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Yosemite National Park

  • May 8, 2026

Yosemite National Park is a world-renowned nature lover’s dream, with extremely expansive scenery and vistas that span nearly 1200 square miles. From the lush valley floor to the domes of Tuolumne Meadows, you could spend weeks here without exploring everything!

Places

Yosemite Map
  • Yosemite Valley. This is the beating heart of the park and is a must-do to properly see Yosemite. This is home to Yosemite and Curry Villages, and has visitor centers, museums, hotels, activities, rentals, restaurants, and a robust shuttle system.
  • Mariposa Grove. Boasting the only Giant Sequoias in the park, this impressive area really puts into perspective how small we are in comparison
  • Floating the Merced River. This is an awesome experience and a great way to explore Yosemite’s Valley floor from Stoneman Bridge to Sentinel Beach.
  • Glacier Point. At an elevation of just over 7,200 feet, this incredible viewpoint has one of the best sunrise and sunset spots in the park.
  • Wawona. Located right inside the south entrance to the park, it showcases incredible giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove as well as the historic Wawona Hotel.
  • Mist Trail. One of the most frequented hikes for all ages, this unique hike follows the Merced River up to an incredible granite staircase where hikers get misted by Vernal Falls.
  • Half Dome. The most infamous and intense hike in the park
  • Tunnel View. Talk about an unforgettable view. See Yosemite from the most iconic view in the park and take pictures that will last a lifetime. 
  • Tenaya Lake. This incredible, crystal-clear alpine lake looks like it is straight out of a movie. This is perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, a light hike, or just taking in the views.
  • Upper Yosemite Falls. This incredible hike follows the highest waterfall in North America through countless switchbacks and boasts views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and Sentinel Rock.
  • Hetch Hetchy. This is a less frequented section of the park with a rich history and peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for those looking to avoid crowds and to explore Yosemite in a less touristy setting.

Plan an Unforgettable Western Road Trip in Hours, Not Weeks

13 road trip ideas across the West so you know where to go, how long to stay, and what to see

*Sample routes from 4–31 days across national parks and hidden gems
*Driving times + best stops so you don’t miss the good stuff
*Season + weather notes to avoid closed roads and peak‑crowd days
*Lodging ideas in the right spots so you cut backtracking

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Matt & Cheryl

We're Matt & Cheryl, and we love traveling, especially in our awesome Rocky Mountains. We were both born and raised in Utah and have been helping people travel to the West since 2020.