When you first catch sight of Yosemite National Park, probably from the beautiful Tunnel View Overlook, prepare to be blown away. Once your mind gets over how insane the view of the park is, you can't help but wonder what hidden gems are tucked away in the forests, behind the waterfalls, and atop the majestic mountains. Despite the fact that most people who visit spend their entire trip staying firmly within the 7 square miles of the Yosemite Valley, there are still undiscovered wonders even in that small area, and there are 1,161 more square miles of pure beauty that are equally worth exploring! Here are some of the highlights from across Yosemite.
34 Turtleback Trl, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida United States
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon, Texas United States
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon, Texas United States
Petrified Forest Hwy, Ganado, Arizona United States
Old Spanish Trail Hwy, Death Valley, California United States
The best time to visit Yosemite National Park: Summer is easily the most popular time to visit (which can mean traffic on the roads, and limited availability for campsites and hotels). While spring is a good alternative, keep in mind it might be snowy into May or even June here, and while most of the park is open, some roads close for the season. By fall, most of the waterfalls dry up, but some of the non-evergreen foliage is quite lovely, and most of the park remains open through November, when you also get more mild temperatures, although the weather can start to get a little unpredictable. Winter usually brings quite a bit of snow, but snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are always fun options!