Top 5 Things To Do In Yosemite National Park
Top 5 Things To Do In Yosemite National Park
BY LUKE WISHARD ● AUGUST 27, 2019
Home to an abundance of spectacular sights, hikes, recreational activities, and over 25 waterfalls — including North America’s tallest, Yosemite Falls (2,450 feet) — deciding what to do when visiting Yosemite National Park can be overwhelming. Many people feeling lost in a sea of options, not wanting to miss out on the best and not wanting to waste their limited time on the “less-than-spectacular” either.
Well fret not!
Below is a list featuring many visitors’ top 5 favorite things from the park, so you can chose with confidence what you will (and won’t) do while visiting one of America’s most beautiful destinations.
5. yosemite valley
Yosemite Valley is basically the hub for all activities. It offers an opulence of exhibits, museums, tours, restaurants, stores, hiking trails, fishing, water activities, rock climbing, campgrounds, hotels, and even a theater featuring some pretty cool park related content. Expect to spend easily a day or more here checking out all the diverse attractions.
Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park
4. lower yosemite falls
Also located in Yosemite Valley is Lower Yosemite Falls, the smallest portion of Yosemite Falls. But don’t let that fool you — this thundering waterfall towers at an impressive 320 feet all on its own and is a must see when visiting the park.
3. glacier point
Arguably the best overlook in all of Yosemite, Glacier Point boasts stunning panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, the endless hills of Yosemite’s high country, and iconic sights such as Half-Dome and Yosemite Falls.
Oh, and to make things better, if you don’t feel like tackling the strenuous 6-8 hour hike it takes to reach Glacier Point, you can now drive too — although the hike is pretty magnificent.
2. Vernal and Nevada Falls
Vernal Falls, Yosemite National Park
Popularly accessed via the Mist Trail, Vernal Falls (317 feet) and Nevada Falls (594 feet) are easily Yosemite’s most popular attractions. With sprawling pine forests, pristine crystal-clear streams, and jaw-dropping views around every turn of this 5.4 mile hike, it’s no wonder why these behemoth falls are soaring in popularity.
Half-Dome, Yosemite National Park
1. HALF-DOME
An iconic, breathtaking sheer rock face stretching nearly one mile into the sky — Half-Dome, Yosemite National Park’s crown jewel.
This monolith of pure granite is the keeper of one of the world’s best hikes, a herculean 18.2 mile round trip uphill hike to Half-Dome’s summit. Featuring both Vernal and Nevada Falls, unforgettable sights, and an adrenaline fueled cable climb up the dome’s eastern side to its summit, Half-Dome is an unforgettable experience and an absolute MUST when visiting this remarkable National Park.