Yosemite National Park: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

I may be biased, but Yosemite National Park is one of the best of all the national parks I’ve visited so far—more than 20 and counting! Between the unforgettable memories made here and the breathtaking beauty it has to offer, it holds a special place in my heart. Yosemite was where I did my first challenging hike and where I got engaged to my husband. I’ve experienced this park in winter, spring, and summer, and each season offers a unique and incredible perspective on the landscape. If you’re planning a visit, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this awe-inspiring place.

About Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is famous for its towering granite cliffs, giant sequoia trees, roaring waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Established in 1890, it spans over 750,000 acres, offering countless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from easy scenic strolls to strenuous multi-day hikes. Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park, home to iconic landmarks like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.

How to Enter Yosemite

Yosemite has several entrances:

Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120, from the west)
Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140, from the west)
South Entrance (Highway 41, from the south)
Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120, from the east, seasonal)

During peak seasons, a reservation may be required for entry. It’s best to check the National Park Service (NPS) website for updated entrance fees, reservation policies, and road conditions before your visit.

My Recommended Hikes

Having explored Yosemite on various trips, these are my personal favorite hikes that I highly recommend:

1. Yosemite Falls Lower

Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
What to Expect: A short, paved walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, offering an up-close view of one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.

2. Yosemite Falls Upper

Distance: 7.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
What to Expect: A steep, switchback-heavy climb to the top of Yosemite Falls, with jaw-dropping views of the valley and beyond.

3. Half Dome (Permit Required)

Distance: 14-16 miles round trip
Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous
What to Expect: The most famous hike in Yosemite! A long, challenging trek with cables to help climbers ascend the final stretch to the summit. The reward? Unparalleled panoramic views.

4. Sentinel Dome & Pohono Trail Loop

Distance: 5.1 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: A stunning loop that provides 360-degree views from the top of Sentinel Dome, plus picturesque vistas along Pohono Trail.

5. Glacier Point Trail

Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
What to Expect: A short walk from Glacier Point parking lot to an overlook with breathtaking views of Half Dome and the valley below.

6. Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop

Distance: 5.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: A fantastic loop that includes both the stunning views from Sentinel Dome and the dramatic drop-offs at Taft Point.

7. Valley Hike to the Base of El Capitan

Distance: ~7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: A beautiful hike through Yosemite Valley leading up to the base of the world-famous El Capitan, offering a unique perspective of this towering monolith.

Additional Day Hikes & Multi-Day Hikes

If you’re looking for even more hiking options, here are additional trails ranging from moderate day hikes to challenging multi-day treks:

Day Hikes

1. Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls

Distance: 3 miles round trip to Vernal Fall, 7 miles round trip to Nevada Fall
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
What to Expect: A breathtaking hike alongside waterfalls, with a rewarding view from the top of Nevada Fall.

2. Clouds Rest

Distance: 14 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
What to Expect: Less crowded than Half Dome but equally rewarding, offering one of the best panoramic views in the park.

3. Cathedral Lakes

Distance: 7-8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect: A beautiful high-country hike leading to two stunning alpine lakes.

Multi-Day Backpacking Trips

1. John Muir Trail (Section through Yosemite)

Distance: Varies (Entire JMT is 211 miles, but you can do shorter sections)
Difficulty: Strenuous
What to Expect: A bucket-list trek through Yosemite’s high country, with stunning mountain scenery and alpine lakes.

2. High Sierra Camp Loop

Distance: 50 miles loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
What to Expect: A multi-day adventure through Yosemite’s remote wilderness, with stops at backcountry camps (reservations required).

3. Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne

Distance: 30 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
What to Expect: A breathtaking journey through Yosemite’s deep canyons, with stunning waterfalls and riverside camping spots.

Best Places to Stay

Inside the Park:
- The Ahwahnee (Luxury)
- Yosemite Valley Lodge (Mid-Range)
- Curry Village (Budget/Cabins)
- Campgrounds (Reservations Required)
Nearby Towns:
- El Portal (Closest)
- Mariposa
- Groveland

Best Activities for Families with Children

For families with young kids, here are some easy hikes and fun activities:

Bridalveil Fall Trail (0.5 miles round trip, easy)
Mirror Lake Trail (2 miles round trip, flat and scenic)
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (1-2 miles, easy terrain)
Junior Ranger Program at Visitor Centers
Wildlife spotting and picnic areas

Getting Around Yosemite

Yosemite Shuttle: Free shuttle service operates in Yosemite Valley.
Tours: Guided bus and walking tours available.
Biking: Rent bikes to explore Yosemite Valley easily.
Personal Vehicle: Recommended for flexibility but parking fills quickly.

Visitor Centers & What They Offer

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center: Park maps, exhibits, ranger programs.
Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza: Information on the giant sequoias.
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center: Seasonal information on the high country.

Additional Tips for Your Yosemite Visit

Best Photography & Viewpoints

Tunnel View: Classic Yosemite Valley shot
Glacier Point: Stunning sunset spot
Taft Point: Epic cliffside views
El Capitan Meadow: Perfect for capturing climbers on El Cap

Stargazing Spots

Glacier Point (Best overall view)
Tuolumne Meadows (Minimal light pollution)
Olmsted Point (Great Milky Way visibility)

Packing Essentials

Layers for changing temperatures
Sturdy hiking boots
Plenty of water & snacks
Map & compass (GPS may not work everywhere)

Leave No Trace & Safety

Carry out all trash
Store food properly to avoid attracting bears
Stay on trails to protect the environment

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a family with kids, or someone just looking to soak in the beauty of nature, Yosemite has something for everyone. This park has given me some of the best experiences of my life, and I hope this guide helps you create your own unforgettable Yosemite adventure!