Yosemite – one of the United States’ oldest national parks, a natural haven, and a breathtaking sight to behold. This park spans over 1,200 square miles, replete with rugged mountains, waterfalls, and sequoia groves. The opportunities for exploration are boundless, whether you’re up for an adventure or even a more creative excursion.
At Incredible Adventures, we’ve been traveling to Yosemite for years as part of our Yosemite National Park visits, making us well-acquainted with its numerous attractions and activities. If you’re wondering what are fun things to do during a day trip to Yosemite, we’ve made this blog to help inspire you. From hiking to gallery visits, there’s plenty to see and do in this sprawling wonder. For questions about our Yosemite tours, feel free to get in touch with us. Let’s dive in!
Chase Yosemite’s Waterfalls
Yosemite is overflowing with waterfalls. The towering Yosemite Falls are easily seen from various viewpoints near the visitor center. Consisting of three cascades, Yosemite Falls plunges from a height of over 2,400 feet, making them some of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
At Sentinel Falls, you can see another impressive display as the water flows from a height of 2,000 feet. These falls can be most easily seen near the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area. Bridalveil Fall is one of the most popular waterfalls visited in Yosemite, thanks to its close proximity to the entrance. The trail here offers an easy hike to the falls, just half a mile in length.
Discover the Giant Sequoias of Yosemite
One of the most iconic features of Yosemite is its giant sequoias. Found in three different groves in the national park, these trees reach heights nearing 300 feet. The Mariposa Grove is Yosemite’s largest sequoia grove with over 500 trees and was first protected by President Lincoln in 1864. There are numerous trails through the grove, ranging from easy to strenuous. The shortest trail takes just 30 to 45 minutes to complete and is wheelchair accessible.
While Mariposa is the most prominent grove in Yosemite, the Tuolumne Grove and the Merced Grove are equally captivating. However, accessing these groves requires a 1 to 1.5-mile hike, with some tough elevation gain on the return. It’s still possible to visit them on a day trip, and you can do so with Incredible Adventures on our Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco.
Hike Yosemite’s Trails
Yosemite is best experienced on its myriad trails. Immerse yourself in its pristine environment by embarking on a short day hike in any one of its diverse areas, from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point Road. With a range of easy and more difficult trails, hiking is suitable for any level of fitness in Yosemite.
Some of the most popular day hikes in the park include the Mirror Lake loop, which spans 5 miles in total and has spectacular views of Half Dome. You can visit two beautiful waterfalls in one trip along the Mist Trail, which reaches the tops of the Vernal and Nevada Falls. This hike is more strenuous and takes up to four hours to complete, but is well worth the trek.
For more ideas on which trails to tackle, read our blog on the Top 5 Yosemite Hikes with Incredible Adventures.
Cycle through Yosemite
For an alternative experience of Yosemite, you can also traverse the park along its paved bike trails. Cycling is easy and enjoyable in Yosemite thanks to the well-maintained paths and numerous bike rental options. You can choose to explore the park on a standard bicycle, e-bike, or electric scooter, allowing you to see more of the reserve in a shorter amount of time. There is even a free bike-sharing system available, letting you get around the valley without a car.
Hit the Waters in Yosemite
With rivers and lakes throughout the park, Yosemite is a prime location for water activities. Cool off in the summer with a swim in the Merced River or even in the outdoor pools. For an exciting adventure, rent a raft and go paddling down the river, admiring the scenery as you go. You can also raft down the South Fork section of the river as well as along the Tuolumne River.
On Tenaya Lake, you can swap your raft for a kayak and glide through the alpine waters for one of the most peaceful excursions in Yosemite. Make sure to always follow the park’s boating rules and wear a personal flotation device for safety!
Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery
For an entirely different experience of Yosemite, see the national park through the eyes of famed photographer Ansel Adams. Regarded as the most important landscape photographer of the 20th century, you can view his incredible images of Yosemite at the Ansel Adams Gallery.
Admire his unique perspective along with the works of other artists with rotating exhibitions. If you’re an amateur or even professional photographer keen to capture your trip to Yosemite, you can join one of the numerous photo workshops held by the gallery for expert tips. Go on a free photography walk held twice a week, or sign up for a class on smartphone photography.
Photography is just one of the activities that makes Yosemite National Park Good for Non-hikers. Read our blog for even more ideas on how to spend your time in the park!
Tour Yosemite with Incredible Adventures
If you’re planning on making the trip to Yosemite, Incredible Adventures is here to help. Our Yosemite National Park Tours will take you from San Francisco using eco-friendly transport and in the company of a knowledgeable guide. Should you wish to explore Yosemite beyond a single day, we also offer comprehensive multi-day tours. Feel free to contact us about our different options. We’ll help you find the perfect Yosemite tour for you!
