Favorite Things

Us and everyone else, right? But seriously, the mist trail is a "must" when you are visiting. Our favorite route is to go up the mist trail and down the John Muir trail. It saves your knees on those wet stairs and gives you a different and quieter experience on the way down.  

Whether you bring your own, rent in the valley or use the new bike share program, we highly recommend traveling around the valley by bike. While the park does have a shuttle service, the shuttles often get super crowded and you waste time you could be exploring while you are waiting to be jammed into a shuttle. Anywhere a shuttle can take you (plus more) is accessible by bike. Our favorite valley ride to take is to start at Curry Village and ride to Happy Isles. From there you can visit the Nature Center or take on the Mist Trail. If you continue your ride on from this point, you can ride over to Mirror Lake. There is a great secluded bike trail from Mirror Lake to the Ahwahnee hotel & village area. 

Depending on the season, rafts may be available for rent in Curry Village. We recommend bringing your own tube or raft for an incredibly relaxing float down the Merced river. You can start your float at Clark Bridge (located between Lower Pines and North Pines Campground and walking distance from the Curry Village Parking lot).  Once in the water, all you have to do is relax for the next 3 miles until you hit Sentinel Beach. You can deflate your raft and pick up the shuttle right outside the Sentinel Beach Parking lot. On this float, you will get unapparelled views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and if you are lucky some animals stopping by for a drink. 

Our favorite post long hiking day meal is the Pizza Deck in Curry Village. 

The farther you get out of the valley the better chance you have to land some seclusion. But believe it or not, there are a few places in the valley to enjoy with less bustle. 

1. Happy Isles Nature Center- It's a bit tucked away and often forgotten. There is a great display for the family to learn about animals in the park and they even offer free art classes during certain times of the year. There is also a great little book shop with unique souvenirs (and air conditioning). 

2. Leconte Memorial and really the south side of the valley

3. Yosemite Native American Museum

4. The movie in the back of the visitor center

Easier Little Leg Friendly Hikes

1. Lower Yosemite Falls

2. Mirror Lake

3. Bridalveil Fall

4. Mist Trail

5. Mariposa Grove

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Activities

1. Jr Ranger Program

2. Art Class

3. Splashing in the Merced

4. Picnic on the Ahwahnee Lawn

We are new to the backpacking world but so eager to keep exploring. In 2021, we hiked the Pohono Trail and I was exposed to a part of Yosemite I had never seen before. The high country of Yosemite is cool, green and lush. Best of all when you get deep enough, there are no crowds. Just be sure to pack your bug repellent! 

It's easy to get wrapped up in trying to check items off of your must see list but try not to get wrapped up. Some of the absolute best days we have spent in the park have been the most memorable. On a day where we walked to lower Yosemite Falls just to let the kids plan on the boulders at the trail head, we were in one place long enough to see a mama bear and her two cubs. We've spent days sitting just watching the climbers on El Cap only to learn that the next week Alex Honnold free solo'd the very face we were looking at. Weve spent time identifying animals, flowers and trees from the John Muir Field Guide. These slow days are some of the days that my kids have been talking about for years and these types of days are the days I remember most from my childhood. 

Truth be told, much of my early exploration of Yosemite had been between the valley walls and now many of my favorite memories have been made swimming in Tenaya Lake, strolling among the big trees in Mariposa Grove, and taking in the views at Glacier Point.  Its worth it to get out of the valley to explore. 

When you enter the park, you will get a map and a guide that tells you all when the different ranger programs are happening during your visit. It's a great way to learn the history of the park and get your questions answered. If you are anything like me, you will jump at any opportunity to get a behind the scenes scoop or fun fact to have in your pocket. You can download a copy of the guide early or bring it up on the app before you arrive in the park to get a head start on your planning. You can also check out the website for volunteer events coming up. My favorite program is the night program because I have never seen so many stars. 

1. Free Solo

2. The Dawn Wall

3. Valley Uprising

4. America's Best Idea

5. The NPS's Nature Notes video series

6. Ranger Shelton Johnson on Buffalo Soldiers

7. 

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