Scenic
- Half Dome
- Rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level, Half Dome is a Yosemite icon and a great challenge to many hikers. Despite an 1865
- El Capitan
- El Capitan, a massive granite monolith,
stands 3,593 feet from base to summit.
From spring to fall, climbers come from
all over the globe to scale El Capitan.
Note: Please park on the
- Hetch Hetchy
- Hetch Hetchy, a lesser known twin to Yosemite Valley, is home to spectacular scenery and is the starting point for many less-used wilderness trails. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is
- Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows
- The Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park), is generally open to vehicles from late May or early June through sometime in November. It offers a 39-mile scenic drive
- Crane Flat
- Crane Flat is a pleasant forest and meadow area located 16 miles (30 minutes) from Yosemite Valley. Nearby are the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, which are
- Cathedral Rocks and Spires
- Cathedral Rocks and Spires form the eastern side of the canyon through which Bridalveil Creek flows. Some people think these rocks, just opposite of El Capitan, are even more
- Three Brothers
- The Three Brothers are located just east of El Capitan. It is made up of Eagle Peak (the uppermost "brother"), and Middle and Lower Brothers. It is best viewed
- Sentinel Rock
- Sentinel Rock, like a sentry, overlooks Yosemite Valley, along the opposite side of the Valley From Yosemite
- Giant Sequoias
- Massive, ancient giant sequoias live in three groves in Yosemite National Park. The most easily accessible of these (spring through fall) is the Mariposa Grove near the park's South
- Tunnel View
- Tunnel View provides one of the most famous views of Yosemite Valley. From here you can see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall rising from Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome
- Olmsted Point
- Olmsted Point, along the Tioga Road, looks down on Yosemite Valley from the east--and from a very different angle. Though you might not immediately recognize Half Dome, it is
- El Portal View
- El Portal View, two miles up the Glacier Point/Badger Pass Road from Chinquapin (intersection with the Wawona Road) provides a great view down the Merced River Canyon, below Yosemite
- O'Shaugnessy Dam
- O'Shaugnessy Dam, at the west end of Hetch Hetchy Valley, provides a viewpoint of the Valley's waterfalls, rock formations, and reservoir. The Hetch Hetchy Road is open all year,
- Pothole Dome
- Pothole Dome, at the west end of Tuolumne Meadows, along the Tioga Road, affords many visitors' first view of Tuolumne Meadows. You can also find a nice viewpoint from
Campground
- Yosemite Village
- Yosemite Village is the center point for most activities at Yosemite National Park. Key places of interest at Yosemite Village include:
The Ansel Adams Gallery
9am to 6pm
Yosemite Art & Education
- Bridalveil Creek Campground
- The Bridalveil Creek Campground lies along Glacier Point Road, 25 miles from the Yosemite Valley, at an elevation of 7,200 feet. It is open from June through September with
- Crane Flat Campground
- The Crane Flat Campground lies along Big Oak Flat Road beyond the Tioga Road turn off. It is located at an elevation of 6,191 feet and is open from
- Hodgdon Meadows Campground
- The Hodgdon Meadows Campground lies near the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite National Park in the northwest portion of the park. The facility is located along Old Big
- Lower Pines Campground
- The Lower Pines Campground lies in the Yosemite Valley along the Merced River. The site lies at 4,000 feet and is open from March through October. Reservations are required
- North Pines Campground
- The North Pines Campground lies in the Yosemite Valley along the Merced River. The site lies at 4,000 feet and is open from March through October. Reservations are required
- Porcupine Flat Campground
- The Porcupine Flat Campground lies along Tioga Road west of Tuolumne Meadows and 38 miles from Yosemite Valley. The facility is located at an elevation of 8,100 feet and
- Sunnyside Campground
- Sunnyside Campground lies at an elevation of 4,000 feet in the northwestern area of Yosemite Valley. The facility is open to tent camping year-round with 35 sites available on
- Tamarack Flat Campground
- The Tamarack Flat Campground can be accessed from the western end of Tioga Road. There is a three mile access road that leads south from Tioga Road to the
- Tuolumne Meadows Campground
- This large campground lies at 8,600 feet along Tioga Road in Tuolumne Meadows approximately 55 miles from Yosemite Valley. The facility consists of 314 campsites that can accommodate tents
- Upper Pines Campground
- The Upper Pines Campground lies at 4,000 feet in the Yosemite Valley along the Merced River. The facility is open year round with 238 sites available with reservations required.
- Wawona Campground
- The Wawona Campground lies on a short access road along Highway 41 a short distance north of Wawona. The site is open for RV and tent camping year round.
- White Wolf Campground
- This campground lies between the Tuolumne River and Tioga Road at an elevation of 8,000 feet. The facility consists of 87 sites that can accommodate RVs, trailers and tents.
- Yosemite Creek Campground
- The Yosemite Creek Campground lies along the Tioga Road west of Tuolumne Meadows. The facility consists of 75 individual camp sites available for tent camping only. The sites are
Forest/Natural Area
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- The Mariposa Grove is located 36 miles (one hour) south of Yosemite Valley, near the park's South Entrance. The Mariposa Grove is the largest stand of giant sequoias (also
Park Entrance
- Ranger Station South Entrance
- Ranger station at the south entrance of Yosemite National Park
Directions
On Route 41 about 1/2 inside the park
Historic
- Wawona Area
- The Wawona area tells the story of
Yosemite?s human history and
pioneer past. The charming 19thcentury
Wawona Hotel and the Pioneer
Yosemite History Center are a history
buff?s delight. The center is a collection
of
Waterfall
- Yosemite Falls
- Look for the ice cone at the base of the upper fall during winter and for roaring runoff April through June. Yosemite Falls, one of the world's tallest, is
- Bridalveil Fall
- This is often the first waterfall seen by visitors entering the park. In spring it thunders; during the rest of the year look for its characteristic light, swaying flow.
- Vernal Fall
- Flows: all year, though by mid- to late summer it narrows and separates into one, two, or three falls as water flows decrease; peaks in late May.
It is best
- Nevada Fall
- Flows: all year, with peak flow in late May.
It is best seen from Glacier Point or by hiking up alongside it. Nevada Fall is located above Vernal Fall in
- Ribbon Fall
- Flows: approximately March through June, with peak flow in May.
It is located just west of El Capitan and is best seen from near the bottom of Bridalveil
- Horsetail Fall
- Flows: approximtely December through April.
It is famous for appearing to be on fire when it reflects the orange glow of sunset in mid- to late-February. It falls off of
- Illilouette Fall
- Flows: all year, with peak flow in May.
While many hikers notice this waterfall as they're hiking toward Vernal Fall, the best place to see it is on the Panorama
- Wapama Falls
- Flows: all year, with peak flow in May.
Relatively few people visit Hetch Hetchy Valley to see this roaring waterfall. In some springs, the water from this fall flows over
- Chilnualna Falls
- This waterfall hides behind twists and turns in the rock; it's impossible to see the entire fall at the same time. The best way to see the fall is
Lake
- Mirror Lake
- Mirror Lake (in Yosemite Valley) is famous for its reflections of Half Dome when the water level is high enough (in
Visitor Area/Center
- Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
- The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center has a new exhibit hall, where you can learn how Yosemite?s spectacular landscape was formed, how people have interacted with it through the centuries,
- Yosemite Museum
- The Yosemite Museum, next to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, has displays that interpret the cultural history of Yosemite's native Miwok and Paiute people from 1850 to the present.
- Nature Center at Happy Isles
- The Nature Center at Happy Isles is a family-oriented nature center that features natural history exhibits (with an emphasis on wildlife) and interactive displays. Nearby are short trails focusing
- LeConte Memorial Lodge
- The LeConte Memorial Lodge, Yosemite's first public visitor center and a National Historic Landmark, is operated by the Sierra Club from May through September and features a children's corner,
- Yosemite Cemetery
- The historic Yosemite Cemetery is located across the street and just west of the Yosemite Museum. People buried here include Native Americans, casual park visitors, and people who played
- The Ansel Adams Gallery
- The Ansel Adams Gallery offers work of Ansel Adams, contemporary photographers, and other fine artists. In addition, a wide selection of handcrafts, books, gifts, and photography supplies is available.
- The Ahwahnee
- The Ahwahnee, a famous hotel and National Historic Landmark, is popular even for those not staying there. Completed in 1927, It was built in a rustic style with American
- Pioneer Yosemite History Center
- The Pioneer Yosemite History Center lies in the Wawona area of the park, adjacent to the Wawona Store, across the Covered Bridge. It contains a grouping of historic structures
Trail
- Bridalveil Falls Trail
- The trail leading to Bridalveil Falls is one of the most heavily used in the Yosemite Valley area of the park. Because of it's heavy use it is best
- Lower Yosemite Fall
- 1 mile/1.6 km loop; 30 minutes [half of loop wheelchair accessible] [leashed pets allowed]
Begin at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (shuttle stop #6)
This short, easy walk rewards with spectacular
- Cook's Meadow Loop
- 1 mile/1.6 km loop; 30 minutes [wheelchair accessible] [leashed pets allowed]
Begin at Valley Visitor Center (shuttle stop #5 or #9)
This short, easy walk offers stunning views of Half Dome,
- Mirror Lake/Meadow
- 2 miles/3.2 km round-trip; 1 hour [wheelchair accessible] [leashed pets allowed]
5 miles/8 km loop around the lake; 2 hours [pets not allowed on full loop]
Begin at Mirror Lake Trailhead
- Valley Floor Loop
- Full loop: 13 miles/20.9 km loop; 5 to 7 hours
Half loop: 6.5 miles/10.5 km; 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Begin at Camp 4 (shuttle stop #7)
This trail follows many of the
- Four Mile Trail
- 9.6 miles/15.5 km round-trip. 6 to 8 hours; 3,200 feet/975 m elevation gain
Begin at the Four Mile Trailhead along Southside Drive in Yosemite Valley
In summer months, take the El
- Panorama Trail
- 8.5 miles/13.7 km one-way to Valley floor (via Mist Trail); 6 hours for 3,200 feet/975 m descent
Begin at the Panorama Trailhead, Glacier Point (trails ends at Happy Isles in
- Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
- This trail begins from the Sunnyside Campground or the Yosemite Lodge parking area via the north side Valley Floor Trail. It is steep with more than 125 switchbacks to
- McGurk Meadow, Bridalveil Creek, and Dewey Point
- Bridalveil Creek: 4 miles (6.4 km) round-trip; 2 to 3 hours
Dewey Point: 7 miles (11.2 km) round-trip; 3 to 4 hours
Begin at McGurk Meadow trailhead (0.2 miles west of
- Sentinel Dome and Taft Point
- 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip; 2 hours (to Sentinel Dome or Taft Point)
Begin at Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead (6 miles east of Bridalveil Creek Campground turnoff)
At the trailhead, turn
- Mono Meadow to view of Mount Starr King
- 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip; 2 to 3 hours
Begin at Mono Meadow parking area (2.5 miles each of Bridalveil Creek Campground turnoff)
The trail descends steeply to Mono Meadow--an area
- Ostrander Lake
- 12.7 miles (20.3 km) round-trip; 8 to 10 hours
Begin at Ostrander Lake trailhead (1.3 miles east of Bridalveil Creek Campground turnoff)
The first half of this trail inclines gently through
- Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley
- Four Mile Trail: 4.8 miles (7.7 km) one-way; 3 to 4 hours
Panorama Trail: 8.5 miles (13.6 km) one-way; 6 to 8 hours
Begin at Glacier Point (Four Mile Trail begins
- Wawona Meadow Loop
- 3.5 miles (5.6 km) loop; 2 hours [leashed pets allowed]
Begin at the Wawona Hotel
Walk across the Wawona golf course on the paved road. Once across the golf course, take
- Swinging Bridge Loop
- 4.8 miles (7.6 km) loop; 2 hours
Begin at the Wawona Store parking area
Follow Forest Drive, the paved road, two miles upstream from the store to the Seventh Day Adventist
- Wawona to Mariposa Grove
- 6 miles (9.6 km) to the Grizzly Giant (in the Mariposa Grove)
Begin at Wawona Hotel
The trail begins behind the last uphill building of the Wawona Hotel (Moore Cottage). Look
- Alder Creek Trail
- The Alder Creek Trail leads northward from North Wawona and ends at Deer Camp. It forms the western portion of the Wawona Loop that can be accessed from Glacier
- Lookout Point
- 2 miles (3.2 km) round-trip; 1 hour
Begin at Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station
This quick hike takes you to a viewpoint overlooking Hetch Hetchy
- Rancheria Falls
- 13.4 miles (21.4 km) round-trip; 6 to 8 hours
Begin at O'Shaughnessy Dam
This trail continues past Wapama Falls to popular Rancheria
- Smith Peak (via White Wolf Campground) Trail
- This trail begins from the White Wolf Campground and traverses northwestward to join Smith Peak Trail. The trail starts by following an abandoned road that leads north on the
- Poopenaut Valley
- 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip; 2 hours
Begin four miles east of the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station (look for small turnout on the right)
This trail provides quick access to the
- Tuolumne Meadows: Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge
- 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round-trip; 1 hour
Begin at Lembert Dome parking area
Walk northwest along the gravel road and continue straight, past the locked gate (signed "Glen Aulin and Soda
- Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail
- 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip; four hours
Begin across the road from the Dog Lake parking area (Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle Stop #2)
This nearly flat trail wanders through Lyell Canyon, mostly
- Elizabeth Lake
- 4.8 miles (7.7 km) round-trip; 4 to 5 hours
Begin at Tuolumne Meadows Campground near group camp
The trail climbs steadily (about 900 feet/275 m) to the glacier-carved lake at the
- Gaylor Lakes
- 2 miles (3.2 km) round-trip; 2 hours. 500 feet elevation gain
Begin at Tioga Pass Entrance Station. (Free shuttle service is available twice per day.)
From the trailhead, climb steadily to
- Upper Cathedral Lake
- 7 miles (11.3 km round-trip); 4 to 6 hours. 1,000 feet (305 m) elevation gain.
Begin at Cathedral Lakes trailhead, 1/2 mile west of the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, Tuolumne
- Mono Pass
- 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip; 4 to 6 hours. 1,000 feet (305 m) elevation gain
Begin at Mono Pass trailhead, on the Tioga Road six miles east of Tuolumne Meadows
This
- Glen Aulin
- 11 miles (17.7 km) round-trip; 6-8 hours
Begin at Soda Springs and follow the trail along Tuolumne River as it drops to Glen Aulin, passing beautiful cascades. Tuolumne Fall and
- Dog Lake and Lembert Dome
- Dog Lake: 2.8 miles (4.8 km) round-trip; 3 hours. 600 feet (183 m) of elevation gain
Lembert Dome: 2.8 miles (4.8 km) round-trip; 3 hours. 650 feet (200 m) of
- Vogelsang High Sierra Camp
- 15.8 miles (25.3 km) round-trip; 8 hours. 1,400 feet (425 m) elevation gain.
Begin across the road from the Dog Lake parking area (Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle Stop #2)
The first two
- Bridalveil Creek Trail
- The Bridalveil Creek Trail begins from the Ostrander Lake Trailhead along Glacier Point Road. The trail leads south along Bridalveil Creek then crosses a divide into the Chilnualna Creek
- Bridalveil Loop Trail
- This trail leads in a loop around the western Yosemite Valley floor. It provides excellent views of Bridalveil Falls, Cathedral Spires, the Merced River valley and El Capitan. The
- Buena Vista Trail
- This trail begins at the Glacier Point Parking Area and leads southward to Buena Vista Peak. This trail leads through the Illilouette Creek drainage to its headwaters in the
- Cathedral Lake Trail
- This trail begins along the Tioga Road less than a mile west of the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. There is no official parking area at the trailhead, just a
- Center Valley Loop Trail
- This trail gains little elevation as it leads through the Merced River valley around the central Yosemite Valley of the park. This trail can be accessed from Sunnyside Campground,
- Changing Yosemite Trail
- The Changing Yosemite is a one-mile trail that begins in front of the Visitor Center, near shuttle bus stop #6. It winds through a nearby meadow and explores the
- Clouds Rest Trail
- This trail begins from the Tenaya Lake Trailhead along Tioga Road slightly west of the lake. Follow the paved access road from the trailhead parking area across the outlet
- Dog Lake Trail
- Begin your hike to Dog Lake from the eastern side of the Lembert Dome parking area. The trail begins behind the restrooms and is signed for Lembert Dome and
- Eagle Peak Trail
- This trail begins from the Sunnyside Campground or the Yosemite Lodge parking area via the north side Valley Floor Trail. It is steep with more than 125 switchbacks to
- Elizabeth Lake Trail
- The trail to Elizabeth Lake begins from the horse camp in Tuolumne Meadows Campground. Park at the trailhead within the campground and begin by hiking southward. Within a few
- Gaylor Lakes Trail
- This description follows the trail to Lower Gaylor Lake, which is longer and frequented less than the trail to Upper and Middle Gaylor Lakes. A short cross-country trek will
- Half Dome Trail
- The trail leading to Half Dome begins from the Happy Isles Trailhead. It follows the paved trail to the footbridge at the base of Mist Trail. Hikers should follow
- Lembert Dome Trail
- This trail begins from the Lembert Dome/Glen Aulin Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows. Walk toward the restrooms in the parking area to find the trailhead. You'll see the dome looming
- Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
- This short, paved trail leads to an observation area at the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. It begins from the Lower Yosemite Fall parking lot, which is shuttle stop
- Lukens Lake Trail
- This trail leads from Tioga Road or White Wolf Campground to Lukens Lake forming the headwaters of the Middle Tuolumne River. Both trailheads provide an easy hike to the
- Lyell Canyon Trail
- Begin this hike through Lyell Canyon at the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. A parking area is signed for the John Muir Trail, which is the path that leads through the
- May Lake Trail
- The trail to May Lake is an easy, short ascent. It is suitable for children and overnight stays. The hike begins at the May Lake Trailhead at the end
- Merced Lake Trail
- The trail leading to Merced Lake begins at the Happy Isles Trailhead in the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. Backpackers can parking in the backpackers parking area immediately east
- Mirror Lake Interpretive Trail
- The trail that leads to Mirror Lake begins from Mirror Lake Junction, shuttle stop 17, in Yosemite Village. It is a paved, half mile walk to the lower pool
- Mist (to Vernal Falls) Trail
- This trail begins from the Happy Isles area of the Yosemite Valley. In winter, when the shuttle bus isn't working, hikers can begin from the Curry Village Day-Use Parking
- Miwok in Yosemite Trail
- The Miwok in Yosemite is a short loop trail that winds through the Indian Village of Ahwahnee, a reconstructed Miwok-Paiute village. A booklet is available at the trailhead and
- Mono Meadow Trail
- This trail begins from the Mono Meadow Trailhead on a spur road south of Glacier Point Road. The trail leads into the Illilouette Creek drainage. There are several campsites
- Mono Pass Trail
- This trail to Mono Pass begins in Dana Meadows along Tioga Road. The trailhead consists of a parking area on the south side of the road approximately a mile
- Nevada Falls Loop
- This trail begins from the Happy Isles area of the Yosemite Valley. In winter, when the shuttle bus isn't working, hikers can begin from the Curry Village Day-Use Parking
- North Dome (via Yosemite Falls) Trail
- This trail leads along the northern rim of Yosemite Valley. It begins from the Sunnyside Campground or the Yosemite Lodge parking area and ends at the Mirror Lake Trailhead.
- Ostrander Lake Trail
- This trail begins on Glacier Point Road and leads southward into the Bridalveil Creek drainage. This trail is easy, but long. It makes a good weekend backpacking excursion.
Begin the
- Pate Valley Trail
- This trail begins at Harden Lake and leads 12.5 miles northeastward. The trail crosses the Tuolumne River within its Grand Canyon. It can be used in conjunction with several
- Pohono Trail
- This trail begins at the Glacier Point Trailhead and traverses west along the southern rim of Yosemite Valley. There are several opportunities to view the valley along this thirteen
- Polly Dome Lakes Trail
- This trail begins from the Murphy Creek Trailhead on Tioga Road across from Tenaya Lake. Begin hiking northward from the trailhead along Murphy Creek Trail. The path follows the
- Sentinel Dome Trail
- This trail begins from the Taft Point/Sentinel Dome Trailhead along Glacier Point Road. The trailhead is on the southern rim of the Yosemite Valley. This short hike leads to
- Snow Creek Canyon Trail
- This trail leads from May Lake, west of Tuolumne Meadows, to Mirror Meadow, in the Yosemite Valley. The total mileage of this trip is ten and a half miles
- Sunrise Lakes Trail
- This trail begins from the Tenaya Lake Trailhead along Tioga Road slightly west of the lake. Follow the paved access road from the trailhead parking area across the outlet
- Ten Lakes Trail
- This trail leads to the head of the Yosemite Creek drainage and into the Tuolumne River basin. Most hikers use this trail to reach Ten Lakes and Grant Lakes,
- Tuolumne Falls Trail
- The trailhead for the Tuolumne Falls Trail is in the Tuolumne Meadows area of the park at the Lembert Dome/Glen Aulin Trailhead. Begin the hike from the western side
- Young Lakes Loop Trail
- This loop trail begins at the Lembert Dome/Glen Aulin Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows. It begins by following the trail to Glen Aulin northwestward out of the parking area. The
