El Portal Things to Do

This daily event is free, and is a great activity for the entire family. The strolls are taken at an easy pace and cover less than a mile. Each stroll is guided by local experts, and topics vary according to the interpreter's a... more

This school offers instruction in hiking, backpacking, and backcountry skiing; however, it is known for its rock climbing classes. Yosemite is a great place to learn to climb and many participants gain the skills needed to clim... more

A place to read, eat, drink coffee or beer, meet people from all over the world and generally enjoy life, this cafe has a lot to offer. When it is cold, you can sit by the fireplace or wander out to the glass-enclosed deck to v... more

This is a very strenuous hike; with an altitude gain of 3,200 feet. You may be disappointed when you get there because you will find that you could have reached the same place by bus. On the other hand, the trail is lovely, and... more

If you want to learn about the flora, fauna and geology of the Yosemite Valley, this is the place to visit. Created with both children and adults in mind, the center has both static and interactive displays on the area's natura... more

The original visitor center for Yosemite National Park, this lodge is now an educational center. The emphasis is, of course, on the park. The children's corner has a variety of interactive, mostly environment-oriented activitie... more

This lodge is a good place to begin exploring Tuolumne Meadows, the place where John Muir and Robert Underwood Johnson conceived the idea of establishing Yosemite National Park. Several easy walks in the area will give you a se... more

This shop has an outstanding selection of Native American arts and crafts, drawn mostly, but not exclusively, from the local Miwok and Paiute traditions. These groups are known for their basket weaving, beadwork and traditional... more

Guided Hikes range from gentle half-day journeys that uncover natural beauty to all-day treks that deliver rewarding vistas and a true sense of accomplishment. Photo sessions are designed to help individuals sharpen their skill... more

Sponsored by the Yosemite Association, this series of seminars changes annually and ranges from birding to backpacking to writing. For example, Birds of Southern Yosemite is a summer class which studies the forest-dwelling blue... more