Top Yosemite Sights You Can’t Miss on Your First Trip

See Yosemite’s highlights on your first trip; iconic views, waterfalls, scenic drives, and giant sequoias all in one guide.

The most famous and popular national Park in California is without a doubt Yosemite National Park. Since we live relatively close by, we’ve visited the park several time, both summer and in winter.

There’s so much to see in Yosemite; stunning mountain scenery, waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails for every level.

Yosemite isn’t just a national park; it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So it’s nor wonder that so many travelers heading to California make Yosemite one of their main destinations.

Yosemite National Park is located in Central California, in Sierra Nevada mountains. It lies partly in Mariposa County and partly in Tuolumne County.

The easiest way to get to Yosemite is by car, but there are also guided tour available, especially from San Francisco. The drive from there takes just over three hours (167 miles), depending on traffic.

The photos in this post are from different seasons, as we’ve visited Yosemite National Park multiple times.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an incredibly beautiful and popular destination. Its annual visitor numbers first exceeded 5 million in 2016. In recent years, it has become so busy that a reservation system has occasionally been introduced, requiring visitors to book entry in advance online.

The Yosemite area was originally protected in 1864 by Abraham Lincoln, and later officially designated as a national park in 1890. It’s one of the oldest national parks in the United States, following Yellowstone National Park.

With its dramatic valleys and waterfalls, Yosemite reminds me of childhood summer trips to Norway. Because the park is so vast and diverse, you can spot all kinds of wildlife from deer to bears and even owls. Depending on the season, you can hike, swim, camp, or even go snowshoeing.

Most visitors only scratch the surface, as even the most famous trails can easily take days to fully explore.

The most popular time to visit Yosemite National Park is definitely summer. Entrance lines start forming early in the morning, and accommodations are often fully booked months in advance. The upside is that all park roads are open during summer.

Even though you’re in the mountains, late summer hikes can get surprisingly hot. Visitor centers regularly reming people to carry plenty of water.

Personally, my favorite season in California is fall. It’s a great time for outdoor adventures and exploring national parks. After September, the hottest temperatures ease off, and the crowds start to thin out.

Locals mostly visit on weekends and during school holidays, so if you can avoid those times, you will be more comfortable.

That said, fall comes with its own challenge; wildfires and the smoke they bring. In recent years, Yosemite has been affected by fires both inside and outside the park.

Before heading out, it’s a good idea to check California’s wildfire maps to make sure your route is clear. Smoke can travel surprisingly far, so even if there are no fires in the park itself, air quality can still be poor or even unsafe.

In winter, Yosemite National Park gets plenty of snow. Mountain roads like Highway 120 are usually closed as early as October, and conditions can change daily. Snow chains are required when it snows.

On sunny days, the snowy landscapes are absolutely stunning and there are far fewer visitors around.

Winter is a great time for snowshoeing, sledding, and even skiing at Badger Pass Ski Area. We personally loved visiting Yosemite in December.

Spring is another beautiful time to visit. Snow begins to melt, waterfalls are at their fullest, and wildflowers start to bloom. Beast of all, it’s not too hot yet.

That said, many roads and trails remain closed until early summer, but overall, spring is still a fantastic time to explore national parks.

What to see in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is the most popular area in the park. If it’s your first time visiting, or you only have one day, this is where you should go.

It’s also the busiest part of the park. Parking can be hard to find, and traffic builds up quickly. Arriving early in the morning makes a big difference.

The valley stretches about 7,5 miles (12 km) and was carved by glaciers. It’s surrounded by massive granite, with the Merced River flowing through it.

Some of the most iconic sights here include El Capitan, Half Dome, and the park’s many waterfalls.

El Capitan is the centerpiece of Yosemite Valley. This massive granite wall rises up to 3,000 feet (914 meters) and is impossible to miss. It’s especially popular with climbers.

Half Dome is another famous rock formation, shaped like a dome after erosion exposed its structure. It’s one of Yosemite’s most sought-after hikes, but also one of the most dangerous. The final ascent involves climbing cables up a near-vertical rock face. At 8,000 feet (2,500 meters) altitude can also become a factor.

The tallest and most famous waterfall in the valley is Yosemite Falls, standing at 2,425 feet (740 meters). On our last visit, we even hiked up to it.

Another popular stop is Bridalveil Falls. Depending on the season, you might also spot Ribbon Fall, Sentinel Falls, and Horsetail Falls further along the way.

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is one of the most popular viewpoints along State Route 41, offering that iconic “tunnel-like” view over Yosemite Valley. For many visitors, it’s the first stop, especially if you’re arriving through the south entrance.

From here, you can see the entire valley in one frame: El Capitan on the left, Half Dome in the distance, and Bridalveil Fall on the right. Depending on the time of the year and day, you might even spot a couple of additional waterfalls.

Glacier Point

Glacier Point sits high above the southern side of Yosemite Valley, offering breathtaking views down into the valley from about 2,200 meters.

You can get there by car, by shuttle bus, or by hiking a more demanding 4,6 mile (7,5 km) trail.

Glacier Point is only open during summer and can get very crowded. The views are incredible in every direction, but it’s important to be careful near the edges as there have been several fatal falls over the years.

Mariposa Grove

Mariposa Grove is the most famous of Yosemite’s three giant sequoia groves. The other two are only accessible by hiking, but at summer, visitors are transported up to the grove by shuttle bus.

In winter, the only way to reach Mariposa Grove is by hiking. Once you’re there, you can choose from several trails of varying lengths as you explore the forest.

The giant sequoias here are the largest trees in the world, and some of them are thousands of years old.

Mariposa Grove is located right near the park’s south entrance, making it an easy stop on your way in or out.

Tioga Pass

Tioga Pass (also known as State Route 120) runs across the Sierra Nevada and through Yosemite National Park. It’s the highest highway in California, reaching 9,945 feet (over 3,000 meters) at its peak.

Tioga Pass is typically closed from October to May due to heavy snowfall. But in summer, it’s a beautiful drive with alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and scenic hiking trails. If you have the time, it’s absolutely worth visiting this part of the park.

Highlights along the route include Tuolumne Meadows, Soda Springs, and Olmsted Point. We had so much fun exploring Tioga Pass.

On the eastern side of Yosemite, there’s even more to see. Many travelers continue over Tioga Pass toward Death Valley National Park and Las Vegas, or head to Lake Tahoe. Along the way, it’s worth stopping at Mono Lake and Bodie Ghost Town.

Where to Stay in Yosemite

Inside Yosemite National Park, you’ll find a large visitor center, several restaurants, hotels, and campgrounds with cabins. During summer, accommodations often sell out months or even a year in advance. One of the best options is Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Near the south entrance, you’ll also find places like the historic Wavona Hotel.

We’ve personally always stayed outside the park. There are several small towns near the entrances where accommodation is more affordable.

Good options include Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites in Oakhurst, as well as Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp. Mariposa and Groveland are also great places to stay.

Your park ticket is valid for seven days, so you can easily return each morning without needing to repurchase it.

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These are some of the Yosemite’s most popular sights, but there’s so much more to explore. No wonder this national park even made to the UNESCO World Heritage List! Every visit has been a great one for us, and we’ll definitely be back again.

And then, it’s time to head home… through this little tunnel.

Guided tours to Yosemite from San Francisco: