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Yosemite, California

Yosemite, California is among the most popular areas in CA, offering many outdoor adventures with some of the most breathtaking views. From scenic hikes to must-visit attractions, there is plenty to explore in and near the area. Popular attractions include Yosemite National Park, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Visit the iconic Half Dome, a favorite among climbers. Or, see the views of Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View, offering a vista that includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. Glacier Point, at an elevation of over 7,200 feet, provides a grand view over the entire valley. Other activities in the area include camping, kayaking, rock climbing, and fishing. Yosemite is a great destination for those looking to experience nature and explore the great outdoors.

Top Spots in and near Yosemite

  • 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

    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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  • 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

    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

    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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  • 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

    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

    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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  • 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

    John Muir Trail: Camping at Lower Cathedral Lake

    5.0
    Make the .75 miles detour off of the John Muir Trail to reach this spot and you won't regret it. Lower Cathedral Lake is typically less populated than nearby Upper Lake and has some of the mot beautiful scenery on the JMT. Sunrise and sunset with the reflection of Cathedral Peak on the glassy wat...
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Camping and Lodging in Yosemite

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

White Wolf Lodge
Yosemite National Park, California

White Wolf Lodge

From $137 / night

Guides, Insights and Stories from Yosemite

Watch Sunrise on Half Dome from Yosemite Conservancy's Live Webcams

Watch Sunrise on Half Dome from Yosemite Conservancy's Live Webcams

The Outbound Collective

10 Incredible Backpacking Trips in Yosemite National Park

10 Incredible Backpacking Trips in Yosemite National Park

The Outbound Collective

Fall In Love With Yosemite In Less Than 10 Minutes

Fall In Love With Yosemite In Less Than 10 Minutes

The Outbound Collective

5 Reasons Why Yosemite National Park Should Be Added To Your Winter Bucket List

5 Reasons Why Yosemite National Park Should Be Added To Your Winter Bucket List

Sonja Saxe

Road Trip Guide: Yosemite Valley To Mammoth Mountain

Road Trip Guide: Yosemite Valley To Mammoth Mountain

The Outbound Collective