Yosemite Attractions

Short walks and longer hikes to waterfalls in Yosemite Valley; open-air tours around Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias; walks amongst giant sequoias in the Mariposa, Tuolumne, or Merced Groves; drive or take a tour bus to Glacier Point (summer-fall) to see a spectacular view of Yosemite Valley and the high country; drive along the scenic Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows (summer-fall) and go for a walk or hike.

Auto touring
All of the roads in Yosemite National Park are scenic, but the most famous scenic drive is along the Tioga Road, a 39-mile drive from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass. The road is typically open from late May or early June through sometime in November.
The Yosemite Road Guide contains descriptions of each road inside the park and includes suggestions of where to stop along the way. This book is available at visitor centers and bookstores throughout the park.

Wilderness area
Over 95% of Yosemite National Park is designated as Wilderness: areas that are defined by their general lack of development or facilities. The Yosemite Wilderness is popular among hikers and stock users.

Bicycling
Over 12 miles of paved bike paths are available in Yosemite Valley. In addition, bicyclists can ride on regular roads (if they obey traffic laws). Helmets are required by law for children under 18 years of age.
Off-trail riding and mountain biking are not permitted in Yosemite National Park.

Rafting
Rafting along the Merced River is popular during summer. You can rent a raft (typically in June and July, but it varies from year to year, depending on water level)) or bring your own. (Other nonmotorized vessels, such as kayaks, are also permitted.)
Rafting is permitted on the Merced River between Stoneman Bridge (near Curry Village) and Sentinel Beach Picnic Area between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.. Rafting is not permitted whenever the river stage (depth) reads 6.5 feet or higher and the sum of air temperature and water temperature is less than 100°F. You must have a personal flotation device immediately available for each occupant of the raft.

Birdwatching
Yosemite is home to variety of birds. The most commonly seen birds include the Stellar's jay, American robin, Brewer's blackbird, acorn woodpecker, raven, and black-headed grosbeak. In spring, listen for the splendid glissade of the red-wing blackbrid (most often seen in meadows) or watch the American dipper dart in and out of creek and river rapids.
Some of the more sought-after birds to see in Yosemite include the great gray owl, Peregrine falcon, pileated woodpecker, and northern goshawk.

Fishing regulations
Fishing regulations for Yosemite National Park follow those set by the State of California, including the requirement that people 16 or older have a valid California fishing license.
The season for stream and river fishing begins on the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15. The only exception is Frog Creek near Lake Eleanor, where fishing season does not open until June 15 to protect spawning rainbow trout. All lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round.

Swimming
Besides the outdoor pools available to the public during summer at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge swimming is permitted in all bodies of water in the park except Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and above waterfalls.
Swimming in the Merced River is a great way to cool off--but help protect the river by entering and exiting only on sandy beaches. Swimming in rivers is not without hazards, including swift currents, cold water, and hazards within the river (e.g., trees).