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
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Mammoth Lakes, California
Skelton Lake Trail
5.03.2 mi / 804 ft gainThe hike to Skelton Lake in Mammoth Lakes, CA starts off at the Duck Lake Pass trailhead just past Lake Mary. The hike starts off with quite a few switchbacks as you climb through the John Muir Wilderness. About one mile up the trail, you'll see an option to veer off to Arrowhead Lake. Continue o...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Heart Lake
5.02.11 mi / 492 ft gainYou will see a couple of trailheads starting by parking at the Coldwater Creek Campground parking lot. This one is specifically marked Heart Lake. There will be a couple of forks in the trail, but if you stay right and on the more obvious path, you will be up to Heart Lake in no time. (Going left...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Sherwin Lakes Trail
5.04.42 mi / 850 ft gainJust outside the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA is the Sherwin Lakes Trailhead. An easy 10 minute drive down some dirt roads will get you to the dirt parking lot where you can safely leave your vehicle and begin your fairly easy 2.5 mile hike to Sherwin Lakes. (Valentine Lake is not much further beyon...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Valentine Lake via Sherwin Lakes Trail
5.09.75 mi / 1946 ft gainPark at the Sherwin Lakes Trailhead. Begin your ascent through scrubby foliage and old pines. Once you arrive at a junction with a bench, turn around. Note that the uphill climb is pretty decent past Sherwin Lakes, so if you're feeling overly winded after the arriving at these lakes, this may be...Read more -
Highway 108, California
Hike to Deadman Lake
6 mi / 1700 ft gainStart: 38º19'08.46"N 119º39'49.26"W Elev 8879ftPark along Hwy 108, head down the bank and across the stream at the bottom. There you will find the start of the trail.This is a challenging hike without much of an actual trail to follow for the majority of it. The hike is very steep in certain are...Read more -
Highway 108, California
Backpack to Blue Canyon Lake
5.03.6 mi / 1280 ft gainTrailhead Coordinates: 38º 19'08.46"N 119º39'49.26"W Elev 8897ftThe trail is kind of tricky to find. It is West of the PCT trailhead at Sonora Pass and it is not marked. You park along the side of Hwy 108 and scramble down an embankment where a creek flows at the bottom. Cross this creek and you ...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Lower & Upper Relief Valleys and the East Flange Rock
21.6 mi / 3600 ft gainThe Lower and Upper Relief Valleys are beautiful alpine valleys cut by Relief Creek in the heart of the Emigrant Wilderness and are an excellent alternative to Yosemite National Park if you're looking for solitude and no crowds. The East Flange Rock juts prominently over Lower Relief and is an ea...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Climb Granite Dome via Lower & Upper Lewis Lakes
25 mi / 5000 ft gainGranite Dome is the signature peak in the Emigrant Wilderness, with fantastic views north to the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, east to the Hoover Wilderness (Sawtooth Ridge), and south to Yosemite including, on a clear day, Cathedral Peak and the Cathedral Range.There are several routes up Granite D...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Hike to Cleo's Bath
4.56.5 mi / 1263 ft gainThis 6+ mile hike is located at Pinecrest Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest located in Tuolumne County and features a lake, river, forest, waterfall, and swimming hole. It is accessible year-round, in winter there will be snow, and the hike is dog friendly except between May 15th-September ...Read more -
Groveland, California
Drive the Yosemite Valley Loop
4.3Upon entering Yosemite Valley National Park I made it a point to see Half Dome, El Capitan, and Washington Column and several other famous Yosemite formations. What I didn't realize was as soon as I entered The Village was that all could be seen within a 15 minute loop around the valley floor. Th...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Camp at Baker Campground
5.0/ 6224 ft gainBaker Campground is a first come, first serve campground. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear boxes. The cost for a single family site is $20 per night and a double family site is $40 per night. The campground provides bathrooms and potable water. The campground is typi...Read more -
Mono County, California
Explore Bodie's Ghost Town
5.0Bodie exploded as a gold mining town in 1876, after the discovery of gold ore. It is estimated that Bodie produced over $34 million worth of gold over the years. The town was finally abandoned in 1942.While driving on 395, turn onto 270 and follow it 17 mi to the ghost town of Bodie. The last thr...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Relax at Laurel Lakes
5.00 mi / 0 ft gainThe Laurel Lakes trip, just south of Mammoth Lakes, is a worthwhile day trip that can easily be made into a hiking/camping trip.To get there, make your way to Laurel Lakes Rd via Sherwin Creek Rd either from Old Mammoth Rd or from the 395. The road to the lakes is not too bad initially but you'll...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Lake Virginia
5.0You'll find an ample supply of warm, sunny campsites here. After a tough climb leading up to this area, a plunge in the cold water and sunbathing on the warm granite surrounding the lake is just what the doctor ordered. This is one of the sites that you want to plan around - even if you arrive at...Read more -
Mono County, California
Hot Creek Geological Site
4.8Hot Creek Geological Site is a must see when you are in the Mammoth Lakes area. It is just West of Highway 395 and only minutes form the town of Mammoth Lakes, which has great food, a ski resort, world class mountain biking, and a brewery. Bishop is about 40 minutes South which is well known for ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Hot Creek Interpretive Trail
5.00.37 mi / 69 ft gainHot Creek Interpretive Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a hot springs and good for all skill levels located near Mammoth Lakes, California.Read more
