This 3 mile (4.8 km) out and back trail takes approximately 60-90 minutes, or longer if you decide to play in the water at the trail's end. The trail follows the river and remains flat with little elevation changes until the very end, when a moderate scramble takes you to the waterfall. The trail is on the north side of the river, opposite from the "day use area."

This is an easy, paved, 1-mile round trip hike to the base of the tallest waterfall in North America, though you're not able to see the waterfall in its entirety from the base. The trail is a loop, but you get the best view starting clockwise from the trailhead. If you're not looking at the waterfall as you approach, go the other way! Keep in mind that Yosemite Fall dries up late in summer.

It's only 1 mile out and back to enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view of Tuolumne Meadows and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. The trail starts along the road to the west of the parking area. There's no real trail to the top of this bald granite dome--just find a way that looks good and you'll be at the top within a few minutes. If you wanna extend your hike, follow the trail along the base of the dome and the forest edge to a rapids and small waterfall on the Tuolumne River. If you go out that way, it’s an easy 2.3-mile, or 3.7 kilometer round trip hike. Nothing too strenuous!

Choose your own adventure by doing one or both of these spectacular viewpoints. Taft Point features an amazing view of the valley, including El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, from a railguard-less and extremely steep drop-off. You'll also see The Fissures here, narrow fractures in the granite that drop 2,000 feet. Taft Point only is an easy to moderate 2.2-mile, or 3.5 km, round-trip hike from the parking lot with 200 feet of elevation gain. There's a small creek crossing that, with stepping stones and logs, should be easy to stay dry. Sentinel Dome's view is more similar to Glacier Point's, with all a 360-degree view of Yosemite Valley and beyond from the top. Unlike Taft Point, you'll have to scramble to get to the best view on the top of the dome. Sentinel Dome only is 1.8 miles, or 2.9 km, round-trip with 400 feet of elevation gain, though much of that is just getting to the top of the dome. To do both together as a loop, with additional valley views in between, is about 5 miles, or nearly 8 km, with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Expect to spend about 2 hours doing one, or 4 hours to do the loop. Most do Sentinel Dome first if doing the loop. You can also save some time, and elevation change, by doing one, then returning to the parking lot to do the other.

A higher, more expansive panorama of Tuolumne Meadows and the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks than nearby Pothole Dome, but also a more moderately difficult hike, with more uphill climbing. From the trailhead parking lot by Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, it's a 1.8-mile or nearly 3 km hike. You can also hike from the Lembert Dome Picnic Area off of Tioga Road.

From the parking lot, you'll take a wide path (an old road, actually) down to the grove of a couple dozen sequoia trees. You'll come back up the same way, about 500 feet of elevation gain. All told, this is a moderate hike, 2.5 miles, or 4 km, round-trip. Expect to spend 1 to 2 hours here.

This is a "go as far as you'd like" series of connected trails. The first portion, the 0.3-mile Big Trees Loop, is easy, flat, and wheelchair accessible. It's worth it to continue along the 2-mile, or 3.2 km, Grizzly Giant Loop to see the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. It's about 1.5 to 2 hours roundtrip to get to this point, though you can reduce the time by returning the way you came rather than completing the loop. Beyond the Grizzly Giant Loop, the 7 mile, or 11 km, Mariposa Grove Trail heads further uphill to a larger grove of sequoias and Wawona Point, with an overlook toward the Wawona area. The Guardians Loop Trail branches off from the Mariposa Grove Trail and meanders through the thick of the sequoia grove. The Mariposa Grove and Guardians Loop Trails are strenuous, taking 4 to 6 hours.

Check out the lesser seen eastern end of Yosemite Valley from a completely different angle. You'll recognize Half Dome far to the right. There's plenty of space and exposed granite to enjoy the panoramic vista and take the perfect picture.

The grand entrance to Yosemite Valley! There's parking on either side of the road once you exit Wawona Tunnel for this magnificent view. El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall are all in clear view. Prepare to wait for a parking spot, but people don't typically linger long.

The view from Tenaya Lake's west picnic area is superior to the east side's, with massive granite domes surrounding the lake. Find your way to the water from the parking lot and park a lawn chair in what you deem is the best spot to observe the mountains and clear lake water.

A brief, easy walk from the parking lot is all it takes to reach a bridge (that doesn't swing) over the Merced River with a terrific view of Yosemite Fall. It's also a good opportunity to dip your toes into the river. Plenty of picnic tables make this a good stop for a packed lunch.

One of the most impressive sights in Yosemite is standing in the middle of El Capitan Meadow between two granite behemoths: El Capitan and Cathedral Rock. Find a worn path into the meadow and take in, dumbstruck, the 3,000-ft tall granite walls. Squint, and maybe you can find some climbers making their way up. Sunset is especially sublime.

This 430-ft dam floods Hetch Hetchy Valley with a reservoir over 300 feet. From atop the dam, you can observe the wide open Hetch Hetchy valley, including Wapama Falls to the left and the granite dome Kolana Rock to the right, rising 2,000 feet above the water. Considered by some a second Yosemite Valley.

A small parking lot off of Northside Drive provides a more ground-level version of the Tunnel View vista of Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall rising above the valley floor and the Merced River.

One of the most spectacular views on Earth, Glacier Point is an easily-accesible overlook more than 3,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. Half Dome and Yosemite Fall are the focal points, with Yosemite Village and Curry Village below in the valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains providing a dramatic backdrop beyond. Restrooms and a seasonal snack stand are available near the large parking lot.

Washburn Point offers a similar aerial view of Yosemite Valley to its neighbor, Glacier Point. The angle here provides a better view of Nevada and Vernal Falls underneath Half Dome.

Step inside one of the grandest lodges within the National Park System, opened in 1927. You can explore the public spaces, including the gift shop, sweet shop, and the spacious Grand Lounge. Grab a drink at the bar, or splurge on a meal in the elegant, high-ceilinged dining room (reservations and dress code required for dinner). Gift shop open 9am-7pm. Sweet shop open 8am-8pm

Enjoy a trip back in time by visiting the Victorian-era Wawona Hotel, built in 1879 and pre-dating the park itself. You can explore the grounds, relax on the shaded patio, and get a bite to eat in the dining room. The Yosemite History Center and Wawona Stables are within walking distance to continue the journey back to the 19th century.

Another handy food court where everyone can get what they want. Fried and grilled food dominate, but there is pizza and coffee to mix things up, as well as Bar 1899 with a wide assortment of beer, wine, and spirits. Hours of operation vary between restaurants, but breakfast places begin opening at 6:30am and the last dinner option, Pizza Deck, closes at 10pm. $10-20 per person.

This is the park's second largest visitor center, and a good place to grab a map or more info about the trails along Tioga Road. You'll also find a trailhead to Soda Springs next to the building. Open seasonally, typically late May to late September, from 9am-5pm daily.

This small facility just inside the park by the Big Oak Flat Entrance Gate is best used as a restroom stop or a quick fact-finding mission with a ranger or a map. There's also a small Yosemite Conservancy bookstore. Plans are under way to develop a more substantial welcome plaza at the site. 8am-5pm daily.

The Hetch Hetchy reservoir is a beautiful viewpoint, and a great place to walk and stretch your legs.

Take a stop here to drink in the stunning view of these falls.

Stop by this small picnic area for a quick peek at El Capitan from the sandy banks of the Merced River. El Capitan looms mightily over the spot, which is a decent place to avoid crowds or enjoy the river.

If you wanted a long break from hiking or driving, you could spend hours in Yosemite Village. The Valley Visitor Center, Yosemite Museum, and Ansel Adams Gallery provide a mix of educational and cultural amenities on this largely outdoorsy tour. You can also do some grocery or souvenir shopping at the Village Store or grab a bite to eat at Degnan’s Deli.

Can’t get enough granite? Stop at this pull-off just west of Wawona Tunnel and Tunnel View for a look at the mouth of Yosemite Valley, with tall, granite cliffs leading toward famous landmarks like El Capitan.

Quick photo-opp time! There’s a large Yosemite National Park sign just before you reach the Big Oak Flat Entrance Gate. Hop out of the car and grab a pic for grandma.