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Yosemite Adventure Vacation Planner!

Yosemite Adventure Vacation Guide for Visitors of all Ages!

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Yosemite Adventure Vacation

Located in central California, Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in the United States.


It's all here - stunning granite cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, and scenic wilderness areas! The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it offers a lot of adventure activities that appeal to both outdoor enthusiasts as well as families looking for a nature getaway.

If you're considering a California adventure vacation - Yosemite is one place you won’t want to miss. Every year the Park welcomes over 3.5 million visitors including nature lovers and tourists!

Let's look at some adventure activities in Yosemite National Park:

Yosemite Adventure Vacation Activities

Yosemite Half Dome Adventure
Hiking: There are over 800 miles of hiking trails to explore in the Park. There are easy hikes that everyone can enjoy as well as strenuous climbs up in to the mountains. It’s one of the best ways to experience Yosemite National Park and can be combined with backpacking and camping.

Rock Climbing: Yosemite is 'the place' to rock climb in California! There are a number of great areas to climb including the Merced River Canyon and the spectacular 3300 ft face of El Capitan.

Guided climbs can be booked for half-day and full-day ascents. One of the most popular hikes from the canyon floor is the Half Dome Cables Route!

It's an 8 mile hike (full-day) and a permit is required on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Yosemite Merced Rafting Whitewater Rafting: In the summer you can raft along the calm waters of the Merced River. Rafts, including all equipment, can be rented for 3 mile trips down the river.

After you have paddled downstream, you can catch a shuttle back to where you started. You can also swim in the Merced River and in other areas of the park as well.

Biking: Although 'off-road' mountain biking is not permitted in the park - you will find around 18 kilometers of designated cycling trails.

Yosemite is an excellent choice for families to get out the bikes and enjoy the wilderness along paved bike paths.

Horseback Riding: During the summer months you can book multi-day guided mule rides. This is an excellent way to explore and learn about the park. 3 different stables within the Park offer a number of rides ranging from 2 hours to a full day.

Yosemite Adventure Vacation - When to Go

Yosemite Bike Path Yosemite is open all year round, and is unforgettable no matter what time you decide to go. The spring is mostly warm and is an excellent time to go if you want to hike and see the waterfalls at their best! The summer months are quite crowded - but you'll be able to see all parts of the Park!

During the summer months you can do whatever you like - hiking, climbing, cycling, and rafting - the adventure activities are endless! In the winter, try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or downhill skiing.

Yosemite Adventure Vacation - How to Get There

Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park is easy. You can drive into the park with your own car and explore and do things at your own pace.

If you want to stay overnight in Yosemite or close by - it is highly recommended that you book well in advance, especially in the summer months.

Yosemite Adventure Vacation - Places to Stay


You'll find all types of lodging ranging from simple camping areas to luxury rooms! If you want to explore the Park over a few days, the best way to do so is to book into a lodge or camp area! No matter what your budget is, you'll find a good selection of hotels motels and cabins to choose from.

Again, you must book well in advance of your visit! Hotels, campgrounds, and lodges can book up months in advance - so to avoid disappointment, always book ahead. Look here for information on reservations and permits and to see what is required to stay overnight in Yosemite.

Inside the Park:

  • Housekeeping Camp: Basic accommodation with units for 6 adults located along the Merced River.

  • Curry Village: A step up from basic camp accommodations, it's like a motel where you can choose from 'canvas tent cabins' to heated rooms with all amenities.

  • Ahwahnee Hotel: This is best and most expensive place to stay in Yosemite. Not only will you enjoy the finest rooms, but you'll also have spectacular views of the valley area.
There are many more great places to stay in Yosemite Park! Look for booking information here at Yosemitepark.com

Places to stay near Yosemite Park:

There are all sorts of places to stay including little cabins, bed and breakfast rooms, as well as motels and historic inns that are very close to Yosemite National Park.

  • The Sunset Inn which is open year round and is a great alternative to staying within Yosemite.

  • The Blackberry Bed & Breakfast is a short drive from the Big Oak Flat Entrance to Yosemite and has usually has some last minute specials available in the spring and fall months. Call 1-888-867-5001 for reservations and info.

Yosemite Adventure Vacation - How Far is it to Yosemite National Park?

Look at our Mileage Chart and Driving Time to Yosemite National Park:

Distance from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park: 195 Miles
5 Hours Driving Time

Distance from Fresno to Yosemite National Park: 100 Miles
2.5 Hours Driving Time

Distance from Sacramento to Yosemite National Park: 175 Miles
4 Hours Driving Time

Distance from Modesto to Yosemite National Park: 115 Miles
2.5 Hours Driving Time

Distance from Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park: 320 Miles
6.5 Hours Driving Time

Distance from San Diego to Yosemite National Park: 450 Miles
8 Hours Driving Time

Distance from Reno to Yosemite National Park: 220 Miles
5 Hours Driving Time



Have a Great Yosemite Adventure Vacation!

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