Five Days of Outdoor Adventure Travel in Yosemite Mariposa County

Distance: 17 miles (27.4 km) roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 4,800 ft (1,463 m)

Considered one of the most challenging day hikes in the world, Half Dome’s greatness lies not only in the sense of reward from calories burned but its incredible beauty inside one of the most gorgeous national parks. From the mist-soaked granite staircase along Vernal Falls to the iconic chunk of granite that marks your final ascent, this butt-kicker of a trail is a true accomplishment for those who want to test their Yosemite Mariposa mettle. Half Dome features a cable system to assist hikers in reaching its 8,842 ft (2,695 m) peak that goes up seasonally in mid-May and comes down mid-October. Permits are required via a preseason lottery (every March, with approximately 225 permits issued for each day of the hiking season) and a daily lottery (two days prior to the desired hike, with approximately 50 permits issued for each day). Be sure to plan ahead for your departure date. Apply for permits here. Of course, it goes without saying that hiking Half Dome requires excellent physical condition and necessary outdoor adventure travel gear/supplies, most importantly bringing at least 4 liters of water per person.

Whether tackling a 3,000 foot (900 m) wall like The Nose of El Capitan or bouldering around Camp 4 with some friends or small groups, Yosemite Valley granite is nothing if not popular. The most difficult climbs might require an extra day or two bivying on a ledge, but beginners should consider hiring a guide from the Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service to literally learn the ropes on their outdoor travel adventure.

This 24.4 miles out & back full-day ride starts at the world-class Tenaya Lodge resort in Fish Camp and climbs 3,327 ft (1,014 m) to the still-active fire lookout at Devil’s Peak (6,992 ft/2,131 m). The killer 360-degree views span Yosemite and the Central Valley alike, with summits such as Mount Conness (12,590 ft/3,837 m) and Mount Clark ((11,522 ft/3,511 m) visible in the distance. The all-terrain roads provide a rugged workout combined with excellent descents and are located entirely in the Sierra National Forest where dispersed camping is allowed if you want to extend your stay. After your ride grab a beer and pizza at the Tenaya Lodge or head over to the historic Gold Rush town of Mariposa for a tasty selection of beverages & bites.

Changing its vibe with the seasons, spring snowmelt from the High Sierra rumbles through the steep Merced River canyon creating high and fast runs (Class IV) then “” as summer progresses and the flow decreases “” transforms into easy Class I ripples. If you’re looking for an outdoor travel company to guide your rafting experience, local outfitters such as Sierra Mac, OARS, Whitewater Excitement and Zephyr have years of experience running the Merced and offer half-day and full-day trips. A mile-by-mile guide to rapids with such names as Nightmare Alley, Stark Reality and Corner Pocket is a fun way to get an aerial view of what you’re about to experience.

If spring has already sprung, you can hike areas of the Merced River Canyon and swim and explore along the way. Great hotel options for river canyon exploration at Yosemite View Lodge or Cedar Lodge in El Portal if you need a break from the outdoors part of your outdoor travel adventure.

For those ballin’ on a budget, campgrounds abound not only in Yosemite National Park but throughout Sierra and Stanislaus National Forests. Deep in the woods, along the shores of Lake McClure or the banks of the Merced River, there’s a site for everyone that goes easy on the ATM.

Mobile comfort is a popular option these days, and there are numerous RV-friendly parks in Yosemite Mariposa that are great for keeping some space while also providing the freedom to explore during your outdoor travel.  For those who want to glamp without all the hauling fuss, AutoCamp is just 10 minutes from the Merced River and offers finely-appointed Airstream trailers set on a 35-acre property complete with a communal sky deck for stargazing and swimming pool.