Fall & Winter Parks
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
Yosemite
Where to Stay
Pines Campground
If you can make a reservation! If you are really hardcore but did not get a reservation, Camp 4 is a Yosemite classic first-come-first-serve campsite. You' ll probably have to get in line at 5am or so!
Where to hike
Trail to Glacier Point
Head up the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point, then down the Panorama and the Mist Trail. Twelve out of ten stars with an equal number of miles. I can’t tell you how many incredible vistas and differentviewpoints you will encounter along this world-class loop hike. This one never gets old for me.
Must-See Landmark
Half Dome
Half Dome of course! Can't miss it. The iconic rocks imply demands one's attention and I can never resist the urge to fixate on this incredible granite formation. Let yourself go staring at it and see what wonders it can do for your soul...
Where to See Sunrise/Sunset
Sentinel Dome
For sunrise, I would have to say Sentinel Dome. It has a full on 360 degree panoramic view of the park, even into the High Sierras. For sunset, I would have to say Taft Point.
Quintessential Scenic Drive
Tioga Road
Drive up Tioga Road into Yosemite’s High Country. Definitely an oft-overlooked area in Yosemite that never fails to disappoint. The mountains and meadows the drive takes its visitors past will astound even hardest of heart. Also, blue hour along this road frequently brings me to tears. Cheers!
Secret Spot
Crocker Point
If I told you, I’d have to kill you. *wink wink* Okay, fine. For real, you gotta hike up to Crocker Point along the Pohono Trail a couple miles past Tunnel View. The place blows my mind every time and has ridiculously fewer people than Tunnel View. Make sure to remember to breathe while you take in these views!
Where to Refuel
Half Dome Village Pizza Deck
Formerly known as Curry Village. CURRY FOREVER! Extra perk: There's a bar right next to it with excellent craft brews. One really cannot go wrong with pizza and a beer after a long day of hiking or climbing.
Where To Enjoy A Cold One
Taft Point
To be honest, I would have to say Taft Point must be the perfect place to kick it and enjoy a cold one. And yes, Taft really does live up to the hype. Bring a small cooler with you in your backpack with your drink of choice in it and you will have it made. Primo.
Selfie Spot
Valley View
I am partial to Valley View for this one. Can’t go wrong here with great views of El Capitain and Bridal Veil Falls right along the Merced River. Cheeeeese!
Radical Activity
Rock Climbing
In Yosemite? Rock Climbing, no contest. Climbing history in Yosemite remains extremely present and I can almost feel as though I am climbing with the old-timers as I make my way up the granite cliffs. Bonus points if you watch the film “Valley Uprising” before you make your visit to Yosemite. It will make your trip just that much more meaningful!
Andrew Upchurch
@andrewmupchurch
Location:
Yosemite, CA
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