Top5 ForYou's video: Top 5 Best Things To Do In Yosemite National Park

Top 5 Best Things To Do In Yosemite National Park Number 5: Yosemite Falls. Tumbling over a granite wall and pounding the rocks at the base of the cliff, Yosemite Falls is one of the most memorable and striking features in Yosemite Valley. Repeatedly popping into view over treetops and around corners as you drive through the valley, the falls look different from every angle, and it's impossible to take your eyes off. Number 4: Half Dome. Hiking Yosemite's Half Dome Cables Route has been described as unforgettable and even life-changing by travelers. But this expedition is not for the faint of heart. The trail is about 14 to 16 miles long and features elevation gains totaling 4,800 feet. If you are going to try the entire hike, you'll need to allot at least 12 hours. This isn't your average hike, and it's not for everyone. The National Park Service recommends you leave just before or at dawn, and advises you to bring all necessary hiking equipment, including durable hiking boots, a flashlight and good grip gloves for the cables. You'll also need at least a gallon of water, and don't rely on park facilities for hydration or a bathroom break. Number 3: Glacier Point. A drive through Yosemite Valley generally entails looking up to see the sites. Glacier Point, at an elevation of more than 7,200 feet, gives you the grand view over the entire valley, as well as many other sites beyond, and provides a whole new perspective. This is one of the most incredible views in Yosemite National Park and is an absolute must-see sight. Not far from Glacier Point, Washburn Point is an equally spectacular lookout with incredible views over Vernal Fall. Number 2: Mariposa Grove. "Giant" seems to be an understatement for this expansive grove of Sequoia trees in the southernmost section of Yosemite. Mariposa is one of three groves in the park where visitors can view sequoia trees. The distinction between Mariposa Grove and the others is that Mariposa is the largest, housing about 500 mature giant sequoia trees that are thousands of years old. Trails range from easy to strenuous, with the Big Trees Loop Trail being the easiest. This 30- to 45-minute hike (which is paved) takes travelers past a variety of giant sequoias, including the Fallen Monarch, with interpretive panels explaining the life of sequoias stationed along the route. Number 1: El Capitan. Legendary among climbers, El Capitan is a 3,000-foot sheer rock face on the north side of Yosemite Valley. Although it may not seem like it, El Capitan is actually 1,000 feet higher than the face of Half Dome. El Capitan gained interest with the free solo climb of Alex Honnold in June of 2017, and the Academy Award winning documentary film, Free Solo. He became the first person to climb El Capitan without ropes, and completely unaided. The climb took three hours and 56 minutes. From the Tunnel View lookout, El Capitan is the massive cliff on the left side of the valley, standing notably higher than everything else in view from this vantage point. At certain times of day, rangers set up in the meadow and offer talks on El Capitan. If you want to get up close to the wall or even touch it, you can park on the right side of this same road, beyond the El Capitan picnic area, and walk up to the wall.