Learn About the Park
OverviewSpectacular vistas, towering sequoias, and granite cliffs are among the wonders visitors enjoy when visiting this incredible Park.
Yosemite National Park Points of Interest & Stops
Browse points of interest in Yosemite National Park, including overlooks, trailheads, waterfalls, visitor centers, and other stops that help shape a stronger park itinerary.
Best Stops and Park POIs in Yosemite National Park
Use this Yosemite National Park POI collection to compare stops, prioritize landmarks, and decide which places belong on the route before you open the map or start a trip plan.
Learn About the Park
GeologyThe Park's most prominent features resulted from ancient volcanic action, erosion, continental uplift, and Ice Age glaciers.
Learn About the Park
WildlifeMany species of wildlife populate the Park, but black bear are certainly the most famous of its inhabitants.
Learn About the Park
Plants and FlowersLearn a bit about the vegetation you'll see when visiting this beautiful Park.
Learn About the Park
Early Yosemite InhabitantsThe earliest residents of the area were Native Americans who inhabited the Valley for at least 6,000 years.
Learn About the Park
Jessie Benton FremontAn early advocate of the Park, without her work behind the scenes, Yosemite might not exist today.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove RoadA two-mile road to get to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Yosemite Valley
Fern Spring (V12)Be sure to take a moment to enjoy what is perhaps the most beautiful spring in the Park.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove (S1)A grove of more than 500 giant sequoias, some of them up to 3,000 years old.
Point of interest
Glacier Point ViewThis point stands 3,242 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor and views the sheer cliff of Glacier Point.
Yosemite Valley
Mariposa Battalion Campsite (V13)The Battalion entered Yosemite Valley for the first time in March of 1851 and camped in this meadow.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Bridalveil Fall (W1)A 617-foot waterfall that flows year-round and is the first one you'll see when you enter the Park.
Yosemite Valley
Bridalveil Fall (V14)This 617-foot waterfall that flows year-round is the first one you'll see when entering the Park.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove Parking Lot (S2)The parking lot fills up early, so your best bet may be to take the free shuttle.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Tunnel View (W2)The most famous vantage point into Yosemite Valley with expansive views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome.
Yosemite Valley
Cathedral Spires (V15)A rugged collection of cliffs, buttresses, and pinnacles on the south side of Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Valley
Sentinel BeachA Merced River beach that sits under the watchful gaze of 7,000-foot Sentinel Rock on the Yosemite Valley floor.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Inspiration PointA great spot for photographing astounding views of the Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Valley
Three Brothers View (V16)John Muir considered this view from Eagle Peak to be the most beautiful view of Yosemite Valley.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Fallen Monarch (S3)Biologists suspect that this giant sequoia, 26 feet in diameter and 285 feet long, fell centuries ago.
Yosemite Valley
Merced River (V17)This 112-mile river is popular among boaters, anglers, campers, hikers, and photo-snapping tourists alike.
Wawona Road (Rt 41)
Wawona TunnelThe longest tunnel in California that was bored through solid granite bedrock and travels through a granite mountain.
Yosemite Valley
Sentinel Rock (V18)A 3,073-foot granitic peak named for its watchtower-like appearance.
Yosemite Valley
Bachelor and Three GracesFour giant sequoia trees that have grown very close together in the Mariposa Grove of Yosemite.
