Lower Pines Campground

Biking

If you prefer to travel on a two wheeled vehicle, then you’re in luck! Why is that? Well there are over 12 miles of paved bike paths are available in Yosemite Valley. In addition, bicyclists can ride on regular roads (if and only if you’re nice and obey traffic laws). Just remember, rangers patrols these parts and if you’re under 18 wear a helmet! Bikes for rent are available during the regular season.To all you mudhounds just remember, off-trail riding, mountain biking, and use of motorized bicycles or scooters on bike paths are not permitted in the park.

Fishing

There is a plethora of fishing options in Yosemite and the surrounding areas. The season for stream and river fishing begins on the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15. The only exception is Frog Creek near Lake Eleanor, where fishing season does not open until June 15 to protect spawning rainbow trout. The late opening includes the first 1/2 mile of Frog Creek up to the first waterfall, including the pool below this waterfall. The late opening also extends 200 feet from the mouth of Frog Creek out onto the surface of Lake Eleanor and along its shore for a distance of 200 feet from the creek's mouth. Otherwise, all lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round.If fly fishing is your thing, then you are in luck! Fly fishing in Yosemite is the stuff that dreams are made of (yes this is what we dream about). There is a lot of great info on the best fly fishing in Yosemite.Fishing regulations for Yosemite National Park follow those set by the State of California, including the requirement that people 16 or older have a valid California fishing license.

Hiking

Yosemite has unbelievable amount of goodness to offer the hiker. Just simply walking around the park is one of the best ways to get to know it, but you may need at least a couple days (or years) to truly discover its magic. However, some of the most spectacular sights can be seen on one of the many top day hikes Yosemite has to offer. Some of the most popular hikes are found in Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point Road, Wawona and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Hetch Hetchy, White Wolf and Tuolumne Meadows. Make sure you check out the park's greatest hikes before you go as there is A LOT to choose from (however no matter which you choose, you will not be disappointed...we promise). Who knows… you might just stumble upon a double rainbow .Half Dome rises nearly 5,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level. It is an icon and a great challenge to many hikers (and a few climbers!). Despite an 1865 report declaring that it was "perfectly inaccessible, being probably the only one of the prominent points about the Yosemite which never has been, and never will be, trodden by human foot," George Anderson reached the summit in 1875, in the process laying the predecessor to today's cable route.Today, thousands of people reach the summit each year. As a result, a permit is required to gain access to this beautiful patch of land. Make sure you do your research and obtain a Half Dome permit before you go skipping up the thing.

Horseback riding

Why not see Yosemite... via a mule or on horseback !? Guided mule rides, both pack and saddle trips, overnight boarding facilities, spot packing, and day rides are available are available through DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite from spring through fall.Stock sites are available seasonally at Wawona and Bridalveil Creek horse camps which have two sites each; the Tuolumne Meadows horse camp has four sites. Each site can accommodate up to six people and six head of stock. There is a limit of two vehicles and two stock trailers per parking area.Wilderness stock users may also use one of two sites at the Hetch Hetchy Backpackers' Campground.

Paddling

Within Yosemite’s vast natural wonder are many places to go kayaking . Visitors can enjoy the park by water on the Merced River, Tuolumne River or on Teneya Lake.

Climbing

We don’t often use the words “world renowned” unless it is something truly deserving. Which brings us the the world renowned climbing of Yosemite (see what we did there?). There is an endless variety of challenging rock to be climbed here (I mean, just take one look at the towering “El Capitan” which pretty much defines big wall climbing). From the sustained crack climbs of the Merced River Canyon to pinching crystals on sun-drenched Tuolumne Meadows domes to multi-day aid climbs on the big walls of the Valley, climbing in Yosemite is epic. However, Yosemite is more than just a climber's playground: its walls and crags are an integral part of a larger ecosystem that has been protected as wilderness, set aside for people to enjoy in a natural state for generations to come.Do your research and check out the best beta on Yosemite before you go.Make sure to be safe out there. Although there is climbing for all abilities, these are serious walls. Climbing instruction and guide service is available, check out the Yosemite Mountaineering School for more information.

Snow sports

Yosemite can definitely be a winter wonderland. During certain parts of the year, the park is available for a variety of winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing.

Swimming

You could go swimming at one of the outdoor pools available during the summer time at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge , however we suggest you go the more au natural route. Swimming is permitted in pretty much every body of water in the park, except Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and above waterfalls. A popular spot for this is in the Merced River (we HIGHLY suggest the Swinging Bridge swimming hole ).There are also some natural rock water slides that many people keep secret. We’re all about spreading the love here at Hipcamp, so here is a good place to start your your rock-slide research... )

Whitewater paddling

A popular activity is rafting along the Merced River. It is a great way to cover a lot of ground in little time and is very relaxing. The best (and only) time to do this is in the summer between June and July (usually). You can most definitely rent a raft during this time or if you choose, you can bring your very own non-motorized vessel (aka kayak, inflated tire, or boat sculpted from a tree). Another great option is to kayak the serene waters of Tenaya Lake.

Wildlife watching

Part of what makes Yosemite so epic is it’s year round inhabitants of the furry nature . Yosemite National Park supports more than 400 species of vertebrates including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. In Yosemite Valley, home to the mule deer and black bear, visitors should watch for species that depend upon meadow habitat. Animals come to feed on the green grasses and use the flowing and standing water found in many meadows. Overall, the park's widespread coniferous forests--with a relatively mild climate and a mixture of plant species--provide a lush habitat for animals to live. Wildlife species typically found include bobcat, gray fox, mountain kingsnake, Gilbert's skink, white-headed woodpecker, brown creeper, spotted owl, and a wide variety of bat species.