View of Half Dome from Glacier Point

Photo by Miranda Jimenez



One of my favorite national parks to visit is Yosemite National Park because of its rich history and beautiful landscape. I have been to Yosemite more than 20 times so I’m here to tell you all about the places I’ve discovered and the best spots to visit to get the most out of your time in the park. The first attraction I recommend visiting is Half Dome. This is the most iconic feature in the park with an equally interesting background story. The dome is composed of quartz monzonite and is the remains of a cooled magma chamber. The rock is now exposed and has been cut in half by erosion, leading to the dome effect. One of the best places to view Half Dome is from Glacier Point. This is an overlook that gives you one of the best views of not only Half Dome but of Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls as well. You can access Glacier Point via automobile and a short walk will lead you right to the overlook!

Half Dome, Vernal Fall, and Nevada Falls

Photo by Miranda Jimenez

Yosemite is also home to several beautiful waterfalls; however, there are four prominent ones that most of the park’s visitors like to see. The first is Yosemite Falls which is one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. There is a short hike to the base of lower Yosemite Falls that gets you so close you feel the water spray on your face. The next iconic waterfall is Bridalveil Fall which can be seen from various parts of the park. I, however, recommend taking the short hike to the base of the waterfall to get the ultimate viewing opportunity. The third must-see waterfall is Vernal Falls, which can be seen distantly from Glacier Point. Lastly, I recommend taking a hike on the Chilnualna trail to see Chilnualna Falls up close and personal. This hike is a bit strenuous but the payoff is large since you find yourself right under a large waterfall.

Carriage ride at the Pioneer History Center

Photo by Miranda Jimenez



One last place I recommend visiting is the Yosemite Pioneer History Center. This is a bit of a hidden gem that not many visitors know about, but it is one of my favorite places in the park. Here you can learn the history of a historical town that once thrived in Yosemite. One of my favorite things is riding on a horse-drawn carriage that really immerses you into the historical world. These are only a few places I recommend visiting but there are many more places you should explore the next time you find yourself in Yosemite National Park!

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” John Muir