Things to do in Yosemite National Park
A glacier-carved Sierra Nevada valley of granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, giant sequoias, and high-country meadows.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Yosemite National Park
Glacier PointDo not miss
A 3200-foot overlook of Half Dome, the high country, and the valley floor; superb at sunset and for stargazing.
Viewpoint · 1.4 hr4.9
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada FallsDo not miss
The valley's signature hike, climbing granite steps beside two thundering waterfalls.
Hike · 5 hr4.9
Tunnel ViewDo not miss
The classic first look at the valley with El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome aligned.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.9
Mariposa Grove of Giant SequoiasDo not miss
Yosemite's largest sequoia grove, home to the Grizzly Giant and hundreds of ancient trees.
Hike · 3 hr4.8
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
A short, mostly flat loop to the base of North America's tallest waterfall.
Hike · 45 min5
Sentinel Dome
A short climb to a granite dome with a 360-degree view of the entire park.
Hike · 1.5 hr5
Cathedral Lakes
A classic high-country hike to two granite-rimmed alpine lakes below Cathedral Peak.
Hike · 5 hr4.9
El Capitan Meadow
The best spot to watch climbers on El Capitan and take in the sheer 3000-foot wall.
Wildlife · 45 min4.9
Olmsted Point
A glacier-polished overlook of Half Dome from the north and Tenaya Canyon.
Viewpoint · 30 min4.9
Sentinel Bridge
The classic Half Dome reflection in the Merced River, glowing at sunset.
Viewpoint · 30 min4.9
Stargazing at Glacier Point
Dark Sierra skies over the valley rim; summer astronomy programs run here.
Stargazing · 1.5 hr4.9
Taft Point
A short hike to dramatic clifftop fissures and an unguarded edge facing El Capitan, stellar at sunset.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.9
Tenaya Lake
A high alpine lake with sandy shore for swimming, paddling, and reflections of surrounding domes.
Water Activity · 2 hr4.9
Bridalveil Fall
A short walk to a 620-foot waterfall, often the first one visitors reach.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.8
And 4 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Iconic granite monoliths El Capitan and Half Dome, the highest waterfalls in North America, and some of the most photographed views in the world.