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

Also read

Share on Social Media

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!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Bangkok’s rainy season

Bangkok in the Rainy Season -What You Should Know

BY  Sibashree Jul 21, 2025

Travel is all about enjoying the sunny weather with the light breeze blowing away your hair. But, unlike a sprinkle, torrential rain can literally ruin your entire trip. Making it one of the worst memories. So, it is kinda wise to check the rainy season prior to visiting that place. This way, you can avoid unnecessary hassles and know when to travel and what to do during this time. For instance, Bangkok’s rainy season spans from May through the beginning of November. And, when it rains there, it literally pours down buckets. So, be prepared to get stuck in some muddy puddles and flooded metropolis. Making it tenfold difficult to travel to your destinations or go for a city walk. But, if you are a rain lover, you should know about a few things before setting off to Bangkok. Here, I have brought you a complete guide on things to do in Bangkok’s rainy season. Stay tuned! Why Is Bangkok’s Rainy Season Considered Low Season? During the rainy season, the temperature drops to 26 degrees with humid weather. So, you will feel stuffy while traveling to tour spots. Moreover, the rain comes in bursts of torrential pouring. Turning the entire city into a flooded region. So, traveling or commuting becomes more difficult. And to top it off, the sky is mainly overcast with clouds all the time. Just killing the vibes. So, you won’t be able to enjoy the place. Naturally, this season earned the nickname of “Low Season” because of the mood-ruining weather and low tourist visits. What You Should Do In Bangkok’s Rainy Season? Here is a list of the things you need to do when you are stuck in Bangkok during the rainy season. 1. Wear Rubber Shoes The last thing you need is to walk around with nothing on your feet; wear strong rubber flip flops/sandals that are made for wet weather, and you will have no issues.  A sturdy umbrella is always a wise thing to carry around in the rainy season, while a plastic anorak with a hood will save you if you get caught in a tropical downpour.  Staying in one of the best hotels in Bangkok Sukhumvit puts you in the centre of the action, close to BTS stations. 2. Keep Your Digital Device Dry Buy one of those waterproof plastic bags for smartphones and store your device in there, along with paper money and your passport.  If you get caught in a tropical storm, your stuff is very likely to get wet, and with a few dry bags, your stuff won’t get damaged.  You can buy these online, and they come in packs of 10. Wear the bag around your neck and keep everything you need to keep dry inside. 3. Avoid Walking In Water Imagine being in the middle of a busy market, with stalls everywhere and electric cables in use; accidents can and do happen, so avoid walking in water whenever possible.  Some foreigners take off their shoes and walk barefoot, which we don’t agree with.  This is dangerous for many reasons. For instance, you could stand on broken glass, and a foot infection could follow. Thailand is the number one destination for wellness retreats. 4. Take Cover In A Shopping Mall If you are out and about and the heavens open, seek refuge in a nearby shopping mall, at least until the water has receded. A coffee shop would be the perfect solution, and they would welcome your business.  One place you should not take shelter is under a tree, as lightning is common in tropical storms. Also, you should not be holding an umbrella when thunder and lightning are happening. 5. Afternoon Showers Rain typically falls in the late afternoon, and when it stops, the sun quickly dries everything out, and you would hardly know it had rained.  It rarely drizzles in Thailand, the rain is heavy and the sun quickly returns. The exterior electrics in Thailand leave a lot to be desired and water and electricity do not mix.  Use your common sense when it comes to being in water and avoid any situation you think might be dangerous. 6. Use The Canal Taxi Boats A great way to get around in the monsoon season, using the electric boats is both cheap and fast; search with Google to find out where the different canals actually go. Bangkok has many canals that wind through the city, and they are frequent and safe. Rain And Bangkok: How To Enjoy A Flooded Trip? Even though the weather is not perfect, sunny, and beautiful one which highlights the natural beauty of Thailand, it is a peaceful time to visit Bangkok. However, going there without taking the right precautions can make it a frustrating trip. So, make sure you pack up your rainy gear to fight against the torrential bouts. Also, given that most tourists avoid the place during Bangkok’s rainy season, you will find the tour spots less crowded. Letting you to actually enjoy a place in peace. Mainly, the greatest and busiest attraction, Grand Palace in Bangkok, becomes a spot with relatively fewer people. So, you can spend some time enjoying the view and architecture without enduring the rushing crowds. Additionally, you can book tickets for the annual arts festivals in the International Festival Auditorium. Then, enjoy exploring different art forms and cultural excellence without wetting your feet in the rainy puddles. Along with that, you can go around Chinatown to dig into some of the mouthwatering delicacies. From exciting street foods to different flavored mooncakes, grab a bite of every kind of food. So, turn the wet trip into a memorable one with the right activities and fun-filled experiences. Just take measures to avoid the rain and indulge in a peaceful Bangkok tour. Read More: Exploring Southern Utah’s Hidden Dive Sites Haneda Vs Narita: Which Tokyo Airport Should You Choose For Your Next Trip? Three Of The Best Must-See Attractions During Your Time On The Thai Island Of Phuket

READ MORE toddler travel essentials

Tiny Travelers: Toddler Travel Essentials for Happy Trips 

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 30, 2023

We know exactly how difficult it can be to travel with the youngins. Depending on their mood and yours as well, simply moving from one room to another in your own house can be intimidating. But you deserve to get out of your backyard, and your little one deserves to see the world. Our goal is to work with you to create and carry out a realistic plan that will ensure you and your toddler have everything they need for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip. Make sure to utilize this list as a guide, adding and removing items as necessary. If everything goes according to plan, you'll have multiple moments with your family, unwinding and relishing your vacation, which will make all the effort worthwhile. When taking a trip with young children, here are a few toddler travel essentials to consider packing. Toddler Travel Essentials  If you are taking your little one on a trip, your biggest cause of concern may not be your baby. Rather, it will be all the things you will carry just to support the royal majesty's trip. Every minute will require something that you may feel ready for on a trip. Here are certain toddler travel essentials that will get you started.  Gro Anywhere Blinds When it's time to put your little one to bed, the long, hot days of vacation often mean that the sun is still shining brightly outside. It can make it difficult for them to fall asleep without blackout curtains. With just a single click, the innovative "one-size-fits-all" Gro Anywhere blackout blind blocks out annoying sunlight. With suction cups that adhere straight to the window glass for a secure fit, it's simple to use. The updated model allows you to use it on both larger and smaller windows. It has a maximum size of 130 cm by 198 cm. The blinds offer two designs- Ollie the Owl and Stars and Moon. It is washable and comes with a convenient bag that makes packing it simple. Don't leave home without one if you want to keep your child's bedtime routine while on vacation and prevent the sun from waking them up too early!  Merifor Travel Mattress With the help of this top-notch travel mattress, you can ensure that your child sleeps through the night. Unlike many travel cot mattresses, Merifor's Travel Mattress is made of nursery foam and approved by Allergy UK. It is thick and comfortable, with a special breathable fabric that helps keep your baby cool on hot summer nights. You can wash the cover at 60°C to get rid of dust mites and allergens, and the mattress itself is wipeable. You don't have to worry about any minor spills. It measures 64 cm by 93 cm, so make sure your travel cot will fit into it snugly before using it. Its inability to be folded or rolled makes it unsuitable for every trip. This is its lone disadvantage.  Splash About New Happy Nappy A dependable, leak-proof swim diaper is essential when taking your baby for a swim. Nobody wants their child to be the cause of the pool's closure for maintenance. The updated, reusable Happy Nappy from Splash About is less bulky to pack for vacations and more environmentally friendly than disposable swim diapers! Because of its premium neoprene design, tight-fitting waist and leg cuffs, as well as non-gaping gusset, you can wear it in the pool without worrying about embarrassing poop leaks. It comes in sizes ranging from 0-3 months to 2-3 years and offers UPF 50+ built-in sun protection. It helps shield your baby's bottom from the sun. It is not required to be used with any other swim nappy, but if you'd like, Splash About sells a Cotton Nappy Wrap and Liners. It's easy to rinse it off after swimming, and it dries quickly, making it ready for the baby's next dip. The Happy Nappy is available in several adorable designs, such as Owl Pussycat and Dino Pirates, which is the best part.  Apramo Flippa Dining Booster Not even a high chair? Not a problem! Wherever they are tucked in, your baby or toddler will be safe and sound with the Apramo Flippa Dining Booster. The Flippa can accommodate babies weighing up to 15 kg and up to three years old. It is essentially a miniature high chair that can be fastened to the seat and back of a regular dining chair using two straps. It has adjustable rubber feet for added stability, sturdy aluminium legs, and a plastic back and seat. Your child can eat from the tray that comes with the Flippa. Or you can remove the tray so they can sit up at the table once they are secure using the Flippa harness. It's time for dinner! After that, you can clean it, and the Flippa will neatly fold away when you press a button. This one really is one of the most convenient toddler travel essentials.  Osprey Poco AG Plus Child Carrie This is one to pack for vacations because it comes in nine different colors and doesn't take up much space in your suitcase. You can use the Osprey Poco AG Plus Child Carrier to take your child on adventurous trips. The places you can explore are endless with this backpack-style carrier because it daringly goes where strollers cannot. With an adjustable hip belt, torso length, and mesh back to keep your back cool, it's made to be comfortable for both parents carrying small children. The seat, foot stirrups, and child safety harness all adjust to fit kids of all shapes, sizes, and weights. Along with UPF22 protection, it has an integrated sunshade and a rain cover for inclement weather. To ensure your preparedness for anything, it even features an emergency whistle. The carrier features easy-access mesh side pockets for snacks and drinks, zipped pockets in the hip belt, and a compartment behind the child seat for additional storage, so there's no need to bring extra bags. It folds up neatly for storage after your exploration is complete.  Mountain Buggy Bag Ride Another of the toddler travel essentials is the Mountain Buggy Bag Ride. Even though travelling can be stressful at times, it becomes even more difficult when a baby is along! The clever ability of the 35-litre, two-wheeled Mountain Buggy Bag Rider to change into a four-wheeled kid's ride-on seat makes things much easier! To utilize the seat, just turn the dial on the case and then fasten the padded seat liner. Secure your baby in the five-point harness that is completely adjustable, and voila! It is possible to tow your child and pull your suitcase simultaneously! It is appropriate for kids weighing up to 15 kg.  Travel Insurance For Children  Does my child/baby need travel insurance? You could ask. It may appear that the answer is no at first. Your toddler is not paying for the vacation. Save for their stuffed Bluey, your toddler's suitcase is empty of priceless belongings. Nevertheless, travel insurance is crucial for safeguarding your young child, particularly if you're going somewhere where they do not recognise U.S. health insurance policies. Making the decision is simple because, when travelling with a parent or grandparent, children under the age of 17 are automatically covered for free under certain insurance policies. Wrapping Up  These products will make long trips with a baby or toddler more comfortable, peaceful, and enjoyable, whether you're travelling by car, train, or airplane. With these essential travel items, vacations won't have to be sweaty affairs. These are the absolute bare toddler travel essentials you cannot miss out on, given the safety factor. Let us know what more you would like to add to the list in the comment below. Read Also: A Detailed Guide On Malaysia Bay – From Traveling To Outing Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Planning A Vacation To Bali? Read This Blog!

READ MORE Home Cleaning Tips

Home Cleaning Tips for Stress-Free Travel Preparations

BY  Rishab Dey Oct 31, 2023

Travel preparations are often a mixed bag of emotions, encompassing both excitement and stress. The thrill of exploring new destinations, visiting loved ones, or taking a well-deserved vacation can be exhilarating. However, these emotions can sometimes be accompanied by the anxiety of making sure everything is in order before leaving. From packing luggage to ensuring travel documents are in place, there's a lot on our minds as we anticipate the upcoming journey. One often overlooked, but crucial aspect of travel preparations is the condition of your home. A clean and organized home not only welcomes you back to a pleasant environment upon your return but also plays a vital role in ensuring your trip is stress-free. Knowing that your home is in order can alleviate some of the pre-travel stress, allowing you to fully enjoy your trip without nagging worries about the state of your residence. Whether you're going on a short weekend getaway or an extended vacation, we have tips that will help you leave your home in the best possible condition. If you are busy, ask help from maid services to assist with the pre-travel cleaning process. What to Prepare to Have Stress-Free Travel? Before embarking on the process of preparing your home for travel, it's essential to create a detailed checklist of cleaning tasks. This checklist will serve as your roadmap, ensuring that you don't overlook any crucial areas or responsibilities. Consider listing tasks for each room in your home, including the kitchen, bathroom, living areas, bedrooms, and any additional spaces that need attention. A well-organized checklist will not only help you stay on top of your cleaning duties but also provide a sense of accomplishment as you check off completed tasks. It's crucial to allocate ample time for cleaning your home before your departure to prevent last-minute rushes and unnecessary stress. The amount of time needed will depend on the size of your home, the extent of cleaning required, and your personal cleaning speed. It's advisable to start your cleaning preparations a few days or even a week before your trip, allowing you to tackle tasks in manageable increments. By spreading the cleaning process over several days, you can ensure a more thorough job and avoid the exhaustion of trying to do it all at once. Declutter Your Space Adopt a systematic approach by going room by room. This method ensures that you thoroughly address each area and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. Begin in one room and work your way through the entire house, paying close attention to each space's specific needs. When decluttering, make decisions about the items in each room before moving on to the next. This process helps you keep track of your progress and maintain a sense of accomplishment as you complete one room at a time. While decluttering, it's essential to identify and organize essential items you will need during your trip or upon your return. These might include travel documents, spare keys, essential clothing, or items for your pets. Store these essentials in a designated area that is easily accessible, such as a dedicated drawer or shelf. This ensures that you won't spend time searching for these items when you need them, making your pre-travel preparations smoother and less stressful. Label or list the contents of this area to make it even more user-friendly. It would also be better if you ask for help from housekeeping services in NYC to have everything managed. This will save you time and make the task much smoother and less stressful. Security Measures This is not a cleaning tip, but this is quite crucial for your stress-free travel preparations! Go through your entire home and check that every entry point is properly locked. This simple action helps safeguard your home against unauthorized access and potential break-ins. If you have a security system in place, it's essential to activate it before your departure. Ensure that all are functioning correctly. Many modern security systems allow you to receive notifications and alerts, providing an added layer of protection while you're away. Before leaving, it's a good idea to inform a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member about your travel plans. Share your itinerary, contact information, and the duration of your trip with them. They can keep an eye on your home, collect mail or packages, and address any unexpected issues that may arise during your absence. This not only provides additional security but also offers peace of mind knowing that someone you trust is keeping an eye on your property. Final Touches Before you leave for your trip, go through your home and double-check that all appliances are turned off and unplugged. This step not only helps reduce the risk of accidents but also conserves energy. You can adjust your thermostat while you are away to a more energy-efficient setting. Many thermostats now offer programmable settings for this purpose. It is also best to give the appearance that someone is at home. You can set up timers for your lights or have smart home technology installed. Smart home systems allow you to control your lights remotely or program them to mimic your usual lighting patterns, deterring potential intruders. Before leaving, take a moment to review your travel preparation checklist. Ensure that you've completed all the tasks you've planned, from cleaning and decluttering to securing your home and setting up energy-saving measures. This final check helps ensure you haven't overlooked any important details and gives you peace of mind that your home is well-prepared for your absence. Read Also: I Had No Idea When To Visit Mauritius Till I Went There THIS Time! The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem THIS Is When You Should Visit Maldives!