Yosemite is my favorite national park and how I envision paradise. Yosemite has so much to discover, from granite peaks and mighty waterfalls of Yosemite Valley to glacial lakes. You can also head north to Tuolumne Meadows and the high country or visit the sequoias of Mariposa Grove.
| Must Sees | Logistics | Lodgings |
MUST SEES
Half Dome
In a monumental valley of granite domes, Half Dome is the iconic symbol of Yosemite and California. It looks like a knife has sliced it cleanly in half. If you hike to the top, you will need gloves to climb the infamous cables in the final stretch.
El Capitan
This vertical granite wall is about 3,000 feet. El Cap was the birthplace of rock climbing for legends Warren Harding, Royal Robbins, and Yvon Chouinard. In 2018, Alex Honnold free soloed on the Freerider route.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is a sight to behold in spring when its 2,425-foot cascade is at its peak. There are six drops, including the famous Upper and Lower Falls. Hike a mile loop to the lower falls. If you have time, hike 7.2 miles to the top of the upper falls and back.
Tunnel View
One of Yosemite’s most spectacular views is by the western entrance. After emerging from Wawona Tunnel, the grandeur of Yosemite Valley opens up before your eyes. You can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.
Basket Dome
The granite domes of Yosemite were formed by volcanic uplift and erosion by weather and glaciers. At Glacier Point, the best views of Half Dome are to the right. To the left, you’ll see the twin domes of Sentinel Dome and Basket Dome.
Yosemite Valley
This famous U-shaped valley travels for 7.5 miles between granite domes rising 3,500 feet. Visitors congregate at Yosemite Village and Curry Village.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake dries up by the middle of the summer. When it is full and calm, you can see a mirror image of Mt. Watkins. You can go on a 2-mile round-trip hike to the lake or a 5-mile loop around the lake.
Bridalveil Fall
Like most waterfalls in Yosemite, Bridalveil Fall flows powerfully in spring. When it is windy, the mist from the falls may not even reach the ground directly beneath it.
Tenaya Lake
Tenaya Lake is the largest lake in Yosemite’s frontcountry. Neighboring granite domes frame the high glacial lake.
Nevada Fall
You can go on a 5.4-mile roundtrip hike to Nevada Fall on the aptly-named Mist Trail. While Nevada Fall is 1.5 miles above Vernal Fall, you can continue another 4.8 miles to Half Dome.
Lembert Dome
Lembert Dome is an 800-foot granite dome above Tuolumne Meadows. Rock climbers scale the west face from the parking lot. You can also hike to the top from the trail from the east of the lot.
LOGISTICS
Reservations
Entrance reservations are required between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Secure your peak hours ticketed entry on recreation.gov.
Shuttles
The Valleywide shuttle serves all stops in Yosemite Valley, arriving every 12-22 minutes from 7 am to 10 pm. The East Valley shuttle runs in eastern Yosemite Valley, arriving every 8-12 minutes from 7 am to 10 pm.
LODGINGS
Curry Village
Once known as Camp Curry, Curry Village is located below Glacier Point on the valley floor. Enjoy a rustic experience in canvas tent cabins. At night, you can watch movies at the outdoor amphitheater.
Yosemite View Lodge
The lodge is just 2.4 miles from the western entrance by El Portal. The rooms are between the 140 and the Merced River.
Yosemite Bug
The hillside cabins have private bathrooms. The lodge is about an hour from the western entrance. The café provides delicious hot meals.
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