By Hayley Helms
See the sights and enjoy the splendor of one of the most stunning natural landscapes on Earth.
Yosemite is globally renowned as one of the most pristine, naturally beautiful places on the planet, but if you assume all there is to do in the uber-famous national park is hiking and hiding your snacks from bears, think again (though admittedly, there is A LOT of that, too). Yosemite is known for its iconic hikes, backpacking routes and harrowing free climbs—but it’s also a hotspot for stargazing, camping, scenic drives and more.
In 2023, Yosemite National Park ranked fourth on the list of most visited national parks, with over four million visitors—proof that the central Sierra Nevada destination holds enduring appeal, despite its fame. When you visit, of course you’ll be able to see Half Dome—but you’ll be able to check out more underrated, locals-only spots as well. Especially when staying at the all-new Outbound Yosemite lodge (104 cabins, clubhouse, pool and hot tub). In Yosemite, the hidden gems are just as prevalent as the well-known tourist spots making it a must-visit destination for any outdoor lover. Read on for my recommendations for seven things to do and see in Yosemite that tread slightly off the beaten path.
1. Explore the Chilnualna Falls Trail
Yosemite National Park is vast—it spans 759,620 acres (1,187 square miles) and is roughly the size of Rhode Island. (Feel free to use this trivia at your next icebreaker.) That being said, sometimes the most iconic destinations in the park can feel, well—crowded. If you’d like to venture slightly off the beaten (or paved) path, while staying within the park’s bounds, I would recommend checking out the Chilnualna Falls area. The trails can be hiked by all skill levels and abilities, and you get to see waterfalls! Close up! This area features five large drops over huge granite formations above the Wawona basin; experienced hikers can take on the full loop, which spans 8 miles and includes 2,000 feet of elevation gain, and those looking for a more relaxed experience can try the half mile round trip with 250 feet in elevation gain. The Chilnualna Falls Trail is definitely worth planning a day trip around. The best part? It won’t likely be bombarded by crowds.
2. Stargaze in Tuolumne Meadows
There may not be a more magical place to take in the stars than the breathtakingly beautiful Tuolumne Meadows. It’s one of my absolute favorite places I’ve ever visited and I consider it a must-see, but don’t take my word for it: It’s lauded by most as one of the most stunning locations in the area. The drive through Tioga Pass is completely awe-inspiring and worth it on its own, if for some reason you don’t want to get out of your car. By day, bask in the view of rolling hills, alpine lakes and granite cliffs, and by night, enjoy some of the best stargazing Yosemite has to offer, thanks to its wide-open spaces and dark skies. Plan your visit around a meteor shower for the most dramatic experience available.
If you’d like to make the most of your time in Tuolumne, I recommend booking a guided exploration of the sky with a professional outfitter. And if you’re visiting in the summer, I still recommend bringing a jacket along, as nighttime can be chilly in even the warmest of climes.
3. Stay at an Outbound Yosemite cabin
Coming Winter 2025/2026, the new Outbound Yosemite is just twenty-five minutes by vehicle to the South Gate entrance of Yosemite National Park. Located on seventeen acres, complete with expertly-designed cabins and common areas, the newest Outbound location promises to be a relaxing, rejuvenating stay surrounded by nature.
After days of exploring and hiking, you may want to take a rest day—and Outbound Yosemite is just the place to do so. Treat Outbound like your home base; take a load off and chill! Outbound Yosemite will play host to a pool, hot tub, restaurant and bar, and more rejuvenating experiences.
And if you’re planning an event or retreat, Outbound Yosemite will be home to a 250-person conference center and event venue, with enough room for breakout sessions and gathering spaces.
4. Take in the views at Glacier Point
Seemingly everywhere one turns their head in Yosemite, there is an epic view to be had. Despite the abundance of breathtaking views, there are a few I’d recommend over all others. Glacier Point is one of my favorite lookout spots—you’ll get an incredible vantage point overlooking the Yosemite Valley, as well as Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite’s high country. The road to Glacier Point is open May through October or November, depending on weather. For the very adventurous, Glacier Point is accessible from mid-December through March, by way of cross-country skiing 10.5 miles.
5. Watch wildlife at Hetch Hetchy
Catching a glimpse of the diverse and abundant wildlife that inhabits Yosemite National Park is always an exciting treat. While in the park, you’ll have the opportunity to see deer, bobcats, squirrels, birds and of course, bears. Always exercise caution around wildlife, and never feed the animals or get too close. My favorite spot for birdwatching, wildflower gazing and *hoping to see a deer is the Hetch Hetchy Valley. It’s tucked away in the park’s northwest corner, and has pristine high-country lakes, tons of beautiful flora and fauna, in the spring, while the winter snow melts, two of North America’s tallest waterfalls plunge over thousand-foot granite cliffs.
The best times to spot wildlife are dawn and dusk, but early mornings and late afternoons are good too, if you like to sleep in. The ideal location for animal sightings are any of the 3,000 meadows contained within the national park’s boundaries. Please keep in mind that meadows are sensitive natural habitats, and are easily destroyed by being walked over. When in doubt, keep your distance—and bring a pair of binoculars for long-distance wildlife spotting!
6. Explore Curry Village / see the most iconic spots in the park
If you’re going to make the trip all the way out to Yosemite, it’s worth planning a day to explore Curry Village and the number of renowned landmarks that surround it. Founded by David and Jennie Curry in 1899, Curry Village is the most touristy spot in Yosemite Valley, but it’s still fun to check out. It essentially functions as the de-facto visitor center for anyone driving through, and has gift shops, tasty pizza, and campgrounds, if you’re interested in staying semi-close to civilization. There’s allegedly an outdoor pool too, although I have yet to find it.
After eating and shopping for souvenirs in the Village, take some time to drive or walk the Curry Village Loop, a section of the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. From this trail, you can see iconic landmarks including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, as well as the surrounding Yosemite Valley and meadows.
7. Hike Upper Yosemite Falls
If adventure is calling your name in Yosemite, one of the best ways to answer that call is to hike the iconic Upper Yosemite Falls. With commanding views of Half Dome and the surrounding valley, this is one of the most popular hikes in the area. At 6.6 miles, it can be considered strenuous, and will take a little over five hours to complete—so bring those water bottles! The hike can be divided up into three distinct sections—the upper falls, middle cascade, and lower falls. You’ll start by ascending through switchbacks surrounded by trees, and once you make it all the way to the top, you’ll have a soaring, panoramic view of the Yosemite from the top of Yosemite Falls.
