Tips For Things You Can See And Do In Yosemite From The Car

It’s wonderful to have the time and physical ability to leave your automobile behind in Yosemite National Park and strike out on foot, bicycle, ski, snowshoe, or raft. Such modes of locomotion certainly provide thrillingly intimate encounters with the park’s landscape. That said, visitors who’re basically restricted to exploring Yosemite from the car have much to see and experience. A fine network of roads, overlooks, and short, accessible walking paths translate to many opportunities for appreciating the park's transcendent spaces.

Things to See in Yosemite From The Car

Routes into Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite valleys as well as the Glacier Point and Tioga roads allow you to drive through the park’s most iconic scenery. If you can walk a short distance, stop at the Bridalveil and Lower Yosemite falls trailheads and stroll the easy, paved paths to the feet of mesmerizing cataracts. Other short, non-strenuous hikes in Yosemite Valley include those at Happy Isles. Several outstanding high-elevation panoramas, including Glacier, Washburn, and Olmstead points, are wheelchair-accessible. Many of Yosemite’s lakes are in the backcountry, but not all: On the Tioga Road, for example, you drive right past stunning Tenaya Lake and, higher up near the park's east entrance, Ellery Lake. You can also park beside the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir along the Tuolumne River. Tips If you’re really limited time-wise, you can certainly do an epic cruise of Yosemite and get an overview of its geography while barely stepping from the car. Consider, however, slowing your pace—a good idea anyway when traffic’s heavy—and scaling back your coverage to a handful of spots you can really soak in. Blind or permanently disabled visitors to Yosemite may obtain the free Interagency Access Pass, while temporarily disabled visitors can use a Temporary Accessibility Placard—both available at various entrance stations, visitor centers, and other spots in the park. These allow special access, including on certain roads otherwise closed to private cars. Scenic Wonders Our Scenic Wonders cabins are a ridiculously easy drive to some of Yosemite’s great landmarks, including Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point. For those planning a car safari, our Yosemite West neighborhood is the ideal base camp!

Make Your Yosemite Reservations Today

If you’re looking to explore Yosemite, start planning your trip with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer Yosemite reservations within the gates of the park. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from all the wonderful spots in Yosemite. Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and to make your Yosemite reservations today.

Yosemite National Park Blog

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite blog provides the latest news related to Yosemite National Park. By reading our blog, you’ll stay up to date on activities, accommodations, and more.   Photo credit: Peter Alfred Hess