Yosemite is among the largest national parks in America, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, Yosemite National Park is a natural wonderland catering to every imaginable variation of tourist. It includes a variety of landscapes—icons of granite cliffs at El Capitan and Half Dome; magnificent waterfalls; tall, erect sequoias; vast and stretched grasses—but the lives of outdoor enthusiasts. Be it a hardcore hiker, a wildlife photographer, or one who just wants to witness and be a part of the beauty herself, this guidebook introduces you to Yosemite National Park and ensures that your trip will truly never be forgotten. Today, Yosemite National Park is referred to as a hiker’s paradise.

One I will try to give you a complete travel guide of best places and things to do in Yosemite National Park through my ‘Tale of Journey’. If you have recently traveled to Yosemite National Park or are thinking of traveling in the future, I hope you will find this blog very helpful.

So let’s start!

17 Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

Below are the 17 famous places to visit and things to do in Yosemite National Park:

1. Yosemite Valley

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley is a glacial valley and one of the most beautiful places in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in central California. The length of this valley is about 7 miles, and its width reaches up to a mile, bounded by steep cliffs of granite on each side. Among these are very famous formations like El Capitan and Half Dome. In addition, it contains the grand waterfalls—the Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls—lively meadows, and the peaceful Merced River. It is the main centerpiece of the whole Yosemite National Park—visited by millions each year to experience great hiking and rock climbing opportunities with incomparable landscape views.

2. Half Dome

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

One of Yosemite National Park’s most popular landmarks is Half Dome. At almost 5,000 feet tall, Half Dome’s hiking routes draw seasoned hikers toward the park. Unlike other rock formations, it has an iconic shape that inspired its name. It can be seen from Glacier Point, Mirror Lake, and Olmsted Point in different parts of the national park. The cable route leading up to Half Dome is one of the hardest hikes in the park.

The trail is between 14 and 16 miles long with an elevation gain of up to 4,800 feet. Take on one of Yosemite’s toughest hikes here. It is a difficult hike best done by well-prepared experienced hikers due to its difficulty and high altitude for which you need to be fully prepared as well as having ample experience.                                       

3. El Capitan

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

El Capitan is said to be the other significant landmark in Yosemite National Park, consisting of a popular vertical rock formation for hiking. It is one of the world’s most famous 3,000-foot rock formations, particularly most famous among advanced rock climbers since the sheer, vertical rock is a challenge for individuals to climb. This granite cliff appeals to photographers coming with telephoto lenses to capture the images of the climbers in action.

Otherwise, El Capitan beautifully reflects in the Merced River. The most famed view, however, is from El Capitan Meadow, crossing the street where Northside Drive meets El Capitan Drive. El Capitan is one of the favorite tourist destinations of tourists; it represents the view and natural beauty portrayed in Yosemite.

4. Glacier Point

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

Go off Waona Road, Highway 41, onto Glacier Point Road. Go uphill 15 miles to a large parking lot. From there you’ll climb to an elevation of seven thousand feet. Glacier Point is one of Yosemite National Park, California’s viewpoints—dramatic in its views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra. During summertime, it is accessible by car and during wintertime, cross-country skiing. It stands at 7,214 feet above sea level. From this vantage point, one can see a stunning view of the park with its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forests that is simply a must for every photographer, hiker, and nature enthusiast out there. You really can’t miss it.

5. Yosemite Falls

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls is a beautiful scenic landmark and a popular hiking spot in Yosemite National Park. It is the highest waterfall in North America and consists of three main sections all of which fall within an elevation over 2,425 feet: Upper Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Falls. This place peaks in beauty in late spring when peak flows usually happen in May.

You can hike to the top of Yosemite’s Falls on a 7.2-mile round trip. Expect this to take about eight hours and be very strenuous.

That factors in making Yosemite Falls one of the most commanding attractions in the park, with a site that offers visitors countless hikes to experience such magnificent scenes.

6. Mariposa Grove

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

Located in Yosemite National Park in California, Mariposa Grove contains more than 500 mature giant sequoias, which include some of the world’s oldest and largest trees. The Grizzly Giant is the oldest tree in the grove, nearly 210 feet tall, and its age is estimated to be more than 3,000 years. Many hiking routes are available, with the Big Trees Loop Trail being the most popular for families and beginners in Mariposa Grove. The paved path is going to take around 30 to 45 minutes, but there are hiking trails available going on either side of the area with views of trees and landscape surroundings.

7. Vernal Fall

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

One of the prettiest waterfalls is Vernal Falls, situated in Yosemite National Park, California. It has a fantastic group of cascades that tumble some 317 feet into the Merced River. The falls have been named “vernal” because they are strongest in spring when snow melts from the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Vernal Fall is close-up visible from the Mist Trail, which is an extremely popular hiking route to such views, and even to experience the refreshing mist of falls. Its dramatic scenery and surrounding granite cliffs make Vernal Falls one of the natural wonders of Yosemite.

8. Nevada Fall

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

Nevada Fall is one of the many beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, California. The fall is situated along the Merced River and drops about 594 feet in a few dramatic steps. It is a paradise for hikers who can access it through the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail. The landscape surrounding it, a coarse terrain of granite cliffs and emerald greenery, further accentuates the natural beauty of Nevada Fall, thereby becoming one of the unshakeable highlights for those who crave experiences immured in the greatness of Yosemite.

9. Mono Lake

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

One of the oldest lakes in eastern California, just east of the Sierra Nevada, is Mono Lake—an unusual body of water with highly saline and very alkaline waters. Mixing these properties creates an unusual and striking formation of towering limestone structures, which are tufas. The lake serves as one of the key habitats for migratory birds and has a very interesting history of environmental struggles and restoration endeavors. It’s the hot spot for nature fans and photographers due to its otherworldly landscape and huge variety of wildlife.

10. Yosemite Chapel Valley

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

The Yosemite Chapel Valley is a small, humble church right in the center of Yosemite Valley. Erected in 1879, it is one of the oldest structures in the park. Done in Gothic Revival Style, it is rather picturesque in its appeal. Its tranquil setting, iconic wood architecture, and gorgeous natural surroundings make it the most favored place for weddings and a quiet retreat for introspection. Its historical significance and the views from the top make it one of the favorite landmarks for visitors.

11. Merced River

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

One of the beautiful rivers in California’s Sierra Nevada is the Merced River, which flows through Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. It starts on the Sierra Nevada Mountains from the east, turns west, and then empties into the Tuolumne River. On its beautiful views of gigantic pictures, it has granitic cliffs, waterfalls, and flowery meadows. This makes the lake a great place for lots of outdoor activities, from fishing and kayaking to hiking, while it provides a very important part of the ecosystem in a park with a diverse range of flora and fauna.

12. Tunnel View

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

Probably one of the most famous viewpoints of Yosemite National Park is the Tunnel View, located on the Wawona Road, which commands a tremendously wonderful view of Yosemite Valley including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. The natural tunnel-like cut in rock, within which it sits, frames a stunning view. This is one of the most famous places for shooting pictures and one that any visitor to the park should not miss—incredible first impression of the grandeur that Yosemite has to offer.

13. Hetch Hetchy

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

Hetch Hetchy is basically a watercourse located within Yosemite National Park. It is often compared to Yosemite Valley for its stunning natural beauty. It is wonderful to explore this entire reservoir from front to back where you will see most of the people. Hiking enthusiasts will find where you head through Middle Lake to Back Lake Ranch Falls and some of the region’s peaks. There are some great backpacking campsites on the back side of the lake where lots of people go for weekend trips it’s also very, very nice and serene and this part of the lake feels quiet but also fairly accessible to the parking lot.

14. Badger Pass Ski Area

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

Located in Yosemite National Park in California, Badger Pass Ski Area is one of the oldest ski areas in the United States, established way back in 1935. Badger Pass is more of a family ski area where a person can expect a lot of winter recreation activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing besides the usual set of facilities. Ideal for beginners and new skiers wishing for an easy experience, the slopes offer measured, gentle grades and views that relax the mind. There is a ski school and rentals in the area, so anyone at any skill level can use it.

15. Tuolumne Meadows

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

A stunning subalpine meadow with granite domes and peaks towering over it, Tuolumne Meadows is a great place for hiking, rock climbing, and observing natural beauty. Serene rivers, beautiful trails, and great views of Sierra Nevada make the park popular among hikers, rock climbers and nature lovers. Yosemite Valley has more visitors compared to this area meaning that it’s quieter as anyone can spend time in the wilderness experiencing some of the most beautiful parts of Yosemite. The flowers and animals living on Tuolumne Meadows are the ones which prompt you to visit there in order to feel another face of Yosemite which is less crowded.

16. Mist Trail

#Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park’s most famous and beautiful hikes is the Mist Trail. It is a hike that leads one through green forests and which runs parallel to Merced River (i.e., alongside). All the way up, the strong waterfalls create mist – hence the name of the trail. The path is challenging due to its steep granite steps and elevation gain, but you cannot compare it with cascading water and surrounding landscape views. If you are ever in Yosemite, it is imperative that you take a walk through this famous landmark as it provides a memorable experience in one of the park’s most identifiable locations.

17. Mirror Lake

Located in Tenaya Canyon below Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, Mirror Lake is a serene, seasonal lake. Great place to hike with small children. Plan to spend 2 to 4 hours. Magnificent view of half dome. Kids will enjoy the shallow lake and explore the grassy fields. Mirror Lake has little water most of the year, and while pleasant any time of year, it fills up in the spring and early summer, when Tenaya Creek flows with fresh snowmelt.

When the water is calm, the lake shows beautiful reflections of the surrounding mountains. Mirror Lake is often referred to as Mirror Meadow due to the lack of water in late summer and the arrival of grass and sandy areas.

It is such a destination, such as Yosemite National Park, where everyone can run away from the busy life of the city to spend time amidst nature. Whether you are a hiker, a nature photographer, or even a culture fanatic, this happens to be a place with something for all. Make plans for a visit to this paradise and experience the serenity and majesty that awaits in this paradise called Yosemite National Park. Share your Travel Experience of Yosemite National Park with us.

Happy travels!