Things to Do in Yosemite Park
Yosemite is a destination of destinations…
Yosemite National Park is more than just a great tourist destination. It is the collective name used to describe hundreds of fascinating natural wonders, destinations and attractions sprinkled across more than 1,200 square miles of scenic beauty that makes up the area known as Yosemite National Park.
Some of the natural scenic wonders and attractions of the area include: (click on the titles below for more information on each)
- Epic Waterfalls - including some of the tallest waterfalls in the United States. [details]
- Majestic rock monoliths – including Half Dome and El Capitan. [details]
- Giant Sequoia Forests. The Mariposa Grove at Yosemite Park is home to some of the most impressive Giant Sequoia trees in north America. [details]
- Bracebridge Festival at the Ahwahnee - Yosemite's annual Christmas time celebration. [details]
- Museums and historic buildings - While Yosemite is known for its natural beauty, it is also home to some beautiful lodges and other man-made historical buildings and artifacts. [details]
- Fishing the beautiful lakes, streams and tarns - Love to fish? Then you are going to love your vacation to Yosemite National Park. Find out what's biting, and where the hot fishing spots are. [details]
- Tranquil and pristine wilderness areas - While Yosemite Park is full of adventure, it can also be a refuge of peaceful tranquility. [details]
- Wawona golf course – the only golf course located within the borders of a national park. [details]
Waterfalls
Yosemite is a land full of rushing rivers and magnificent cascading waterfalls. The best time to witness the full thunderous power of Yosemite’s impressive waterfalls is during the spring.
» Yosemite Falls
Perhaps the most notable and well known falls in the park is the world famous Yosemite Falls. Yosemite falls has a total vertical free fall of over 2,425 feet making it one of the tallest waterfalls in north America.
Yosemite Falls can be seen from many locations around the Yosemite Valley floor and it’s beauty is striking from any vantage point, but if you really want to see Yosemite Falls up close and personal, there is a fully paved one mile loop trail that will take you right to the base of the falls. There is also a more strenuous full-day hike that will take the adventurous hiker up to the top of the falls.
» Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall flows all year around, but it is at it’s most impressive peak flow during May. Bridalveil Fall is the first waterfall that will greet you as you enter the valley floor. Bridalveil Fall is easily accessible via a short but steep walk up a well-maintained path that begins at a paved parking area. Bridalveil falls a total of 620 vertical feet.
» Vernal Fall
Vernal Fall flows throughout the year. Vernal fall is one of the smaller falls within the park with a vertical drop of 317 feet, but the rate of water flow and the impressive rocky river bed more than compensates for the smaller size by creating a brilliant whitewater glow and a thunderous powerful roar.
» Nevada Fall
Nevada Fall flows throughout the year down a steep granite face with a vertical drop of 594 feet. There is a steep trail that will take you to the base of Nevada Fall, but you can also get impressive views of the fall from Glacier Point.
» Ribbon Fall
Ribbon Fall doesn’t get all of the publicity that Yosemite Falls or some of the other falls in the park receive, perhaps because it only flows three to four months out of the year, however when it is at it’s peak flow, Ribbon Fall is one of the more impressive falls within the park with a vertical drop of more than 1,600 feet.
» Horsetail Fall
Horsetail Fall is an impressive fall with a 1,000 foot vertical drop that pours over the east side of El Capitan. Horsetail Fall is best known for radiant amber glow in mid to late February as the setting sun reflects off it’s waters and makes it appear to be a stream of fire flowing down the mountain wall.
» Illilouette Fall
Illillouette Fall flows year-round with peak flow in late May. This fall is only visible via a hike up a one of several steep trails, with the best views being offered from the Panorama Trail.
» Chilnualna Falls
The Chilnualna Falls have the highest total vertical drop of any of the falls within the park at an impressive 2,200 feet. However the entire fall is split up over several smaller falls, and due to the twisting, curving nature of the falls, it is impossible to see the entire fall at one time. These falls are located in the Wawona area, however the falls are not visible from the road and are only accessible via a steep and somewhat strenuous trail.
Granite Wonders
Yosemite is world famous for it’s fabulous ‘stone mountains’ and unique granite monoliths.
Sheer towers of stone rise like sky scrapers from the valley floor, carved out over eons of time by massive glaciers and tenacious rivers, and providing visitors with an experience that is both beautiful and intimidating.
» Half Dome
Half Dome is quite possibly the most recognizable mountain in the world. With a profile that is unmistakable, Half Dome rises nearly 5,000 feet from the valley floor and stands like a sovereign ruler overlooking his kingdom.
Half Dome is easily spotted from most parts of the Yosemite Valley. One of the most popular views of Half Dome is to catch a glimpse of the dome staring at its own reflection over Mirror Lake, accessible via a paved hiking trail.
» El Capitan
El Capitan is world renown especially amongst the rock-climbing community. El Capitan rises abruptly from the valley floor and holds the record as being the largest granite monolith in the world. Like Half Dome, El Capitan has a striking profile that is unmistakable and instantly recognizable.
» Cathedral Rocks and Spires
The Cathedral Rocks and Spires make up the eastern wall of the canyon, through which Bridalveil Creek flows. To many these rock formations are even more impressive than their western neighbor El Capitan.
» Three Brothers
The Three Brothers are three side-by-side rock formations that look nearly identical except a slight difference in elevation.
» Sentinel Rock
Sentinel Rock stands like a sentry standing guard over the valley opposite of Yosemite Falls.
» Glacier Point
Glacier Point is one of the most popular locations in Yosemite Park. Glacier Point is a popular hiking destination during the summertime, and offers unforgettable views and panoramas of the Yosemite Valley. Curry Village rests right at the foot of Glacier Point and offers spectacular views of this impressive granite monolith.
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