Death Valley National Park

Best time to visit: November through March

Recommended Hikes: Sidewinder Canyon, Mosaic Canyon, Golden Canyon, Mesquite Flat Sanddunes

Ideal For: Hiking, Camping, Auto-Touring, 4WD Auto-Touring

Where to stay: Campgrounds and hotels at Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells

Park Website - Park Map

Useful Info:

• Dogs - the general rule for dogs in national parks is that they must be leashed and are only allowed on paved areas, which includes parking areas, roads, and front country campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on park trails, even when leashed.

• There are great hiking options in Death Valley - but they can't be hiked during summer. Visit in winter to enjoy these routes and explore hidden slot canyons.

• If driving through the park during summer be weary of overheating you car. The road from the valley to the west entrance gate is steep and can be hard on older vehicles.

• The park's north entrance and Scotty's Castle are currently closed due to flood damage. It is scheduled to re-open in 2019/2020. Access to Ubehebe Crater and the Racetrack is open from the south.

• There are gas stations and small general stores at Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells.

• Drinking water is available at the visitor center and campgrounds - bring your bottles to fill up.

• There is no shuttle service in Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 and one of its most underrated. The valley is striking and imposing with steep, rugged mountains that tower above canyons, salt flats, and sand dunes. There is a ton to see here and drive times between attractions are long. The park's huge size makes it feel less crowded than most national parks, even during peak season holidays.

Death Valley is a winter park - visit November through March to be able to hike and see all the canyons. Summers are too hot to visit and older cars may overheat when driving through.

Must See Attractions:

Badwater Basin - The lowest point in North America and a great place to see some of Death Valley's expansive salt flats. Look for the "Sea Level" sign high up the side of the cliff above the Badwater Basin parking area. 

Natural Bridge - An impressive arch made of rocks and mud that have been cemented together over the eons. The arch is about a half mile from the parking area and requires a slightly uphill hike to see.

Mesquite Flat Sanddunes - The most fun place in the park. The dunes are located in between Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek and you can hike across them for as long or as short as you please.

Ubehebe Crater - A deep and impressive volcanic crater - formed from underground fault lines. It's a pretty long drive to get here but its right on the way to the Racetrack if you are heading out there. 

Devil's Cornfield/Devil's Golf Course - Two cool areas that are easily accessible from the main park road. Seeing these attractions will only take about 10 minutes each.

Dante’s View - There is a really cool viewpoint of Death Valley from high above Badwater Basin at Dante’s View. The viewpoint is accessible via paved road and is worth seeing if you have time to make the drive. There is a short hiking trail in this area as well.

Racetrack Playa - Home of the famous "sailing rocks" of Death Valley. You will have to drive 50 miles on rough dirt roads to get here. This drive might be doable for a sedan but it would be extremely slow (under 10 mph) and the cost of getting towed out if anything goes wrong is very expensive. If you have your heart set on seeing it and are worried about your car, you can rent a jeep at Furnace Creek. 

Where to Stay:

Furnace Creek and Stovepipe Wells both have hotel options and camping options. Both spots are right in the heart of the park and are ideal for exploring Death Valley in its entirety. The park's large size makes staying outside its boundaries unrealistic.

Furnace Creek has a large campground that can be reserved online in advance here. It also has cabin style rustic lodging and a modern hotel which can both be reserved here.

Stovepipe Wells has a small campground which is first-come-first-served, and a rustic hotel which can be reserved here.

There are several more primitive campgrounds throughout the park which are first-come-first-served. They are at higher elevations which make them ideal if you are looking for somewhere to camp in hotter months. 

Hiking in Death Valley:

There are a lot of really cool canyons up and down the valley that you can hike. There are slot canyons, arches, and dryfalls (dry waterfalls) throughout these routes. 

Sidewinder Canyon - This is a must-do hike and it's not very well known. The hike is up a major wash with 4 distinct slot canyons branching off from it. The slot canyons are all located on the right side of the wash as you hike up, and there is a good chance you will have them all to yourself. The trail is not marked on the map, but the trailhead can be found roughly 32 miles down the Badwater Road. Read more about the hike and finding the canyon here.

Mosaic Canyon - Another must-do hike with prominent dryfalls and marble walled slot canyons. The bottom section of this hike is pretty crowded but it becomes more and more empty as you hike further. There are two sections that seem like they are impassable, but if you read the hike description here, you will find instructions on how to get passed them. 

Golden Canyon - This is probably the most popular and crowded hike in Death Valley. Golden Canyon is made up of yellow hills and ridges that look similar to the rock formations found in Badlands National Park. It has several route options which allow for customization. Read more about Golden Canyon here.

Click here for more Death Valley hikes and route descriptions.

Parts that I missed

Scotty's Castle - Currently closed due to flood damage, but scheduled to open in 2019/2020.

Titus Canyon - A steep dirt road leads through Titus Canyon which is one of the most popular canyons in the park. There are also a few hiking options in Titus Canyon. Read more about it here. 

Dirt Road Destinations - Besides the Racetrack and Titus Canyon, there are many more destinations that you can reach via dirt roads. There are several canyons on the west bank of the valley that look to have cool hiking routes, and another dune field at the very northern end of the park called the "Eureka Dunes". 4WD vehicles are best to explore these destinations.

Joshua Tree National Park

Best time to visit: Fall through Spring

Recommended Hikes/Walks: Boy Scout Trail to Willow Hole, Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Ryan Mountain, Split Rock Loop

Ideal For: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Auto-Touring, Horseback Riding, Star-Gazing

Where to stay: north/west side of the park

Park Website - Park Map

Useful Info:

• Dogs - the general rule for dogs in national parks is that they must be leashed and are only allowed on paved areas, which includes parking areas, roads, and front country campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on park trails, even when leashed.

• Joshua Tree's desert climate can reach summer temperatures well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid summer months if possible. Winter nights can drop below freezing.

• There are a lot of hiking routes in the park that are not marked on the park map. The park newspaper has more details on these routes. Check at the visitor center for more detailed hiking maps as well.

• Joshua Tree has one of the darkest night skies in Southern California, making it a great place for star-gazing and for watching meteor showers.

• Drinking water is available at the visitor center and at the west entrance station, but nowhere else within the park boundaries (including most of the campgrounds). Fill up at the entrance stations, and be sure to bring your own supply if you are planning to stay at the campgrounds.

• Joshua Tree is piloting a shuttle service during spring 2018 and 2019. Read more about it here.

Joshua Trees grow throughout the Mojave desert which spans three U.S. states, but their densest concentration is found in Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. Besides the trees, the park is famous for giant outcroppings of granite boulders, created by tectonic fault lines in the region. Joshua Tree is a desert park and it gets dangerously hot during summer, making fall and spring the most pleasant time to visit. Winter can be cold and windy but still preferable to summer.

Must See Attractions:

North side of the Park - Not a distinct section, but the entire northwestern half of the park is where all the Joshua Trees are concentrated. It is literally a forest of them - they go on and on and seem to be perfectly spaced out between each other. The drive from the park's west entrance to the Pinto Basin Road is spectacular.

Queen Valley Road - This is a dirt road, but it is well maintained and easily handled by all vehicle types when dry. The road is narrow but it is marked as a two-way route. When driving the route, try to go right at forks to avoid coming face to face with another car at a narrow section.

Barker Dam - A nice, short walk to an old dam that was built in the early 1900s by the first pioneers to settle here. This walk can be extended to a hike into a serene patch of Joshua Tree forest, surrounded by piles of granite boulders on all sides. Read more about it in the hiking section below. 

Arch Rock - Located right next to the White Tank campground, Arch Rock is impressive and quite large for a natural bridge made of granite. There is some parking near the trailhead - within the campground. it's a short walk to reach the arch.

Key's View - The highest elevation in the park that you can reach in a car. This viewpoint looks out across the Coachella Valley and on clear days, you can see the Salton Sea and sometimes all the way to Mexico.

Other Granite Outcroppings - There are many outcroppings of granite boulders piled up throughout Joshua Tree. The rocks are weathered into rounded shapes and they really are a cool characteristic of the park. They are very popular for rock climbers but casual hikers can enjoy exploring them and even scrambling up them. Many of the outcroppings have names, and many more do not. Explore at will!

Cholla Cactus Garden - This dense concentration of cacti is worth seeing. Read more about it here.

Where to Stay:

On the north side of the park. The northwest part of the park is the Mojave Desert which is where all the Joshua Trees and granite outcroppings are. The southeast side of the park is the Colorado Desert which is flatter with less vegetation and very few Joshua Trees.

There is a small town just outside of the park's west entrance gate which has a few hotel options and also has houses available for rent on Air BnB.

There are several campgrounds that can be reserved online in advance. These campgrounds a good options and worth booking in advance, but are almost always full on weekends. They can be reserved online in advance here.

There are more first-come-first-served campgrounds in the Mojave section of the park. Each is nestled into granite outcroppings and they offer the best overnight experience in Joshua Tree, especially for star-gazing. These campgrounds have no drinking water so be sure to bring your own. The sites are highly prized and are often full, especially on weekends.

Hiking in Joshua Tree:

If you look at the park map, there doesn't appear to be many hiking routes in Joshua Tree - that is not really the case! There are a lot of trails that are not marked on the main park map. The park newspaper that you get at the entrance station has more detailed hiking options and maps.

Boy Scout Trail to Willow Hole - This is my favorite hike in Joshua Tree. It should be started from the south end of the Boy Scout Trail which is about a mile east of Quail Springs, near the parks west entrance gate. The Boy Scout Trail runs all the way to the park's northern boundary, but the turnoff to Willow Hole is well before that. The Boy Scout Trail runs through some of the most serene patches of Joshua Trees in the park - I highly recommend this hike! Read more about it here.

Barker Dam - The Barker Dam Loop by itself is better classified as a walk than a hike, but it can be extended to explore an area of secluded Joshua Trees that are surrounded on all sides by tall granite rock formations. The exit point to reach this section is to the west of Barker Dam and it runs all the way to the dirt road that leads to Key's Ranch. This area is really tranquil and it can be explored by following the washes that run between the trees. Try to stay in the wash area (deep sand/no vegetation) in this area and avoid cutting your own path across the desert floor.

Split Rock Loop - Not as famous as its cousin Skull Rock Loop, but in my opinion, Split Rock is the better hike of the two. It is a few miles east of the Jumbo Rocks campground. This hike is not marked on the main park map, but there is a sign on the road to points to the turn-off. The hike is a two mile loop among massive granite boulders. If you are comfortable scrambling on the rocks, there are some really cool, tight spaces and caves that you can squeeze through just off the trail. 

Squaw Tank Trail - This is a long hike that is way off the beaten path. This hike starts at the Ryan Campground and the first few miles is on the eastbound California Riding and Hiking Trail. The Squaw Tank Trail splits off from the Riding/Hiking Trail after a few miles. The split off is easy to miss but it is marked by a metal sign and there are more trail markers with arrows further along this route. Squaw Tank Trail mostly follows a wash on a slight downslope through the most remote granite outcroppings in the park. It is an out-and-back hike, so when you have gone as far as you wish, the way back is the way you came. I would estimate this hike to be about 9 miles roundtrip with minimal elevation change. You will likely see nobody else on this trail.

Ryan Mountain - This hike offers a nice climb given most hikes in Joshua Tree are pretty flat. Ryan Mountain is in the center of the park and its peak offers outstanding views in every direction. Read more about the hike here.

Other hikes/walks that you may want to consider are the Skull Rock Loop, the Cholla Cactus Garden, and the Pine City Trail.

49 Palm Oasis and Desert Queen Mine can safely be skipped.

Off the Beaten Track

Geology Tour Road - I haven't driven this as it is advertised as requiring 4 wheel drive, but I have found info online saying that the first 6 miles of it can be handled by most cars. Read more about it here. There a few other rugged dirt roads in the park which require 4-wheel drive for anyone interested in off-road auto-touring,

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Best time to visit: Summer

Recommended Hikes: Lassen Peak, the Cinder Cone, Bumpass Hell, Manzanita Lake, Brokeoff Mountain

Ideal For: Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Fishing, Auto-Touring

Where to stay: Campgrounds in the park

Park Website - Park Map

Useful Info:

• Dogs - the general rule for dogs in national parks is that they must be leashed and are only allowed on paved areas, which includes parking areas, roads, and front country campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on park trails, even when leashed.

• Lassen gets a ton of snow each year. While the park is open year around, the dirt roads and the peak are closed throughout the winter half of the year. The paved road which connects the parks west and south entrances is closed until mid-June each year (opening date varies).

• Only the western side of the park is accessible via paved road. In order to get to the Cinder Cone at the north-east side of the park and Juniper Lake at the south-east side, you will need to drive on well maintained dirt roads (open summer only).

• Hot springs are dangerous - do not leave boardwalks when hiking near thermal features as the ground is sometimes thin and brittle and sits just above boiling hot water.

• Drinking water is available at campgrounds and visitor centers. Bring your water bottle to fill up.

• There is no shuttle service at Lassen Volcanic NP.

Lassen is a landscape of volcanic features with peaks, hot springs, and crags. It is open year around, but heavy snowfall closes most of the park for the winter half of the year. Visiting in summer allows access to Lassen Peak and the more remote sections of the park that require travel on dirt roads. 

Must See Attractions:

the Cinder Cone - This is my favorite feature of Lassen. Its a giant pile of loose volcanic gravel that piled up over months of continuous eruptions, some 350 years ago. It's located on the north-east side of the park, and is accessible via a dirt road into the park from Highway 44. There is a steep and exhausting hiking path that goes to the top of the cone and around its central crater, with views of Lassen Peak in the distance. Read more in the hiking section below.

Lassen Peak - The highest point on the park road is right next to Lassen Peak, allowing visitors to get close to it and even hike it if they are able. There are two picturesque lakes at is base to enjoy as well. Snow lasts well into summer on the peak.

Bumpass Hell - Lassen has a number of thermal features, mostly located on the south side of the park. Bumpass Hell is one of the larger thermal areas that can be accessed via hiking route. The hike is about 3 miles roundtrip, but it is closed when there is snow on the ground, which can last well into summer. Read more about the hike here.

Manzanita Lake - A big lake with a great view of Lassen Peak, Manzanita is located just inside the parks north west entrance. There is a great hiking path around the lake, and you can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards at the Manzanita Camp Store. Motorless boats are allowed on Manzanita Lake as well.

Where to Stay:

There are several campgrounds within the park - Manzanita Lake is the biggest and it can be reserved online in advance here. It also has cabins which can be reserved online here. Manzanita Lake has showers and a general store. Other campgrounds in the park are open summer only - see the park website here for more information.

Hotel options are very limited near the park, but there are more choices towards the city of Redding for visitors who are willing to drive to and from the park each day. Camping or staying in the cabins is the best option to reduce daily drive times.

Hiking in Lassen:

Cinder Cone - My favorite hike in the park because it's so unique. The Cinder Cone is about 700 feet tall, and the hike to it's peak is very steep by hiking path standards. It is made of lose volcanic gravel which makes climbing exhausting, similar to climbing on sand. The peak offers great views in all directions, including Lassen Peak. Read more about the hike here.

Lassen Peak - A good challenge for fit hikers, Lassen Peak can be summited during late summer with no technical skills or equipment required. The peak is an awesome endpoint with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy views of the park and nearby Mt Shasta on clear days. There is snow on the trail well into the summer, hiking poles and even crampons are useful for hiking on snow. Read more about the hike here. 

Crag Lake - A sweet four mile round trip to the tiny green gem Crag Lake. The trailhead is near the Manzanita Lake turnoff. The lake can run dry in late summer/fall but it's a good hiking option in the spring and early summer when some of the other routes in the park are closed due to snow. 

Manzanita Lake - An enjoyable and flat hike around one of the park's prettiest lakes. This can be extended to include nearby Reflection Lake as well and is a good option in all seasons.

Parts that I missed:

King's Creek - Hikes in this area lead to thermal features and King's Creek Falls. Best to visit in late summer as snow lingers in this area into July.

Juniper Lake area - Located on the remote south east side of the park, Juniper Lake is the biggest lake in the park. There looks to be numerous hiking routes in this area to nearby smaller lakes and thermal features. Motor boats are not allowed, but this is a popular place to kayak, canoe, and camp. This part of the park is closed during winter months.

A few hyperlapses I shot in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Locations In order of appearance: Crag Lake, Cinder Cone, Manzanita Lake, Paradise Meadow, Cinder Cone

Sequoia National Park

Best time to visit: Year around, but avoid snow to best explore the Giant Forest

Recommended Hikes: Moro Rock, Congress Loop, Round Meadow, Crescent and Log Meadows, Pear Lake, Redwood Canyon Grove, Muir Grove

Ideal For: Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Auto-Touring

Where to stay: In the park at numerous campgrounds and lodges

Park Website - Park Map

Useful Info:

• Dogs - the general rule for dogs in national parks is that they must be leashed and are only allowed on paved areas, which includes parking areas, roads, and front country campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on park trails, even when leashed.

• Sequoia is a black bear stronghold - I have seen more bears here than anywhere else. Look for them in the meadows and the Giant Forest, especially in the morning and evening. Proper food storage is required at all times. Read more on food storage on the park's website here.

• There is a general store at Lodgepole which sells food and souvenirs. It also has a small cafeteria that is open throughout the day from spring - fall.

• A trip to Sequoia can be combined with a trip to nearby Yosemite National Park. Read more about Yosemite here.

• There is no direct access to Sequoia NP from the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Sequoia's gates are open year around from the south entrance on Highway 198.

• The General's Highway which connects the north and south entrances of Sequoia NP is closed during winter - access to the Giant Forest is open year around via the south entrance (Highway 198).

• There is shuttle service during summer months. Try to lock down a parking space early at General Sherman or the Giant Forest Museum and then use the shuttles to get around from there. There is no charge to use the shuttles - it is included with the park entrance fee.

• Drinking water is available at most developed areas of Sequoia, bring your water bottle to fill up.

Sequoia trees are the largest living things on Earth. Some of them are more than 3,000 years old and and they are truly awe-inspiring to witness and walk amongst. The largest trees have official names, but there are thousands more that are not named. The park also has excellent hiking routes that get out of the forrest and lead to hidden lakes with jagged peak backdrops. Sequoia is a year-around park - but be ready for snow in the winter.

Must See Attractions:

General Sherman Tree - the largest Sequoia tree in existence today. General Sherman is accessible with a short hike from a satellite parking area. Handicapped parking is available near the tree, but all others must use the satellite lot. The General Sherman parking area is also the parking lot to use to access the Congress Loop trail.

the General Sherman Tree

Congress Trail - The entire Giant Forest is worth hiking, but if you are short on time, do the Congress Trail. It includes all the famous Sequoia trees including The President, Lincoln Tree, Mckinley Tree, Chief Sequoyah, and the groups of the House and the Senate. The Congress Trail can be extended to see the rest of the Giant Forest and its meadows.

the House Group at Sequoia National Park in California

Moro Rock - This is a big granite monolith just south of the Crescent Meadow area. A stone staircase with hand railings allows people to hike up to its peak for panoramic views of the mountains and valley below. This is a great place to be during sunset or sunrise! Read more about Moro Rock in the hiking section below.

Crescent Meadow Area - John Muir called Crescent Meadow the "Gem of the Sierras". It is flanked by Huckleberry Meadow to its left and Log Meadow to it's right, with hiking paths that go around and between all three. All three meadows are must-sees, and they are great place to spot black bears, especially in the morning and evening hours. "Tharp's Log" is worth seeing as well - it’s a hollow, fallen Sequoia Tree converted into a tiny home in the late 1800s by Hale Tharp. 

Tunnel Log - A very popular photo op, Tunnel Log is a fallen Sequoia with a big hole cut in it that you can drive your car through. It's located on the road in between the Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow parking areas - you can't miss it.

Round Meadow - Round Meadow is my personal favorite meadow in the park. It is surrounded by Sequoia trees, and the open space of the meadow makes it easy to appreciate them in their entirety. The walk around Round Meadow is a must-do for every visitor of every age. The nearest parking for Round Meadow is at the lot across from the Giant Forest Museum. Read more about the walk around the meadow here. 

General Grant Grove - This grove of Sequoias is separated from the Giant Forest by about 25 miles, but the trees here are just as impressive. The grove is located near the park's north entrance on Highway 180, accessible from the south via the General's Highway (closed during winter). There is another "tunnel" tree here which hikers can walk through. Read more about the Grant Grove here.

Where to Stay:

There are numerous campgrounds in the park, one of which can be reserved online in advance here. The Wuksachi Lodge and Stony Creek Lodge are great options in the heart of the park if you prefer a hotel - click here and here for their websites. 

There are a few private campgorunds/RV parks and small hotels outside park boundaries and many more as you get closer to the California valley.

Hiking in Sequoia:

The Giant Forest - In my option, this is some of the best hiking in the world. It really is a moving experience to walk amongst these silent giants. Hiking trails in the Giant Forest connect General Sherman, Congress Trail, Crescent Meadow, and Moro Rock. 

Moro Rock - This is a must-do hike to the peak of Moro Rock. The hike has stairs and handrails up the side of the rock, which rises about 250 feet to its peak from the parking area. The road here is closed during winter months, but is still reachable on foot from the Giant Forest Museum. Read more about the hike here.

Pear Lake - If you want to get above the tree-line, the Pear Lake hike offers rugged mountain peaks. You will see zero Sequoia trees on this hike, but the trail passes three small Sierra lakes before reaching the biggest lake in the area - Pear Lake. This is a popular overnight backpacking destination in Sequoia as well. Read more about the hike here.

Off the Beaten Track:

Redwood Canyon Grove - This is the largest grove of Sequoias in the park. The hike can be done as a loop or an out-and-back to the Sugarbowl Grove which is really cool as well. The trailhead can be accessed on a two mile dirt road that breaks off from the General's Highway across from "Quail Flat”. Read more about it here.

Beetle and Sunset Rock - I recommend Beetle Rock over Sunset Rock if you only have time for one. Beetle rock is a much shorter hike and it can be seen in 20 minutes total. It also offers a better view of the valley than Sunset Rock. Crowds should be minimal at both locations compared to the rest of Sequoia.

hiking down from Moro Rock - Sequoia National Park in California.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is doing a ticketed entry program for peak seasons - click here for more information to and to reserve a ticket.

Best time to visit: Year Around

Recommended Hikes: the Mist Trail, John Muir Trail, Valley Loop Trail, Upper Yosemite Falls, North Dome, Cloud’s Rest, Half Dome (permit required)

Ideal For: Hiking, Biking, Rock Climbing, Camping, Auto-Touring

Where to stay: in the main valley (camping and hotel)

Park Website - Park Map

Useful Info:

• Dogs - the general rule for dogs in national parks is that they must be leashed and are only allowed on paved areas, which includes parking areas, roads, and front country campgrounds. Dogs are not allowed on park trails, even when leashed.

• Glacier Point Road is closed in 2022 for renovations. You can hike to Glacier Point via the 4 Mile Trail from the valley floor.

• Yosemite is one of the country's most popular national parks. Be prepared for crowds.

• Yosemite is home to black bears - proper food storage is required at all times.

• There are two large general stores and food court areas in the main valley, one at the Yosemite Lodge and one in Curry Village. They sell a wide variety of things that you might need.

• During winter months, Yosemite is only accessible from the west. Highway 120 runs from the park towards Nevada on the east, but it closes when there is snow. If you are planning a visit from the east, make sure Highway 120 is open. The park's western entrance on Highway 140 is open year-around.

• Wilderness permit information for Yosemite can be found here.

Yosemite is one of the country’s most popular National Parks. It’s famous for towering granite walls and powerful waterfalls, most of which are found in the main valley. The waterfalls run at their peak during spring, with maximum water flow peaking during May. Summer is ideal for hiking the higher elevation trails, including Half Dome and Cloud’s Rest. Fall and winter bring rain and snow and tranquil scenery, along with smaller crowds. 

Must See Attractions:

Yosemite Falls - You will see Yosemite's most famous waterfall from many different angles in the valley. It can be enjoyed at a distance from meadows and also up close at the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. The walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls is short and paved, and should be done by everyone who visits. Hiking to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls is worth the effort, read more about it in the hiking section below. 

Glacier Point - Panorama vistas at Glacier Point show Yosemite Falls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, Half Dome, and the mountains surrounding the valley. It is accessible via car or hike - the drive from the valley floor to Glacier Point takes about 45 minutes, one-way. Hikers can reach Glacier Point via the "four mile trail" from the valley floor. The road to Glacier Point is closed during winter months and into the spring due to snow.

Tunnel View - The most recognized viewpoint in Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls framing Half Dome in the center. This viewpoint is open year around and can be accessed from the main valley by driving a few miles up on Wawona Road (Highway 41)

Bridal Veil Falls - Arguably the prettiest of the major waterfalls in Yosemite but also the first to run dry. Bridal Veil packs a punch, but it only runs during spring when there is heavy snowmelt.  The area beneath Bridal Veil is currently under construction and not accessible to foot traffic.

Vernal and Nevada Falls - Vernal Falls has always been my favorite waterfall in Yosemite and it's a must-see for every visitor. Nevada Falls is upstream from Vernal Falls and it's really cool as well - worth seeing if you are up for a longer hike. Both waterfalls can be seen from high above at Glacier Point, but they are better enjoyed up close via the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail. Read more about them in the hiking section below. 

El Capitan Bridge - There is a huge meadow at the base of El Capitan. This is a must-see and a great place to sit down and relax and look up at El Cap. There are often people hanging out here with telescopes that you can look through to see climbers up on the rock. There is a foot trail that runs around the meadow and along the river.

Mirror Lake - Mirror Lake is a nice destination in the spring, but it dries out into a meadow by the end of summer. This part of the valley is right beneath Half Dome, providing a unique viewpoint of the monolith. It's about a 2 mile roundtrip hike to get here from the nearest shuttle stop. Read more about it on the park's website here.

Toulumne Meadows - Yosemite’s high country is best explored from Toulumne Meadows, which is far removed from the main valley on Highway 120. This part of the park is less crowded than the valley but not as visually stunning. It does still offer beautiful landscapes with impressive mountain peaks and fun hiking routes.

Where to Stay:

If possible, try to stay in the main valley. There are 3 reservable campgrounds in the main valley - they can be reserved online in advance here, here, and here. The campsites go on sale on the 15th of each month for a booking window 5 months in the future, and they can sell out within minutes for peak season weekends. Weekdays fill up slower but still sell out well in advance - book as early as possible.

There are also primitive cabins right near Curry Village that can be reserved online in advance here.

There are two hotel in the main valley, called the “Yosemite Lodge” and the "Ahwahnee Hotel”. They are expensive and the rooms are not fancy, but the location is unbeatable. This is the best option if you are unwilling to camp.

If the above options are sold out, there are a few campgrounds in the park high country along highway 120. There are also private campgrounds and cabins outside of park boundaries. 

Hiking in Yosemite

Yosemite Hiking Map

The Mist Trail - One of the best hikes in the park. The first section is paved and consistently uphill for about a mile before Vernal Falls is visible. The trail then becomes a massive set of stone steps that ascend all the way to the top of Vernal Falls This a great endpoint for the hike, but you can also continue on to see Nevada Falls which is further upriver. Be prepared to get wet from the mist when the waterfalls are running strong. Read more about the hike here.

The John Muir Trail - This is a great loop hike option which can be combined with the Mist Trail to see the top of Nevada Falls. The John Muir Trail offers great views of Nevada Falls but mostly misses Vernal Falls, although there is a really unique perspective of Vernal Falls from Clark Point.

The Valley Loop Trail - There is a loop trail that goes from one end of the valley to the other with plenty of options for customization. It flat and shady and wanders through forests and meadows that offer stunning views throughout. You can take this trail to see Mirror Lake, Upper Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Bridal Veil Falls. I really like the El Capitan section. It's also a good way to escape the crowds and possibly see wildlife. Read more about it here.

Upper Yosemite Falls - This is a grueling hike to the brink of Upper Yosemite Falls. At the top, there is a narrow staircase that you can walk down to a viewpoint of Yosemite Creek barreling into the valley below. Seeing the river churn over the cliff is unbelievable when the falls are flowing strong, but this hike probably isn’t worth the effort when the falls are dry. Read more about the hike here.

Sentinel Dome - This hike can be done from Glacier Point and reaches a cool vantage point which offers 360 degree views of the park. Hikers can see El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome in three different directions from a single vantage point atop the dome. Read more about the hike here.

North Dome - During the summer, the hike to North Dome from Yosemite’s high-country is a great option. The endpoint of the hike looks across the valley for a stunning view of Half Dome’s face. This hike is ideal when most of the snow in the high-country has melted. Read more about it here.

Clouds’ Rest - Another great option once the snow has melted in the high-country. The final ascent of Clouds’s Rest can be harrowing if you have a fear of heights, requiring a traverse across a narrow strip of granite. The viewpoint of Half Dome at the end is worth the effort. Read more about the hike here.

Half Dome - The ultimate Yosemite hike. It is a punishing 16 mile round-trip trek with a final summit up the side of Half Dome, assisted by metal cables attached to the rock. This hike is only open during summer months. PERMITS ARE REQUIRED to hike Half Dome and park rangers will check for your permit once you get near the cables. Permits are issued through an online lottery two days in advance of the hiking date.  For complete information, click here. To read more about the hike, click here.