Yosemite is filled with natural wonders! Here, we list the top 7 must-see sights when visiting Yosemite: Glacier Point, Half Dome, Mariposa Grove, and Mist Trail (following along the John Muir Trail). Escape to Tuolumne Meadows, where you will find less-traveled trails, and discover Yosemite Valley, where you can unwind and relax, enjoying the nearby restaurants, and this is where you will find most of Yosemite’s Top Hotels and Accommodations.
1. Yosemite Valley
- Time to Spend: Full Day +
- Cost: Free
- Yosemite valley is home to some of the park’s most famous waterfalls, including Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls.
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2. Glacier Point
- Distance: Approx. 10 minutes from Yosemite Valley
- Time to Spend: 2 hours
- Cost: Free
- Glacier Point’s panoramic views in Yosemite are considered some of the best in the park!
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3. Tunnel View Outlook
- Distance: Approx. 20 minutes from Yosemiite Valley
- Time to Spend: 2 hours
- Cost: Free
- Similar in popularity of Glacier Point, Tunnel View Outlook has breathtaking views in Yosemite and is a must-see!
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4. Mist Trail
- Distance: Approx. 10 minutes from Yosemite Valley
- Time of Spend: 2 hours
- Cost: Free
- The Mist Trail is considered one of the park’s most popular trails with sights of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. This unique trail requires hikers to climb a 600-step granite staircase to reach the top of the falls. During your climb, you may even feel the mist of the falls during peak season. The distance from Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Fall and back down is nearly 2.5 miles roundtrip, and takes roughly 3 hours to complete.
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5. Mariposa Grove
- Distance: Approx. 1 hour from Yosemite Valley
- Time of Spend: Full Day
- Cost: Free
- Located in the Southernmost part of Yosemite is the Mariposa grove! Offering an expansive grove of the giant Sequoia trees! Featured sights include the Fallen Monarch – a giant tree that fell hundreds of years ago! And the Grizzly Giant – estimated to be around 1,800 years old and is about 90 feet in circumference.
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6. Tuolumne Meadows
- Distance: Approx. 1.5 hours from Yosemite Valley
- Time of Spend: Half Day
- Cost: Free
- Tuolumne Meadows is one of the Sierra Nevada’s largest high-elevation meadows at 8,600 feet, located in the east part of Yosemite. Discover lush forests, grasslands, creeks, and mountain views.
