You can see it in pictures, you can see it in movies, but the experience of seeing Yosemite with your own eyes as you come out of the tunnel is like driving into a fairytale world! Yosemite National Park is the most picturesque place we’ve ever been, especially in the Spring when the waterfalls are flowing! Whether you enjoy biking, hiking, climbing, or just being inspired this is a great place to spend some time!
Biking
There are multiple sections to Yosemite. We were there in early Spring when many sections were still closed due to snowfall, so our primary focus was Yosemite Valley. When there’s not a pandemic going on there is a shuttle to take you around to different stops in the valley, but this was not an option while we were there. On a busy day the parking and traffic in the valley can get very congested. We had our bikes with us which provided so much freedom to get around the valley! There is a paved bike path that goes around the entire valley, you can park anywhere along it and take off on your bikes. Many people were walking the path as well, but it could take a few hours to walk the whole valley, not counting hikes or other stops. Biking is definitely the way to go!! I loved being on my bike and stopping whenever to take a photo and enjoy the scenery! If you don’t have your own bikes with you we highly recommend renting them from the lodge.
Hiking
Do not miss The Mist Trail! This was our favorite hike in Yosemite. You hike up steps alongside Vernal Falls through the mist from the waterfall. If you go on a sunny day you can see a rainbow in the mist! Many people turned around after taking in the mist, we’d recommend continuing up the rock scramble to the top of Vernal Falls. It is a great place to see the waterfall from above and there’s lots of space to sit on the rocks for a snack or picnic. At this point you have to decide to continue on the strenuous climb up to Nevada Falls, head back down the slippery steps of the Mist Trail, or take the longer John Muir Trail back down. We chose the John Muir Trail which climbs up to Clark Point and then descends to meet back with the Mist Trail (skipping the mist). We loved this option, the views of Nevada Falls and the Valley are stunning, and it had very little traffic! We saw maybe two other groups the whole time on the trail, whereas the Mist Trail is very busy and congested with people. It’s worth going up the Mist Trail and seeing Vernal Falls up close, but I was dreading taking my kids back down through the crowds on those slippery steps! I’m glad the John Muir Trail was an option.
For a more leisurely walk when you’re sore from climbing the Mist Trail, head out to Mirror Lake. We biked to the trailhead and did the short walk to the lake. The views of the mountains reflecting in the lake on a calm day were pretty! Some other cool reflecting spots are Sentinel Bridge for Half Dome in the river and Swinging Bridge to catch Upper Yosemite Falls in the river. These are all conveniently located on the bike path!
El Capitan
To introduce our boys to Yosemite and as an example of hard work and determination we watched the movie Free Solo. This inspired us to not only see “El Cap” from overlooks, but to get a little closer stopping off in El Capitan Meadow and hiking to the base of the 3,200 foot granite wall. We could see climbers making their way up the wall and even hear some of them talking to each other. The climber trails to the base are not well marked at all, so definitely keep track of where you’re going to find your way back. To make this even cooler, we ran into a couple climbers that told us stories about climbing El Cap 50 years ago, it took them 7 days! (To climb it, not tell us the stories, lol!) Traveling is not always all about the places you go, but also all the people you meet along the way!
Iconic Views
As a photographer I could spend a week just taking photos of the picturesque views in Yosemite! The two high payoff views of the park are Valley View and Tunnel View. Tunnel View was my favorite, in fact, if you don’t enter the park through the tunnel we HIGHLY recommend driving through the tunnel, turning around, and re-entering through the tunnel just to get the view as you exit the tunnel. Something about the tunnel numbs your senses and exiting to see all of Yosemite Valley at once is beyond magical! Then, park to take plenty of photos!
Valley View is located on the one-way exit of the Valley. It’s similar to Tunnel View but lower in the Valley along the River.
Best time to visit:
I’m so torn on this! In the Spring you get lower crowds and heavily flowing waterfalls, but many roads are still closed due to winter snow. In the summer, the crowds are high, waterfalls may be dry, but the whole park is open. In the Fall, lower crowds, dry waterfalls, and the whole park open. I’d love to go back and aim for Fall to get out on Glacier Point Road for the beautiful overlook hikes.
Where we stayed:
We stayed about an hour from Yosemite Valley in Mariposa at an Airbnb called Half Dome Hideout. We loved this Airbnb for the space and outside patio with games! We enjoyed seeing deer everyday while we were there! The drive to the park was very scenic along the river, it never felt too long.
Other things to do:
Go in the Summer or Fall and drive out to Glacier Point. Take the hikes out to Taft Point and Sentinel Dome.
Check out the giant Sequoia trees in the Mariposa Grove.
