Top Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
The top things to do when you travel to Yosemite National Park in California are to hike, camp, fish, raft, rock climb, bike Yosemite Valley and be outside enjoying nature.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite became a National Park in 1864 and the natural beauty of the park is protected by its status. Most renowned for its majestic waterfalls and granite cliff faces like the iconic Half Dome, there is more nature displays in this national treasure.
Travel Tip: Reservations are required to drive into Yosemite National Park during peak hours of peak season, May through the end of September.
Top Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
- See the top Yosemite waterfalls
- Marvel at Half Dome
- Explore Yosemite Valley
- Take a Hike from a few minutes to multi-day treks
- Raft, kayak or float down the Merced River
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in Yosemite park
- Walk or drive through the Sequoias
- Go Fishing
- Camp
- Stargaze
- Rock Climb
- Ride a Bike
Yosemite National Park Waterfalls
There are numerous waterfalls within the 1200 square miles that encompass Yosemite National Park. Several of them are easy to reach on a day trip.
Best Time to View Waterfalls in Yosemite National Park
Spring is the best season to view the waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. As a top thing to do in Yosemite, travel to Yosemite in the Spring when the snow melts. The snow melt runoff feeds the waterfalls and creates the most thunderous displays of beauty.
Peak waterfall times depend on the season and are usually the strongest in May and June. Waterfalls may only be a trickle by August and the end of summer.
Fortunately, Spring is also less crowded than the summer when you are ready to make reservations in Yosemite. This is especially true for Yosemite National Park reservations.
Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Falls is an iconic Yosemite waterfall. Three separate falls comprise Yosemite Falls. The Upper Yosemite Falls pours into a middle cascade onto the Lower Yosemite Falls. The Upper Yosemite Falls has the greatest drop. Together, Yosemite Falls is one of the highest in the world.
Yosemite Falls is viewable from several viewpoints in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge areas offer the best views.
One of the things to do in Yosemite is to take the short hike to reach the base of Yosemite Falls. To reach the falls there is a easy one-mile loop hike. The trail leads you to the bottom of Yosemite Falls. The trail is wheelchair accessible from the shuttle stop to the base of the falls.
However, if you want to hike to the top of Yosemite Falls plan for an all-day, strenuous hike. As such, plan accordingly and pack the appropriate hiking gear. From Upper Yosemite Fall Trail you can also view Sentinel Falls.
Ribbon Fall
One of the special attributes of travel to Yosemite is the ability to see waterfalls easily. For the less mobile, some waterfalls can be viewed from the car.
Ribbon Fall may be the first waterfall you see when driving into the park to Yosemite Valley. It is located right after the turn for Bridalveil Fall.
Again, peak water fall for Ribbon Fall is in May. The waterfall is usually active from March through June.
Parking is available to Ribbon Fall at turnouts.
Sentinel Falls
Another waterfall you can see on a drive is Sentinel Falls. One viewpoint is across Yosemite Valley by Leidig Meadow.
To reach the falls, follow signs to the south side of the park towards Sentinel Beach Picnic Area. Along the way, Sentinel Falls are viewable on Southside Drive at several points. The waterfall is also visible from near the four mile trailhead.
Once you find a viewpoint, you can see the nearly 2,000 foot drop of Sentinel Falls. The water cascades in multiple drops of various heights across the granite.
Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall flows all year which makes it a top thing to do in Yosemite National Park. Water flow peaks in May when the water roars down the mountain. As the summer progresses the falls flow in the wind like a bridalveil.
Reaching Bridalveil Fall can be one of your first things to do in Yosemite National Park. Watch for a Bridalveil parking lot sign. After parking, take the short, steep trail. The trail only takes a few minutes and is worth the 24% slope.
Alternatively, you may see Bridalveil Fall when driving near the tunnels on Highway 41, Wawona Road, and off of Highway 120, Big Oak Road.
Nevada Fall
Another waterfall that is easy to reach and wheelchair accessible is Nevada Fall. Like Bridalveil Fall, it flows all year which makes it on the list of top things to do in Yosemite. Late May is the peak runoff season for Nevada Falls.
Although the runoff over Nevada Fall is year round the road to reach it is only accessible from May to early November. Reach the trail to Nevada Fall by driving towards Glacier Point. A trailhead takes you from the parking lot to the base of the falls. The trail is wheelchair accessible.
Alternatively, if you are planning all-day hikes you can hike to Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall. The trail is steep.
Horsetail Fall
Horsetail Fall is famous as a thing to do in Yosemite National Park because of the unique light feature. Although at about a 1,000 foot drop it is not the tallest waterfall in the park it is spectacular. Of course, the straight drop of the falls off the granite cliff ranks it as another majestic waterfall to visit on your trip.
Importantly, if you travel to Yosemite National Park in the middle or end of February you will want to see Horsetail Fall at sunset. Remarkably appearing like flowing fire the Horsetail Fall phenomenon is due to the sunset reflection of an orange glow on the waterfall.
Outside of seeing the flowing fire in February, Horsetail Fall is active from approximately December to April.
View Horsetail Fall by parking at the El Capitan picnic area. To start, the El Capitan picnic area is reached by driving west of Yosemite Valley Lodge on Northside Drive. From there, Horsetail Fall is viewable on the east side of El Capitan. Fortunately, the falls are even viewable from the road. Otherwise, use a turnout east of the El Capitan picnic area.
Raft Down the Merced River
Prepare for a peaceful floating raft trip down the Merced River as a recommended thing to do in Yosemite National Park. View Half Dome as you float under bridges and through the valley.
Rafting on the Merced River is generally open in June and July and varies with water levels. It is possible to rent a raft or bring your own. Kayaking is another alternative to rafting.
Rent a raft and put in the Merced River at Stoneman Bridge. Follow signs to Curry Village to reach Stoneman Bridge. You exit the river at Sentinel Beach Picnic Area. If you rent a raft then there is bus transportation to return you to where you entered at Stoneman Bridge.
Floatation devices are required to raft, kayak, or float on the Merced River while in Yosemite National Park.
Visiting Yosemite National Park
Plan early for your visit to Yosemite National Park. Park reservations at Yosemite and lodging in Yosemite can book up a year in advance.
In addition, check road conditions to the park and within the park. You can verify current road conditions, up-to-date closures, and Yosemite reservation requirements by checking in with the National Park Service online. Yosemite National Park, California posts current alerts.
Travel Tips for Travel to Yosemite National Park
- Make reservations early
- Do not feed the wildlife
- Plan for intermittent cell service in the park
- Arrive before 9 in the morning to avoid crowds
- Drive carefully, within the speed limit, and use turnouts as needed
- Expect that during peak season and peak hours there is traffic and drive courteously
- Store food properly due to bears even when hiking
If you make a purchase on Amazon I get a small commission at no additional cost to you that helps pay for the expenses of this blog.
Packing for a Yosemite National Park Vacation
Start your packing list with our Packing List for Travel. It is a general list to work as a base for almost all of your travel needs.
Clothing you pack for things to do at the park will vary by season. Keep in mind weather can change quickly. Temperatures can be hot during the day and cold at night in the mountains.
If visiting the park in winter you will need to pack gear for the snow and below freezing temperatures.
- Bring along an Ice Chest Cooler for the car and maybe a picnic basket too.
