Yosemite Valley is the jewel in the crown of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is located within Yosemite National Park, approximately 240 km east of San Francisco. If you want to plan a trip to this beautiful place, but don't know where to start, read this article!
Steps
Step 1. Decide what time of year you will go there
The choice depends on what you want to see or do in Yosemite Valley. The roads leading to this place are open all year round (but this does not apply to the other areas of the park).
- Spring. The period between April and early June is the best to see the falls. The weather can be changeable at this time of the year. It is not particularly crowded, except on weekends in May.
- Summer. While most tourists visit during this season, crowds and heat discourage summer tours, but then the choice will depend on your tastes and possibilities. Since the water of the falls is formed from melted snow, levels could be very low in late summer, while they witness a certain peak between May and June. On the other hand, all the roads in the park leading to the other attractions in the area are open during the summer season.
- Fall. In early autumn, the local climate is characterized by warm days and cool nights. That said, early winter blizzards can occur, and you may need to arm yourself with chains for the car. Also, be aware that this area is not ideal for admiring the US fall foliage, as most of the trees are evergreen. Falls are often dry in early autumn.
- Winter. From December to March it often snows. You will almost certainly need to put the chains on the car.
Step 2. Plan how you will get there
Yosemite Valley is about a four hour drive from San Francisco and six from Los Angeles. The Vehicle Pass costs $ 20 and is valid for the whole week. The Individual Pass, which is for tourists who go there on foot, by bus, by bicycle or on horseback, costs 10 dollars. The Yosemite Pass costs $ 40 and is valid for one year. It is not possible to rent cars in the park. A very convenient shuttle service is available within the Valley, which has 21 stops. There are four entrances:
- The Big Oak Flat Entrance is located in the north-west of the park on Highway 120.
- Tioga Pass Entrance is located east on Highway 120.
- Arch Rock Entrance is located west of the park on Highway 140.
- South Entrance is located on Highway 41.
Step 3. Book at a hotel or campsite
Ahwahnee, Yosemite Lodge at the Falls and Wawona Hotel are some of the hotels. If you are going to camp, remember that some campsites require a reservation, so please do so before you leave to secure a spot. Don't forget to do this as soon as possible. North Pines, Upper Pines, and Lower Pines are the reserve campgrounds found in the Valley. Camp 4 is smaller and is open all year round; it is also located in the Valley, but it should not be booked, in fact it is based on the principle "who arrives first stays well".
Step 4. Explore cultural and recreational resources
- Visitor Center. It is located at stops 5 and 9 of the shuttle. At this center, you can inquire about Yosemite Valley and watch a film about the park, titled “Spirit of Yosemite” (it plays in the Visitor Center Theater).
- Museum. Visit the Indian Cultural Exhibit, which is about the Miwok and Paiute Indians.
- Curry Village. Don't miss the ice skating rink.
- Nature Center. It is located at the Happy Isles, near the shuttle bus stop number 16. It features exhibits focusing on natural history and a bookshop. Furthermore, it represents the starting point of the direct route to Vernal Fall.
- Ansel Adams Gallery. Here you can admire iconic photographs from one of America's most beloved landscape photographers. Prints and postcards inspired by the works of Ansel Adams and many other artists are on sale at reasonable prices.
Step 5. Visit some of the most popular viewpoints
- Glacier Point offers stunning views of the valley, including Half Dome and some waterfalls. It is accessible by car from early June to November, although the road is not in Yosemite Valley.
- Tunnel View also presents splendid views, perhaps the most famous, of the valley. From here, you can see El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome. It is located at the easternmost point of Wawona Road, which is also the westernmost end of the valley.
- Valley View is another vantage point along Northside Drive, and you can visit it on your way out of the valley. It is located halfway between Bridalveil Fall and Pohono Bridge. You may also discover interesting views at many other points along the way.
Step 6. Take a hike
You can go hiking or cycling. Remember that bikes and pets are only allowed to pass along cycling routes and regular roads. You can rent a bike at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls or Curry Village Recreation Center. Pets must always be kept on a leash. Don't forget to bring lots of water and follow the paths carefully. Try to plan your hikes at the beginning or end of the day, as there will be fewer people, and you will be able to enjoy nature more. In addition, these moments are ideal for taking pictures. Here are the routes you could take; in this list they are indicated in order of difficulty.
- Bridalveil Fall. It is an asphalted round trip. It is 0.8km long and leads to Bridalveil Fall; it is possible to bring pets.
- Lower Yosemite Fall. It's an easy 1.6km circuit. Its departure point is located at the shuttle bus stop number 6. It is possible to bring pets.
- Cook's Meadow Loop. This circuit is 1.6km long and begins at the Valley Visitor Center. From this ride you can admire the Half Dome, Glaciar Point and the Royal Arches.
- Mirror Lake. This round trip is 3.2km and it is possible to bring pets. There is also another 8 km long route around the lake, but access to animals is prohibited. Here you can immerse yourself fully in nature.
- Valley Floor Loop. It is a journey of 20.9 km characterized by moderate difficulty. It will take you around Yosemite Valley and depart from shuttle bus stop number 7. You can also follow the circuit halfway, which is to walk 10.5km.
- Four Mile Trail. This is one of the most difficult routes. It measures 15.5 km and is uphill, reaching an altitude of 975 m. You can get to the starting point of the journey using the El Capitan shuttle in summer; it is located about 800 m from the shuttle bus stop number 7.
- Panorama Trail. It is a 13.7 km course that begins at Glacier Point and ends in the valley floor, with a descent of 975 m. It passes by the Illilouette Fall and then joins the Mist Trail.
- Upper Yosemite Fall. It is an 11.6km route to Upper Yosemite Fall that passes by Columbia Rock, which will give you great views of the valley. It has an altitude of 823 m.
- Vernal Fall. This route leads to Vernal Fall and measures 4.8 km, with a gradual increase in altitude, which reaches 366 m. The departure point is located on the Happy Isles, at the shuttle stop number 16. You can also hike to the top of the waterfall.
- Nevada Fall. It is an 11.2 km route that continues after the Vernal Fall route. The altitude gradually increases, reaching 610 m. On this route you can continue until you reach the top of the waterfall.
- Half Dome. This route can measure up to 26.1km, depending on where you start, and has a gradual increase in altitude, reaching 1,463m. It goes to the area east of the Half Dome. It is possible to take a cable car to cover the last 120m of the journey.
Step 7. Explore recreational activities
Yosemite Valley doesn't just offer excursions:
- You can explore it with your backpack. There are many routes dedicated to those who decide to visit it in this way. 95% of the park is completely surrounded by nature. You must apply for a permit at a wilderness center. If you try this adventure, you will not need to camp in a specific place, but remember that it is not possible to stop at the top of the Half Dome. Store all foods in food containers to protect them from bears. Find out about all the other rules before you go backpacking.
- You can explore it on horseback. The Mist Trail (from Happy Isles to Nevada Fall), the Snow Creek Trail (from Mirror Lake onwards) and Mirror Lake Road cannot be ridden on horseback. You can go on the Yosemite Falls Trail from Yosemite Valley to the top of Upper Yosemite Fall, but it's not recommended. All other paths in the valley are open.
- You can also fish. The fishing season in streams and rivers begins on the last Saturday of April and ends on November 15th. In Frog Creek begins later on June 15th. It is possible to fish all year round at the lake and the reservoir. Fishing supplies and licenses are available at select Yosemite Valley stores.
- Try climbing. Yosemite Valley offers numerous places to indulge in it. Remember to think about your safety before starting and follow all the rules.
Step 8. Discover other areas in the area
Yosemite Valley isn't the National Park's only attraction, although it's the most popular. You could visit Wawona, Mariposa Grove, which has giant sequoias, Glacier Point, Badger Pass, Hetch Hetchy, Crane Flat, Tioga Road, and Tuolumne Meadows.
Advice
- Use the shuttle to get around Yosemite Valley so you don't have to drive there.
- See the local wildlife. Coyote, mule deer, western gray squirrel, euderma maculatum, Steller's jay, golden eagle, great gray owl, mountain lions, and brown bears are some of the animals that live in Yosemite Valley. Remember that they are not tame, so even if they look small or cute, never get close to them. Always store food (or any other items that have a well-defined aroma) in bear-proof containers or lockers so that bears cannot access them. If you notice a mountain lion or a bear, keep calm and don't run or make noise. Report all sightings to the authorities. Before you leave, read How to Survive a Bear Attack.
- Bring waterproof clothing and footwear with you so you won't be caught off guard by a thunderstorm.
Warnings
- Remember never to stay in the water that is at the top of a waterfall. Although it appears shallow and calm, it moves fast and has overwhelmed several tourists.
- Water from Yosemite Valley rivers and lakes may have giardia. Remember to strain it or boil it if you pick it up.
- Respect the speed limits. If you accelerate and don't pay attention, you risk colliding with animals.
- Never plan to hike Half Dome if rain or other precipitation is expected. The altitude of the peak makes it a frequent target of lightning.
