Yosemite National Park

Yosemite

One of America's most spectacular national parks featuring dramatic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Essential for outdoor enthusiasts and nature photographers seeking breathtaking mountain scenery.

Things to do

• Hike to Mist Trail and Vernal Fall — A scenic 5.5-mile round-trip hike that takes you alongside cascading water with spray from the 317-foot waterfall creating a misty experience, especially dramatic in spring.
• Visit Glacier Point — Drive to this 7,214-foot overlook offering panoramic views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Valley that are particularly stunning at sunset.
• Explore the Giant Sequoias — Walk among the world's largest trees by volume in the Mariposa Grove, featuring a peaceful forest trail with several of these ancient giants.
• Rock climbing at El Capitan — Challenge yourself on the famous 3,000-foot granite monolith with routes ranging from beginner to expert, or simply watch climbers from the valley floor.
• Mirror Lake Loop Trail — A 5-mile round-trip walk featuring reflections of Half Dome and surrounding cliffs in still water, best visited in spring when water levels are high.
• Photograph Bridalveil Fall — Visit this iconic 620-foot waterfall accessible via a short 0.5-mile walk, where afternoon light creates spectacular rainbow effects in the mist.
• Valley Loop Trail — A scenic 7.2-mile paved path offering classic views of Yosemite Valley's major landmarks including Half Dome and El Capitan from multiple vantage points.

Food to try

• Ahwahnee Hotel Dining Room Experience — Fine dining in a historic 1920s-era lodge with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Yosemite Valley, featuring California cuisine and wine pairings.
• Curry Village Pizza — Casual outdoor dining option serving pizza and hearty meals at this historic village lodging area in the heart of Yosemite Valley.
• Mountain trout from Yosemite streams — Fresh-caught local trout prepared simply at park restaurants, representing the region's traditional High Sierra fishing heritage.
• Coffee and pastries at Yosemite Lodge Cafeteria — Start your morning with locally-roasted coffee and baked goods at this casual dining spot convenient to major valley attractions.
• Campfire cooking experience — Prepare meals over a campfire at one of Yosemite's campgrounds, a traditional way to experience outdoor dining in the Sierra Nevada.

Local customs & good to know

• Plan ahead for lodging and reservations — Accommodations within the park fill up months in advance, and popular activities require advance booking, especially during peak summer season.
• Respect wildlife and maintain distance — Bears and deer are common; store food properly in bear-proof lockers, never feed animals, and maintain at least 25 yards from bears and 5 yards from other wildlife.
• Weather changes rapidly at elevation — Pack layers and rain gear year-round, as conditions can shift quickly, and road closures due to snow are common in winter months.
• Leave No Trace principles are essential — The park culture emphasizes protecting wilderness; pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and camp only in designated areas to preserve the landscape.