Your free time in Yosemite - Scott Dunn Suggests
Walking and biking are the most popular ways to see Yosemite, with self-guide trail maps issued at the entrance. Wardens at the visitors centre can advise on activities & the newspaper will tell you what's going on from star-gazing to wildlife talks!
Area
California
Type
Active
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Full Day
Located in Mariposa County, the park was established in 1890 as one of the first National Parks in the US to protect the lands from the encroaching gold rush. The park encompasses over 1000 square miles of scenic wild lands of the Sierra Nevada and its epic valleys and peaks range from 2,000 feet to 13,000 feet above sea level. The park is home to alpine meadows perfect for picnics, mountain forests for hiking, lakes and waterfalls, sky-scraping giant sequoias and redwood trees and plentiful wildlife from mule deer to black bears.
The park's general entrance fee is $30 per car (subject to change and dependent on season) and is valid for 7 days and these can be easily obtained at the park entrance.
Not to be missed is the sweeping view of the valley floor and towering rocks from Tunnel View, world-class climbers conquering El Capitan, walking the Meadow Loop, hiking up to Half Dome for the energetic or to Glacier Point and when the water is flowing, simply marvelling at the wonder of Yosemite Falls (Spring and Fall).
Walking and biking are the most popular ways to see the park, but the 2-hour Valley Floor tour on board an open-air park ranger guided truck (departing from outside Yosemite Lodge at the Falls) is a good way to get your bearings and see the park with minimum exertion with enthusiastic park wardens. Bikes are reserved on a first-come first-served basis from outside Yosemite Lodge at the Falls.
For cultural events in the park, visit the Yosemite Conservancy website and for activities visit the Yosemite National Park website and go to 'Things to do' for information on hiking, biking and riding.
There is also the Ansel Adams Gallery located in the heart of the park, and Yosemite Visitors' centre that makes a good starting point for your day in the park.
For other listings and activities in the park, simply ask for the Yosemite newspaper on arrival which is the best way to find out what is going on! Join a stargazing night with friendly astronomers at Glacier Point or delight the children with a talk on grizzly bears. There's always something educational and fun going on during the summer months.
The park sits within Mariposa County, which offers more than just California’s gateway to Yosemite Park. Mariposa is dotted with charming gold-rush towns. Stop in Mariposa town itself on the junction of the 140 and 49 for a taste of real gold country life. Scott Dunn can arrange a tour of the oldest working Court House in California and the old county jail! There's zip-ling in the hills and gold panning to try, making a welcome break for the kids on route in or out of the park. We rate the Charles Street Dinner House for a hearty, delicious lunch or further down the highway-49, stop in Coulterville and have a cold beer at California’s oldest saloon!
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationHotel del Coronado
Designated a historical landmark, the legendary Hotel del Coronado is set on 28 acres of Coronado Island beachfront. The beach cottages and villas are an ideal choice for families wanting a luxurious base from which to visit theme parks and attractions.
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View AccommodationPost Ranch Inn
Perched 1200 feet up on a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Post Ranch Inn is an architectural gem, and seamlessly blends understated rustic luxury, immaculate cuisine and astounding service.
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View AccommodationFirefall Ranch
Full of upscale rustic chic, Firefall Ranch is 30-minutes from Yosemite’s northwest entrance, with 55 high-end cottages and villas spread across a 300-acre site with a pool, choice of dining venues, onsite activities, plenty of games and a welcoming vibe.
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View AccommodationThe Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Situated atop a 150-foot bluff overlooking a superb surf beach, the elegant Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel offers a peaceful sanctuary with impeccable service and superb facilities only a 10-minute drive from exclusive Laguna Beach.
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View AccommodationTenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is located at the national park's South Gate, with all the creature comforts of a full-service resort, the Lodge organises outdoor adventures from horse riding, hiking and biking to winter wonderland ice skating and sleigh rides.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Napa Valley
As Napa’s first resort set within a world-class vineyard, the Four Seasons Napa Valley offers a seamless and integrated grape-to-glass experience, along with glorious views, well-appointed accommodation, superb dining, two pools, spa, and fitness room.
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View AccommodationSun Rose West Hollywood
Sophisticated and playful in equal measure, this hotel is the epitome of laid-back California cool with a prime location on West Hollywood’s iconic Sunset Boulevard.
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View AccommodationStanly Ranch
Stanly Ranch is a 21st century luxury resort, winery and residential community set in over 700 acres of rolling green vineyards.
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View AccommodationRush Creek Lodge
Enjoy a mountain getaway at the family friendly Rush Creek Lodge, offering fresh and modern accommodation, a casual and relaxed ambience, large pool, hot tubs, daily activities and tours and sociable dining options just outside Yosemite National Park.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceDisneyland Private VIP Tour
Experience the magic of Disneyland with a VIP guide, skipping queues and customizing your day! Meet Disney characters, enjoy top attractions, and access exclusive parade and show viewing areas.
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View Experience
Private Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure
Embark on a thrilling private offshore adventure from Newport Beach in search of whales and marine life.
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View ExperiencePrivate Sailing Charter: Sausalito to San Francisco
Set sail on a private 3-hour charter from Sausalito to San Francisco, enjoying stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city's iconic skyline.
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View Experience
Yosemite Hiking Excursion
This morning, explore Yosemite's Mariposa Grove on a private guided hike. Marvel at giant sequoias on a tailored 4- to 5-hour trek or shorter 2-hour walk. Learn their ecology, capture stunning photos, and enjoy lunch back at your hotel afterward.
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View ExperienceAquarium of the Pacific Behind-The-Scenes Tour
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes VIP experience at the Aquarium of the Pacific, where you'll interact with charismatic marine life like octopuses, sea otters, penguins, and seals, plus explore other exhibits.
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View ExperiencePrivate Tour in Hearst Castle
Enjoy a private, half-day tour of Hearst Castle, bypassing lines for exclusive access to this opulent estate. Tailored to your interests, explore lavish rooms, gardens, art collections, and breathtaking views.
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View Experience
Yosemite Wade Fly-Fishing Excursion
This morning, meet your Orvis-endorsed guide for a 4-hour fly fishing trip in Yosemite Valley. Learn techniques, catch and release trout, and enjoy the serene beauty of nature while honing your skills. Return to your vehicle after the adventure.
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View ExperiencePrivate Old Town San Diego Food and Wine Tour
Discover San Diego's Old Town on a culinary walking tour! Enjoy historic landmarks, unique food pairings, craft beers, tequila, California wines, and decadent chocolate in a vibrant cultural setting.
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View ExperienceHelicopter Tour with Malibu Landing and Picnic
Fly over LA's iconic landmarks, including the Hollywood Sign and Beverly Hills, then land in Malibu for a private picnic with stunning views before returning to Burbank.
Call us on 020 8682 5030 to start planning