Yosemite Valley

The basics

Head to the Yosemite Valley to enjoy ranger-led hikes, nature talks, and evening star programs. Book a guided tour to ensure that you see all the top sights; opt for guided hiking, backpacking, or camping adventure; or take a photography class.

There are also tours to Yosemite from San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Lake Tahoe. These run anywhere from half-day trips to week-long tours, and many combine a Yosemite Valley tour with stops at other nearby attractions, such as the grove of giant sequoias and Alcatraz. For a bird's-eye view of the valley, check out a flightseeing tour.

Things to know before you go

• There's an admission fee to visit Yosemite National Park including Yosemite Valley; tickets are good for seven days. If you take the YART shuttles to the park, your shuttle ticket will include free entrance to the park.

• Don't forget sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, sunscreen, a hat, and a backpack for day hikes.

• The Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall hikes are paved and wheelchair accessible.

• Accommodations at the park range from campgrounds to distinctive, upscale hotels.

• Campers usually prepare their own meals in the park, but the valley also boasts a variety of restaurants.

How to get there

The Yosemite Valley is located in the western Sierra Nevada mountains, about 190 miles (306 kilometers) east of San Francisco. To reach the Yosemite Valley by car from the Bay Area, take I-580 east, continue onto I-205 east, merge onto I-5 north, and then take CA-120 east to Yosemite Ave. You can also reach the park via public transportation: Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses run to the town of Merced where you can hop on a YARTS shuttle to Yosemite. A free shuttle provides transportation within the park.

When to get there

Peak tourist season at Yosemite Valley runs from early June through the end of August, so visit in the spring or fall if you want to avoid the largest crowds. The valley is at its most dramatic in late spring, when the waterfalls are at their fullest. Whenever you choose to visit, make sure to start your days early; sunrise is one of the best times to capture photos of the iconic sights.

Best Yosemite Valley day hikes

If you only have time for one hike in Yosemite Valley, take the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Falls. If you have more time, hike to Half Dome and climb to the summit with the help of handrails embedded into the rock. The 14- to 16-mile (22- to 26-kilometer) round-trip hike is strenuous in spots, but it's well worth it for the fantastic panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra.

Ways to explore

Even aside from all the landmarks, Yosemite Valley is a key stopping point for many park visitors. This is where you’ll find the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center, as well as amenities and visitor services that come in handy if you’re looking for wilderness permits or learning about the natural world. It’s highlighted on many tours of Yosemite, which range from small-group excursions to guided hikes and camping trips. When winter buries the Yosemite Valley in snow, it’s a destination for snowshoe trips through frozen terrain.

Accessibility

Yosemite Valley has wheelchair-accessible trails, as well as a free shuttle bus with wheelchair lifts and tie-downs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Hiking pole, snacks, water bottle

What to wear

Changeable mountain weather means that layered, moisture-wicking clothing is a must.

Not allowed

Drones, fires outside designated areas

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi

Address 

Yosemite Valley is part of Yosemite National Park—at the end of Route 140—and is most accessible via the Big Oak Flat Entrance and the Arch Rock Entrance.

Driving

To reach Yosemite Valley from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, follow Tuolumne Grove Road then turn left on El Portal Road. El Portal Road becomes Southside Drive into Yosemite Valley.

Public transportation

Free shuttle buses whisk visitors to landmarks and trailheads around the Yosemite Valley—they run every 8 to 22 minutes throughout the day.

Best times to visit

Parking is a challenge at popular trailheads, so it’s a good idea to arrive early, ideally before 9am, or to opt for a tour or use the shuttle bus.

Best days to visit

Weekends tend to be busy in Yosemite Valley, so plan your trip for a weekday if you can.

Best months to visit

Mild weather and fewer crowds mean May and September are beautiful months to visit Yosemite Valley. In May, the waterfalls swell with snowmelt, while late September ushers in the first fall color at higher elevations.

Special events

Mid-to-late February is the time to catch Firefall, when Horsetail Fall appears to blaze as the sun sets. It’s a big draw for photographers, so lots of people arrive early to nab a viewing spot.