5 Best Things to do in Yosemite National Park, California

The Yosemite National Park is situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. Covering up an area of 1187 sq. miles, the National Park boasts marvelous nature. It is simply a retreat away from the chaotic day-to-day life.

The charms of the place are unmatched. It is a habitat of gigantic granite cliffs, mesmerizing waterfalls, whimsical lakes, mountains, clear streams, lush meadows, giant Sequoia trees, glaciers and so much more. Here, the list of natural elements is really long.

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Not just these, the national park is brimming with adventure, thrills, fun, happiness, and so much more that will just sweep us away from our feet. A lot of things are there to experience.

In this article, you will get to know about some of the best things you can do when visiting the Yosemite National Park,

1. Walk and admire the towering groves
2. Drive up to the Glacier Point
3. Hike to Yosemite & Bridal Veil falls
4. Enjoy the tunnel view
5. Climb up to the top of Half Dome

Let’s see each of these activities in detail.

1. Walk and admire the towering groves

In Yosemite National Park, you can view the wonderful sequoia trees in Mariposa Grove. It houses more than 500 giant sequoia trees which are more than a thousand years old.

Admire the giant towering sequoia trees. Observe the spectacular sights of the fallen Grizzly Giant and Monarch.

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Surprisingly you can travel through the wonderful man-made tunnel that is carved in the middle of the California Tunnel Tree (Wawona Tree), a giant sequoia in Yosemite. Admire the beautiful towering trees as you look up at the sky.

Big Loop Trails are the easiest here.  Explore the groves as you surpass them!

2. Drive up to the Glacier Point

Glacier Point is one of the wonderful destinations with breathtaking beauty in the Yosemite National Park. The most comprehensive outlook from here is regarded as one of the best experiences you can have. This makes it a must-see attraction in the park.

Unlike many other vantage locations in Yosemite, Glacier Point is accessible by road, allowing drivers to avoid a long climb. You can drive up here and enjoy sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, as well as sights like Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.

This is especially advantageous if you’re traveling with your kid who would otherwise miss out on a magnificent, high-altitude perspective of Yosemite Valley. Because this is such a popular and easily accessible destination in Yosemite, try visiting during non-peak hours if possible.

3. Hike to Yosemite & Bridal Veil Falls

Yosemite Falls attracts many tourists all year round. You can hike through the lovely trails and have a majestic view of the tumbling Yosemite Falls over the granite rock. Get photographed in the lovely backdrop of this falls pounding over the rocks!

The spectacular Bridalveil Fall is also an easy trek with stunning vistas. You can hike to different areas of this falls. It is 620 feet high and is about a half-mile walk away from Yosemite National Park.

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As you hike to different areas of both these falls, you can feel the thrill running through your veins.

Bridalveil is a spectacular sight even in the cold, which looks more mystical according to many visitors. This hike and waterfall remain accessible all year round.

4. Enjoy the tunnel view

Tunnel View, along with Glacier Point, is usually regarded as Yosemite’s most popular viewpoint.

Travelers may see the enticing Yosemite Valley from here, which includes views of popular park landmarks including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.

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Tunnel View is located on Wawona Road (Highway 41), which acts as a gateway to the various activities, accommodations, and services available in Yosemite Valley.

You’re likely to go along or near Wawona Road if you’re staying in Yosemite Valley and enjoy the enthralling views.

5. Climb up to the top of Half Dome

Hiking through Yosemite’s Half Dome Cables Route is an unforgettable experience as addressed by many backpackers and travelers. The trail is 14 to 16 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 4,800 feet (the elevation gain on the Mist Trail is between 1,000 and 2,000 feet).

The real challenge on this trek starts right away with a hard rise up the Mist Trail. The hike then continues to the top of Nevada Fall before heading across Yosemite Valley on a lengthy, level segment. After reaching the dome’s base, a difficult rocky climb leads to the Half Dome Cables, a sheer, exposed granite rock wall accessed by two steel cables.

Remember that the Half Dome is an extremely strenuous hike and it almost takes 10-12 hours.

These are some of the interesting things to do in the Yosemite National Park. If you are in California, this natural paradise is a must-visit. Discover every spot from a new nook and try out all the possible activities.

Walk, run, sit back, and assimilate the spirit that the region houses. The lovely hiking and driving trails will take you through the most precious views of nature!