Yodel for Yosemite

Hikes Bike Rides and Zipline in Yosemite

Arizona has the Grand Canyon. Florida has the Everglades. And California? We have Yosemite. One of the world's most celebrated national parks is just a few hours away and spring is an amazing time to see all of its natural wonders on full display. Right now the Merced River Canyon makes a colorful entrance to Yosemite Valley: Brilliant orange poppies and vibrant blue lupines splash across the hills. Keep the good times rolling with one of the best bike rides in California. Rent a cushy cruiser and pedal around Yosemite Valley, taking in iconic sites from Half Dome and El Capitan to the famous waterfalls. Another great way to experience Yosemite without being in your car? Hitch a ride with a mule or a horse; guided excursions in both Wawona and Yosemite Valley add a little giddyup to your sightseeing. In late spring when things start really heating up, head to the cooling canopy of Mariposa Grove, where you'll hike among 500 giant sequoias, with highlights like Grizzly Giant and Tunnel Tree. And to really take your adventure to the next level, zip on over to the Yosemite Zipline and Adventure Ranch (pictured) where—if you can catch your breath—you'll be yodeling like Yosemite Sam as you fly over oaks and pines while enjoying views of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Yodelay Yosemite!

Best Hikes in Yosemite: Need a little inspiration? These top hikes in Yosemite will have you lacing up the boots in no time!

Where do you want to stay? Yosemite/Mariposa County makes it easy by listing the best lodging options with great spring rates, and package deals.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. The Beauty of Bainbridge Island

    You know a place is special when locals head to it for their in-state vacations. Follow the lead of Seattleites and venture to beautiful Bainbridge Island in the heart of Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula. Hike the Grand Forest here, meet Pia the Peacekeeper, and enjoy tasty food and drinks.

    View
  2. Woman on a bicycle passing a park lake with a fountain spraying water

    East Bay Bike With Blossoms

    Spring wildflowers are in full bloom on this 15.5-mile bicycle loop through the East Bay that begins at charming Heather Farm Park and features plenty of scenic highlights.

    View
  3. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View
  4. old church on Monterey Path of History

    Path of History Walk (+ Food Bonuses)

    Monterey’s 2-mile yellow tiled, multilingual Path of History is a do-it-yourself stroll among some of the area’s most interesting, beautiful, and culturally significant sites, including through the Old Town, past Mexican-era adobes, and to the beautiful Royal Presidio Chapel.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Be Dune-spired!

    There’s only one urban park on the planet that helped inspire a major theme in Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi book, Dune. Herbert was born and raised in Tacoma, and Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park is named in honor of his famous novel—a tribute to one of the book’s main ideas ...

    View
  2. Little Norway

    There aren’t many small towns in America that look and feel like Europe, but Washington State sure seems to have a few! Lesser known among them is Poulsbo on the Kitsap Peninsula. Dubbed “Little Norway,” this hamlet on the waterfront of Liberty Bay is charmed with Scandinavian influence.  

    View
  3. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  4. Dume in Bloom

    During wildflower season, nature puts on a spectacular show, and one the best places to see it is at Point Dume Natural Preserve in Malibu. 

    View