Yosemite National Park has so many unique and interesting hiking trails, but not everyone wants to get out and hike on their vacation. Plus, some people just aren’t able to tackle some of these big trails. Ever since I injured myself at Sky Pond at Rocky Mountain National Park, I’ve looked for non-hiking options when I visit national parks. Not because I gave up hiking, but because that experience forced me to look at Rocky Mountain National Park in a different way. Now, I try to apply that to other national parks that I visit.
So, if you’re planning a trip to California’s national parks, here are my top things to do at Yosemite National Park without hiking.
Yosemite National Park Without Hiking
This is not a comprehensive list of all non-hiking activities, but it’s an excellent stating point and covers what I feel are a lot of the best non-hikes at Yosemite National Park. While there are some walks on here, every walk that is included is listed as an accessible trail on the NPS website.
Drive Glacier Point Road
Glacier Point Road isn’t necessarily a scenic drive, but it takes you to two spectacular viewpoints at the end of the road. While it’s true that hiking to Taft Point (accessible from Glacier Point Road) was one of my favorite experiences at Yosemite National Park, the views from the non-hiking viewpoints are still amazing.
Glacier Point
Glacier Point is the end of Glacier Point Road and when you reach this area, you’ll find a massive parking lot. The large parking lot also means there’s a huge viewpoint with plenty of areas to walk around and take in the surrounding mountains at different angles. The views here are incredible and you can even see the famous Half Dome from here.
Washburn Point
Washburn Point is just a bit before Glacier Point. The parking lot is smaller, so you’ll be sharing the view with fewer people. Washburn Point is also smaller than Glacier Point so there’s less opportunity to walk. While Glacier Point feels expansive with where you can explore, Washburn Point feels smaller.
That said, I preferred Washburn Point just because there were fewer people here. You’ll still get great views of the surrounding mountains (including Half Dome), but it’s just a bit more limited than Glacier Point. Still, I think it’s worth stopping at both.
See the Iconic Mountains
Yosemite National Park is full of mountains, but there are two that I want to make sure to mention. You’ll have plenty of options to see them, but because there are so many mountains, it can be easy to forget to specifically look for these.
Views of El Capitan
There are many mountains throughout Yosemite National Park but one that so many people make it a point to stop at is El Capitan. The mountain towers 3000 feet above the valley and is a popular spot for climbing. Even those you don’t plan to climb the mountain can take in the views of the mountain and see if you can spot any climbers who are attempting it.
As a bonus for El Capitan, check out Horsetail Fall later in this post.
Views of Half Dome
Half Dome is the other famous mountain. It’s called Half Dome because it literally looks like half of a dome. It’s rounded at the top but one side is just a sheer cliff face.
Adventurous and fit hikers make it a bucket list item to summit Half Dome, but since this is a post about non-hiking activities at Glacier National Park, we won’t be dwelling too much on the hike to Half Dome. That said, keep your eyes peeled. If you look closely, you might be able to catch a glimpse of either hikers or rock climbers on Half Dome.
Walk Through Cook’s Meadow
I know that this is technically a list of things to do at Yosemite National Park that don’t involve hiking, but I am including one walk on this list. While you could consider this a hike, I don’t. It’s a mile long (although you could turn around and just do part of it) and it’s mostly flat with a boardwalk along most of the path. This walk is through Cook’s Meadow. The NPS lists this this trail as accessible and I do think it’s going to be doable for most visitors.
So why should you walk through Cook’s Meadow? Because the views here are incredible. Cook’s Meadow is in the heart of Yosemite Valley with towering mountains on either side of you. As you stand in the middle of the meadow, turn around a full 360 degrees and appreciate all of the beauty around you.
I did some hiking at Yosemite National Park, but this walk in Cook’s Meadow was one of my favorites. It was easy and the views were awesome. And sure, you could see views of the mountains from your car, but stepping out into the meadow and away from the road was just awesome.
See a Waterfall
There are so many waterfalls at Yosemite National Park, but one thing that is important to note is that seasonality is important. If you plan to try to see the powerful waterfalls, you’ll want to plan your visit for late spring and into early summer. I visited in September and nearly every waterfall was dry. That’s not to say that Yosemite National Park wasn’t beautiful in September, but rather, I definitely missed all of the waterfalls and that was kind of a bummer.
Bridalveil Falls
The first waterfall I’m going to mention is Bridalveil Falls and it’s just outside of the main Yosemite Valley loop. From the parking lot, you’ll have a short walk to reach the viewing platforms, but you can also get a glimpse of the waterfall from the road and from the parking lot.
As mentioned, I was here in September and there was just the faint wisps of water flowing over the mountain, but I imagine it’s more impressive earlier in the year.
Lower Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls was completely dry on my visit to Yosemite National Park, but that didn’t stop people from hiking to the waterfall (all seven miles round trip). If you’re visiting the park earlier in the year, add a stop for Yosemite Falls. The main waterfall is massive and can be seen from a distance, but just a short distance from the shuttle stop, you can reach Lower Yosemite Falls. It’s part of the same waterfall, but it’s a more accessible option for those who want to get a bit closer to the waterfalls.
I visited, saw a dry slab of rock, and moved on. But the pictures I’ve seen online of the falls with actual water look very nice.
Horsetail Fall
Horsetail Fall is a waterfall that flows down the eastern side of El Capitan. What makes this waterfall so unique is that if you time your visit right (sunset in mid to late February), the light hits the water in such a way that it looks like the falls are on fire.
Even if you can’t see Horsetail Fall (“on fire” or otherwise), pull over and take in the views of El Capitan from the road.
Stop at Tunnel View
Most of the roads through Yosemite National Park hug the side of mountains. There’s one exception and that is a tunnel that cuts straight through the mountain. While the tunnel itself is unremarkable for tourists, there is a pull out on the eastern end of the tunnel. This is known as Tunnel View and it is a spectacular viewpoint.
For those entering Yosemite National Park from the Mariposa Grove Entrance, this will be the first of many dramatic views throughout Yosemite. Don’t get me wrong, there are other mountain views along the way, but Tunnel View really packs a punch.
A word of warning is that this area gets busy. We didn’t have a problem finding a spot to park, but I mention it’s busy because there are places to park on both sides of the road. As a result, there are plenty of tourists crossing the road and you need to pay attention. Signs are posted to warn you. While this isn’t something I’d normally comment on, the views and parking lots are immediately after the tunnel, so as your eyes adjust to the brightness outside, you also need to be aware of tourists who may not be using common sense when crossing the street.
Visit Mariposa Grove
Mariposa Grove is located just passed the Mariposa Entrance and is a grove on sequoia trees. You’ll also find a hiking trail leading from here, but I don’t have any first hand experience. But it’s my understanding that you can experience Mariposa Grove without hiking the trail (you’ll just see a bit less).
My mom and I planned to stop here as the last stop of our day. However, as we pulled up, the parking lot was blocked off because it was full, so we just decided we’d skip it because there wasn’t anything we could do. My theory is because Mariposa Grove is the first thing many people entering at the Mariposa Entrance come across, the lot fills up fast. So my advice is if you want to visit Mariposa Grove, try to do it earlier in the day, or even very late in the afternoon.
Still, I think this would be an excellent addition to your non-hiking itinerary.
Drive Tioga Road
Tioga Road is a bit off the main tourist route so a visit to this scenic drive will likely be significantly quieter than the main Yosemite Valley loop. Admittedly I didn’t make it out here (I ran out of time), but the photos look great and it’s definitely on my list for next time.
Look for Some Wildlife
I have to mention the wildlife. If you’re an animal lover, do your research and review the NPS website for information of what animals you can spot and where to spot them.
Wildlife isn’t a big deal to me, so I don’t make it a priority on my trip. Maybe it’s because I put such a low priority on it, that I didn’t see much wildlife. The only notable animal I saw a badger on the trail to Taft Point. I am still very angry about it because I’m from Wisconsin (aka “The Badger State”) and the first time I saw a wild badger was in California.
But I digress. The park is home to plenty of animals and wildlife so if that’s what interests you, you could spend easily go out and try to find them. Check out advice from the NPS website about the best places to search for wildlife.
Attend a Ranger Program
I always include ranger programs on these lists. While there you will find ranger talks that include a hike, there are always opportunities for ranger programs that don’t involve movement. The topics vary wildly and cover all areas of the park from wildlife to history and everything in between.
Ranger talks aren’t necessarily my thing, but I know that some people really enjoy them. So, if attending a ranger talk to learn something new about Yosemite National Park sounds like something that would be interesting to you, take a look at the NPS calendar to see what is offered during your visit. It’s also worth asking at a Visitor Center the day of the talk. Last minute cancellations can happen and the Visitor Centers should have the most up to date information.
How Long Do You Need at Yosemite National Park
At an absolute minimum, you’ll want to give yourself one full day at Yosemite National Park, even if you don’t plan on hiking. I think two days is better because it allows you to go at a bit more of a relaxed pace. The park is massive and even just to get from the Mariposa Grove Entrance to Tunnel View is a 45 minute drive. It takes time to move through the park, even without accounting for any traffic (which does happen during the busier months).
So if you have two days, I’d recommend spending one day on Glacier Point Road and Yosemite Valley. On the second day you can drive Tioga Road and return to Yosemite Valley if there’s anything you missed the day prior.
When to Visit Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park can be visited all year round but some months are better than others.
Summer is peak travel time, but it’s also when you’ll have great weather. Winter is low season where you’ll find fewer people, but you’ll also have less to do as some of the roads close during this time. Spring and fall are shoulder season and tend to offer a balance between good weather (although this isn’t guaranteed) and manageable crowds.
One thing to consider is the waterfalls. If seeing some of the powerful waterfalls is high on your list, I recommend aiming for late spring or very early summer. As summer moves into fall, the water dries up and the falls decrease in power.
I visited in mid September and while I had excellent weather, every waterfall was either completely dry or very low. Crowds were mostly manageable and the only thing we had to skip was Mariposa Grove as we couldn’t get into the parking lot (more on this later in my tips about managing crowds).
Where to Stay on Your Visit to Yosemite National Park
You have many options when it comes to lodging in and around Yosemite National Park and much of it is determined by how much you are willing to spend.
There are lodges and hotels within the park, but these book up well in advance and can come with heavier price tags. If you’re on a budget, consider looking a bit further afield for your hotels.
Our visit to Yosemite National Park lasted for two days. We spent the night in Fresno before getting up very early to drive and reach the entrance to Yosemite National Park at 7:00 am. Then we spent the night in Mariposa. After our second day at the park, we returned to Fresno. While our hotels in Fresno were strategically planned with the rest of our itinerary and flight times, our hotel in Fresno was half the cost of our hotel in Mariposa and that definitely had an impact on planning.
Entrance Fees for Yosemite National Park
Entrance to Yosemite National Park is $35 for a 7 day pass. Annual passes, such as the America the Beautiful Pass, are also accepted.
Reservations for Yosemite National Park
Most visitors will need a reservation to visit Yosemite National Park. This is a new measure that was introduced to try to control crowds at the park. So when you have your plans and dates set, pick up a reservation.
Reservations are needed from late spring through early fall. During the summer, reservations are required everyday. In late spring and early fall, reservations are only required for Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc.). These reservations are required for entry between 5:00 am and 4:00 pm. If you plan to enter the park outside of these hours, you do not need a reservation (although you will not be allowed to re-enter the park between 5:00 am and 4:00 pm without a reservation).
Reservations cost $2 and are valid for three days. So if you purchase a reservation for Wednesday, you can use that same reservation for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Reservations go on sale on January 1.
If you do not have a reservation, you’ll be turned around at the entrance.
A limited number of the reservations are held until the night before, so if you didn’t manage to get a reservation weeks or months in advance, try the night before. If you still don’t have a reservation, you’ll need to get up very early and enter the park before 5:00 am.
Managing the Crowds at Yosemite National Park
The crowds at Yosemite National Park can be crazy and because of that, I recommend getting an early start. We arrived at our trailheads by 8:00 on both days of our visit. We shared the trails with other hikers, but we noticed a lot more hikers as we worked our way back from the various viewpoints.
More importantly, the entrances to the park can be a huge bottleneck. It gets so bad that there are signs posted along the road to tell visitors how long of a wait it will be (30 minutes from this point, 60 minutes from this point, etc.). Additionally, the traffic can get backed up through Yosemite Valley. Thankfully, we never experienced this but we always arrived in the valley early in the morning.
On our second day, we planned to stop at Mariposa Grove, but the lot was full so we exited the park (as that was our last stop before heading back to Fresno). It was 1:00 pm on a Monday in September that had rain (and snow in some areas) predicted for the afternoon. The line of cars to enter the park at the Mariposa Grove entrance stretched beyond the “60 minutes from this point” marker.
The point of all of this is to remind you to make your reservations and arrive at the park early. However, if you enjoy waiting in long lines, by all means, take your time.
Tips for Dealing with the Weather
Weather can be difficult and don’t be surprised by big temperature swings. These parks are big and if you put “Yosemite National Park” into your phone’s weather app, its forecast may be different than your actual destination in Yosemite. So, what I recommend doing is using the forecasts provided by the NPS.
For each park, you can select where you’ll be and they’ll give a forecast for that area. This is incredibly helpful as there can be some significant temperature differences throughout the park.
Final Thoughts
While Yosemite National Park will likely be a bit more exciting for hikers and rock climbers, the park is still beautiful. Even without hiking, you can see so much of the beauty of this area of California and the United States.
Continue Your Adventure
National Parks Without Hiking: Don’t miss my guides for Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park without hiking.
Yosemite National Park: Check out my list of the best things to do at Yosemite National Park for a first time visitor. And if you change your mind on hiking, check out my guide to hiking to Columbia Rock. Plus learn how to spend one day or two days at the park.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon: Just a short drive away is two more national parks. Learn about the best of Sequoia and the best of Kings Canyon. Plus, plan your one day at Sequoia and one day at Kings Canyon. If you’re short on time, combine Sequoia and Kings Canyon into one day.
California Itinerary: Starting in Fresno, visit Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks on an epic one week road trip.
US National Parks: Start planning your national park vacation with my US National Park Travel Guide. You’ll find information about each park, photos, itineraries, and everything you need to start planning your trip. And don’t forget to book your timed entry reservations in advance!