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Yosemite, California

Looking for the best chillin in Yosemite? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Yosemite. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Chillin Spots in and near Yosemite

  • 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

    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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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Photograph Stoneman Bridge in Yosemite NP

    4.5
    This location turned out to be one of our favorite unplanned stops in the Yosemite Valley to photograph and explore.Stoneman Bridge was constructed in 1933 and spans 72 feet long. The Merced River flows under this classic stone bridge providing very photogenic reflections, with Half Dome in the b...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Bike Yosemite Valley

    4.0
    12 mi
    Bringing my bike to the Valley was one of the best decisions I have made on my many trips there. Everything changed after that visit and there will never be another time (unless in the dead of winter) that my bike will not be there with me. The reason is simple: everything is heightened.When Yose...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Rock Climb Penthouse Cracks, Yosemite NP

    The Penthouse Cracks in Yosemite Valley are a great introduction to crack climbing, in a safe environment. With fixed protection above the routes, you are able to safely top rope these climbs. Featuring a 5.8, two 5.10 climbs, and a 5.11, everyone can find something fun to try.Park at Yosemite Lo...
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  • 37.872112,-119.370472

    Hike to Waterwheel Falls

    17.32 mi
    Waterwheel Falls may be the most unique waterfall in Yosemite. During high waterflow an extraordinary phenomenon appears as the raging water hits a series of ledges creating a plume, this coupled with strong gust blowing upward create cyclical "waterwheel" effect hence the name. On a good day th...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Rock Climb in Camp 4

    5.0
    Some of the best bouldering in Yosemite Valley is on these polished granite boulders. This is an incredibly popular spot, especially during the summer months because of the tourist season. There's a small parking lot for Camp 4, but if that fills up, you'll have to park elsewhere and either walk ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Camp at Camp 4, Yosemite NP

    4.5
    Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Valley Lodge. It's a popular spot for climbers as there is bouldering within the site. It's also located close to the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Pets are not allowed. First come, first serve, $6/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Stargaze and Photograph the Night Sky at Glacier Point

    5.0
    The summer months of June, July, and August tend to provide the best views of the stars, and particularly in August during the meteor showers. Amateur astronomers often gather on Saturdays during the summer, and provide first hand knowledge and guidance. Glacier Point can accommodate hundreds of ...
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  • Tuolumne County, California

    Backpack to Nelson Lake

    17 mi / 1000 ft gain
    Head to any Yosemite wilderness station for a map, bear canister, and permit for Nelson Lake. The trail itself starts in the Tuolumne Campground at Elizabeth Lake trailhead. Follow the trail 2.2 miles up to Elizabeth Lake and remember the lake itself is in a no-camping zone, so you must continue ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike to Union Point via Four Mile Trail

    6 mi / 2332 ft gain
    Four Mile Trail is steep, but hikers efforts are more than rewarded. Union Point sits above Yosemite Valley at 6,332 feet - offering sweeping views of El Capitan and the valley entrance to the left, and North Dome / Half Dome & Clouds Rest to the right. You can also see Yosemite Falls straigh...
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  • Tuolumne County, California

    Camp at Tuolumne Meadows Campground

    5.0
    Tuolumne Meadows is on Tioga road northeast of Yosemite Valley, at elevation 8,600 feet. Sites are available July-September at $26. Dogs are allowed but be sure to pack the leash!  More info: https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Enjoy a Sunset at Tuolumne Meadows

    5.0
    Tuolumne Meadows at an elevation of 8,619 feet exemplifies the high country of the Sierra Nevada, with its sweeping sub-alpine meadows, granite domes, summer wildflowers and meandering rivers. When the forest opens up park along the side of the road and find a trail. There are also plenty of near...
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  • Yosemite Village, California

    Witness Yosemite's Firefall

    5.0
    0.1 mi / 0 ft gain
    Over 5 million visitors flock to Yosemite National Park in California's Sierra Nevada Mountain Range every year to take in the geological splendor. While most visitors get to see the park's waterfalls, very few ever get to witness the Firefall. For two weeks between mid-late February, a small wat...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Sentinel Dome Trail

    5.0
    2.15 mi / 400 ft gain
    One of the most popular places in Yosemite for sunset is Glacier Point, but by walking one mile from the trailhead, the crowds quickly dissipate. Sentinel Dome is great for all ages since the trail is short and not too steep. Park at the Sentinel Dome trailhead, about 3 miles from the end of Glac...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop

    5.0
    5.17 mi / 1076 ft gain
    SENTINEL DOME & TAFT POINT TRAILHEAD: About an hour drive from Yosemite Valley campgrounds. This trailhead is an intersection of the starting point of the Taft Point trail and Sentinel Dome trail. It is a short walk (and visible) from the parking lot. In doing both trails, it would be an esti...
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