Cool Things To Do in Yosemite National Park
There is no shortage of cool things to do in Yosemite, especially if you're fit and outdoors-oriented. There are 800 miles of trails that access the 1200 square miles of some of the planet's best landscapes. Two big rivers drain the high country via crystalline pools and dashing waterfalls. Vertical cliffs, glaciers and high elevation peaks call the climbers and mountaineers to explore.
On a mellower plane, there are cool things for artists and photographers to appreciate, too. Yosemite phenomena like the 'firefall' waterfall, frazil ice, snowstorms and summer thunderstorms, black bears and Steller's jays are very cool items for the observer to encounter. There are a thousand cool perches from which to just sit and meditate within the immense montane terrain.
In the high country there are lots of tasty treats to be pursued: try Mt. Conness from a choice of several routes, or Mt. Dana's hike up from Tioga Pass. In Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is one cool rock and a remarkable hike that will tax mind, body and spirit, while Snow Creek Trail has big views without big crowds (and no permit needed).
Take a lesson with the Yosemite Mountaineering School and get up on the park's world-famous big wall routes in the footsteps of cool folks like Lynn Hill, Royal Robbins and Ron Kauk. Whitewater rafting on the Merced or the Tuolumne, or a float through Yosemite Valley are literally cool on a hot summer day.
On a mellower plane, there are cool things for artists and photographers to appreciate, too. Yosemite phenomena like the 'firefall' waterfall, frazil ice, snowstorms and summer thunderstorms, black bears and Steller's jays are very cool items for the observer to encounter. There are a thousand cool perches from which to just sit and meditate within the immense montane terrain.
In the high country there are lots of tasty treats to be pursued: try Mt. Conness from a choice of several routes, or Mt. Dana's hike up from Tioga Pass. In Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is one cool rock and a remarkable hike that will tax mind, body and spirit, while Snow Creek Trail has big views without big crowds (and no permit needed).
Take a lesson with the Yosemite Mountaineering School and get up on the park's world-famous big wall routes in the footsteps of cool folks like Lynn Hill, Royal Robbins and Ron Kauk. Whitewater rafting on the Merced or the Tuolumne, or a float through Yosemite Valley are literally cool on a hot summer day.
Half Dome Trail
East end of Happy Isle Loop Road
(Yosemite Valley)
The best hiking adventure for the very fit...
Yosemite Mountaineering School
Southside Drive & Happy Isle Loop Road
Learn to rock climb inside the park...
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