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
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 AccommodationThe Redwoods in Yosemite
Nestled among the giant redwood trees, stay in your own log cabin in Yosemite's Wawona area. Peaceful, private and authentic, the self-catered homes are located on private property within the National Park.
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View AccommodationSolage, Auberge Resorts Collection
Located in the heart of wine country, Solage sits on 22-acres of Napa countryside. Boasting a modern farm aesthetic, it's recommended for families and couples looking for a chic retreat, where award-winning food, and health & wellness are high priority.
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View AccommodationThe Maybourne Beverly Hills
Located in the prestigious heart of Beverly Hills, mere moments from exclusive Rodeo Drive, The Maybourne Beverly Hills is a timelessly elegant Los Angeles hotel, defining luxury and fine service within sumptuous and comforting surroundings.
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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 Accommodation
El Encanto
A historic Mediterranean-style Santa Barbara retreat with romantic bungalows, spa, coastal dining, and easy access to beaches, wine country, and the Channel Islands.
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View AccommodationCavallo Point Lodge
An award-winning escape, Cavallo Point Lodge is a luxury San Francisco hotel located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge in one of America’s most popular National Parks.
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View AccommodationTenaya Lodge
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 AccommodationCarmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch is nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the leafy vineyards of Carmel. An ideal base to explore the Carmel and Monterey region, the resort offers both a superb chance to relax and explore.
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View AccommodationTrinidad Retreats Vacation Homes
For those looking for a home from home experience along California’s glorious northern coastline, close to Redwood National Park and great beaches, a holiday home rental offers the space, flexibility, and independence to suit all family requirements.
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 ExperienceCycle over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
Hire a bike and cycle over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from Fisherman's Wharf to charming Sausalito, perched on the hillside between the Bay and the Marin Headlands, or for the really energetic keep pedalling to Tiburon for lunch at Sam's!
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View ExperienceGuided Hiking in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite's Granite Cliffs and Giant Sequoias make for incredible hiking country. With easy to moderate options, experience this World Heritage Center with an expert private guide by your side to show you what you may not see with your own eyes.
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View ExperiencePrivate Horseback Beach Ride
Soak in breathtaking views as you embark on a guided horseback ride along Santa Barbara’s sun-drenched coastline.
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View ExperienceBeach Bike Tour in Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Take in the ocean breezes, visit the historic Venice Canals, ride through Marina del Rey, take pictures with the Art Walls, and explore Muscle Beach. The sunny California weather makes this tour a fun and beautiful experience for culture enthusiasts!
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View ExperienceYour free time in Santa Barbara - Scott Dunn suggests
Santa Barbara is the 'American Riviera' with a beautiful sunny climate and Pacific Ocean breeze. Get out on the water by catamaran, see whales and dolphins around the Channel Island National Park and cycle along the palm-lined promenade on a cruiser.
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View ExperienceWarner Bros. Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour
Warner Bros takes you “into-the-scenes” of your favourite shows at the world’s busiest motion picture and TV studio. From Batman to Argo, to The Big Bang Theory to Friends, the studio will show you how the magic is made. The tour is 3 hours for 8yrs+.
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View ExperienceHollywood Hills Private Hiking Tour
Go hiking in Hollywood Hills with a private guide. Be starstruck by the Hollywood sign, explore the Griffith Observatory and be inspired by beautiful views of the City of Angels, from the skyscrapers to Beverly Hills and beyond.
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View ExperienceMonterey Aquarium - The US #1
Monterey's aquarium is located on the former site of a sardine cannery; much more than a collection of glass tanks, 200 gallons of seawater provide homes to sea life from kid-tolerant starfish to friendly penguins, sea turtles and hammerhead sharks.
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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