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

Oct 28, 2024

Last Updated on: Aug 27, 2025

Travel Blog

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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BY  Sibashree Sep 19, 2025

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Do You Qualify For Cancelled Flight Compensation On Connecting Flights?

BY  Sibashree Sep 17, 2025

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Complete Guide To The Egadi Islands: What to See, Do, And Taste

BY  Sibashree May 16, 2025

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However, these islands display vividness in their natural features and characters.  For example, the largest island, Favignana, has rugged coastlines and almost flat terrain.  On the other hand, Marettimo is mountainous in nature, and the dramatic trails and scenic views here are a favorite of hikers.  Again, you will not find the quietness of Levanzo, the smallest among the Egadi Islands, anywhere else. It is also rich in Mediterranean vegetation.  Moreover, the dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sea caves add to the scenic beauty of the island.  Further, the beauty and vividness of the islands are also visible in the waters of the Egadi Islands.  You will find lush seagrass meadows of Posidonia oceanica in the waters. Also, you will see loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). So, it is a paradise for divers and snorkelers.  Egadi Islands: A Telltale Of Italian History And Culture The Egadi Islands have played a pivotal role in Mediterranean history for millennia.  One of the most significant events occurred just off these shores in 241 BCE. It was the final battle of the First Punic War between Rome and Carthage.  This decisive clash marked the beginning of Roman dominance in the western Mediterranean. Over the centuries, the islands fell under the control of various powers, including the Goths, Vandals, Arabs, and Normans, each leaving traces in the local culture and architecture.  Their strategic location made them a constant point of interest throughout ancient and medieval times. In the 19th century, the islands experienced a cultural and economic renaissance thanks to the Florio family, who modernized the traditional tuna fishery in Favignana.  Their innovations turned it into one of the most efficient operations in the Mediterranean and laid the foundation for the islands’ economic development. Today, the Egadi Islands are a living museum of their rich past.  On Levanzo, the Grotta del Genovese showcases prehistoric cave paintings estimated to be over 12,000 years old, including images of animals and human figures, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Marettimo is home to Roman ruins known as the "Case Romane" and the Norman-built Castle of Punta Troia, which later served as a Bourbon prison.  In Favignana, the former Florio Tuna Factory has been transformed into a museum where visitors can explore the history and culture of tuna fishing in the region. Want Some Adventure? Try These Outdoor Activities In The Egadi Islands Whether you're an adventure seeker or a laid-back explorer, the Egadi Islands offer a wealth of outdoor activities set against breathtaking natural backdrops. Snorkeling And Scuba Diving Snorkeling and scuba diving are among the top attractions, thanks to the pristine underwater landscapes and thriving marine life.  Hiking For hiking enthusiasts, Marettimo is a dream come true, with scenic trails winding through rugged mountains and offering sweeping views of the open sea. Boat Tours  One of the best ways to experience the islands is by boat. Guided boat tours allow you to discover hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and sea caves only accessible from the water.  Companies like Mare e Vento di Favignana offer daily and private boat tours around the Egadi Islands, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and even onboard aperitifs.  Favorite destinations include: Cala Rossa Cala Azzurra Bue Marino on Favignana Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola on Levanzo Sea caves of Marettimo. Kayaking And Paddleboat Rentals  For those who prefer a more independent adventure, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are a fantastic way to explore the coastline at your own pace and with minimal environmental impact.  Some boat excursions even include food tastings or traditional dinners on board. It is an unforgettable way to enjoy the fresh, local seafood while surrounded by nature. Exploring The Fishing Villages  Beyond the water, don’t miss a stroll through the charming fishing villages, where you can soak in the relaxed island vibe and get a feel for local life.  The Tuna Fishery Museum in Favignana offers a deep dive (pun intended!) into the cultural roots of the islands. Summer brings the islands to life with festivals and cultural events.  Highlights include the Feast of Saint Joseph in Marettimo and the Egadi Summer Festival, featuring live music, performances, and art across all three islands. What To Eat In The Egadi Islands And Indulge In Local Flavors? Food lovers, take note—the Egadi Islands are a culinary paradise where Sicilian tradition meets the bounty of the sea.  Here, the cuisine is deeply rooted in local fishing culture, and tuna takes center stage in many unforgettable dishes. Tuna is served in a variety of forms, both fresh and preserved. You’ll find it as bottarga (cured roe), lattume (tuna milt), mosciame (air-dried fillet), and in pasta dishes made with tender chunks of fresh tuna.  One local specialty not to miss is Ficazza, a type of cured tuna sausage that’s unique to the islands. Another must-try is the seafood couscous, a dish with North African roots that’s become a staple in Sicilian coastal kitchens. It's rich, aromatic, and often prepared with the catch of the day. The islands also offer a variety of local vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant capers from nearby Pantelleria.  And of course, no meal is complete without dessert. Look for classic Sicilian treats like cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, or cassatelle, deep-fried pastries filled with ricotta and chocolate, or chickpeas and cinnamon. For an unforgettable dining experience, head to some of the most beloved local restaurants.  In Favignana, top picks include SottoSale, A' Cialoma, and the charmingly named Quello Che C'è... C'è!. On Marettimo, Hiera, and Il Veliero serve up ultra-fresh seafood in scenic settings.  And in Levanzo, Ristorante Bar Romano is a local favorite for a relaxed meal with a view. Where To Stay In the Egadi Islands? Whether you're looking for seaside luxury or a cozy retreat immersed in nature, the Egadi Islands offer a wide range of accommodations to suit every travel style. Favignana, the largest and most developed of the three islands, features everything from boutique hotels and charming B&Bs to vacation rentals and resorts with sea views.  You'll find options that range from simple, budget-friendly stays to elegant, eco-conscious lodgings nestled among Mediterranean gardens. Marettimo, by contrast, is a peaceful haven for nature lovers.  Here, most accommodations are small-scale and family-run. Think of apartments and B&Bs either facing the picturesque harbor or tucked into the hills, surrounded by untouched landscapes. Levanzo is the quietest and most remote of the islands, ideal for those who want to truly disconnect.  The lodging options are more limited but full of charm: small vacation homes and guesthouses that offer a serene escape, often with stunning views and warm, local hospitality. Wherever you choose to stay, you'll find that the pace of life on the Egadi Islands is refreshingly slow, the service is personal, and the settings are unforgettable. Sustainable Travel: Protecting The Egadi Islands Paradise The Egadi Islands are more than just a scenic getaway—they're a model of environmental stewardship.  So, we must protect it from becoming another Italian destination fighting with overtourism. We already know what the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Venice, and Florence are facing.  As part of Europe’s largest marine protected area, the archipelago preserves its delicate ecosystem while welcoming travelers from around the world. Tourist activities here are carefully regulated to minimize impact on the natural environment.  Eco-friendly practices are common here, including using low-emission boats, recycling programs, and environmental education initiatives.  You'll even see signs throughout the islands reminding visitors to "leave no trace" and respect the fragile balance of land and sea. Ongoing conservation efforts include protecting the underwater meadows of Posidonia oceanica, which are vital for marine biodiversity, and monitoring populations of endangered species like sea turtles and groupers.  Anchoring in certain zones is restricted, and visitors are asked not to touch or collect protected flora and fauna. By choosing to travel responsibly—whether by kayaking instead of motoring, supporting local businesses, or respecting wildlife—you’ll help preserve the beauty and authenticity of the Egadi Islands for future generations. Make Your Trip To The Egadi Islands Memorable A trip to the Egadi Islands is not just about a tropical vacation. It is a destination that allows you to indulge in the slow rhythm of life.  Further, rich history, warm hospitality and the pristine beauty of nature make the Egadi Islands the ultimate Italian gem.  Also, the Egadi Islands are the land of Bella Vita, with you lounging by the sea and soaking in the Mediterranean Sun, enjoying a long lunch, and then watching the most dramatic sunset.  You can even nurture your adventurous side here by taking part in activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and boating tours around hidden coves.  Irrespective of the activity or experience you choose for yourself, you must be respectful of the local environment and culture.  Be careful about intruding on the protected areas, and connect with the community by supporting local artisans and family-run businesses.  Also, summer is the best time to visit the Egadi Islands. However, the beauty, authenticity, and natural abundance make the Egadi Islands a true Mediterranean gem to explore in any season.  READ MORE: Exploring the Virgin Islands: Must-See Spots You Can Visit by Boat and St John Rentals Bali Beyond The Beaches: Exploring The Hidden Gems Of The Island Seven Reasons To Visit The Stunning Greek Ionian Islands