Yosemite is honestly one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I have been extremely lucky to live close enough to do lots of weekend trips.
The park itself is huge – at 3000 square kilometers it is bigger than Rhode Island, Andorra, and Lichtenstein! Within it, Yosemite Valley is a seven mile long, one mile long canyon encompassed by towering granite and cascading waterfalls.
The Valley is by far the most popular part of Yosemite National Park to visit – for good reason. It is a compact highlight reel of the best-of-the-best, with accessible pathways and accommodations for all ages. It is also the gateway to Half Dome, Yosemite’s famous hike that has become so popular that summiting it requires a permit via lottery.
Despite the incredible hikes and summits accessed from here, Yosemite Valley is also one of the most accessible parks I’ve been to. Miles of boardwalks and paved trails criss cross their way through the valley floor, making many sights and adventures accessible for just about everyone.
A trip here to experience it all in the bucolic summer months should be on every person’s bucket list. In this guide to Yosemite Valley, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned from my own travels here to help you plan your own unforgettable journey to this iconic destination.
Information About Yosemite National Park
Location
Yosemite Valley is located near the northern end of Yosemite National Park, in the Western Sierra Mountains of Northern California.
The nearest gateway community are Groveland (about a ninety minute drive) and El Portal (about 30 minutes).
The closest major airports to Yosemite Valley are Oakland (185 miles), San Jose (185 miles) Sacramento (177 miles), and Fresno (95 miles).
Native Land
Yosemite is the ancestral home of the Ahwahnechee people, also known as the Southern Sierra Band of Miwok or the Seven Tribes. Their removal began during the area’s Gold Rush in the 1800’s and was finalised with the Yosemite Indian Housing Policy of 1953.
Entrance Fee
Current entrance fees are $35 per vehicle and $30 per motorcycle, or free with an Interagency Pass.
Weather
Sun-drenched days and comfortably cool evenings prevail, creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor adventures. Expect daytime temperatures to hover around the mid-70s to high 80s, ideal for hiking, picnicking, and exploring.
However, be prepared for temperature fluctuations in higher elevations. Also be aware that the occasional afternoon thunderstorm is not uncommon here, usually rolling in just as quickly as it dissipates.
The Traffic
The traffic here can be brutal if you time it wrong. Aim to arrive either before seven in the morning or after three in the afternoon – any time between then and you’re almost guaranteed to wait for hours in gridlock traffic.
Must Do Activities in Yosemite Valley
Stop at the Overlooks
Embarking on the journey to Yosemite Valley from any of the National Park entrances is an absolute visual treat, made even more unforgettable by the myriad of mesmerizing overlooks strewn along the way. These aren’t just your ordinary stops; they’re like opening a treasure chest of natural wonders.
The most iconic is Tunnel View, where El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all converge into an awe-inspiring panorama. And then there’s Valley View, where the Merced River meanders gracefully, embracing the monumental granite sentinels. Wawona Tunnel’s emergence into sunlight reveals a stunning valley yawning below, and Gates of the Valley offers tranquil meadows embraced by granite giants.
Beyond mere photo opportunities, these overlooks invite profound connections with Yosemite’s splendor. They unveil the park’s scale, offer fresh mountain air, and provide moments of serenity – inviting you to pause, to breathe, and to soak in the grandeur of Yosemite’s natural beauty.
Tour the Valley Loop
Embarking on Yosemite Valley’s iconic Valley Loop is like tracing the contours of nature’s masterpiece. This captivating route unveils the park’s treasures, and how you explore it is entirely your canvas.
Whether by bicycle, immersing in the gentle rhythm of pedaling along the tranquil meadows, or on foot, feeling the earth beneath with every step, the journey promises a deeper connection with Yosemite’s essence.
If you seek an unhurried tour through the scenery, hop aboard the open-air tram. Its unhindered views allow you to absorb every nuance of Half Dome’s grandeur and the Bridalveil Fall’s delicate cascade.
Each turn of the road, each glimpse of a waterfall or granite monolith, narrates a chapter in Yosemite’s timeless story. So, whether pedaling, shuttling, or wandering, let the valley unfold its magic, leaving you with memories etched in the heart.
Visit Lower Yosemite Falls
As you venture through Yosemite Valley, an essential stop is at the captivating Lower Yosemite Falls. Standing as one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, it presents an awe-inspiring sight with its thunderous cascade and enveloping mist.
The beauty of Lower Yosemite Falls is accessible to all, requiring only a brief stroll along a completely paved walkway to reach a viewpoint that offers an up-close encounter with nature’s might.
Swim in Mirror Lake
One of my absolute favorite things to do when the sun is blazing in Yosemite Valley is to head straight to Mirror Lake. Picture a hidden oasis, surrounded by majestic granite cliffs, and the water so clear it reflects the beauty around like a mirror. There’s really nothing else like it after a morning hike on a warm summer’s day.
I love to find a nice shady spot somewhere along the shoreline, and bring along a good book and a little picnic, cooling off every so often with a dip in the ice cold water. The entrance has a small outpost with private pit toilets, making it an especially favourite spot for families with children.
Watch the Sunset from Cook’s Meadow
Witnessing the sunset from Cook’s Meadow is an essential summer experience in Yosemite Valley.
As daylight wanes, the meadow transforms into a golden haven, framing iconic granite formations in a warm embrace. If you time it right, you’ll get to see North Dome painted in hues of gold and pink as if lit from within.
As the sky fades into darkness, the meadow begins to fill with twilight creatures, making it one of the best opportunities to see wildlife and birds up close in the valley. Just be sure to reapply your bug spray ahead of time!
Best Day Hikes in Yosemite Valley
Mist Trail to Vernal Falls Footbridge
This paved trail packs in a lot of elevation, but is still very accessible. The end of the trail has a nice shaded area with fresh water and flushing toilets, and offers iconic views with relatively minimal mileage, making it a great pick for families.
For more information, check out this blog post.
Nevada Falls Trail
This strenuous trail is one of my all-time favourites, but it’s not for the faint of heart! This a continuation of the Mist Trail that leads to the infamous Half Dome, with serious elevation gain as you climb alongside two waterfalls.
You’ll need really good footwear, a waterproof poncho, and a water filter to finish this sensibly. I also personally like bringing a nice lunch and a book for when I make it to the top.
For more information, check out the AllTrails and this blog post.
Four Mile Trail
Very challenging trail with endless switchbacks through serious elevation gain. As a reward for the hard work, you’ll get some of the most stunning views of Yosemite Valley you can see once you reach Glacier Point at the top.
If Tioga Road is open during the summer, you can also cut this trail in half by having a friend meet you with a car at Glacier Point as well. This trail is pretty exposed, so try to get started as early in the morning as you can.
For more information, check out the AllTrails and this blog post.
Upper Yosemite Falls
Strenuous out-and-back hike that takes you all the way to the top of one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. This hike is particularly spectacular early in the season when the waterfall is really gushing, giving you a bit of mist to cool off as well as throwing rainbows in the sun.
It’s a very steep, sun-exposed hike that I like to do early in the morning. I also highly recommending bringing a water filter for refilling often.
For more information, check out the AllTrails and this blog post.
Where to Stay in Yosemite Valley
Three Pines Campgrounds
If you want to go camping in Yosemite Valley, I would choose between one of the Pines Campgrounds. Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines are all in the same general area with little differences between them. I usually look at individual site availability and try to pick the most scenic spot between them.
The Pines Campgrounds all have good access to hiking trails and is a stone’s throw from all the shops and restaurants at Curry Village. The only problem is that they tend to book up months in advance. If you’re looking for a more impromptu trip, keep your eyes peeled for Camp 4, which is only reservable seven days in advance.
Curry Village
Curry Village is an all time favourite of mine, and a nice treat for when I have family visiting. With cosy cabins and canvas glamping tents, it provides a rustic yet comfortable stay that allows you to immerse yourself in the valley’s natural beauty.
From here, you can enjoy easy access to trailheads for iconic destinations like Mirror Lake and Half Dome, along with a wide range of amenities and dining options.
You can read more about my recent stay at Curry Village here.
Ahwahnee Hotel
As far as historic park lodges go, the Ahwahnee is the crown jewel. It is by far the most luxurious option in all of Yosemite National Park, and you’ll need to book well in advance as it is a bucket list destination for many.
The hotel still feels in many ways as if it is a living relic from a bygone era. To have dinner in the famous dining room, you’ll have to leave your hiking boots behind as guests are “respectfully requested to wear proper attire.”
Getting Around Yosemite Valley
Private Car
Getting around by car is often the most convenient and flexible way of exploring Yosemite Valley.
Remember that during the summer months afternoon traffic can slow to gridlock and and parking can be hard to find. Avoid this by planning your tour for either the early morning or early evening, and by strategically planning your itinerary so that you can leave your car in a central spot for the afternoon.
As you explore, be sure to adhere to posted speed limits and be especially mindful of wildlife that may suddenly emerge from the foliage to ensure everyone’s safety.
Public Bus
The free shuttle bus system that operates in a loop around Yosemite Valley provides an accessible and environmentally friendly way to get around. The shuttle stops offer easy access to iconic viewpoints and attractions, mitigating traffic concerns and congestion.
If you are on a tight time crunch, just be aware that the shuttles are not entirely dependable time-wise and can sometimes fill up completely before you board, causing you to have to wait for the next bus.
Bicycle
Using a bicycle as a mode of transportation around Yosemite Valley is my personal favourite option, even though the daily rental options are admittedly a little pricey.
Peddling around the valley allows you to intimately connect with the environment, accessing everything at your own pace without the stress of traffic and parking. It also allows you to access the park more freely, by enabling you to navigate car-free pathways and scenic shortcuts.
If you plan on cycling later into the evening, just be sure to bring adequate headlamps to safely navigate the roads and pathways.
