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  • Yosemite National Park
  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Yosemite National Park, California is one of the most beautiful and popular areas in the United States. It is a great destination for outdoor activities and attractions. There are many top trails and activities to explore in and near the area. From hiking, biking, fishing, and camping to scenic drives and must-visit attractions, Yosemite National Park has it all. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, and Glacier Point. With so many adventures to choose from, Yosemite National Park is the perfect place for adventurers.

    Top Spots in and near Yosemite National Park

    • Mariposa County, California

      10 Lakes Basin in Yosemite

      5.0
      13.38 mi / 2200 ft gain
      Beginning at the Ten Lakes trailhead, the trail to the lakes is a moderately strenuous uphill grind to Ten Lakes pass, followed by a quick downhill into the lake basin. We met a woman at the top who made sure we didn’t miss the short side trail to a vista point on the pass that offered a sweeping...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Grant Lake via Ten Lakes Trailhead

      4.0
      12.24 mi / 2000 ft gain
      The trail begins at the Ten Lakes trailhead (7600 ft) right beside Yosemite Creek. The first 4 miles start you on the ascent through the wooded forest, however there are portions of the trail that will take you through granite rock valleys marked with only cairns so keep your eyes peeled througho...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      May Lake Trail

      4.0
      2.34 mi / 489 ft gain
      May Lake is a stunning, serene subalpine lake that rests at the base of Mt. Hoffmann. The May Lake turnoff is located four miles past Tenaya Lake. From the turnoff, it's 1.8 miles to the trailhead parking lot. During summer time, I will recommend getting to the parking area early to get a spot ...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Mt. Hoffman via May Lake Trailhead

      5.55 mi / 2140 ft gain
      The May Lake trailhead is at the end of a 2-mile unpaved road leading north from Tioga Road. The trailhead has pit toilets and bear lockers. (Please be sure to store any food, garbage, scented items, and empty coolers in these lockers while hiking!) After hiking an easy 1.3 miles, you'll arrive ...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Hike Mt. Hoffmann via the East Chute

      6 mi / 3000 ft gain
      This is a solid, day long trip. It is a great hike with a bit of a scramble on the way up to the summit massif and then again at the nearly 11,000-foot peak of Mount Hoffmann. You will have what John Muir described as his favorite view of Yosemite. You can look down onto Half Dome and across the ...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Backpack to North Dome in Yosemite

      5.0
      8.8 mi
      To stay overnight in Yosemite without a reserved campsite requires a "Wilderness Permit" to camp, but you can camp anywhere. However, any fires need to be in pre-made fire pits (so rangers can know where to check for fires) Day 1 - Hike in from the Porcupine Trailhead off of Tioga Road in to vie...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Porcupine Creek Trail to Indian Ridge Natural Arch to North Dome

      10.04 mi / 2089 ft gain
      Porcupine Creek Trail to Indian Ridge Natural Arch to North Dome is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Yosemite Valley, California.
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    • Wawona, California

      Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park

      This is a great 5.7/5.8 linkup for anyone looking for an intermediate climb in Tuolumne. Always read through beta on Mountain Project and Super Topo and having the book on hand is always a good idea. To find the route, this photo is super helpful. The flake is pretty obvious, it's the one feature...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest

      4.7
      18.93 mi / 1775 ft gain
      Start out at the Tenaya Lake Trailhead, where you can head directly onto the trail for Clouds Rest or you can branch off after 2.7 miles to Sunrise Lakes. This allows you to break up the hike, spend a night relaxing and help you have an early start back on the trail. Once re-connected to the Clo...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Half Dome & Clouds Rest Loop

      22.7 mi / 7000 ft gain
      Start and end this loop from the Sunrise Lakes TH along the Tioga Road, and in between you'll travel over 26 miles through Yosemite's backcountry gaining and losing over 7,000 feet in elevation. Unlike typical mountain summit hikes where it's climb climb climb to the top and then descend, this w...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Explore Tenaya Lake, Yosemite NP

      4.6
      2.5 mi
      Tenaya Lake is located alongside Tioga Road in the park's Tuolumne Meadows region. There is a family-friendly trail that surrounds the lake. Though some spots along the trail on the western shore may require fording the waters, the 2.5-mile trip is an easy hike for all to enjoy. Many others pre...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake

      5.0
      14.5 mi / 1775 ft gain
      The "younger" brother of the world famous Half Dome, Clouds Rest is in fact a solid 1,000 feet taller despite receiving significantly less attention. If you know about this hidden gem however, you're in luck. Starting out from the Tenaya Lake trailhead will save you crowds on the trail and the ...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Clouds Rest to Half Dome

      18.52 mi / 4000 ft gain
      Because this is not a loop, you will need to figure out a shuttle situation.  There are two options for this: 1. Drive your car to the Tenaya Lake Trail Head, and leave it parked there.  Once you reach the Valley you will be car-less, but then the next day you can take one of the free shuttles u...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Hike to Tuolumne Peak Plateau

      11.7 mi / 1800 ft gain
      The most direct route begins at Murphy Creek trailhead, on the north side of Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. Walk north on Murphy Creek trail for 2.5 miles with minimal elevation gain. Polly Dome Lakes are a great side trip via the social trail on the right side of the trail before the first junctio...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Olmsted Point

      5.0
      0.4 mi
      Just off the side of the highway, look for the pullout for Olmsted Point on your Map. There is a parking area with about 25 parking spots and the lookout point with the tree is right next to there. Come in the summertime and during a new moon to get the best views of the Milky Way. Never crowded,...
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    • Tuolumne County, California

      Backpack Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne

      5.0
      48.29 mi / 10610 ft gain
      This is a rugged overnight backpack into the North country of Yosemite dropping in from Tuolumne Meadows into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. The trail begins at an elevation just under 9,000' and drops to a low elevation of 4,500' almost 19 miles later at Pate Valley. Coming up out of Pate Val...
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    Camping and Lodging in Yosemite National Park

    White Wolf Lodge
    Yosemite National Park, California

    White Wolf Lodge

    From $137 / night

    The Ahwahnee
    Yosemite Valley, California

    The Ahwahnee

    From $386 / night

    Housekeeping Camp
    Yosemite Valley, California

    Housekeeping Camp

    From $108 / night

    Curry Village
    Yosemite Valley, California

    Curry Village

    From $90 / night

    Yosemite Valley Lodge
    9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive

    Yosemite Valley Lodge

    From $219 / night

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Yosemite National Park

    Why Backpacking Clouds Rest Should Make Your Permit Application Lineup

    Why Backpacking Clouds Rest Should Make Your Permit Application Lineup

    AJ Johnson

    10 Ways to make camping in Yosemite National Park even better

    10 Ways to make camping in Yosemite National Park even better

    Meghan White

    Review: Danner Mountain Light boots in Yosemite National Park

    Review: Danner Mountain Light boots in Yosemite National Park

    Hannah Sibley

    A guide to hiking Half Dome

    A guide to hiking Half Dome

    Kyle Frost

    A Beginner's Guide to Photographing Yosemite National Park

    A Beginner's Guide to Photographing Yosemite National Park

    Kyle Reader

    How to Spend Your First Weekend in Yosemite National Park

    How to Spend Your First Weekend in Yosemite National Park

    Kyle Reader