The 16 Best Places to Visit in Yosemite (Late Spring Through Fall)

January 9, 2025 by jordangassner

Yosemite National Park is one of those rare places where nearly every turn reveals something jaw-dropping. But depending on the season, not every highlight is accessible year-round. This guide covers the 16 best places to visit in Yosemite from late May through November, when roads to high elevations reopen and the waterfalls, meadows, and forests are all in their prime.

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Tunnel View

Pull off the road on your way into the valley and you’ll be greeted with Yosemite’s iconic Tunnel View: El Capitan to the left, Bridalveil Fall to the right, and Half Dome standing tall in the back. The best time to stop? After a fresh rain or in the golden light of late afternoon.

Best for: A classic postcard moment

Seasonal Note: Open year-round, but clearest in spring and fall

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Mist Trail

The Mist Trail is an iconic hike that’s steep, mist-soaked, and quite unforgettable. Even if you only go halfway (like we did) you’ll still get unforgettable views of Vernal Falls and the Merced River. Wear comfortable shoes made for outdoor terrain, start early, and don’t underestimate how slippery the stairs near the falls can get. They’re no joke!

Best for: Adventurous hiking and waterfall spray

Trail Length: 3 miles round trip to Vernal Falls or 7 miles round trip to Nevada Falls.

• Secret Tip: If you walk from Curry Village instead of catching a shuttle bus to the trailhead like I did, you’ll be able to extend your hike by an extra 1.5 miles round trip!

Seasonal Note: Typically open year-round, but portions of it may be closed during winter due to icy conditions. Slippery and misty into early summer, usually more safe starting in late May.

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Bridalveil Falls

Bridalveil Falls is often the first waterfall visitors see when entering the valley, and its graceful plunge makes it a favorite. The trail here is just a short walk to the often-windswept fall, that often looks like its wedding namesake during a strong breeze.

Visiting during the spring or early summer? Expect to get wet! On some peak season days, the spray can be so strong, you may not even be able to easily access the end of the trail! Visitng off-season? Be prepared for icy and very slick pathways!

Best for: One of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls

Trail Length: 0.5 miles roundtrip

Seasonal Note: Open year-round, with the water at its peak in spring and early summer

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Glacier Point

It’s hard to overstate the view from Glacier Point, a cliffside vista that’s roughly 3,200 feet above the valley floor. This ADA accessible vista offers panoramas of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, the Merced River snaking through the trees, and peaks stretching to the horizon. It’s a spot that makes you realize just how small we all really are compared to the Earth, the universe, and time itself.

And bonus: the vista has a few relatively safe, faux “peaks” so you can nab an epic mountaintop photo from the top without getting too close to the edge of the cliffs. Just make sure to stay behind the park’s safety barriers at all times, even if it seems like it isn’t too dangerous just beyond. All the photos I took here were taken from rocks along the public pathways and well inside the park’s safety fencing (check out the middle photo above for a view of the path underneath the rock I’m standing on!).

Best for: Sweeping panoramic views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley from an ADA Accessible vista

Seasonal Note: Road access typically opens in late May and closes with the first snow. Keep an eye on the NPS website for the latest road conditions (for this spot and others in this guide).

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Taft Point

This is one of the most thrilling short hikes in Yosemite, and often less crowded than Glacier Point. The trail to Taft Point is relatively flat, but the cliffs at the end are not for the faint of heart (there are railings, but stay safe!). Come for sunset if you’re not afraid of heights, the valley glows below you.

Best for: Dramatic drop-offs and epic sunset views

Trail Length: 2.2 miles roundtrip

Seasonal Note: Trailhead accessible when Glacier Point Road is open (late May–November)

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

This short, paved trail delivers a huge visual reward. The base of Lower Yosemite Falls is powerful and refreshing in spring and early summer. The mist can soak you, so keep your camera tucked away somewhere dry while exploring near the bridge at the base of the falls and have fun!

Best for: Easy access to one of the park’s most famous waterfalls

Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip

Seasonal Note: Typically open year-round, with peak flow in late spring that dries out by late summer

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

With over 2,400 feet of elevation gain, the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is no joke. This strenuous hike earns you sweeping views of Yosemite Valley as you climb switchbacks that seem endless. You don’t have to reach the top to enjoy it though, even the halfway mark offers amazing overlooks. But if you push all the way to the brink of Upper Yosemite Falls, you’ll stand at the edge of one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, staring straight down 1,400 feet. Bring water, wear shoes with grip, and take your time on this trail.

Best for: An intense leg workout with massive valley views

Trail Length: 7.6 miles round trip

Seasonal Note: Best late spring through fall and can be icy earlier in season!

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Cook’s Meadow Loop

Surrounded by Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the valley walls, the flat Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail offers one of the best 360-degree scenic loops in the park. Bring a coffee or camera (or both) and wander at your own pace. In spring, lupines bloom near the boardwalks. In fall, the golden tones are unreal.

Best for: Flat, peaceful strolls with epic views

Trail Length: 1 mile roundtrip

Seasonal Note: Open year-round, but most vibrant in May and June, with golden foliage in October

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Mirror Lake

More of a seasonal pond than a true lake, Mirror Lake is a lovely spot to walk or bike to in late spring and early summer when it’s full. As the summer progresses, it often dries out, but the surrounding landscape is still so beautiful. Bring a picnic and enjoy the relative quiet.

Best for: Reflections of Half Dome and a peaceful setting

Trail Length: 5 miles roundtrip

Seasonal Note: Open year-round, but typically best in spring through early summer

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Sentinel Dome

A moderate hike leads you up to one of the best high-elevation lookouts in the park. Sentinel Dome isn’t as famous as Half Dome, but from the top you’ll get 360° views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and even the High Sierra, all without the hassle of a permit! Sentinel Dome can also be a great sunset hike, but make sure to bring a headlamp for the way back!

Best for: A 360-degree summit view with minimal effort

Trail Length: 1.8 miles roundtrip

Seasonal Note: Trailhead accessible when Glacier Point Road is open (late May–November)

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Yosemite Valley Bike Loop

If you’ve never been to Yosemite, haven’t visited in a while, or are just short on time, the best way to explore Yosemite Valley is by renting a bike.

The Valley is deceptively large (roughly 7.5 miles long and 1 mile wide) and while driving may seem convenient at first glance, most parking lots are full by 8 AM during peak season. That leaves you with three main ways to get around:

• Walking: Great for short distances, but not ideal if you’re hoping to hit multiple stops across the Valley. You’ll need to balance your must-sees with how much time and energy you want to spend on foot.
• Shuttling: Yosemite offers two free* shuttle lines with stops at major points throughout the Valley. While they’re convenient in theory, long lines and full shuttles are common during busy months, especially mid-day.
• Biking: With over 12 miles of dedicated, paved bike paths (plus optional stretches of flat service roads), biking offers the freedom of walking… just way faster. You can easily cruise between highlights without worrying about parking, timing, or squeezing onto a shuttle.

Some of the best stops along the bike loop include Swinging Bridge, Yosemite Chapel, Yosemite Falls, Curry Village, and Happy Isles. During my most recent trip, I saw so much more of the Valley than I would have on foot or by car, and biking made even the simple act of getting around feel like part of the adventure.

Best for: Casual exploring and covering ground

Trail Length: As long or as short as you’d like! There are 12 miles of flat, bike paths in the Valley.

Seasonal Note: Bike rentals available late spring through fall and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Standard bikes generally cost $40/full day or $30/half day*

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Cathedral Beach

Cathedral Beach is a quiet picnic spot along the Merced River offers some of the best reflective views of El Capitan. It’s far less crowded than the main valley hubs, and makes for a peaceful lunch stop or afternoon reading spot. Dip your toes in the water or lie back and watch the clouds drift past the granite monoliths.

Best for: Riverside serenity and views of El Capitan

Seasonal Note: Open year-round

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Home to over 500 giant sequoias, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a must-see. Visitors to this location must park in the lot at the bottom of the hill near Yosemite’s South Entrance and take a shuttle up to the Grove’s trailheads.

With four trails to choose from, the Grove’s 2.0 mile Grizzly Giant Loop Trail offers the best payoff to your time on the trail. It features the namesake Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree. And if you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, the 6.5 mile Guardians Loop Trail will take you all the way from the shuttle station to the Columbia Tree and the historic Mariposa Grove Cabin.

No matter which trail you choose, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for bright red snowplants popping through the forest floor, especially if you’re visiting during the early summer months!

Best for: Ancient trees and peaceful forest hikes

Trail Length: With multiple trails inside the Grove, hikes can range from from 0.3 – 7 miles roundtrip.

Seasonal Note: The Mariposa Grove shuttle typically runs from May through November (weather-dependent).

best places to visit in yosemite national park

North Dome via Porcupine Creek Trailhead

For a different (and much quieter) perspective on Yosemite Valley, head to North Dome. This 10-mile round-trip hike takes you through shady pine forests and opens up to a wide granite dome with unobstructed views of Half Dome across the valley. With fewer crowds and epic views, North Dome is a hidden gem for hikers who want solitude with their scenery.

Best for: Less crowded Half Dome views and quiet forest trails

Trail Length: 10.4 miles roundtrip

Seasonal Note: Accessible once Tioga Road opens, usually late May or early June

best places to visit in yosemite national park

Stoneman Meadow

Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbor (Cook’s Meadow), Stoneman Meadow is one of the most tranquil spots in Yosemite Valley. A short boardwalk path winds through tall grass and wildflowers, with stunning views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls rising around you. It’s a great place for photography, quiet reflection, or simply catching your breath between adventures. Visit early in the morning or near sunset for the softest light and fewest crowds.

Best for: Peaceful boardwalk strolls with up-close views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome

Trail Length: Not exactly a trail, but the boardwalk’s length is about 0.5 miles roundtrip

Seasonal Note: Open year-round, but best from late spring through fall when the meadow is green and dry

best places to visit in yosemite national park

May Lake and Mount Hoffmann

If you want a trail that combines alpine lakes, moderate elevation gain, and the option to summit a mountain, this one’s for you! The hike to May Lake is short and peaceful, perfect for picnics or sunrise. For experienced hikers, you can continue on to summit Mount Hoffmann, the geographical center of Yosemite National Park, for one of the most underrated panoramic views in the park.

Best for: Alpine lake views and an optional summit challenge

Distance: 2.5 miles round trip to May Lake or 6 miles round trip to Mt. Hoffmann

Seasonal Note: Trailhead off Tioga Road is typically open mid-to-late June through October

*At time of writing.