Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is what most visitors think of when they say “Yosemite.” Seven miles long and one mile wide at its broadest, its glacier-carved granite walls are near vertical, hemming it in with mile-high cliffs.

It’s the spectacular heart of Yosemite National Park and at 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) elevation, it’s accessible nearly year-round. To visit it, you’ll need to pay the National Park entry fee.

Iconic Points of Interest

Taking up barely 7 square miles out of Yosemite National Park’s 1,200-square-mile reach, this area is jam-packed with some of the park’s most iconic sights, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan. In fact, what many visitors enjoy most is walking or driving around admiring the scenery and taking photographs. Those iconic sights and a few other fantastic locations are easily reachable from the Valley, thus they can all be seen in one day.

Sights and Things to Do

If you only have a day, it’s certainly better than nothing; however, to gain a deeper connection with Yosemite Valley’s natural beauty, it’s advisable to linger for a day or two. This extended time will give you the opportunity to hike or enjoy various activities available in the valley.

The Merced River flows through the middle of Yosemite Valley. When there is enough water, you can rent an inflatable raft at Curry Village (now called Half Dome Village) for a pleasant float downstream.

Additionally, you can partake in a guided horseback ride from Big Trees Stable to Mirror Lake or opt for a half-day ride to Clark Point.

Many of the Yosemite trailheads are located in the east end of the Valley, which can be most easily accessed by taking a shuttle from Yosemite Village. You do not have to be an experienced hiker capable of carrying heavy packs on long treks to enjoy a short hike in Yosemite. As with any state park, the trail difficulty ranges from novice to advanced, and there are numerous easy hiking trails in Yosemite Valley.

Food and Lodging

All of the lodging, shops, campgrounds, and eateries are situated on the east end of Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Village is the main visitor area, where you’ll find the visitor center, Ansel Adams Gallery, and Yosemite Museum. You will also discover gift shops, a grocery store, dining options, an ATM, and a post office.

Curry Village (now called Half Dome Village) offers motel-style rooms, cabins, and canvas tent cabins. Additional amenities include a grocery store, bike rentals, gift shop, and dining facilities.

There are two major hotels in Yosemite Valley, hosting less than 400 rooms, which is significantly lower than the demand, thereby making advance reservations essential.

The classic Ahwahnee Hotel features stunning public spaces that are worth visiting even if you’re not staying there. You can find reviews and details about the Ahwahnee Hotel on Tripadvisor.

Yosemite Lodge is also a hub for bus tours, where you can partake in evening programs in their amphitheater. Additionally, they have a wonderful restaurant. More information, reviews, and pricing for the Yosemite Lodge can be found on Tripadvisor.

Getting Around the Valley

Only one loop road runs through Yosemite Valley, referred to as Southside Drive on the way in and Northside Drive on the way out. The road is one-way with only two points of connection between them. If you’re driving, it’s beneficial to consult a map to plan your stops; otherwise, you might find yourself going in endless circles.

During the busy season, navigating the crowded areas of Yosemite Valley is significantly easier via the shuttle buses that loop from Yosemite Village through the campgrounds and to both hotels.

Outside of busy areas, you can explore without worrying about traffic while gaining valuable insights about the park by taking a guided tour. A variety of tours are offered, and during summer, you can travel in an open-air tram.

Enhance your exploring experience in Yosemite by downloading a helpful app. Discover the different Yosemite apps that are available here.