North Fork, California
North Fork, California, a top spot for outdoor adventures, offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One must-visit is the Willow Creek Trail, known for its scenic beauty. This moderate-difficulty trail boasts a variety of natural features, including lush forests, a sparkling creek, and unique rock formations. Another highlight is the Mammoth Pool, a pristine lake perfect for fishing and boating. Near North Fork, the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is a must-see. This driving route offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, providing ample opportunities for photography. Whether you're a hiker, angler, or simply appreciate the great outdoors, North Fork has something for you.
Top Spots in and near North Fork
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Yosemite Valley, California
Mirror Lake
4.62.56 mi / 190 ft gainMirror Lake is a very popular spot in the Yosemite Valley and definitely a must see to check off your explore list. Crowds are much smaller if you go during the winter, but some parts of the water might be iced over. The trailhead you take to get there is well marked and can be found at the far ...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Photograph Yosemite Falls at Swinging Bridge
5.0This is a drive up and shoot adventure in winter. The spot is at Swinging Bridge area. This area is also a picnic area and hiking trail but, in my opinion, the best spot to capture Yosemite Falls is a few steps walk after you park the car. One of not so many places that you still can go in winte...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Photograph Stoneman Bridge in Yosemite NP
4.5This location turned out to be one of our favorite unplanned stops in the Yosemite Valley to photograph and explore.Stoneman Bridge was constructed in 1933 and spans 72 feet long. The Merced River flows under this classic stone bridge providing very photogenic reflections, with Half Dome in the b...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Yosemite's Eagle Peak via Yosemite Falls
12.6 mi / 3779 ft gainGet a permit. Any overnight backpacking in Yosemite requires a permit from the Wilderness Center. Before you leave make sure to get one! Get a bear canister! Bears are active in Yosemite and all backpackers must take the required measures to keep food away from them! Start at Camp 4. Eagle Pe...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Rock Climb in Camp 4
5.0Some of the best bouldering in Yosemite Valley is on these polished granite boulders. This is an incredibly popular spot, especially during the summer months because of the tourist season. There's a small parking lot for Camp 4, but if that fills up, you'll have to park elsewhere and either walk ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Camp at Camp 4, Yosemite NP
4.5Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Valley Lodge. It's a popular spot for climbers as there is bouldering within the site. It's also located close to the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Pets are not allowed. First come, first serve, $6/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...Read more -
37.741904,-119.601967
Upper Yosemite Falls
4.75.98 mi / 2700 ft gainYou can find the trailhead to Upper Yosemite Falls near Camp 4. There is plenty of free parking here and you can also take a shuttle to stop #7. Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. Bring plenty of water and snacks and take many...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Sentinel Meadow Cook's Meadow Loop Trail
4.51.99 mi / 85 ft gainThis short, easy walk provides some of the best views of several iconic Yosemite landmarks from the valley floor. If you complete the entire loop, expect to see Yosemite Falls from the Swinging Bridge, Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge (a popular spot at sunset), and the historic Yosemite Chapel. ...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Hike the North Dome Loop via Yosemite Falls Trail
4.018 mi / 5200 ft gainOne ofthe most challenging and rewarding hikes on the northern rim of YosemiteValley. This is an alternative to the often crowdedMist, Panorama or 4-Mile Trails. Or if you are not able to grab a permit tohike Half Dome this is great choice. Some of the highlights include hiking tothe top of Nort...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
El Capitan Trail
5.014.68 mi / 5052 ft gainStart on the Yosemite Falls trailhead and work your way up. Yosemite Falls can be anywhere from a huge flow to a slow trickle depending on the time of year. Hiking boots are absolutely necessary and hiking poles are a huge benefit. Say hello to rock climbers at the top as they finish their El Cap...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Bike Yosemite Valley
4.012 miBringing my bike to the Valley was one of the best decisions I have made on my many trips there. Everything changed after that visit and there will never be another time (unless in the dead of winter) that my bike will not be there with me. The reason is simple: everything is heightened.When Yose...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Rock Climb Penthouse Cracks, Yosemite NP
The Penthouse Cracks in Yosemite Valley are a great introduction to crack climbing, in a safe environment. With fixed protection above the routes, you are able to safely top rope these climbs. Featuring a 5.8, two 5.10 climbs, and a 5.11, everyone can find something fun to try.Park at Yosemite Lo...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Yosemite Point
5.07.35 mi / 4354 ft gainStarting at the Yosemite Falls Trailhead in Yosemite Valley, the trek up to the Upper Yosemite Falls overlook has a steep 3,175 ft elevation gain across switchbacks, rocks, and gravelly trails. Hiking poles recommended, but not necessary. The trail to Yosemite Point beyond Upper Yosemite Falls ...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Lake Virginia
5.0You'll find an ample supply of warm, sunny campsites here. After a tough climb leading up to this area, a plunge in the cold water and sunbathing on the warm granite surrounding the lake is just what the doctor ordered. This is one of the sites that you want to plan around - even if you arrive at...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike Old Big Oak Flat Road
4.1 mi / 1070 ft gainOld Big Oak Flat Road used to be one of the main entries into Yosemite Valley, before HWY 120, 140 and 41. It was a dangerous road which had to be realigned, reconstructed and maintained continuously and was eventually closed in the 1940’s after a giant rockslide made it completely irreparable. T...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Lower Yosemite Falls
4.81.16 miAt 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America. The falls consists of three sections: Upper Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Falls. At 320 feet, Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the most popular attractions at Yosemite National Park. This 1-mile loop is a leisurely walk wi...Read more
