Join me on a hike up to the summit of Fresno Dome in Sierra National Forest. Just south of Yosemite National Park along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, this easy to moderate hike provides panoramic views with no crowds near Oakhurst, Bass Lake & Fish Camp in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's the perfect easy alternative to Yosemite's Half Dome hike...no permits or reservations needed!
Read MoreSaddle up for an unforgettable horseback riding experience near Yosemite National Park with Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures. This family-owned ranch in Fish Camp, CA offers guided trail rides on gentle quarter horses through scenic Sierra National Forest terrain. This top rated activity near Oakhurst & Bass lake is perfect for beginners, families, and outdoor lovers visiting Yosemite.
Read MoreExplore Roaring River Falls in Kings Canyon National Park, an easy yet breathtaking hike to a thundering waterfall. Walk the short paved trail for close-up views or venture onto a hidden dirt path for a unique elevated perspective. Perfect for families, photographers, and travelers on the Majestic Mountain Loop, this Cedar Grove gem is a must-see stop on your next Sequoia & Kings Canyon trip.
Read MoreDiscover California's Majestic Mountain Loop, a 3-park epic road trip through Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Yosemite National Parks. Explore giant sequoia trees, thundering waterfalls, scenic drives, iconic viewpoints & top hotels. Base yourself in Visalia & Oakhurst for easy access to these Sierra Nevada Mountain wonders. This is the perfect travel guide for first-time visitors & national park lovers.
Read MorePlanning a trip to Yosemite National Park this summer? Get insider tips from longtime park Ranger Scott Gediman on navigating Yosemite’s 2025 reservation system, avoiding crowds, popular hiking trails, staying safe around wildlife (like black bear), and being a responsible visitor. Learn what to expect in summer conditions and how to make the most of your Yosemite Valley road trip adventure.
Read MoreExplore Boyden Cavern in Kings Canyon, a stunning marble cave in Sequoia National Forest. Learn about cave tours, unique geology, CCC history and how it compares to Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park. A top spot on the Majestic Mountain Loop road trip and a must-see family-friendly adventure along Highway 180, perfect for travelers seeking hidden gems in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Read MoreThe Tioga Pass Entrance is open for the 2025 Summer season in Yosemite National Park. Connecting Mono Lake, Lee Vining, and US-395 with Big Oak Flat Road, Tioga Road features some of the best views and things to do in and around Yosemite, and is a great way avoid the busy Yosemite Valley crowds. Join me for a live update of what the waterfalls, meadows, lakes & wildlife is currently looking like.
Read MoreLooking for the best hiking near Fresno, CA? Hike to Stevenson Creek Falls in Sierra National Forest—an epic 7-mile trail featuring waterfalls, tunnels and rich hydroelectric history. Best in spring for roaring falls, this hidden gem near Shaver Lake offers scenic views of the San Joaquin River Gorge, massive granite peaks, spring wildflowers, and a moderate challenge for hikers & nature lovers.
Read MoreGlacier Point Road is open for the 2025 season in Yosemite National Park! See what it looked like on opening day (May 10). Get the full report on road conditions, crowd levels, weather, waterfalls, parking, and tips for visiting early in the season. Includes updates from Glacier Point, Washburn Point, Taft Point trailhead, Summit Meadow, and more—perfect for planning your spring trip to Yosemite.
Read MorePlanning a Yosemite trip this spring? Here’s what the park looks like right now—May 2025 updates on waterfall flow (Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall & more), Merced River levels, blooming dogwoods, meadow conditions, wildflowers, and current road closures. Read this current conditions travel guide for everything you need to know before visiting Yosemite National Park during peak spring runoff.
Read MoreDo I need a reservation to enter Yosemite this summer? Yes! The NPS just announced a peak-hours reservation system for the 2025 summer season to help with park crowds & wait times. Read this travel guide to help you prepare for your road trip vacation to Yosemite National Park and learn everything you need to know about who needs reservations, as well as how and when to get reservations.
Read MorePlanning a Yosemite adventure? Discover the top 10 reasons to stay in Oakhurst, CA on your next Yosemite road trip. Just minutes from Yosemite’s South Entrance, explore family-friendly attractions, outdoor activities, scenic hikes, art galleries, local history, unique shopping & delicious dining. Find more inspiration at YosemiteThisYear.com and the 41 Things To Do Around Highway 41 travel guide.
Read MoreWhen is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park? This seasonal travel guide breaks down spring, summer, fall & winter in Yosemite—what the park looks like, pros & cons of each season, top places to visit, and expert tips to help you plan the perfect road trip. Find out the best time to see raging waterfalls, fall colors, spring wildflowers, abundant wildlife, or snow-capped granite peaks.
Read MoreLooking for a fun family friendly activity near Yosemite National Park? Join me today on a train ride into Sierra National Forest with Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. We'll be embarking on the Moonlight Special experience, which takes you on a historic adventure down into Lewis Creek Canyon with delicious food and live music by a campfire. Pan for gold and shop for Yosemite souvenirs too!
Read MoreYosemite Adventure Company is a top rated tour company just south of Yosemite National Park. Located along Highway 41 in Oakhurst, CA, this outfitter takes adventure seekers up into the mountains to explore the Sierra National Forest on ATVs, UTVs & Jeeps year round. Today we're taking a guided ATV Snow Track Tour near Bass Lake for some fun in the snow thanks to Visit Yosemite Madera County.
Read MorePlanning a Yosemite National Park trip in 2025? With reservation uncertainty, budget cuts, and road closures from a Highway 140 rockslide, many travelers are unsure about visiting. But don’t cancel your plans! Entering through Oakhurst, CA, offers a reliable, rewarding way to explore the park while supporting local businesses. Discover why visiting Yosemite this year is more important than ever.
Read MoreCan I still see Firefall? If conditions allow, Yosemite National Park visitors can experience the Horsetail Fall Firefall phenomenon in late February & into March, even though the official Firefall season has ended. Read this Yosemite current conditions report on how waterfalls are flowing, what crowds are like & how you can help protect our National Parks after recent ranger & staffing cuts.
Read MoreCheck out this Yosemite National Park FIREFALL 2025 Opening Day travel guide with real-time updates on current conditions, crowds, road status, and waterfall flow. Find out what it was like to view and photograph Firefall, plus pro tips on the best Firefall viewing spots. Get the latest on Yosemite winter conditions, Yosemite Valley waterfalls, and what to expect for Firefall next weekend.
Read MorePlanning a Firefall trip to Yosemite? Get the latest Yosemite Valley conditions update, including road status, snow levels, and waterfall flow. Find out how the rain will impact Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and the chances of seeing Firefall this season. Plus, get essential winter travel tips, including tire chain requirements and the best scenic spots after the winter storms in the forecast.
Read MoreDiscover the best kayaking adventures in CA from Death Valley to Yosemite National Park, the Eastern Sierra & Morro Bay! Explore the stunning waters of Badwater Basin, Convict Lake, Tenaya Lake & the Merced River. Learn about must-have gear, like the best inflatable kayak, waterproof dry bags, compact binoculars, and life jackets to ensure safety, comfort & unforgettable moments on the water.
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