When visiting Yosemite Valley, there is often a desire to try to see everything; I’ll be frank with you, you just can’t see it all in a single trip. Yosemite Valley is special because of this fact, drawing us back time and time again. The views never get old. In fact, the views of Yosemite are like a fine wine, getting better with age.
As you plan your visit to Yosemite Valley, make sure to add in some time to just sit and relax. Soaking up the scenery and embrace the opportunity you have to be in Yosemite Valley. Try not to run around from dusk till dawn, so you can hang with friends and appreciate the gorgeous views Yosemite Valley has to offer.
The best places to hang with friends in Yosemite Valley are Glacier Point, the Merced River Bank, and the El Capitan Meadow.
Read on to discover how to avoid crowds, why these spots are the best places to relax, and ideas to help you and your friends have a wonderful visit to Yosemite Valley.
Skateboard down the winding road of Glacier Point with Half Dome in the background. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
GLACIER POINT
WHY IS GLACIER POINT A GOOD PLACE TO relax WITH FRIENDS?
Glacier Point is a fantastic place to hang with friends because there are fewer people in the area with several places to kick back and enjoy. Additionally, Glacier Point offers several locations with 360 degree views to see the magnificent Yosemite Valley from above. These views often leave me speechless.
Is Glacier Point Crowded?
Glacier Point is a crowded area, however you, and your friends, can escape the crowds by hiking a little ways. The National Park’s put out a survey that concluded most visitors do not go more than a half mile from their vehicle. So, be one of those visitors who wander a ways to find seclusion.
Best Ways to Relax at Glacier point?
There are several ideal ways to relax at Glacier Point, but the best ways are to:
Hike a half mile either direction to sit along the cliff alone, or with friends
Pack a picnic and watch the sunset
Arrive early and enjoy coffee with a view
Skateboard down the winding road leading to Glacier Point
Spending time relaxing on the Merced River Bank by playing a game of chess with Yosemite Falls in the background. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
MERCED RIVER BANK
WHY IS MERCED RIVER BANK A GOOD PLACE TO relax WITH FRIENDS?
The Merced River winds through the entire Yosemite Valley, acting as the center piece. During the summer, you can find several people swimming, jumping off bridges, and enjoying a picnic on any of the many beaches along the Merced River. It is here, along the Merced River Bank, that I have had some of my favorite conversations and most relaxing times in Yosemite Valley. Make sure you bring a towel… just in case you feel the urge to take a dip.
Is the Merced River Bank Crowded?
The Merced River Bank is often not crowded. Several people wander past the swimming holes and beaches, looking at the spots, but rarely stop. Most visitors who come to Yosemite Valley have a jam packed itinerary, preventing them from sitting down and enjoying the nature beauty Yosemite Valley is known for.
Best Ways to Relax at the Merced River Bank?
There are many ways to relax at the Merced River Bank alone, or with friends, such as:
Go swimming!
Bring a camp chair and read a book on the beaches
Play chess, or any game, with friends
Hanging out in the El Capitan Meadow with friends, watching rock climbers scale El Cap in Yosemite Valley. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
EL CAPITAN MEADOW
WHY IS EL CAPITAN MEADOW A GOOD PLACE TO relax WITH FRIENDS?
For climbers and tourists alike, the El Capitan Meadow can feel like the center of the universe while visiting Yosemite Valley. This large green meadow is a place where you can escape the crowds gawking at the rock climbers on El Cap or join them. Often you will find rock climbers sitting with binoculars looking up at the massive granite wall and pointing out their friends. Many other climbers will come here just to relax and soak up the sun on a rest day. Tourist are very welcome in the meadow as well because it is here that you can learn all about rock climbing in Yosemite Valley. Additionally, this is the best picnic spot in all of Yosemite Valley.
Is the El Cap Meadow Crowded?
El Cap Meadow is one of the most crowded places in Yosemite Valley, but you can always find a spot for yourself, and friends, to relax. As visitors, and rock climbers, seek out the El Cap Meadow to stare up at the people climbing El Capitan, the front of the meadow fills up. However, the meadow is very large, so if you wander to the back, you will find places to lay down a blanket and hang out with friends.
Best Ways to Relax in the El Cap Meadow?
El Capitan Meadow might be one of the most crowded places in Yosemite Valley, but the meadow is so large you, and your friends, can find solitude to relax and do things like:
Lay down a blanket and take a nap
Paint a painting of the beauty surrounding you
Bring some wine and watch the sunset
Have a romantic date night at the back of the meadow
Feeling a bit risky? Friends soaking in the sunrise at Glacier Point on the diving board. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have discovered how to avoid crowds, why these spots are the best places to relax, and ideas to help you and your friends have a wonderful visit to Yosemite Valley it is your turn to experience the beauty and relaxation Yosemite Valley has to offer. If you read this and have more ideas for others to relax in Yosemite, please leave a comment and help others out. Additionally, if you have any tips, or feedback, on this article please drop that in the comments below to help us improve!
