15 Incredible Things to Experience in Yosemite National Park
Imagine a place with gigantic granite cliffs that touch the sky, waterfalls that roar as they crash down into misty valleys, and views so epic they look like they’re straight out of a movie. That’s Yosemite National Park.
You’ve probably seen pictures of its famous spots like Half Dome and El Capitan, and trust us, they are even more amazing in person. But what’s really cool about Yosemite is all the other stuff you can discover beyond the main attractions.
Think hidden lakes, forests filled with giant, ancient trees, and awesome spots for a swim.
Even though it feels like a wild, untouched wonderland, getting around Yosemite is surprisingly simple. There are roads, free shuttles, and tons of things to do whether you’re a serious hiker or just want to see some incredible sights for the first time.
The park is huge, so figuring out where to start can be a little overwhelming. That’s where we come in. This list of 15 incredible experiences will help you find the absolute best things to do in Yosemite.
Start your trip with the breathtaking panorama from Tunnel View
As you drive out of the Wawona Tunnel, you get a mind-blowing welcome to Yosemite. The whole valley opens up right in front of you. You’ll see the massive El Capitan on your left, the beautiful Bridalveil Fall on your right, and the famous Half Dome way in the back.
This is one of the most amazing views in the park, and it’s the perfect first stop to get you excited for your adventure.
The parking area here can get crowded because everyone wants to see this view. If it’s full, you might have to drive on and circle back. During the busiest times of the year, you may need a reservation to get into the park at all, so be sure to check the park’s website before you go.
Explore Yosemite’s most iconic spots in Yosemite Valley
This is the heart of the park, where you’ll find all the famous sights you’ve heard about. It’s the central area with giant rock formations and Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America.
You can walk or bike through meadows, follow trails along the Merced River, and see some of the most impressive views. The valley is also where you’ll find places to eat, rent bikes, and join tours.
Getting around is simple thanks to the free shuttle bus that runs all day during the busy season. It makes stops at all the main trailheads and points of interest, so you can hop on and off to explore.
You can also follow the Valley Loop Trail on foot to see everything up close, check out the historic chapel, or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery to see amazing photos of the park.
Go for a chill walk to Mirror Lake
If you want an easy walk with awesome views, head to Mirror Lake. The main path to the lake is paved and mostly flat, which is great for a chill stroll or a bike ride. You get an amazing reflection of Half Dome in the water, which makes for some seriously cool photos.
You can get to the trailhead easily from shuttle stop #17. Most people just go to the lake and back, but a longer five-mile loop trail goes all the way around it if you want to escape the crowds.
It’s good to know that the lake’s appearance changes with the seasons. It’s fullest in the spring and early summer when the snow is melting. By late summer, it can be more of a meadow than a lake as the water dries up. But even then, it’s still a pretty walk.
In winter, the area can be a frosty, quiet place that’s beautiful in a totally different way.
Catch a bit of the iconic Mist Trail at Vernal Fall
For a hike that gets you right into the action, check out the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall. You can’t see this powerful waterfall from the valley floor, so you have to earn the view. The hike starts from Happy Isles at shuttle stop #16.
A short walk brings you to a footbridge with a great first look at the falls. To get to the top, you’ll climb a famous stone staircase of over 600 steps that gets completely soaked by the waterfall’s spray.
The climb is steep but totally worth it. Be prepared to get wet, especially in the spring when the water is really flowing—it feels more like a shower than a mist! If you’re up for a bigger challenge, you can keep going past Vernal Fall to reach the top of Nevada Fall, which is even higher.
Just make sure you have good shoes because the steps can be very slippery.