Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Choose from 4 Fun Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley

As the hub and undisputed gem of Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities: granite precipices and cliffs create sharp contrasts against the lush and fertile land of the valley floor. All of the big names are here: El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls…it's just a matter of deciding which waterfall to explore first or which hike to attempt next.

Activities range from birdwatching to biking, horseback riding to hiking and all manner of sport in between. In addition to the natural beauty, you'll also find the bulk of visitor amenities in Yosemite Valley: the Valley Visitor Center, Yosemite Museum and Nature Center at Happy Isles are all based in the Valley, making it the perfect base camp to explore the myriad of natural treasures of Yosemite National Park.

Practical Info

Yosemite Valley is located in the western Sierra Nevada mountains in California. Getting there is easy--year round access to Yosemite Valley is available from Highways 41, 140 and 120 though chains may be required in the winter. Public transportation is available through Amtrak and Greyhound; free shuttle is provided in eastern Yosemite Valley, in the summer, as far west as El Capitan.

Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA

From $ 74

Pioneer Yosemite History Center

Before there were tourists, photographers, rock climbers, campers, backpackers, and hikers, Yosemite was a place where hardy pioneers would live off the land and brave harsh winters in a daily struggle to survive. Though the park's facilities are more modern today, you can step back in time to those early days on a visit to Pioneer Yosemite History Center, located in the town of Wawona.

The center is comprised of historical buildings that were built throughout Yosemite Valley but relocated here to Wawona in the 1950s and 60s. See the barn where stagecoaches were prepped for the 8-hour ride to the valley, and homesteader cabins where families would live while ranching and raising their cattle. You can watch a blacksmith work in the shop or learn about cavalry who patrolled the park's boundary from high atop the saddle. Rather than depicting an historical village, the Pioneer Yosemite History Center is a collection of different eras in the Yosemite Valley's development, and makes for an informative and educational stop on any Yosemite National Park day tour.

Insider's Tip: Even during times when the history center is closed, you can still wander around the structures and admire the historic buildings' exteriors and cross the covered bridge.

Practical Info

The Pioneer Yosemite History Center is located behind the general store in the small town of Wawona. You need to cross the covered bridge to find the historic buildings, and while most of the center is a self-guided tour that's open all year long, some of the stops, like the blacksmith shop, are only open in summer.

8308 Wawona Drive, Wawona, California 95389, USA

From $ 139

Vernal Fall

This towering flow of water is one of Yosemite’s best known waterfalls, accessible on the ground by a moderate hike. Its volume depends on the season, though it generally runs year-round.

Depending on the amount of water, there is either one massive waterfall or several smaller strands falling across the rock to the valley below. Vernal Fall flows from the Nevada Falls above before plunging over the rock. The waterfall is about 317 feet tall, so it’s impressive (and often a bit damp) standing right at its base. Aside from the water there is often lots of greenery surrounding the falls, which adds to its scenery. The falls also produce a fine mist that can create rainbows.

The steep hiking trail that leads to Vernal Fall is mostly rock steps, but the views are worth the climb. There is also plenty of natural scenery, of Merced River and Yosemite Valley, to enjoy on the way up. If you’d rather see it from a distance, Vernal Fall is also visible from the Glacier Point overlook.

Practical Info

Vernal Falls is accessible on foot via the Vernal Falls Trail or Mist Trail. It’s a steep climb to the footbridge at its base (.8 miles from the start of the trail.) The trail can be wet and slippery, so it’s best to use caution and wear proper footwear. Peak flows are in May and June each year. Hiking to the very top of the falls is about 3 miles roundtrip, and the trailhead is located at Happy Isles (shuttle stop 16.)

Vernal Falls Trail, Yosemite National Park, California, USA

Free with $20 admission to the park

From $ 74

Ansel Adams Gallery

Ansel Adams is known for his striking black and white photos, capturing and preserving the wild beauty of nature’s monuments. Through his poignant images of Half Dome and Vernal Fall, Yosemite became a symbol for the evocative drama of the American West and the park took its place in the hearts and consciousness of the American public.

Fans of Ansel Adams will definitely want to visit the gallery in Yosemite, which features original photos, archival replicas and other unique pieces. More than just a display of Adams’ work, the gallery also features works from other contemporary artists; exhibits are rotated every six weeks. The gallery hosts a variety of activities, including photography workshops, viewings of Ansel Adams films and free camera walks every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during the summer.

Practical Info

The Ansel Adams Gallery is located in Village Mall in Yosemite Valley between the Visitor Center and the Post Office. The Gallery is open seven days a week from 9 am - 6 p.m. during the summer and 10am - 5pm during the winter. Christmas Eve hours are 9am - 3pm; the gallery is closed on Christmas Day.

9031 Village Dr, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, USA

Open daily 9am - 6pm, extended hours in the summer, winter hours: 10am - 5pm. Closed Christmas.

From $ 74