ll see exactly what I mean when you arrive.
4.) Glacier Point
For me, early spring or fall is the best time to drive to Glacier Point, when the world is bursting with colours, but you can also check it out in the winter months especially if you’re a cross-country skier.
Upper Yosemite requires a more challenging hike up to the crest, but Middle Cascades and Lower Yosemite Fall can be accessed with a fairly easy hike.
That being said, if you want a stunning view of this geological wonder, head up to Glacier Point and see how it towers over the other mountains and stands like a sentinel over the valley below.
At 317 feet high, Vernal Fall is one of the best things to do in Yosemite if you love a good hike. You can take a misty stroll through John Muir Trail or Mist Trails (which I did) to get a good look at Vernal Fall from the footbridge.
If you’re not a climber, follow the trails to Lower Cathedral Lake (for some epic views) from Cathedral Lakes Trailhead.
Just like Glacier point, the views are stunning but you must always act responsibly around viewpoints like these. They can be dangerous and you must make sure to not take undue risks by scaling over barriers or dangling on rock edges.
Oh, and if you’re visiting in the chillier months, keep driving towards the nearby Badger Pass Ski Area. It’s a great place to ski the slopes, especially for newbie skiers.
Read more: Best things to do in San Francisco
5.) El Capitan
Read more: Best things to do in San Francisco
8.) Tuolumne Meadows
Read more: Best things to do in San Francisco
9.) Cathedral Peak
Read more: Best things to do in San Francisco
Home to about 500 mature giant sequoia trees, Mariposa Grove is often considered the heart of Yosemite National Park.