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.

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  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

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  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

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  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

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  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

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  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

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  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

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  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

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  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

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