Yosemite National Park Sports & Outdoors

One of the more mellow /moderate hikes in Yosemite Valley is to Mirror Lake and back. There are two paths to take you there -- one is a dirt trail, over rocks and through the trees. Very beautiful. The other is a paved bike path, considerably easier to walk and still pretty, but not as beautiful. When you hike the dirt trail, you'll share with horseback riders, so be aware of that.

Mirror Lake is at the base of Half Dome, and at one time acted as a beautiful reflecting pool of Half Dome. Over the years it has silted in and it's quite as reflective as it once was. It is, however, still beautiful.

And, of course, if you visit Yosemite in late Summer, there isn't any water in the lake at all. Instead you can walk to the middle of the "lake" and relax on it's soft sand, while gazing up the sheer face of Half Dome and meditating on life

Turn around and try to spy the rock climbers on the cliffs opposite Half Dome.

Equipment: Good walking shoes, water, sun screen and mosquito repellent.

During the winter months, Badger Pass, California's oldest ski area, is open along the Glacier Point Road. There are several different hills here offering all sorts of levels of skiing. You can also take lessons! A shuttle bus will drive you up a couple times a day from Yosemite Valley if you don't want to make the drive.

Snowshoeing is like walking on snow wearing a pair of tennis rackets. The trick is to spread your body weight over a large area so that you don't sink in the fresh puffy snow. It's a fun winter sport. But it can be more exhausting than it looks for beginners like me.

There is a guided hike to the peak of El Capitan. The slippery granite surface is chained along the way which help novice hikers up without carrying any equipments.

Equipment: No equipments and experience needed, just strength. Just make your booking at the Park's Visitor Information Centre.

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There are many ways to get around in Yosemite, Hiking, Biking, bus but one of the more enjoyable is to take a tour on Horsback. The tours go to Mirror Lake.

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River Rafting is permitted on the Merced river.

Rafting is however only permitted in certain areas of the River.

Equipment: Life Jacket

Rent courts for only $2.50 an hour at the Historic Wawona hotel. What a dea! Great setting for some great tennis.

Equipment: Do not come wearomg black soled shoes, they will not allow you on the courts.

Hiking to the top of domes such as Lembert or Pothole Dome is moderately challenging. But the real quest is to get to the top of the most famous of them all- Half Dome.

These vertical walls are a climbers paradise. Its no wonder that so many flock to Yosemite to take on the challenge.