Top Things to do in Yosemite National Park
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10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Yosemite National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
Tucked into the mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is renowned for its granite cliffs and waterfalls. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the formations made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. The valley is open year-round for camping, hiking, and climbing. Traffic is congested during peak season and park rangers encourage visitors to use the free shuttle system. For upscale visits, the Ahwahnee Hotel, built in 1927, is chic and luxurious.
1. El Capitan Meadow
2. North Dome
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States
We hiked to North Dome. The first several miles of the trail is through the forest and is a fairly easy/moderate hike. You will pass a number of stream crossings, which you can easily get across by walking on the rocks or a fallen tree branch. Near the top, is a short side hike to Indian Rock which has an impressive view and is a fairly steep hike up. Careful going back down, the gravel is slippery, as I found out (literally) the hard way. Then, continueing to North Dome, you walk down a very large granite rock. When you are near the end, the trail to North Dome will be on your left and is marked with a bunch of rocks, lining the start of the path. The first part of the path contains an approx few meter fairly sharp incline. You almost need to slide down it (and wonder how on earth you are going to get back up -- but you will). The rest of the walk is moderate/easy through the forest and then on to North Dome. The scenery from North Dome is magnificent. On your left is a great view of Half Dome and on your right, a great view of Yosemite Valley. It was really worth it and I would do it again. The hike back up is not that bad until you get to that steep slide part. It is easier to go up on on the left side of that short incline. Then you need to walk back up the granite rock - which seems a whole lot longer and steeper on the way up. Then, you again hike through the forest, which is mostly downhill, and pleasant with a not too bad incline up the last 2 miles or so. Bring plenty of water and your lunch! There is a restroom (not flush toilets) at the trail head/parking lot. We saw no restrooms anywhere along the hike.
3. Dana Fork
4. Nature Center at Happy Isles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By archlav - Glenmoore, United States
They have art classes and wonderful animal exhibit. We learnt so much about the flora and fauna around the area. The staff is wonderful. This is a great place for the jr ranger program and getting into some fun scavenger hunts and learning. Definitely go across the bridges to see some lovely rivers.
5. McGurk Meadow
6. Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
7. California Tunnel Tree
8. Pioneer Yosemite History Center
9. Devils Bathtub
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
