Navigating the Park

Yosemite may be best known for its waterfalls but with nearly 750,000 acres to explore and there's so much more to see.  

Take a Hike

Yosemite has over 750 miles of trails to take on and the further you hike out of the valley the less crowds you experience. Whether you are a hiking newbie or taking on Half Dome, there's a trail waiting for you. 

Backpacking

Did you know that 94% of Yosemite is dedicated wilderness?  Backpacking gives you the opportunity to see a side of Yosemite many people will never see. 

Rafting

When Merced flow permits, rafts are available for rent in Curry Village. Our favorite way to take on the Merced is a scenic float, however if you are looking for a more adventurous float, you can check out of the whitewater rafting companies outside of the park too!

Shopping

In the valley you will find a few gift shops and two grocery stores. Our favorite gift shop to visit is the Conservancy Bookstore in Happy Isles. It's quiet, educational and all proceeds give back to the park. You can also save time shopping online or support a local business down in Mariposa. 

Art

Ansel Adams played a huge role not only in showcasing the beauty of the park but also playing a strong advocate role in the preservation of the park and so many other beautiful places. Along with the Ansel Adams Art Gallery in the park there are also many other forms of art to partake in while visiting. There are photography workshops,  painting classes, kids art classes, the Yosemite Museum with beautiful displays and more.

Wildlife

Everyone wants to see a bear. We love bears too! But there are so many amazing creatures to discover in YNP. Take the time to slow down and appreciate a crafty raven, a skink or any of the other 400+ species that inhabit the park. We love the John Muir Feild Guide for identifying all of the plants and animals in the park. Recently the second wolverine in over 100 years was spotted in the park. 

Yosemite Conservancy

Yosemite Conservancy is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Yosemite National Park’s resources and providing enriching visitor experiences in the park. They host events, offer art programs, outdoor experiences, volunteer opportunities, and provide many other options to support and give back. So many amazing initiatives (and  I cant tell you how many times I check their Webcams of the park throughout the week. Never gets old.) 

Dining

Whether you want to dine at the Queen's table in the historic Ahwahnee dining room or grab a slice from the Curry Village Pizza Deck, you've got options!

Fun Facts

We all love fun facts when we are exploring somewhere new so we wanted to share this list with all of you!

History

The park is as rich with history as it is with beauty. You can visit the Miwok museum, tour the Yosemite cemetery or chapel, learn about the history of climbers, or even the trees have a fascinating history. Every single place you visit in Yosemite is dripping with history. 

Giving Back

Of course you can always make monetary donations to support the park but there are also ways to give back that don't cost you a dime! You can practice Leave No Trace principles, volunteer (maybe during the annual apple harvest), check out the park's zero landfills initiative, or look up and participate in events like Yosemite Facelift.  

Mariposa County

While Yosemite is typically the main attraction when people come our way, there is much more to explore. We love this list of 100 Things To Do in Mariposa County.