What to see in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is conveniently located in California and is easily accessible from several major cities such as Los Angeles or Las Vegas. The park is quite large (over 3,000 square kilometers), and if you plan to take it easy and enjoy a leisurely walk, we recommend setting aside 2 to 4 days for it. Click here for more information about visiting Yosemite National Park including tips, routes and must-sees.

Below you will find an overview of our favorite viewpoints and hikes in Yosemite National Park.

Tunnel View

When driving from the south entrance towards Yosemite Valley, you soon pass Tunnel View. You first drive through a tunnel and are then immediately rewarded with a beautiful view of the valley.

From this point, you can see Bridalveil Fall, among other things. At certain times of the year, sunlight can hit the waterfall in such a way that it takes on a reddish glow — a very special sight.

Lower Yosemite Falls

The first stop we made was at Lower Yosemite Falls, close to Yosemite Valley. Because we were there early, we were able to find a good parking spot.

We did the short walk to the waterfall, but because we were there in the summer, the water flow was quite limited. From here, you can also hike on to Upper Yosemite Falls. This is a longer and more strenuous hike, which we skipped because we wanted to visit more places.

Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall is already clearly visible from Tunnel View, but it is certainly worth taking a closer look at the waterfall. You drive practically past it on your way to Yosemite Valley, making it an ideal short stop.

In the summer, the waterfall is often somewhat less powerful, but after rainfall, it is at its most beautiful.

Valley View

Valley View is a viewpoint *in* the valley, in contrast to Tunnel View, which offers a view from above. From the river, you have a beautiful view of El Capitan and the surrounding mountains, among other things.

A beautiful place to stop for a moment, especially as you drive out of the valley again.

El Capitan

El Capitan is an impressive rock formation nearly 1,000 meters high that you can admire from various places in Yosemite Valley.

We stopped several times along the road to take photos. The view is almost overwhelming — it is that impressive.

Glacier Point

Unlike the other sites, Glacier Point is located a bit further from Yosemite Valley. We recommend planning a visit to this spot at the beginning or end of your trip.

The road leading there is easily accessible in the summer, but is often closed due to snow in the winter.

We personally found Glacier Point to be the most beautiful viewpoint in the park. You already have a stunning view along the way, but from the parking lot you can walk a little further for an even more spectacular view. It takes some extra time to get there, but it is absolutely worth it.

Mariposa Grove

Mariposa Grove is located in the southern part of Yosemite National Park and is a distinct area within the park. Coming from the southern entrance, this is one of the first places you encounter.

In this forest, you will find impressive sequoias — some standing, others fallen — and get a good idea of just how gigantic these trees are. There are various walking routes, and along the paths, there are information boards about the nature and the conservation of these special trees.

Especially in the morning, there is a quiet, almost magical atmosphere. Definitely worth setting aside half a day for this.