Attractions in Yosemite

Mountain Biking
With a vast number of trails, fire roads and old railroad grades, bikers can ride for hours. Although trail riding in Yosemite is not allowed, the surrounding mountains offer panoramic views and an invigorating ride to suit everyone.

Whether you're a participator or a spectator, you'll enjoy the annual Grizzly Century bike rally, a 100 mile ride which begins in North Fork and ascends over 9,000 feet in elevation via the Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway. Several bike shops in the area offer mountain bike rentals, sales and guides who are happy to offer their services and expertise.

Pétanque
Pe-what? Oakhurst is home to the third largest Pétanque club in the U.S. It's an old French game similar to Bocce Ball, played with 1½-pound steel balls (boules) tossed toward a small target ball called a cochonnet. Think Horseshoes and shooting pool. Same skills. The 70+ members of Oakhurst Pétanque Club meet Saturday mornings at 9:00 and Wednesday evenings at 5:30 during daylight savings time.

The courts are currently being outfitted with night lighting. Call 559-683-5466 for more information on how you can join the fun.

Whitewater River Rafting
Just minutes from the southern entrance into Yosemite, the Merced river offers some of the finest rafting in the West. Join O.A.R.S. Whitewater Rafting orZephyr Whitewater for thrilling half day or full day river trips. River coarses available for rafters of all levels. Experience the excitement!

Boating
Rent boats at Bass Lake ranging from jet skis to patio boats. Spend a day fishing, water skiing, or just lazing with a good book. Bass Lake Boat Rentals has a full service shop with a mechanic on duty 7 days a week, boat launch facilities, overnight rental slips, seasonal slips, boat drivers, and lessons. Miller's Landing has overnight rental slips, seasonal slips, boat drivers and lessons.

Rock Climbing
From big walls which can take up to a week to ascend, to spectacular back-country precipices, Yosemite is a world-class rock climbing destination. Visitors interested in seeing climbers in action can park at El Capitan Meadow in Yosemite Valley and gaze up at the largest single mass of granite in the world, El Capitan.

For those who prefer to "do" rather than watch, the southern Yosemite region has it's own rock climbing sites. The AMGA accredited Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides offer half or full day climbing trips for all levels of experience. Classes are offered all year round at various locations. Click above or call 1-800-231-4575 for pricing and schedules.

Backpacking
Getting away from it all is exactly what a backpacking experience in the southern Yosemite region is all about. Sparkling high country lakes and streams, majestic mountains and rugged terrain help travelers by foot leave the hustle and bustle behind.

Multitudes of trails traverse the region. Trailheads for the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness areas as well as the back country of Yosemite National Park are easily reached. Wilderness, campfire and other required permits are available at the Bass Lake Ranger District Headquarters in North Fork, The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Center in Oakhurst, or in summer at the high country Clover Meadow Station of the U.S. Forest Service. Trail maps, supplies and equipment are available at stores in Oakhurst, Bass Lake and North Fork. Guide services are available as well as trail head shuttles. Bears are active in the region and personal food storage canisters are highly recommended. Please remember: "Pack it in pack it out" and Tread Lightly practices are in effect. Hikers are reminded that weather in the high Sierra changes without notice and to plan accordingly.

Guided Hikes & Backpacking Trips
For those who want the advice or help from Experts, the Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides offers adventure day hikes and extended backpacking trips. With over 15 years experience providing active travel and guide services of the highest caliber, you won't be disappointed. Book your family or group for an unforgettable adventure. Explore the wonders of the High Sierra and Yosemite's high-country.

Horseback Riding
Guided tours within Yosemite are offered at stables located in Wawona and Yosemite Valley. One and two hour rides are available for the novices, with half and full-day rides for the more experienced rider. Just outside the southern entrance to Yosemite at Fish Camp, is the Yosemite Trails Pack Station, 559-683-7611, which offers scenic one and two hour rides and an all-day ride to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

The Minarets Pack Station, located deep in the Sierra back country, offers day trips and overnight pack trips into the Ansel Adams Wilderness and Yosemite.

Overnight horse boarding is available at Bohna Arena in Coarsegold, 559-683-2817 and Yosemite Valley Stables 209-372-8348.

Golf
"Birdies" and "eagles" abound throughout the southern Yosemite area on a variety of golf courses. Start in Chowchilla with an 18 hole championship course by visiting The Lakes RV & Golf Resort which has something for every golfer. Continue on to Madera for yet another 18 hole championship course or try Riverbend Golf Course at Coombs Ranch north of Fresno, then travel on to Ahwahnee in the Sierra foothills for River Creek Golf Course & Cafe or Sierra Meadows Country Club. What they share in common is incredible beauty and layouts which test players of all skill levels while winding their way through oak and pine studded countryside. Finish your golfing tour at the beautiful Wawona at Yosemite National Park, the only golf course in the nation within the boundaries of a National Park.

Green fees are quite reasonable: 18 holes run in the mid $20s, delighting many golfers from large metropolitan areas.

Off-Highway Adventures
Hundreds of miles of back roads and trails are available for those who wish to explore the road less traveled. Designated roads and trails for four wheel drives and motorcycles are also in the area. Off Highway driving is NOT permitted in Yosemite National Park.