Top Things to do in Yosemite National Park
Top 8 National Parks in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite National Park
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. Elizabeth Lake
2. Artist Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By BikeWMa - East Longmeadow, United States
For those who use REI or All Trails, and can find this trail, it really does provide the best view of the valley. Beware Inspiration Point is a harder hike with lousy view. Artist Point is a 1.25 mile hike one way with fabulous view. We enjoyed hiking from the pull-off just up the road from Bridal veil falls better than hiking from the parking lot at tunnel view.
3. Bridalveil Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,507 reviews
Landmark waterfall located in Yosemite.
Reviewed By Y802JBanthonyd
A beautiful waterfall! Catch it in the right light and it can look like a firefall. It is a short and easy hike to the viewing area. The fall is very beautiful and you will probably get hit with the spray and mist of it. This is especially nice on a hot day. Beware: don’t go beyond the railings. Many have been injured and a couple even killed climbing over the rocks( wet polished granite with moss). It is perfectly safe and enjoyable from the viewing area. Unfortunately this year (2020) the parking lot and trail are closed. The fall can be seen from the road or at other points in the valley.
4. Swinging Bridge Picnic Area Yosemite National Park CA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By WanderingWithUsTwo - Phoenix, United States
We came across this particular spot a few years ago during our first visit. The name of the location comes from a bridge that takes you over the water to access the other side of the riverbank. Despite the name it is actually anchored into the ground so there’s no need to fear that it may swing. Because of this higher viewpoint over the water it also provides for some nice photo opportunities. This location also provides area along the water for people to set up chairs to lounge and walk into the water via the small beaches. There are spots with wooden tables that are first come first serve so if you want to bring out your food and stay here for the day it is also an option. They offer a couple of non-flush restrooms here which is good if you’ll be spending a long time here. This water is very cold but you will still see a lot of people getting in and cooling off, especially during the summer months. If you would rather not get in all the way but still want to enjoy the streams of the park and lounge there are also options to raft through the river between 10AM-6PM. This varies depending on the daily current so it’s best to check in with park officials to see the current conditions and assure that your flotation device is good to go. If you do not have any flotation device you can also rent one from the Curry Village Center in the middle of the park. We got to watch the sunset here and really enjoyed the peace and quiet and recommend this place to come visit between hikes to cool off! - @wanderingwithustwo
5. Fairview Dome
6. Pioneer Yosemite History Center
7. Tamarack creek falls
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 1 reviews
8. Columbia falls
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 1 reviews
