While my first time at Yosemite was in the winter I can’t even begin to say how magical of a park this place is. Whether you love taking in views, hiking, swimming or one of the other many things you can do here, Yosemite is not one to miss. I can’t wait to get back out here during warmer months to explore some things that weren’t available when I first visited but until then, here are my best suggestions, tips and tricks.

Yosemite Falls - whether you see it from far away or up close you’ll be struck by it’s beauty (like most of the park)

Glacier Point - Getting up here from the Valley floor is quite a long drive, nearly an hour, but it will be so worth it once you get to the top. I was here around sunset and holy wow I have never seen such beautiful and unique lighting in my life.

See the Giants - Like many parts of Northern California, there are countless giants for you to see and explore. Mariposa Grove has many and is a great area to check out.

El Captain - one of the most iconic views in Yosemite can be seen from Tunnel View and other look outs in the park. It’s pretty hard to miss, but either way ensure you give yourself time to really take it in!

Cook’s Meadow Trail - this perfect 2-mile loop will take you past AMAZING views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point.

Tunnel View - To get up here you’ll deviate off Wawona Road a bit (and there is limited parking so be patient) but it will give you an amazing view including all of Yosemite Valley, East and West.

Bridalviel Fall - One of the park’s most iconic features is able to be experienced from a few perspective, including the bottom of the fall only a short, half-mile or so walk.

Yosemite Valley Chapel - one of the oldest standing structures in the park, this wooden chapel was originally located in the Lower Village but had been moved since.

Mist Trail - while I personally wasn’t able to do this trail while visiting it has been highly recommended and something I want to do when I get back in warmer months. In total the trail is a little under 5 and a half miles but you don’t actually have to do all of the 5.4 miles to enjoy it. First you come across Vernal Fall Footbridge about 1.6 roundtrip in so you can stop there as needed. In another half mile loop, you’ll make it to Vernal Fall. If you want to do the final stretch this is said to be much more difficult but will take you to Nevada Fall.

Get your stamps! You can find any of the various stamp stations here:

Arch Rock Entrance Station
Badger Pass Ranger/First Aid Station
Big Oak Flat Entrance Station
Big Oak Flat Information Station
Happy Isles Nature Center
Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station
Information Office at Park Headquarters
South/Wawona Entrance Station
Tioga Pass Entrance Station
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center
U. S. Post Office, Wawona
U. S. Post Office, Yosemite National Park
Wawona Visitor Center
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Wear sunscreen - even if you come in colder months like I did, the snow is quite reflective! Be especially sure if you visit in summer to keep up on putting on your SPF

DRINK WATER - it may seem like something you couldn’t forget but its easy to forget to refill and be mindful of your changing needs given the higher elevation! Be sure to fill up at stations and keep sipping away throughout your adventures in the park!

If you come in the winter months, have snow tires or chains - many portions of the park are not accessible without chains or snow tires so be sure you and your vehicle are prepared if you plan on coming this time of year. Additionally, be prepared for busy lots where people are putting their chains on. If you know how to do this, offer your help - it is really intimidating for first timers!

Dress in layers! No matter what time of year it is, this is a good rule of thumb. Down in the Valley, it can be chilly in the morning but this can change throughout the day heating up into the afternoon.

Wear comfortable shoes & upgrade to boots as needed! Depending on the time of year you visit will determine the shoes you need to wear, but, either way make sure they’re smart for a lot of walking!

If you want to give your feet a rest, rent bikes! Available at Half Dome Village, you can rent bikes and make your way around the park.

Arrive with a plan (sort of) - Like many NPs, Yosemite is absolutely massive and if it wasn’t auditing enough, showing up with out a plan or least idea of what you want to do is a mistake. Be sure to have a plan if not at least some portion of a plan with what you want to do with your time in Yosemite.

If you really want to see waterfalls, don’t come in the fall - While when I visited there were falls going, apparently they run dry in the fall. If this is important to you, try avoiding this time of year.

Don’t arrive in the middle of the day - Not only is the one of the busiest times - meaning getting parking will be a nightmare - it also means you’ve missed out on a great deal of the day. If you can, arrive early in the morning!

Don’t leave without a full tank of gas - Seriously, try getting gas as far away from the park as possible. Gas near the park is almost always nearly $5.00/gallon which make up some of the most expensive gas in the entire state. Make sure getting gas is part of your planning before you get in the park.

Tell someone what you’re doing & set up a check in time/date - any time you’re in the outdoors with spotty service be sure to share your plans with someone outside the park. By setting up a time/day check in you can be assured if emergency arises there will be someone to report you missing.

Know your hiking abilities and pick trails accordingly. It is totally ok to not be a professional hiker who can’t take on the difficult hikes. Taking on hikes that are above your abilities will almost certainly end in injury or some other emergency you don’t want ruining your trip. Be safe and pick trails in a smart way. You can always go back if something is too difficult.

Leave No Trace - You might hear phrases like this throughout the Park & the community who appreciate it but it is a pinnacle of being a steward to our parks. Do your very best to make as little impact as possible on nature by keeping vehicles on paved areas, not disturbing or altering wildlife, cleaning up after yourself (and others), essentially - leave it better than you found it.

Use the pull offs! With thousands of people driving through the park regularly traffic is a huge issue. Don’t make it any worse by stopping in the middle of the road to check things out. Use the pullouts, get your long views and enjoy but be courteous to others.

Beware of the Wildlife - Bears call the Redwood home so be aware if you’re camping to not leave food scraps around and when hiking carry bear spray. If you do see anything be sure to enjoy the view from a safe distance away and DO NOT approach them!

DO NOT leave food in your car/improperly stored - While there might not be grizzly’s, the black bears here have a keen nose and will be very interested in any food not stored properly in the bear containers. Be safe and not sorry!

Know your entrance! With five entrances, it is important to know which one you are entering through, especially if you are trying to snag a campsite or even in allocating time to one region of the park.