Yodel for Yosemite

Spring Hikes Bike Rides and Zipline in Yosemite

Arizona has the Grand Canyon. Florida has the Everglades. And California? We have Yosemite. One of the world's most celebrated national parks is just a few hours away and spring is an amazing time to see all of its natural wonders on full display. Right now the Merced River Canyon makes a colorful entrance to Yosemite Valley: Brilliant orange poppies and vibrant blue lupines splash across the hills. Keep the good times rolling with one of the best bike rides in California. Rent a cushy cruiser and pedal around Yosemite Valley, taking in iconic sites from Half Dome and El Capitan to the famous waterfalls. Another great way to experience Yosemite without being in your car? Hitch a ride with a mule or a horse; guided excursions in both Wawona and Yosemite Valley add a little giddyup to your sightseeing. In late spring when things start really heating up, head to the cooling canopy of Mariposa Grove, where you'll hike among 500 giant sequoias, with highlights like Grizzly Giant and Tunnel Tree. And to really take your adventure to the next level, zip on over to the Yosemite Zipline and Adventure Ranch (pictured) where—if you can catch your breath—you'll be yodeling like Yosemite Sam as you fly over oaks and pines while enjoying views of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Yodelay Yosemite!

Best Hikes in Yosemite: Need a little inspiration? These top hikes in Yosemite will have you lacing up the boots in no time!

Where do you want to stay? Yosemite/Mariposa County makes it easy by listing the best lodging options with great spring rates, and package deals.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

    View
  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View
  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View
  2. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

    View