Amazing Things To Do At Yosemite National Park | Action Tour Guide

Oct 28, 2024

Last Updated on: Aug 27, 2025

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Yosemite National Park comes with great news for the explorers. The park has ended its reservation season early in 2024. So, for the rest of the year, you can enjoy a drive through the park without reservation. 

In a social media post, Yosemite National Park authority has mentioned “ending the 2024 reservation season after this weekend (October 13).” 

With no stress about getting a reservation, Yosemite National Park will surely be the destination for trekkers and wildlife lovers. However, before you plan a trip to the park, you must have a detailed idea of what to do there. 

Best Things To Do At Yosemite National Park

Best Things To Do At Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park allows you to explore many activities, from camping to hiking. Therefore, setting the itinerary right can be a little taxing, with many options available. 

So, here, I will discuss the outdoor pursuits in the park, with special emphasis on hiking, wildlife exploration, and stargazing. 

Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1984. 

Hiking In Yosemite National Park

Hiking In Yosemite National Park

This park has more than 750 miles of hiking trails. Further, if you want to explore the park’s ecology, wildlife, and geological formations closely, hiking is the best way out. 

So, you can try these most popular hiking trails in Yosemite National Park. 

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Trekking Length: More than 10 Kms

Difficulty Level: Hard

Pet Friendly: No

Time Of Trekking: Around 6 Hours 

How about exploring a hiking trail that takes you to the top of the tallest waterfall in America

You will also love the best views from Columbia Rock as you advance in your expedition.  

Mirror Lake Loop

Trekking Length: 8 Km

Difficulty Level: Easy

Pet Friendly: Yes 

Time Of Trekking: 2 Hours

The beautiful trekking route takes you to Mirror Lake and Tenaya Creek. Further, the calm water of the lake shows the most beautiful reflections of the surrounding cliffs. 

However, often, the lake does not have adequate water, and then it looks like a meadow with sandy areas and grasses. So, it is also known as Mirror Meadow. 

Nevada Fall Via The Mist Trail

Trekking Length: Around 10 Km

Difficulty Level: Hard

Pet Friendly: No

Time Of Trekking: 4 Hours  

Nevada Fall Via The Mist Trail is a signature hike, allowing you to explore many spectacular views scattered around it. 

Located on the Merced River, the water in the fall has a misty appearance. Further, falling from a height, the water of the cascade looks like an avalanche. 

Lower Yosemite Falls Trail 

Trekking Length: 2 Km

Difficulty Level: Easy

Pet Friendly: Yes

Time Of Trekking: 30 Minutes  

A deafening sound of water will fill your ears as you complete the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail trek and stand on the footbridge.

This hiking trail is the best for enjoying beautiful views of Yosemite Falls and creeks. Further, throughout the trek, you will learn about the park’s culture and history. 

Exploring Wildlife At Yosemite National Park

Exploring Wildlife At Yosemite National Park

Approximately 95% of the park is designated wilderness. The entire park is surrounded by four national forests, several adjacent portions of which are designated wilderness areas, thereby providing connectivity with the larger landscape.” – UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

Surrounded by forests and extensive wilderness, Yosemite National Park is home to around 90 mammal species. Further, this park has many amphibians, reptiles, birds, insects, and fish.

I will talk about the birds and fish in detail shortly. So, here is a brief overview of the mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects found here. 

Mammals Black BearsBighorn SheepPacific FisherRed FoxBatsMountain LionsDeerGrizzly Bear
Amphibians Sierra NewtPacific TreefrogCalifornia Red-Legged FrogYosemite Toads
ReptilesSierra Fence LizardSierra Alligator LizardsWestern Pond TurtleSierra GartersnakeSierra Mountain KingsnakeNorthern Pacific Rattlesnake (It is the only venomous snake out of the 13 species of snakes found here.)
InsectsElderberry Longhorn BeetleCaddisfliesGrasshoppersBristletails

Among the species found here, grizzly bears, foothill yellow-legged frogs, and California red-legged frogs are the ones on the verge of extinction. Fragmentation of habitat, air pollution, and the invasion of non-native species are the primary reasons behind this process of eradication. 

Stargazing In Yosemite National Park 

Stargazing In Yosemite National Park

The minimal light pollution and extensive wilderness make Yosemite National Park a great space for stargazing. Further, from July to October, this park is a great space to observe the Milky Way. 

In addition, there are multiple hotspots in the park for stargazing. So, check out the table below to know where to enjoy the starry affair the most.

Stargazing Location In The ParkBest Spots 
Yosemite ValleyEl Capitan MeadowCook’s MeadowSwinging BridgeTunnel View
Glacier PointGlacier Point OverlookWashburn Point
Tioga RoadTenaya LakeOlmsted Point

Wawona is another popular stargazing location in the park, and it offers a peaceful experience. 

Stargazing Experiences You Cannot Miss

Stargazing Experiences You Cannot Miss

As you set out to stargaze in Yosemite National Park, you will encounter many unique sights. However, watching the moonbows or climber’s headlamps are the two most common stargazing experiences in the park. 

  1. Climber’s Headlamps

During spring and fall, many climbers spend their nights on the cliffs of Yosemite Park. As they notice the first star coming out, they turn on their headlamps. 

  1. Moonbows

April to June is the waterfall season in the park. On full moon nights in that season, the moonlight creates a rainbow in the mist of Yosemite Falls. 

Even if your eyes cannot catch the colors, your camera surely will. 

Birdwatching In Yosemite National Park 

Birdwatching In Yosemite National Park 

This national park is a favorite of birders, considering the presence of 262 species. Among them, 165 are habitat and migratory species, while the remaining one are transient species. 

Further, the elevation of the park ranges between 2000 to 13000 feet. So, you will notice massive changes in the behaviors and features of the birds found here. 

Yosemite Conservancy birdwatching outing and Christmas Bird Count are some of the programs that you can join if you want to locate the local, migratory, and transient ones. 

Some common species of birds found here are the Great gray owl, American dipper, spotted owl, and Western tanagers. 

A park-wide census of willow flycatchers has been conducted in the park. The report shows that these species do not breed in the park anymore. 

Rock Climbing In Yosemite National Park 

Rock Climbing In Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a hub of rock climbers. Rock climbing here is beyond big wall climbs or conquering the cliffs. Further, almost every big wall in the park has a distinct ecosystem for you to explore. 

Some popular rock climbing spots in the park are Merced River Canyon and Tuolumne Meadows. However, climbing the El Capitan is the most adventurous outdoor pursuit you can try in the park.

The Oscar-winning movie Free Solo has further put this rock-climbing destination under the spotlight. 

Water Activities At Yosemite National Park 

Water Activities At Yosemite National Park 

Swimming, boating, rafting, and fishing are the best water activities in Yosemite National Park. 

Swimming

You can swim in almost any water body in the park. However, swimming is prohibited in the following water bodies.

  • Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River
  • Lake Eleanor Reservoir
  • Wawona Domestic Water Intake
  • Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
  • Emerald Pool 
  • Silver Apron

Further, for the best cooling-off experience, you can try swimming in the Merced River. 

Boating And Rafting 

The best locations for boating and rafting in Yosemite National Park are Merced River, South Fork Merced River, and Tenaya Lake. 

Rafting in the Merced River is a popular summer activity in the park. So, you can rent a raft or try kayaking here. 

Further, you must wear a personal floatation device for kayaking and rafting in the South Fork Merced River or Tenaya Lake. 

Fishing In Yosemite National Park 

Are you over 16? Then, you will need a California fishing license to fish in the park. Further, you must abide by the California and Yosemite Park regulations about fishing. 

Nevertheless, the best places for fishing in the park are:

  • Merced River
  • South Fork Merced River 
  • Frog Creek
  • Adair Lake
  • Hanging Basket Lake

Sacramento pikeminnow, California roach, and riffle sculpin are some native fish species in the national park. Furthermore, trout is the most common non-native species in the region. 

Yosemite National Park At A Glance

  • Location: California, United States
  • Highest Point: Mount Lyell (3,997 Meters)
  • Area: Around 1,200 Square Miles
  • Operating Hours: 24*7
  • Origin of Name: Uzumate, meaning Grizzly Bear
  • Visitor Centers: Yosemite Valley Welcome Center, Yosemite Exploration Center, Valley Wilderness Center, etc.
  • How To Reach: Visit the park from the west through Highways 41, 140, and 120. However, to reach the park easily, you will have to take Highway 120. Further, please note that the Tioga Pass Entrance remains closed from November to May or June. 
  • Best Time to Visit: May to June

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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And valet is $15. $95 a person for a three-course meal. Window seating is walk-in only. Some people waited at the bar for an hour for a spot to open up.” – rachelwangcal The Musso & Frank Grill, Hollywood, California This is another answer to your “romantic restaurants near me” queries. restaurant is all about the old-world charm of the gone-by days of Hollywood. The cozy leather booths and the warm mahogany bar create a classic elegant atmosphere fit for romance. The interiors have been the same for the last 100 years of its rich history. Their staff will make sure you feel like royalty, and the cozy intimate opulence will surely add a uniquely romantic dining experience. Tripadvisor Review: “My family and I went to Musso and Franks Grill on the 17th of June 2023. The restaurant was recommended by heaps of friends and we just had to go and see if it was worth the hype and it was. Before our meals came, they brought out the most delicious bread and the entrees were amazing. I ordered spaghetti, and they asked if I wanted another serve as they believed it was a small serve. Living in Australia, the portions are smaller so I thought it was a perfect amount. They then said they weren’t satisfied with the portion size and gave me a free dessert! We had also been told that Harrison Ford from Indiana Jones had been at the restaurant the night before us and sat in the booth right next to where we were seated! Overall, the food was amazing, the waitresses were so friendly and interactive and the service was so quick even though it was busy. If you are visiting LA or just live there, you must have dinner at Musso and Franks Grill.” –Siena_reviewzz The Olde Pink House Restaurant, Savannah, Georgia markfinlay.com The iconic southern feel and the creative comfort food menu will definitely catch your eye. It is also revolutionarily pink. This Georgia find has signature drinks to complete the high-end menu, which is interestingly down-to-earth. You could consider this spot as your next perfect date restaurant. Tripadvisor Review: “I booked online several weeks in advance of arriving in Savannah and could not get a dinner reservation. I did get a lunch reservation, though and was not disappointed! The food and service were excellent, and the building itself is really lovely and interesting to have a wander around (as I was encouraged to do). I had the country fried chicken followed by the key lime pie washed down with the Old Pink House 'pink lady' cocktail - lovely! I would definitely recommend dining here but do try to book in advance to secure your spot.” – flyingwiki2015 RH Rooftop Restaurant, New York, New York cloudinary.com An American restaurants list can not afford to miss this gem given its prime location in NYC. It makes dining trendy and upscale. This can be an answer to your search for “romantic restaurants near me.” Its elegant and creative vibe adds to the romance you are already looking forward to. The menu is delectably good, with amazing side dishes and a luxe main course. A date night drink to wash all that excitement down on the rooftop overlooking NC will complete your typical NYC dining experience. Tripadvisor Review: “First time in this enchanting space. We shared the Prosciutto and Delice Board (Parmigiano Reggiano, Brie, exquisite strawberry jam, warm baguette, grapes), Caesar salad, and my husband also ordered the lobster roll, which was succulent and completely stuffed with lobster meat. They brought us an extra baguette on request. Everything was delicious, but the brie and jam were especially magnificent. This is a lovely setting for lunch (or dinner)…same menu. Be sure to bring a wrap, as the A/C is very cold inside. Outside it can be hot in the summer months, so be sure to select a table in the shade.” –kateconcord Eiffel Tower, Las Vegas, Nevada googleapis.com If you could not make it to Paris for the date (excuse our bluntness), that might just be the next best thing. The chic and exquisite feel of Sin City all around, the scintillating view of the skyline, and the most elegant French menu cannot possibly be topped by any other. Your romantic dinner dates cannot be complete without a visit here. The Vegas charm cannot be resisted. Tripadvisor Review: “We were two couple scouting restaurants for an upcoming convention. We visited several high end restaurants and have to say this one was the best - a 10/10! The service was impeccable- polite, friendly, efficient but not rushed. We were able to take our time to enjoy drinks first and then each course - unlike our previous night at Gordon Ramsay’s Hells Kitchen. We paid extra to have seats overlooking the Bellagio fountains - and enjoyed the sunset first. The food was outstanding - well prepared, flavourful, and hot when served. The final touch was the dessert soufflés - according to my dining companions the best dessert they have ever had! My creme brûlée was outstanding. A very delightful evening and looking forward to going back!” –tlw1037 Wrapping Up The fact that you are looking for romantic restaurants near me means you want it to be as personal and as close to you for the coziest romantic date you and your partner could dream of. The list above should be your holy grail because these are some of the most appreciated and well-reviewed restaurants that you just cannot miss or go wrong in choosing. Have you already been to these spots? If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! 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