The 15 Best Things To Do In Yosemite National Park

For years, I ranked Yosemite National Park as my favorite place on Earth. It’s held a special place in my heart since college, when I was a camp counselor just outside of its southern gates on Bass Lake. The reason is obvious. It’s grandeur, all the incredible things to do in Yosemite, the photography opportunities, and so much more.

I hope that every American gets to witness Yosemite National Park. It’s truly an icon of our country. It shows what happens when you preserve and protect the environment, allowing future generations to experience the majesty of those canyon walls.

Inside, we’ll dive into all the best things to do in Yosemite. While I would say hiking is the best of the best (and you can read my specific article below), there are plenty of other things to do as well.

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These are what I consider the Best Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in Yosemite National Park. Most of these are non-hiking activities, offering you some other ideas for what to do when you visit. That said, the reason you come here is to hike. So keep that in mind!

1. Hiking throughout Yosemite

Because this isn’t a hiking article, I won’t be restating all the trails from my best hikes in Yosemite article. But the main point is that you come to Yosemite for hiking. It’s one of the most iconic places in the world with 10/10 hiking terrain.

Anyone who’s been to Yosemite understands the significance and wonder that spending time here has on their soul. I’ve been to Yosemite dozens of times, and each time I enter the valley, it’s a spiritual awakening.

Here are some of the must-do trails:

• Clouds Rest
• Yosemite Falls
• Half Dome
• Mist Trail
• Cathedral Lake
• Illilouette Fall
• Mirror Lake (in the spring, when the temporary lake reflects Half Dome)
• Lembert Dome

2. Float the Merced River

When I worked as a camp counselor outside of the park during college, we would come into Yosemite and float the Merced River. It was such a calming experience, soaking up all the beauty the area has to offer.

Plus, on hot, summer days, the snowmelt water felt so, so good!

3. Watch climbers on El Capitan

Grab some snacks, a blanket, and have a picnic in the Yosemite Meadows and watch climbers scale El Capitan. It’s a humbling experience, watching people dangle off the wall thousands of feet above the ground.

Make sure to bring binoculars or a good camera to keep a close eye on them.

4. Ride bikes throughout Yosemite Valley

There’s no better way to efficiently get around Yosemite Valley than on a bike. You can either bring your own bike or rent one in Curry Village. This allows you to beat the car traffic and explore the sights at your own speed.

Getting a chance to cruise around while looking up at Half Dome, El Cap, or the various waterfalls is mesmerizing.

5. Jump in a lake in Tuoloumne Meadows

The easiest lake to reach and see is Tenaya Lake because you drive right next to it. But there are dozens of lakes in the high country to hike to and then jump into. I wish I could say that I’ve maxed out my alpine lakes here, but I’ve only reached Cathedral Lake, and it was a cloudy, chilly day back in 2014.

So, I didn’t get a jump in. Maybe do a jump for me, will ya?

6. Go backpacking or camping

Backpacking is phenomenal in Yosemite. It’s also competitive. Same for camping. You sometimes have to check daily for a cancellation to pop up. But if you can land a campsite in the park, you’ve won the lotto!

I’ve only backpacked once in Yosemite, and that was into Lyell Canyon for three days in 2018. It’s a beautiful stretch of the PCT, almost flat for 8 miles.

I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of camping in the park, but I have stayed at Curry Village in a tent when I was younger. So, it sorta counts.

Click here to check out the campgrounds.

7. Check out the Ansel Adams Museum

If you’re even remotely into photography or just appreciate art that makes you feel something, the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village is a must.

This is literally where the man did much of his work, shooting the same granite walls and waterfalls you’re looking at right now. If you get a chance to see his prints in person, where they were made, you’re in for a treat. It’s a good reminder of what’s possible when you slow down and really see a place.

One thing to note is that the parking in this area is a headache. I circled for 15-20 minutes and then left. So I still haven’t seen the actual gallery yet, which is a bummer!

8. Grab a drink at Historic Awahnee Hotel

Even if you’re not staying here, you owe it to yourself to walk through the doors of the Ahwahnee. Built in 1927, this National Historic Landmark is one of those rare places that actually lives up to the hype.

Grab a drink at the bar, sink into one of the massive chairs by the fireplace, and take it all in. The stone walls, the towering ceilings, and the views looking out into the valley make you feel right at home in one of the most historic places in Yosemite National Park.

9. Walk amongst Giant Sequoias at the Mariposa Grove

Just inside the southern gates is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Now, it’s not exactly the density of Sequoia National Park, but it’s a pretty cool thing to see when you visit. The trees are massive, and if you’ve never laid eyes on a giant sequoia in your life, it’s life-changing.

It’s honestly hard to comprehend how freaking big they are until you stand beside one and they look like a toothpick.

A couple of notes: A) You have to take a shuttle from the parking area to the trailhead. They run every 10 minutes or so, and it is free. B) The best part is hiking out to the Grizzly Giant and back. I’d call it easy, but maybe others would say it’s moderately challenging. In all, expect about two miles in all.

10. Watch sunrise or sunset at Tunnel View

There’s nothing like going through the tunnel and knowing the most famous and gorgeous view in America is about to appear. Tunnel View is an iconic place to view Yosemite Valley, take photos, and soak up the granite walls.

It’s one of the popular places to photograph sunrise or sunset. At sunrise, you get the sun coming over El Cap or Half Dome, or illuminating the valley in light. Then, at sunset, you get Half Dome or El Cap lighting up in a dark orange hue as it sets.

Not many things are more stunning in my opinion.

11. Enjoy the many waterfalls throughout the valley

In addition to the epic granite walls that make up Yosemite Valley, the waterfalls flowing into the valley are also insanely impressive.

You have the iconic Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, Bridalveil Falls, Silver Strand Falls, Illilouette Falls, Ribbon Falls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Horsetail Falls.

12. In Winter, hit the slopes at Badger Pass

Most people don’t think of Yosemite as a ski destination, but Badger Pass has been welcoming skiers since 1935, making it the oldest operating ski resort in California.

It’s not Tahoe. It’s not trying to be. What it is is a refreshingly low-key mountain experience surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping scenery you’ll find anywhere on Earth. Hit the slopes, then look up and enjoy the view of Half Dome.

13. Enjoy Glacier Point (Night stars, or sunrise/sunset)

Outside of Tunnel View, this might be the most iconic view in Yosemite.

Located directly south of Half Dome (along with 4,000 feet of air in between), this place will change the way you think about Yosemite. Let me just rattle off a few of the jaw-dropping pros:

• View of Half Dome in its entirety
• Yosemite Falls
• Vernal and Nevada Falls
• Clouds Rest
• Mount Lyell

It’s simply magnificent.

Then, to top it off, it’s an incredible place to watch the stars come out, lights flick on in the Valley Below, and watch the Milky Way above. Visiting Glacier Point is easily one of the best things to do in Yosemite National Park.

Now, for hiking, there are a few nearby hikes. Hiking down to Illilouette Falls is great, so is the Four Mile Trail to the valley floor. Additionally, a little bit further up the road is a nice hike out to Taft Point, another of my favorite places to watch the sunset.

Related: 6-Day Yosemite + Sequoia Road Trip Itinerary

14. Visit Hetch Hetchy

Most people never make it here. That’s exactly why you should.

Hetch Hetchy sits in the northwest corner of the park — same granite walls, same waterfall drama as Yosemite Valley, minus 99% of the crowds. The catch: it’s flooded. A controversial dam built in 1913 turned the valley floor into a reservoir that now supplies drinking water to San Francisco. No swimming, no boating.

What you do get is the Wapama Falls Trail — an easy 4.8-mile out-and-back that hugs the reservoir’s edge and ends at a waterfall that pours directly onto the footbridge. In spring, it hits hard enough to soak you.

It feels like Yosemite before Yosemite became Yosemite.

15. Go Flightseeing Over Yosemite

Talk about a wicked cool thing to do! Flying over Yosemite National Park, a place I’ve seen dozens of times, is easily one of the best things to do in Yosemite. Instead of looking up at Yosemite Falls or Half Dome, now I was looking down on it from the most insane angles.

If you are making your way through Mariposa, I so highly recommend jumping in a plane and doing an hour or longer tour!

Where to stay in and around Yosemite National Park

Looking for some lodging suggestions, I’ve got you! Prices inside Yosemite Valley will be high, but you get what you pay for, without having to drive in and out of the park. Additionally, there are options just outside of the park, or you can go stay in Mariposa, which is nice.

Hiking Gear For Your Yosemite Trip

Need some gear advice? Here are some options to tackle the best things to do in Yosemite National Park.

• Hat – either wide-brimmed or this Patagonia style
• Sunblock
• Trail Runners – Altra Lone Peaks are my go-to
• Sun Shirt or Sunhoody – Colder conditions: REI Sahara Shade, Warmer Conditions: Patagonia Capilene, Other good ones: Fjallraven Abisko, Outdoor Research Astroman
• Hiking Shirt – Patagonia Capilene is my favorite
• Hiking shorts – Fjallraven or these from Prana
• Wool hiking socks – Darn Tough is fantastic
• Sunglasses – Goodr are perfect without breaking the bank
• Hiking Pack 15-25 liters is perfect for a day hike – This one’s on the smaller end, here’s a 25L option
• At least 2L of water
• Snacks and a sandwich – bring something salty to help with sodium replenishment

Related: How Many Days in Yosemite?

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite has a special place in my heart and in my love of the outdoors. Every time I enter the valley, it feels spiritual. The towering granite walls. The waterfalls. The trees. The river.

I’m so excited that you’re hopefully planning a trip here, and hopefully these best things to do in Yosemite will help you plan a wonderful trip!

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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