Yosemite National Park: 7 tips for your first visit
- Lucy Binder
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Yosemite National Park in California is a true natural wonder. Here's what you absolutely shouldn't miss on your first visit and why the trip is worthwhile.
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Yosemite at a Glance
Inspired by the Netflix series Untamed, I spontaneously decided to write this post. It's about Yosemite National Park in California, which I visited for the first time during my road trip along the southwest coast of the USA . Admittedly, the series isn't a masterpiece, but it definitely awakens a longing for travel. (Side note: The series makes extensive use of computer-generated imagery; Yosemite National Park is even more beautiful in real life.) But let's start from the beginning.
Yosemite National Park: What you should plan for your trip
Are you wondering if a trip to Yosemite National Park is worthwhile? Or are you unsure what there is to do there? Then you'll hopefully find the answers here. Hardly any place in California has impressed me as much as Yosemite National Park , and that probably answers the first question: yes, it's worth it . The enormous rock faces from which waterfalls plunge into the depths. Centuries-old sequoia trees so large that you feel like an ant when you stand next to them. And in the middle of it all, the feeling of being completely immersed in nature.
Yosemite National Park in numbers
In theory, you could spend days hiking through Yosemite National Park and still only scratch the surface. Spanning roughly 3,000 square kilometres, the park is home to more than 1,300 kilometres of hiking trails and over 20 waterfalls. With around four million visitors each year, Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. To make planning your trip a little easier, here are a few classic highlights that offer a great first impression on your initial visit.
Yosemite National Park: 7 tips what to do
1. The First View Into the Valley – Tunnel View
No matter how many photos of Yosemite National Park you’ve seen, the moment you emerge from the tunnel and the panorama suddenly unfolds is always special. From Tunnel View, you’re looking straight out over Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome rising in the distance. I remember stopping right there, taking a deep breath.
If you’re driving into Yosemite from the west — for example via Highway 41 from Oakhurst or Fresno — you’ll pass the Tunnel View viewpoint shortly after the Wawona Tunnel. The parking area is located directly off the road, making it easy to pull over briefly and take in the view.
Tip: Visit early in the morning, ideally at sunrise. The park is much quieter at this time, and the soft morning light makes the scenery even more spectacular.
2. Mist Trail: Close to the waterfalls
If you're looking to hike and don't mind a few wet steps, the Mist Trail is perfect. The trail passes right by Vernal and Nevada Falls, and yes, you'll definitely get wet, but it's worth it. Especially in spring, when the snow melts, it's one of the most spectacular trails in the park. Or, as in our case, a welcome respite from the August heat.
3. Glacier Point: Views like in the movies
Another highlight (literally) is the view from Glacier Point . Standing at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters, you can see across the entire Yosemite Valley – with Half Dome directly opposite. The viewpoint is accessible by car (only during the summer months) or via a longer hike. Tip: Watch the sunset from up here – a truly unique experience.
4. Yosemite Falls: the giant among waterfalls
At nearly 740 meters, Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America . A short trail leads from the valley floor to the lower cascade. Perfect if you want a relaxed experience and to admire the waterfall from below. For those seeking a greater challenge: the hike to the top is strenuous and long, but the view is well worth it. The ascent of approximately 820 meters takes between six and eight hours.
5. Mariposa Grove: Where the trees are older than anything you know
In the far south of the park lies Mariposa Grove , a forest of enormous, ancient sequoias. These gigantic trees, among the largest and oldest tree species in the world and found only in a few places like California, are sometimes over 2,000 years old . Walking among these giants feels a bit like traveling back in time. Tip: Go early in the morning; it's quiet then, and you'll practically have the trails to yourself.
6. On Two Wheels Instead of Four: Exploring Yosemite by Bike
Renting a bike in Yosemite National Park is incredibly easy. It's a much more relaxed way to get around, saving you the hassle of finding parking and allowing you to see more of the surroundings. There are flat, signposted bike paths that are perfectly manageable even for those who aren't particularly athletic. And of course, there are e-mountain bikes available, which make even steeper terrain a breeze.
7. Valley View: The most beautiful sunrise spot
If you get out of bed a little earlier, you'll be rewarded with a magical sight. From Valley View Point, you have a particularly beautiful view of the valley, and when the first rays of sunlight hit the granite walls, it's simply serene and beautiful. Don't forget coffee in a thermos and a snack.
Yosemite National Park: The most important questions answered
When is the best time to travel to Yosemite National Park?
Between May and October . The waterfalls are most impressive in spring, while everything is accessible (but also very crowded) in summer. Autumn is quieter, but the colors are all the more beautiful. You can, of course, also visit Yosemite National Park in winter, but then you'll most likely need snow chains and winter clothing.
Where is the best place to live?
There are lodges and campsites right in Yosemite Valley, but they're usually booked far in advance and more hype than substance. I stayed outside the valley in the small town of Mariposa and found an adorable bed and breakfast there: the Sierra Trails Inn . It's run by an older couple who take plenty of time to give you tips for the park. On top of that, they even provided a snack for our outing.
How do you get to Yosemite National Park?
The easiest way to get there is by rental car . From San Francisco it takes about four hours, from Los Angeles around six. Fill up the tank beforehand, because everything in the park itself is either expensive or unavailable.
How much does admission cost?
The entrance fee per car is currently $35 for seven days. During peak season, you'll also need a timed-entry ticket for Yosemite Valley , which you should book online in advance. Tip: If you're traveling in the US for an extended period and plan to visit several national parks, an annual pass for all parks is worthwhile. This is ultimately cheaper than buying a ticket for each park individually.
What should you bring?
Comfortable hiking boots, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, hat, camera and, depending on the season, a warm jacket for the evening.
My personal Yosemite tips summarized
Accommodation: in Oakhurst, El Portal, Mariposa or – with luck – directly in the Valley (although the accommodations here are very touristy and super pricy so I would always chose something outside the park).
Getting there: best by rental car from San Francisco
Best time to travel: Spring or autumn (less crowded, not too hot or too cold and still beautiful)
Extra tip: If you enjoy photography, you should go to the park at sunrise – the light is unique.
Have fun in Yosemite National Park!
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