Exploring Yosemite — Best Views, Trails, and Activities

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When you think of a national park that has been on your list forever as a place you want to visit, what do you think of? For us, the answer was definitely Yosemite! 

Now, having been to Yosemite many times, we never get tired of the soaring granite peaks and massive waterfalls here!  In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are talking all about exploring Yosemite National Park. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• Our favorite areas in Yosemite 
• What you need to know about driving to this park
• The must-see views on the Mist Trail 
• Waterfall season in Yosemite 
• Floating the river
• Biking through the Valley
• The gift shops and lodges in the area
• The underrated but beautiful bridges in the area 
• What we love about El Cap 
• The most iconic view of this park 
• Where you can find Giant Sequoias
• What you have to see at Tuolumne Meadows 
• Ash’s crazy story from the last time she hiked Lembert Dome

The beauty of Yosemite really can’t be overstated. It truly is a must-see and we hope these tips for exploring this park will make your trip memorable!

Ready to make your trip to Yosemite a reality? Get your Yosemite Itinerary here!

Yosemite National Park Overview

Yosemite National Park is one of the most breathtaking and iconic destinations in North America. Spanning nearly 1,200 square miles, this park is home to deep valleys, towering granite cliffs, powerful waterfalls, peaceful meadows, and ancient giant sequoias.

From the roaring waters of Vernal Fall to the alpine beauty of Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite is a place of dramatic contrasts and unforgettable scenery. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for your tenth trip, it’s easy to see why this park continues to inspire awe in millions of people each year.

Hiking in Yosemite Valley

Most people start their Yosemite adventure in the valley, and for good reason. As you descend, granite cliffs rise up around you and waterfalls cascade off the edges of the canyon walls. The first time we drove in, we passed Bridalveil Fall and then looked up at Yosemite Fall, which towers more than 2,400 feet. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. It’s impossible to look straight ahead. Your eyes are always being pulled upward.

Parking can be intense, so it feels like a bit of a race in the morning to grab a spot and hop on the park shuttle. The shuttle system makes it easy to get around the valley once you’re in. During peak hours, having easy access to the shuttle bus from a parking lot makes a big difference.

If I had to pick just one trail to recommend, it would be the Mist Trail. It starts near the base of Half Dome and passes two stunning waterfalls, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. Depending on the time of year, the trail lives up to its name. You can get completely soaked from the waterfall mist.

It’s a challenging trail with steady uphill climbs and sections carved right into the granite, but it’s also one of the most exhilarating hikes I’ve ever done. For the best experience, try to go in late May or early June when the waterfalls are still raging. By late summer, many of Yosemite’s falls dry up. Vernal Fall usually keeps flowing, but the mist becomes much less dramatic.

We usually hike to the top of Nevada Fall and loop back down via the John Muir Trail. You get sweeping views on the way back and a less slippery descent. It’s one of those hikes that sticks with you for years.

Floating and biking through the valley

After hiking the Mist Trail, we always stop in Curry Village for pizza. It’s become our post-hike tradition. Another highlight was floating the Merced River in our inflatable kayak. You can rent rafts in the valley or bring your own. Drifting along the water gives you a peaceful new view of Yosemite’s towering cliffs.

One time, while John went to retrieve our car after the float, I was left with our two young kids on a beach. A wildfire started across the river while we waited. Watching the smoke rise and not knowing when John would make it back was one of the most stressful experiences I’ve had in a national park. Everything turned out fine, but it’s a day I won’t forget.

Biking is a great way to get around Yosemite Valley. There are designated bike paths that wind through the trees and meadows. One of the easiest walks is the trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. It’s especially beautiful during waterfall season.

Even with the crowds, the valley offers moments of quiet wonder. We’ve watched rock climbers make their way up El Capitan, admired the stone bridges and the architecture of the Ahwahnee Hotel, and browsed the Ansel Adams Gallery.

Above Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove

Don’t miss Valley View and Tunnel View when leaving the valley! These are classic postcard viewpoints. Tunnel View shows off Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall all in one incredible scene.

Just south of the valley is Glacier Point Road. This is one of our favorite scenic drives in the park. The road ends at Glacier Point, perched thousands of feet above the valley floor. Half Dome feels incredibly close, and you get panoramic views of the entire valley.

On the way, stop at Washburn Point to see the Mist Trail and waterfalls from above. Sentinel Dome is a short hike that offers a 360-degree view. You can see the entire drop of Upper Yosemite Falls from up there, which isn’t visible from Glacier Point.

These viewpoints are popular, so it helps to arrive early to find parking. Weather conditions and early mornings give you the best chance for clear views.

In the Wawona area of the park is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. These ancient trees are awe-inspiring. Grizzly Giant and the tunnel tree are highlights. There are three sequoia groves in Yosemite, but this is the biggest and most well-known.

If you’re staying in Wawona or entering from the South Entrance, be aware that it’s a bit of a drive to the other areas of the park. We like to visit the sequoias as a dedicated day trip.

Tuolumne Meadows and the high country along Tioga Road

Tioga Road is one of the most magical parts of Yosemite. It takes you through the high country, nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. This area is filled with alpine lakes, granite domes, and breathtaking mountain views.

Olmsted Point gives you a unique view of Half Dome from the back. Tenaya Lake is a peaceful spot with clear water and a sandy beach. The road eventually leads to Tuolumne Meadows, which is one of the most beautiful places in the park.

Tuolumne Meadows is a high-altitude wonderland filled with granite domes, wildflowers, and sparkling streams. The area around the Tuolumne River offers incredible alpine meadows and short hikes. We love walking the Soda Springs Trail and have taken some of our favorite Yosemite photos there.

One memorable hike in this area was up Lembert Dome. It’s steep and dramatic. I went ahead while John stayed back with our kids. I got lost in thought and suddenly realized I was just steps from the edge. It scared me enough that I still haven’t tackled Half Dome, but I’m working up to it.

Planning Your Visit to Yosemite

Yosemite is a park that meets every expectation and then goes beyond. Whether you love waterfalls, granite walls, peaceful meadows, or epic hikes, this place has something for you.

We keep coming back, and we still find new things each time. With how busy the park gets, having a plan makes a big difference. There’s a lot to navigate, including the reservation system, entrance fees, and current conditions, but with a little preparation, your trip can be full of incredible moments.

Whether you’re visiting from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or flying into Fresno Yosemite International Airport, this park’s beauty is worth every mile. I hope this gives you a great starting point for exploring Yosemite. Pack your sense of wonder, and don’t forget to get some dirt in your shoes!

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• Yosemite Itinerary
• Yosemite Can’t-Miss List
• Yosemite Ultimate Trip Planning Guide
• Tolumne Meadows and Tioga Road
• Yosemite Valley
• The Mist Trail
• Curry Village Pizza Deck
• Ahwahnee Hotel
• Wawona
• Dirt In My Shoes YouTube Channel

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