Yosemite Biking

Yosemite National Park is certainly big—to put it mildly - but a great way to see many of the famous (and picturesque) spots in the park is to bike along the bike trails and avoid the hassle of driving in traffic.  Bikes are available to rent in the park during the warmer months and can be rented by the hour or by the day.  Aside from traditional bikes, the park also offers bikes for children, tandem, and hand crank bicycles. There are two main bike trails that can explore a generous portion of the park.  Both trails are easygoing rides and don’t require serious athletic strain to enjoy.  Here are some of the sites that Yosemite biking has to offer: From Curry village recreation Center (2 miles round trip) 1)      Mirror Lake – Your first destination can actually make for a pretty eventful day if you plan accordingly.  Take the path past the Mercer River and toward Tenaya Creek.  From there, you can park your bike (the trail is a little too steep to ride) and head toward the lake where you can go for a swim, munch on a picnic lunch and just plain relax in the glow of the scenery.  Not too bad for only one destination. 2)      Mercer River – Although you’ll encounter the river multiple times during your Yosemite vacation, you’ll find that each bridge that guides you over the water makes for a great picture and a unique angle on a beautiful body of water. 3)      Stable – On your way back, be sure to stop at the Yosemite Stable where you’ll have a chance to visit the horses and mules that guide the many visitors through the park. From Yosemite Lodge at the Falls (5 miles round trip) 1)      Yosemite Valley – One of the main reasons to try Yosemite biking is that a bike is the best way to tour the valley.  The area is quite large, so a bike can get you around the area relatively quickly and at your own pace. 2)      Sentinel Bridge – The park’s newest bridge, Sentinel Bridge provides a Yosemite vacation staple: a personal postcard shot of Half Dome.  The view is spectacular and I doubt you’ll accidentally pass it by along your ride. 3)      Chapel – Nestled in the valley, Yosemite National Park’s oldest structure is home to countless weddings each year as well as providing Sunday service for guests that wish to participate. Looking to plan a Yosemite vacation?  Scenic Wonders offers home, condominium, and cabin rentals year round at competitive prices.  If you’re interested in Yosemite lodging, please call us at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648). Photo credit: Acradenia