Yosemite / Mariposa Tourism Bureau

Yosemite can be overwhelming – not just because of the vast physical scale, but because of the complexity of places to go and finding your way around. No guide can answer the question of "what to do," but here is an attempt to sort out some of the options.

Walking

Get out of your vehichle or tour bus and experience Yosemite!

For folks who like some sort of focus to direct their efforts, these are tried and true activities. You can go on your own, or join ranger-led tours. Pick up Yosemite Today, the Park's monthly guide to activities, when you enter the Park (also available online). Yosemite Association offers excellent field trips and seminars. Photographers can compare themselves against the pros at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village. Outdoor art classes are available at the Art Activity Center in Yosemite Village.

Geology

From basic Geology 101 to the most advanced and esoteric specialties, Yosemite offers a lifetime's worth of field trips. Many people come prepared with previous knowledge or training, but novices can take a crash course with publications available in the local gift shops and by joining ranger led tours (see Yosemite Today).

Hiking and Backpacking

Nobody ever got bored hiking in Yosemite. From easy day hikes and climbs to week long backpacking trips along the Pacific Crest or John Muir trails, the choices are infinite. Remember that Wawona and Yosemite Valley are at 4000' elevation, Tuolumne Meadows approaches 9000', so if you aren't in good shape, be prepared to take it easy. For equipment and suggestions, stop at the Mountain Shop in Curry Village (Yosemite Valley). The Yosemite Mountaineering school offers guided hiking and backpacking trips, as well as expert information.

Rock Climbing

A premier destination for serious climbers. The Yosemite Mountaineering School, open in Yosemite Valley all year, and at Tuolumne Meadows during summer, is an excellent place to get equipment, information, and instruction -- call (209)372-8344. Also, check out The Yosemite Rock Page.

Bicycling

Bicycling is permitted on about 8 miles of paved roads in Yosemite Valley (bikes and mountain bikes are not permitted on trails anywhere in Yosemite). Rentals are available at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge. This is a wonderful way to get around the Valley (no hills), and surprisingly peaceful even on crowded days because you are generally not on roads with motorized vehichles.

Horseback riding

During summer months you can ride on a guided trip from stables in Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows. See YosemitePark.com for details.

Swimming, rafting

Once the water warms up, swimming and rafting are popular on both the Merced in Yosemite Valley and the South Fork of the Merced in Wawona (both these rivers start as snow melt, making them pretty cold well into June). Rafts may be rented at the Curry Village Recreation Center.

Tram rides

OK, you've done enough walking, you want to see the sights sitting down. Tram tours are available through most of the spring, summer and fall, covering a variety of destinations throughout the Park. There's even a moonlight tour on full moon nights. All tours are accompanied by trained guides whose explanations and descriptions range from entertaining to fascinating. Details are available at YosemitePark.com.

Tours and Programs

Numerous interpretive programs, seminars, tours and classes are offered by the Park Service, by the Yosemite Association, and by DNC. For Park Service programs, check out Yosemite Today, (available in the park or online), for Yosemite Association, see their web site. DNC programs are at YosemitePark.com. For a list of free art classes, see the Calendar.

Skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating

During winter there is snow frequently in Yosemite Valley and at Wawona, and always at Badger Pass and on out to Glacier Point. Snow generally stays throughout the winter at Crane Flat. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing can be done at any of these places (snow permitting). Equipment can be rented at Badger Pass, otherwise provide your own (or buy it at the Mountain Shop in Curry Village). Downhill skiing (and snow boarding) is popular at Badger, California's oldest ski resort, with a homey, family orientation. Extensive groomed cross country ski trails are maintained from Badger Pass and Crane Flat. Ranger led snow show walks are available from Badger Pass throughout the winter season. See YosemitePark.com for a full list of winter activities.

Birding, wild life viewing, photography