If you’re visiting Yosemite National Park through the South Entrance, you’re in for much more than just incredible views inside the park. The southern gateway is packed with unforgettable adventures, hidden gems, and family-friendly activities that many visitors completely overlook.
From driving your own Jeep through remote mountain roads to relaxing on the shores of Bass Lake, these attractions offer the perfect way to experience the Sierra Nevada before or after exploring Yosemite National Park.
Here are our favorite things to do near Yosemite’s South Entrance.
1. Explore Yosemite’s Backcountry with Yosemite Adventure Company ⭐
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure beyond the crowds of Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Adventure Company offers one of the most unique experiences in the Sierra Nevada.
Drive your own Jeep or Polaris UTV through scenic forest roads to towering giant sequoias, granite domes, alpine lakes, and panoramic overlooks that most visitors never discover. Every rental includes GPS-guided navigation, so no off-road experience is necessary.
Why We Love It
✔ Drive your own Jeep or Polaris UTV
✔ GPS-guided adventures
✔ Giant Sequoias
✔ Fresno Dome
✔ Hidden locations
✔ Family-friendly
✔ Only minutes from Yosemite’s South Entrance
🚙 Book: Jeep Rentals | UTV Rentals | Guided Tour
🌊 2. Spend a Day at Bass Lake
Just minutes from Yosemite’s South Entrance, Bass Lake is one of California’s favorite mountain lakes. Warm summer water, beautiful pine forests, and plenty of recreation make it the perfect place to relax after hiking in Yosemite.
One of the Sierra Nevada’s most beautiful mountain lakes, Bass Lake is the perfect place to cool off after exploring Yosemite. Visitors enjoy boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, lakeside dining, and breathtaking sunsets.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Bass Lake, CA
🚗 Drive from South Entrance: ~20 minutes
👨👩👧 Best For: Families, couples & water lovers
⏱ Recommended Time: Half day to full day
Things to Do
- Rent a boat
- Swim
- Paddleboard
- Waterfront restaurants
- Sunset cruise
- Fishing
👉 Official Website
🚂 3. Ride the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Step back in time aboard one of California’s last operating steam-powered logging railroads. This narrated ride winds through the Sierra National Forest and offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Fish Camp
🚗 Drive from South Entrance: 5 minutes
👨👩👧 Best For: Families & history lovers
⏱ Recommended Time: 1–2 hours
Don’t Miss
- Historic steam train ride
- Gold panning
- Logging museum
- Dinner train events
🐴 4. Explore Yosemite on Horseback
There’s something timeless about exploring the Sierra Nevada on horseback. Guided trail rides take visitors through peaceful forests and mountain meadows, offering a slower-paced way to enjoy Yosemite’s incredible scenery.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Wawona & Fish Camp area
🚗 Drive from South Entrance: 10 minutes
👨👩👧 Best For: Couples & families
⏱ Recommended Time: 2–3 hours
Highlights
- Beginner friendly
- Scenic forest trails
- Historic Yosemite experience
🪓 5. Test Your Skills at Yosemite Axe Throwing
Need a fun indoor activity after hiking? Yosemite Axe Throwing in Oakhurst offers a unique experience perfect for families, groups, and rainy afternoons.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Oakhurst
🚗 Drive from South Entrance: 20 minutes
👨👩👧 Best For: Groups & date nights
⏱ Recommended Time: 1 hour
Why Visit
- Beginner friendly
- Professional coaching
- Indoor activity
- Great for rainy days
🌲 6. Hike Through the Giant Sequoias
Standing beneath a giant sequoia is something everyone should experience at least once. Mariposa Grove is home to more than 500 mature giant sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Mariposa Grove
🚗 Drive from South Entrance: 10 minutes
🥾 Best For: Nature lovers
⏱ Recommended Time: 2–4 hours
Want a More Scenic Adventure?
Skip the crowded shuttle and explore secluded forest roads on our Yosemite Sequoias Adventure, where you’ll discover giant sequoias while driving through Sierra National Forest.
🚙 Explore the Yosemite Sequoias Tour
🌲 7. Visit Nelder Grove — Yosemite’s Hidden Giant Sequoias
Most Yosemite visitors have never heard of Nelder Grove—and that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting. Home to hundreds of giant sequoias, including the impressive Bull Buck Tree, this peaceful grove offers a quieter, more intimate experience than the famous Mariposa Grove.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Sierra National Forest
🚗 Drive from Oakhurst: ~35 minutes
👨👩👧 Best For: Visitors looking to avoid crowds
⏱ Recommended Time: 2–3 hours
Why Visit
- One of the least crowded giant sequoia groves
- Easy walking trails
- Incredible photo opportunities
- Peaceful forest setting
Explore It With Us
Our Secluded Sequoias Tour takes you directly to Nelder Grove by Jeep or Polaris UTV. Along the way you’ll enjoy scenic forest roads and discover one of the Sierra’s best-kept secrets.
🚙 Explore the Secluded Sequoias Tour
⛰️ 8. Hike Fresno Dome
Fresno Dome offers one of the best panoramic views in the Sierra Nevada. After a moderate hike, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Yosemite National Park, Sierra National Forest, and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Sierra National Forest
🚗 Drive from Oakhurst: ~45 minutes
🥾 Hike: 1.5 miles round trip
⏱ Recommended Time: Half day
Why We Love It
- Amazing 360° views
- Less crowded than Yosemite Valley
- Perfect sunrise and sunset location
Skip the Navigation
Our Fresno Dome Adventure takes you there via scenic mountain roads before guiding you to one of our favorite overlooks.
🚙 Explore the Fresno Dome Tour
🍽️ 9. Explore Downtown Oakhurst
After a day of adventure, Oakhurst is the perfect place to unwind. Enjoy local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, wine tasting, boutique shopping, and live music throughout the year.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Oakhurst
🚗 Minutes from South Entrance: 20 minutes
👨👩👧 Best For: Dining & shopping
Local Favorites
- Local restaurants
- Craft breweries
- Coffee shops
- Boutique shopping
- Wine tasting
🥾 10. Hike Lewis Creek Trail
If you’re looking for a beautiful hike without the Yosemite Valley crowds, Lewis Creek Trail is one of the area’s hidden gems. The trail follows a scenic creek to two picturesque waterfalls and is especially beautiful during spring and early summer.
Visitor Information
📍 Location: Highway 41 near Oakhurst
🚗 Drive from South Entrance: 10 minutes
🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
⏱ Recommended Time: 2–3 hours
Why Visit
- Corlieu Falls
- Red Rock Falls
- Beautiful forest scenery
- Great family hike
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do near Yosemite’s South Entrance?
The area offers much more than Yosemite National Park itself, including Jeep and UTV adventures, Bass Lake, giant sequoias, steam train rides, horseback riding, hiking, and family-friendly attractions.
Is Bass Lake worth visiting?
Absolutely. Bass Lake is one of the Sierra Nevada’s premier recreation lakes and is only about 20 minutes from Yosemite’s South Entrance.
What’s the best family activity near Yosemite?
Families love Yosemite Adventure Company, Bass Lake, the Sugar Pine Railroad, and horseback riding because they’re fun, memorable, and suitable for a wide range of ages.
How many days should I spend near Yosemite?
We recommend at least 3–4 days to experience Yosemite National Park along with the incredible attractions around the South Entrance.
Ready for an Adventure?
While Yosemite National Park is world-famous, some of the Sierra’s best experiences are just outside the park. Whether you want to drive your own Jeep, discover hidden giant sequoias, hike granite domes, or explore scenic mountain roads, Yosemite Adventure Company is here to help you experience the Yosemite region like a local.
🚙 Explore All Adventures →
