Activities in Yosemite National Park
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Hiking Trails
With over 800 miles of hiking trails, Yosemite is a delight for trekkers of all abilities. You can take an easy half-mile stroll on the valley floor; venture out all day on a quest for viewpoints, waterfalls and lakes or go wilderness camping in the remote outer reaches of the backcountry.
Some of the park's most popular hikes start right in Yosemite Valley, including, the most famous of all, to the top of Half Dome (17-mile round-trip). It follows a section of the John Muir Trail and is strenuous, difficult and best tackled in two days with an overnight in Little Yosemite Valley. Reaching the top can only be done after rangers have installed fixed cables. Depending on sn…
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Rock Climbing
With its sheer spires, polished domes and soaring monoliths, Yosemite is rock-climbing nirvana. The main climbing season runs from April to October. Most climbers, including some legendary stars, stay at Camp 4 near El Cap, especially in spring and fall. In summer, another base camp springs up at Tuolumne Meadows Campground. Climbers looking for partners post notices on bulletin boards at either campground.
Yosemite Mountaineering School offers top-flight instruction for novice to advanced rock hounds, plus guided climbs and equipment rental. All-day beginners classes are around US$120 per person if the group size is at least three people, more if there are fewer.
Climbers…
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Skiing
As the days shorten, the valley becomes a quiet, frosty world of snow-draped evergreens, ice-coated lakes and vivid vistas of gleaming white mountains sparkling against blue skies. Winter tends to arrive in full force by mid-November and whimper out in early April. Most of the action converges on the family-friendly Badger Pass Ski Area.
Cross-country skiers can explore 350 miles of skiable trails and roads, including 90 miles of marked trails and 25 miles of machine-groomed track near Badger Pass. The scenic but grueling trail to Glacier Point - 21-mile round-trip - also starts from here. More trails are at Crane Flat and the Mariposa Grove. The nongroomed trails can als…
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Rafting
From about late May to July, floating the Merced River from Stoneman Meadow, near Curry Village, to Sentinel Bridge is a leisurely way to soak up Yosemite Valley views.
Raft rentals for the 3-mile trip are available at Curry Village and include equipment and a tram ride back to the rental kiosk. Rafting above Yosemite Stables or below Cathedral Beach Picnic Area is forbidden.
River rats are also drawn to the fierce Tuolumne River, a classic Class IV run that plunges and thunders through boulder gardens and cascades. Both Oars and Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions run a variety of trips.
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Horse-Riding
Yosemite Stables runs guided trips to scenic locales such as Mirror Lake, the Chilnualna Falls and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias from three bases. The season runs from May to October, although this varies slightly by location. No experience is needed for the two-hour and half-day rides, but reservations are advised, especially at the Yosemite Valley stables.
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Yosemite Stables
Yosemite Stables runs guided trips to such scenic locales as Mirror Lake, the Chilnualna Falls and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias from three bases. The season runs from May to October, although this varies slightly by location. No experience is needed for the two-hour and half-day rides, but reservations are advised, especially at the Yosemite Valley stables.
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Raft Rentals
Rentals for floating the Merced River from Stoneman Meadow, near Curry Village, to Sentinel Bridge (a 3-mile trip) are available at Curry Village and include equipment and a tram ride back to the rental kiosk. Rafting above Yosemite Stables or below Cathedral Beach Picnic Area is forbidden.
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Bracebridge Dinner
About a quarter-mile east of Yosemite Village, the Ahwahnee Hotel is a graceful blend of rustic mountain retreat and elegant mansion dating back to 1927. Around Christmas, the Ahwahnee hosts the Bracebridge Dinner, sort of a combination banquet and Renaissance faire. Book early.
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Ostrander Ski Hut
Ostrander Ski Hut, on Ostrander Lake, is operated by the Yosemite Association. It is staffed throughout winter and open to backcountry skiers and snowshoers for around per person, per night. The 10-mile trip (one way) requires experience and a high fitness level. The website has details.
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Learn to Backpack Trips
The school offers two-day Learn to Backpack trips for novices and three- and four-day guided backpacking trips, which are great for inexperienced and solo travelers. The cost depends on the number of people in your group. In summer, the school operates a branch from Tuolumne Meadows.
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Badger Pass
Head up to Badger Pass, whose gentle slopes are perfect for beginning skiers and snowboarders. Cross-country skiers can schuss along 40km of groomed tracks and 150km of marked trails, which are also great for snowshoers. Equipment rental and lessons are available.
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Valley Floor Tour
Five of the six tours are in big tour buses and make few stops. Still, first-timers might appreciate the two-hour Valley Floor Tour which covers all the highlights. For other tour options stop at the tour and activity desks at Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village or Yosemite Village.
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Badger Pass Cross-Country Center & Ski School
The Badger Pass Cross-Country Center & Ski School offers beginners' packages, guided tours and equipment rentals. The center also runs overnight trips to Glacier Point Ski Hut, a rustic stone and log cabin.
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Cycling
Mountain-biking is a no-no within the park, but cycling along the 12 miles of paved trails is a popular and environment-friendly way to explore the valley.
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Yosemite Mountaineering School
Yosemite Mountaineering School offers topflight instruction for novice to advanced climbers, plus guided climbs and equipment rental.
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Open-Air Ice Rink
One most delightful winter activity is taking a spin on Curry Village's open-air ice rink where you'll be skating under the watchful eye of Half Dome.
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Ice-skating
One most delightful winter activity is taking a spin on Curry Village's open-air ice rink where you'll be skating under the watchful eye of Half Dome.
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