What to do in Yosemite National Park

As one of America’s first national parks, Yosemite is full of history as well as natural, spectacular beauty. In this post, we will cover some highlights of things to do in Yosemite National Park, as well as ways to stay and when to visit.

When to visit Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is beautiful in all seasons, but each has its pros and cons. Consider each season depending on when you can visit and your tolerance for crowds.

Summer (June – September)

Summer in most national parks is the busiest season. Children are out of school, and families can take more extended vacations. The high mountains in many western national parks are also most accessible in the summer. In Yosemite, the High Country, particularly Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows, are only accessible from late spring (after snow melt) to the first significant snowfall in the fall months. 

Pros: 

• High Country in the park is open 
• Wildflower season:
  • Yosemite Valley and Wawona in June 
  • Tuolumne Meadows starting mid July 
• Long days to pack in activities 
• Many options for ways to stay in the park
• More activities are available, such as:
  • Ranger-led programs 
  • Guided Hikes
  • Stargazing events
  • Rafting on the Merced River
• Kids are out of school, making an extended vacation possible 

Cons:

• Wildfires – in the West, fire season typically begins mid July and runs through October. Depending on fires burning in the area, views could be obscured by smoke
• Yosemite Valley could be very hot
• Crowds – summer brings crowded conditions; if you are averse to crowds, consider another season, or at least avoiding the Valley 
• Entrance Reservations are required for Yosemite Valley

Fall (October and November)

Yosemite in the Fall is gorgeous. Depending on when you visit, you can catch fall colors and scenic drives with fewer crowds. My first visit to Yosemite was in mid-November, which can be hit or miss with weather. We lucked out with sunny weather in the mid-40s, which made for great hiking. We planned this somewhat last minute, and if the weather cooperates, I would 10/10 recommend Yosemite in November! 

Pros:

• Kids are back in school, so less crowds
• Cooler temperatures make for great hiking 
• Chance to see fall colors; they are best viewed along the Merced River in the valley

Cons:

• Weather can be hit or miss. Early season snow storms could shut down roads and restrict hiking options. 
• Wildfire smoke can still be an issue in early fall, sometimes until the first snowfall 
• Waterfalls are low; many are just a trickle at this time of year.

Winter (December – March)

Yosemite is just as spectacular in the winter months as in summer. While the high country is restricted, there are still many options for enjoying this park. Photographers will delight in frost-covered meadows and snow-draped granite cliffs. One in particular is the Horsetail Fall (Firefall) that happens in February. The light hits Horsetail Fall at sunset, just right at this time of year that it makes the falls appear to be on fire. 

Pros:

• “Firefall” is only viewable in February 
• Outside of Firefall weekends, less crowds – Snow and Solitude
• If you like to ski, the Badger Pass ski area on Glacier Point Road offers both alpine and cross-country skiing. For an adventure, cross-country ski or snowshoe out to Glacier Point!

Cons:

• High Country is completely closed
• Inversion conditions (cold air sinking on cold, still mornings) in Yosemite Valley could obscure views
• Road conditions into the park could be challenging for those not comfortable with winter driving, at times chains are required 
• Reservations are required for weekends of Firefall in February

Spring (April and May)

Spring in Yosemite has some of the same benefits as Fall, however it is the best season for waterfalls. Snowmelt in April and May 

Pros:

• Still not crowded compared to the summer 
• Longer days for more exploring 
• Waterfalls start flowing

Cons:

• High Country is still often closed until June due to snow
• Still too early for wildflowers

What to do in Yosemite National Park

Let’s be honest – you could easily spend a week (or weeks!) exploring Yosemite. Most of us, however, only have a few days. In my national park travels, I’ve found that 3-4 days in most parks is an ideal amount of time. However, if you only have one day in Yosemite, let’s start there. Consider this Day 1 if you are spending more days.

One day in Yosemite

If you only have one day in Yosemite, then you should:

• Take a walk at the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area for great photos of the valley
• View Yosemite Falls – take a walk up to Lower Yosemite Falls 

• See a Sequoia Tree – drive over to Tuolumne Grove and take a hike to see sequoia trees up close and walk through the Dead Giant Tunnel Tree 
  • Note: This will require having a car, not a stop on the valley shuttle 

• Have lunch at The Ahwahnee and stroll the grounds 
• Drive up to Tunnel View or Glacier Point (seasonally available) to view Half Dome at Sunset

If you have a few more days, here are more things to do in Yosemite:

I recommend having 2-3 more days (depending on the season) to really experience Yosemite. Here are some ways to immerse yourself in this park:

• Catch the sunset at another location in the park:
  • Whichever you didn’t do on Day 1, see Glacier Point or Tunnel View. 

• If you have a third night, head over to El Capitan to watch the sunset hit the rock faces (note, this is more spectacular in Fall and Winter). It is also fun to watch the climbers on the face of El Capitan as they settle in for their evening. Lights dotting the rock face! 
• Take a Hike:  if Glacier Point Road is open, I suggest the Sentinel Dome loop with the spur to Taft Point. This is a 2.2-mile hike with moderate climbs across granite boulders with views looking back to Half Dome from the top of Sentinel Dome and views of El Capitan from Taft Point. I recommend stopping for a picnic here! I love a good charcuterie board picnic with a view.  

• Drive to Mariposa Grove for more hikes around Sequoia Trees.
  • Start on the Big Trees Loop and continue on to the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, where you will see the Grizzly Giant as well the famous California Tunnel Tree. This loop is approximately 2 miles with moderate elevation gain (300ft).

• Visiting during the summer months? Consider these options along Tioga Road:
  • Stop at Olmsted Point. This scenic vista provides unique views down into the Yosemite Valley. If you’re into geology, enjoy seeing all the glacial striations and formations that carved Yosemite. 

• Walk around, picnic, or paddle at Tenaya Lake. 

• Take a walk around Parsons Lodge and Soda Springs for a taste of Tuolumne Meadows. (approximately 1.5 miles, relatively flat) 
• Looking for a longer hike in Tuolumne Meadows? Try the Dog Lake/Lambert Dome hike (3.8 mile R/T with significant elevation gain). 

Where to stay in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite has SO many options when it comes to staying in the park. There are also plenty of options outside the park, but I recommend staying inside the park to make the most of your time and truly experience Yosemite. Remember that Yosemite is very popular year-round, and you will want to make advance reservations for wherever you want to stay. If your lodging desires are specific, you will likely want to be flexible with your dates. If your travel dates are fixed, you may need to be flexible on your lodging choice or price depending on how far in advance your trip is.

Camping in Yosemite

Many people feel that camping is the true national park experience. It is also the most budget-friendly way to stay in Yosemite National Park. Some of the campgrounds are open seasonally; others are open year-round. Because Yosemite is so famous, campground reservations are highly recommended and required in some cases. As with many national parks, depending on First Come, First Serve can be risky. To learn more about the campground options in Yosemite, see the NPS page with options. Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

“Glamping” Options in Yosemite

I hesitated to call this “glamping” as these are fairly rustic accommodations – more like “half-camping.” These options are great for those flying in for their Yosemite trip but who still want a rustic experience or are on a budget. 

Housekeeping Camp is open mid April to mid May. This camp offers 3-walled concrete structures with canvas roofs. Similar to camping, you will need to walk to a bathhouse for the restroom. You can rent a bed set (sheets, blankets, and pillows) or travel with your own bedding. You will need to be ‘Bear Aware’ just as you would tent camping in these units. At Housekeeping camp, you could elect to cook “campstyle” (over a fire or stove), or eat at restaurants in the Valley. 

Curry Village is known for its Tent Cabins, but also has hard sided wooden cabins and hotel rooms (mentioned below). The Tent Cabins have electricity and are heated when used during colder months. Linens, wool blankets, pillows, and towels are provided so you don’t have to haul your camping gear. Like traditional camping, you will have to walk to a bathhouse. The Tent Cabins in Curry Village are open mid March to early December, but also are available for enter weekends and the Horsetail Fall “Firefall” event. Note that although Curry Village is technically “tent camping,” campfires and cooking are not allowed at these units, requiring you to eat at establishments around the valley.

Lodges

Don’t feel like roughing it? Yosemite has plenty of lodge options as well. In these units, however, you will need to eat at restaurants or grab-and-go options in the park, as none of these options have kitchenettes or the ability to cook outside. One budget option is to cook at picnic areas around the valley that have grills (or bring a camp stove). 

Curry Village Cabins and Hotel – Curry Village has a hotel with modest hotel rooms as well as cabin options. Cabins have the option for a private bathroom (extra cost) or a shared bathroom. The cabins and hotel provide an option that doesn’t qualify as “roughing it.” 

Yosemite Valley Lodge is the “mid grade” lodging option at Yosemite National Park. It is open year-round, and is a comfortable, centrally located hotel option. The rooms are clean and spacious, and there is a central dining cafeteria for meals. We stayed here when we went in November, and it was warm, cozy, and perfectly located. It is right across from Yosemite Falls and an easy drive to many valley locations (as well as the shuttle stops). This is my go-to choice for staying if you are flying in to start your Yosemite trip. 

The Ahwahnee is the OG. The Original. The Classic.  This lodge is steeped in history and old luxury. In the early years of national park travel, the rich were often the ones visiting the parks. The Ahwahnee is a testament to this era of travel. Its historic heritage has put it on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is a National Historic Landmark. Even if you don’t stay here, I highly suggest grabbing breakfast in the dining room here, or having a happy hour’s drink on the grounds while looking out at the valley. We also had dinner at the Ahwahnee Bar one evening, which was less formal but with great drinks and food. Relax after dinner in the sitting rooms with fireplaces and cozy furniture. If you want a real treat, stay here – but be prepared for top prices! This is the most expensive option in Yosemite.

This post covers many options for things to do in Yosemite, but there are still many, many more hikes and activities if you have more time! If you are feeling overwhelmed, let me plan your trip to Yosemite, where I will figure out everything from where to stay and where to eat and prepare a detailed itinerary for each day depending on the season and your interests.