The Yosemite Valley is the main attraction in the park for the majority of visitors.
From June to September, the Valley gets more than half a million visitors per month (the record has been a bit over 20,000 in one day).
The purpose of these statistics is not to give you a heart attack. On the contrary, I am trying to showcase how popular this place is.
And, let me tell, this is not an overhyped and overrated place. After visiting for the first time a couple of months ago, I can say this is one of the most beautiful places I have visited in my life.
The valley is about 8 miles (13 km) long and up to a mile deep, surrounded by high granite summits and densely forested with pines.
In this post, I invite you to take a tour of the famous Yosemite Valley with me.
Table of Contents
El Portal Entrance
The Park’s most popular entrance is through the small town of El Portal.
The area surrounding the road is very scenic. Basically, you find yourself driving through a canyon carved by the Merced River. There are several spots where you see people swimming or fishing in the river. If you observe with care, you are going to notice thin waterfalls streaming down the tall walls.
In the town of El Portal, there is a chance to fill up your car’s gas tank (expensive!) and buy coffee and other goodies. Make sure you enter the Park prepared!
Also, since this is the most popular entrance, try to pass through early, during peak season, in order to avoid waiting in line for more than 40 minutes under the blazing sun.
Once you pass the arch entrance, get prepared to take your first look at all the granite formations.
El Capitan
El Capitan (“The Captain” or “The Chief”) is one of the most iconic granite formations of the park (he has even been featured in 25 cents coin).
He extends about 3,000 feet (900 m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is one of the world’s favorite challenges for rock climbers and BASE jumpers (which is not legal).
Believe it or not, the top of El Capitán can be reached by hiking out of the valley on the trail next to Yosemite Falls.
El Capitan is the largest granite monolith in the world.
There is a nice area of meadows around El Capitan.
Cathedral Rocks
The Cathedral Rocks form the eastern side of the canyon through which Bridalveil Creek flows. Some people think these rocks, just opposite of El Capitan, are even more impressive than El Capitan. I’ll let you decide on that!
Yosemite Chapel
The Valley Chapel is the oldest standing structure in the Park. The wooden chapel was designed by San Francisco architect Charles Geddes in the Carpenter Gothic style. It was built by Geddes’ son-in-law, Samuel Thompson of San Francisco, at a cost of three or four thousand dollars.
The chapel was originally built in the “Lower Village” as called then, its site at the present day trailhead of the Four Mile Trail. The chapel was moved to its present location in 1901, as the old Lower Village dwindled.
The Chapel is surrounded by a Sentinel Meadow and close to it, there is a view point for the Upper Yosemite Fall.
Stoneman Meadow
Located between the Merced River and Curry Village, Stoneman Meadow plays an instrumental role in the valley’s ecological health by providing plant and wildlife habitat and regulating water flow.
We parked in the meadow area for our hike to Vernal Fall (we found that spot since the trailhead parking lot was full).
Half Dome
It is possibly Yosemite’s most familiar rock formation. The granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft (1,444 m) above the valley floor.
The best views of Half Dome are seen from Glacier Point.
The Ahwahnee
The Ahwahnee is the grand hotel of the valley. It was opened in 1927 and it is made of stone, concrete, wood, glass and steel.
The public is welcome to walk around the hotel grounds / lobby and have a meal in the restaurant or café.
Royal Arches
The Royal Arches refers to a cliff containing natural occurring granite exfoliation arches. There is a waterfall adjacent to them.
Yosemite Falls
This is the highest waterfall in the park (and some sources affirm they are the highest in North America too), dropping a total of 2,425 feet (739 m) from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall.
The falls consist of three sections:
- Upper Yosemite Fall: The 1,430-foot (440 m) plunge alone is among the twenty highest waterfalls in the world. Trails from the valley floor and down from other park areas outside the valley lead to both the top and base of Upper Yosemite Fall.
- Middle Cascades: Between the two obvious main plunges there are a series of five smaller plunges collectively referred to as the Middle Cascades. Because of the narrow, constricted shape of the gorge in which these drops occur and the lack of public access, they are rarely noted. Most viewpoints in the valley miss them entirely.
- Lower Yosemite Fall: The final 320-foot (98 m) drop adjacent to an accessible viewing area, provides the most-used viewing point for the waterfalls. Yosemite Creek emerges from the base of the Lower Fall and flows into the Merced River nearby.
Tunnel View
No visit to the Park is complete without taking a look at the valley from a tunnel perspective. This view has been seen and documented by visitors since it opened in 1933.
The Yosemite Valley extends from West to East (left to right). From the Tunnel View, you are looking the opening of the Valley (a glacier was there many years ago) and taking a look East.
From the viewpoint, you can El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall.
In my picture below, you are not going to see Bridalveil Fall (it was dry or almost dry). I took a picture of the spot where the fall usually flows (look at the black area).
Details
- The Valley gets extremely congested during the peak season. Visit during low or shoulder season to avoid crowds.
- If you visit the park during the busiest months, I recommend entering the park early, parking your car and using the Park’s shuttle (which offers an excellent service).
Would you like to visit the Yosemite Valley?
Pin it for later?
Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
I went to Yosemite years ago but we made the error of driving in from San Francisco through a very long and winding road. We used up most of our day getting to Yosemite. We expected to arrive mid morning but didn’t make it until after lunch. our second error was not pre-booking accommodation and we had to find a hotel just outside the park.
But it was absolutely stunning and well worth visiting and climbing up Glacier Point.
Ruth says
San Francisco is more than 160 miles from the park. Then, the drive is not entirely thru a freeway. At least, you stay the night. I know of people who do it as a day trip. Man, that should be exhausting.
Anna says
Nice to see the valley…now it puts into perspective your previous posts about Yosemite (and you know I keep them for future use, hopefully)! I was wondering did you take a day trip there or did you overnight as well?
Ruth says
Hello Anna,
I stayed in the park area three days. I camped about 20 miles outside the park. It was my first visit and wanted to absorb as much as possible. Even like that, I didn’t get to see all I wanted.
image-in-ing (weekly photo linky) says
You always make me want to follow in your footsteps for a visit – great shots as always.
Thanks for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/09/allium-glorious.html
Laia | colibrist says
Yes, it is definetely a place I would enjoy visiting! Not a peak day with 20000 people though…it is indeed popular! I wonder if it is possible to get there by public transport, or only br drive? Thanks for sharing!
Ruth says
I am not fully informed about public transportation options. What I do know is that there are shuttles taking visitors from the gateway towns to the park (towns located either on the west or east side of the Sierra). I imagine there are options to make it to one of these towns. After that, it is a matter of taking a shuttle. I think the most difficult part of the visit is the accommodations. It is not easy to find something inside the park.
Lyndall says
Yosemite is gorgeous! I love all the huge rocky cliffs and waterfalls – spectacular beauty 🙂
Ruth says
Lyndall,
I felt so small walking around the tall cliffs! It is truly spectacular to be surrounded by so much granite monoliths.
Julie Small says
Wow your photos really make me want to take a trip around this beautiful area. well done.
Ruth says
I am glad you want to visit the park. Hey, it is an honor to promote nature.
Karen says
Beautiful photos. I am still looking forward to visiting Yosemite again someday, but timing will be the issue.
Ruth says
Tell me about timing issues! I almost had to cancel the trip because I couldn’t find accommodations. After researching like for the 20th time, I found a private campground with availability.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Wow, it looks just so captivating, of course I would love to go there!
Thanks for joining in #wednesdaywanderlust this week
Ruth says
Malinda,
You would love the park. I know you enjoy natural places and spaces.
Natalie says
Ruth these are some amazing photos and the waterfalls look very impressive. It sounds like a very popular place and I can imagine how it must get crowded during peak season.
Yes would love to take the family to Yosemite some day!
Ruth says
Yes, the place is very popular. Forgot to mention it is one of the top parks in the National Park system (it is up there with Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon). Hope you can visit one day with your family!
Ting at My Travel Monkey says
The tunnel view is out of this world. Your photos as always are wonderful. As you know, I want to do this trip so much and Yosemite is on my must-see list. I am astounded by its beauty and can’t wait to explore myself. So great tips for me – and it must be good with over 20,000 in one day! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Jackie Smith says
Beautiful photos – great tour you gave us!
Ruth says
Thanks Jackie. I had a lot of different photos of the valley. I thought about how to present them. I guess a photo tour was the best I was able to come up with ;0)
Tina says
Stunning pictures… Wish I could visit the place one day… 🙂
Ruth says
Thanks Tina. Hope you can visit one day!
Lydia C. Lee says
Never been but your photos make it so enticing!!
Ruth says
Lydia,
It is a marvelous place. It looks like I am overusing a lot of grand adjectives to describe the park but it is that spectacular. You have to go to get what I am talking about.
budget jan says
Hi Ruth, I’m Jan from Budget Travel Talk another Co-host for Travel Photo Thursday. I think the half moon is the most impressive looking formation and the tunnel view is quite stunning. You are lucky to have so many impressive national parks in the States.
Ruth says
Jan,
I have to admit we have a lot of impressive National Parks here in the United States. The best part is that most of the parks are in the western part of the country which is where I live. There are a lot of them that still need to visit.
Muza-chan says
Lovely place….
Ruth says
Thanks Muza! It has become one of my favorite places.
Pinay Flying High says
I think I prefer the Cathedral Rocks more than the El Capitan, I guess I belong in the mainstream. :p The hike towards the falls looks really scary with those big rocks!
Ruth says
The Cathedral rocks are so impressive. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of them. If you think the rocks below the waterfalls look scary, you have to see the scene when the falls are at full force. It is impossible to (safely) get close.
Pati says
This is a really beautiful place. It’s on my bucket list when I finally get a chance to travel to US 🙂
Ruth says
Pati,
Glad to know you like it. Hope you can visit one day. Thanks for stopping by.
Shobha says
Wow! For so many people, the park looks empty – except for the hikers in the photos of Lower Yosemite Falls. That place looks popular.
Ruth says
You are right. People concentrate around certain places. I tried to spend as little time as possible in those places. Plus, we entered the park early and left late in order to sightsee without a lot of people around.
Yvonne @ Lost with Yvonne says
I loveee Yosemite!! It is one of my favorite places to go back in California! My boyfriend and I usually hike the waterfalls, the last one was Upper Yosemite and so beautiful, but the hardest hike I’ve ever done! Love the post!
Rachel Heller says
My husband was there this summer with our kids and it was indeed very crowded! However, you can find places to enjoy the views alone really very easily. Take a marked trail, but keep walking past the first viewpoints. Especially if the trail is a bit harder, i.e. uphill, people don’t go further. Often they’re just on a one-day trip so they spend the day driving and stopping rather than hiking. My family just walked a bit further and had the views practically to themselves in the middle of the summer!
I’d also emphasize that you should reserve accommodations VERY early! Rooms in the park book up as much as a year ahead, and rooms outside the park become hard to find less than a month or two ahead.
Ruth says
Rachel,
Thanks for sharing your tips. You are spot on! Accommodation should be booked as soon as possible. If you let time pass, you are probably going to encounter a lot of trouble finding a place to stay. I will write a post with tips later.
Kathy Marris says
Wow! Yosemite is a truly remarkable place. I visited here in 2012 on a day trip from San Francisco, however I should have stayed longer. I remember some of the places from your beautiful photos. When I was at Yosemite there was still a lot of snow around.
Ruth says
I am sure the experience is different when there is snow around. I will like to visit in spring to see the waterfalls at full force.
stephanie@stephsjoy says
Oh I love Yosemite NP. We visited about 5 years ago and I would love to visit again maybe in the Winter time! Thanks for the memories
Ruth says
Stephanie,
I would visit again without thinking about it. I am already making plans! Thanks for stopping by.
Lauren says
I’m definitely bookmarking this for later! I’ve been to California a few times now, but haven’t made it to Yosemite yet! One of my goals now that I’m home is to see more of our National Parks!
Ruth says
That has been one of my goals too. I would like to do a good roadtrip at the end of the year and hit as many National parks as possible. Hope you make it to Yosemite one day.
katja - globetotting says
I’ve always wanted to visit Yosemite but even more so after following the free climb adventures of Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson and the Dawn Wall – it just looks so very beautiful! I had heard, however, that it gets ridiculously busy in the summer months, so I might have to try and go another time! #WeekendWanderlust
Ruth says
Hello Katja,
I have never heard about the people you mentioned in your comment. I promise I would take a look. Yes, it would be nice to visit the park in another season.
Dani @ House in Tillford says
I’ve heard great things about Yosemite and that was a great post, enjoyed the breakdown of the different sights. I will have to add to my travel bucketlist!
Dani @ House in Tillford says
Great post, I enjoyed the breakdown of the sights. I will have to add Yosemite to my list of places to visit!
Aditi Shukla says
Never knew thr was so much to do at Yosemite Valley!!! Scenic… and worth a trip for sure 🙂
Ruth says
And this is only the Valley! There is much more to see in the park. I didn’t even hit all the places I wanted in three days. I would post about other areas of the park soon.
Emily says
My parents spent time there last year on a retirement road trip and just lived it. I hope I can visit some day! The views are stunning and -oh! – those cascades!
Ruth says
I am sure your parents enjoyed and shared a lot of pictures. I love the falls too!
Sadie says
LOVE Yosemite! It’s one of my favorite places in the US. My friend and I would joke how they need to have angelic music playing as you come out of the tunnel and see that amazing view of the valley below. Great photos!
Ruth says
I think I know what tunnel you are talking about. I did not take that entrance to get to the park but pass thru the tunnels when trying to reach the Tioga Road.
Stephanie Mayo says
I absolutely fell in love with Yosemite when I visited last year and would love to spend more time there and definitely check out all of these must visit places!!
Ruth says
Glad to know you have visited! I know, one visit is not enough.
Liz says
Yosemite looks magnificent! Thanks for the pictures and tips. My boyfriend has been telling me to put this on our bucket list. Maybe I just might. 🙂
Ruth says
You should listen to your boyfriend! My husband didn’t want to go for a long time. He preferred other locations. Now, he loves the place and wants to go back.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
I’d really like to visit Yosemite one day. It’s so beautiful, isn’t it. I bet that one hotel books up a year in advance. Your photos are really tempting me. Looking at them, I am reminded of a mystery photo my mom-in-law has of a roadtrip she took when she was a teen in the 1950s. There’s one picture that she can’t figure out where it was taken. The trees and the mountains look similar to what’s in this post. Perhaps it’s Yosemite.
Ruth says
It is funny that your mother in law cannot remember where the picture was taken. I bet you that somebody will come up with the exact place if you post the photo on social media.
Vlad says
WOW, the scenery is absolutely gorgeous! I’d love to visit the Yosemite Valley, your photos have convinced me 😀
Ruth says
Thanks Vlad! You would have a blast taking photo in the park. There are so many viewpoints!
Bumble Bee Mum says
Wow.. You need to wait 40 minutes just to enter a national park? Thanks for the warning!! I spot a queue of cars in your photo!
From your photos, I do think Cathedral rocks look more interesting than El Capitan. But I can imagine the magnificence of El Capitan cannot be felt through photos, because I had the same feeling about Uluru in Australia. Before visiting Uluru, I always wondered what’s so great about a piece of rock. But when I saw it with my own eyes, it was truly impressive. Can’t wait for a chance to visit Yosemite!
Ruth says
The wait can be pretty bad on peak season and between 10:00 and 2:00. That is why I recommend arriving early to avoid the lines and secure a parking spot. You are right. Sometimes photos do not make justice to a place. You can feel the magnitude only when there.
Ruth says
Wow, these shots are spectacular. This is one place I would love to visit.
Ruth says
I am sure you will love this place. There is so much to see.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates says
Hi Ruth, I haven’t been to Yosemite and take pleasure in reading about the for now. I think yours is the most all-in-one post that I have read so far about Yosemite I love seeing and reading all its highlights in one post. Love the photos and the stats. Hopefully, I’ll make it there soon.
Ruth says
Marisol,
You have to make plans to visit at least one time. Thanks for expressing your thoughts about the post. I just want to point out the post covers only a small area of the park (which is the area the valley comprises). Even though the valley is unbelievable, other areas of the park are supremely beautiful too.
Fairlie says
Wow, such spectacular scenery! Next time I visit the US, I’d love to get out of the cities and explore some of the countryside. I’ve pinned your post to refer to then
Ruth says
Cities are great but, in my opinion, the natural world always surpasses them. Hope you can visit one day.
Linda Bibb says
We had a great time at Yosemite but our time there was far too brief. I’d like to visit off-season. Do you know how far in advance I would need to book that hotel? It looks perfect.
Ruth says
Linda,
You should look for accommodations way ahead of you visit. The campsites and tents inside the park fill up a year in advance. I assume there is a bit more flexibility in the hotel world but this doesn’t mean there is going to be availability three months before your trip. There is always the option to stay a little bit far away (to me that is not a good option).
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
What a great collection of photos, Ruth. Your pictures really showcase the beauty of Yosemite. We love Yosemite and is the park we’ve visited the most. It really is an amazing place and was the one park that ignited my desire to visit the other National Parks.
Lauren says
What gorgeous photos! I definitely wouldn’t let the crowds ruin this one for me – I think it’s worth going to, too! Someday! 🙂
Ruth says
You have the correct attitude. I enjoy like you have no idea even though there were lots of people when I visited.
Nancie Lee says
I’ve been wanting to go to Yosemite to do photos for a while. Your photos make me want to go even more! Yosemite Falls looks great! I know there are rainbows at certain times of the year? I didn’t know about Tunnel View, so that will be added to my list to see. Wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing!!
Ruth says
Nancie,
Hope you can make it soon. I will be posting more about the park. Hope you can get even more ideas.
Liz says
What a fabulous area! The mountains and rock formations are fabulous.
Ruth says
Thanks Liz! Glad to know you liked it.
Lady Fi says
Wow – what a gorgeous place! So beautiful.
Ruth says
Even I have seen tons of photos about the park, I was surprised by its beauty. If far more beautiful when you are there.
Rajesh says
Wonderful tour of the valley. Beautiful and scenic.
Ruth says
Thanks Rajesh! Stay tunes ’cause I have much more to post.
Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti says
I was fortunate to have been able to visit Yosemite National Park a few years ago, so your wonderful post brought back many memories to me! It is a absolutely beautiful place, as are most of the national parks in the west.
Red Nomad OZ says
Wow! El Capitan is AWESOME!! It’s a little bit like the ‘Big Brother’ of Australia’s biggest granite monolith Bald Rock!! I’ve heard so much about Yosemite, but I’ve never been there – thanks for the guided tour 😀
Ruth says
Ha, ha! That is a good way to describe it. Now, I hook on granite. Would love to visit Bald Rock in Australia.
Eileen says
What a wonderful post on Yosemite. It is a beautiful park. Wonderful photos and visit. Thanks for sharing your trip! Have a happy new week!
Ruth says
Agree that the park is beautiful! I knew I was going to like it but I ended up liking it too much!
Jen says
What an amazing place! One of my best friends lives in Bishop, and as many times as I have been there to visit her and her husband, I never made it to Yosemite. It needs to make it to the top of our priority list the next time we are west. (It snowed in Mammoth last night!)
Thank you for joining us for Photo Friday again this week!
Ruth says
Yes you have to make it to the park. You are going to love it. I want to see if I make it to Mammoth soon.
Elizabeth says
Yosemite is definitely on my list. It is one of the few US National Park I really want to go to that I haven’t visited. I think I will try for early autumn as I don’t think I could cope with the crowds. It would probably be lovely in winter as well, but activities would be limited. Your post is a good guide for a first visit.
beatravelling says
Thanks for the input! Great for planning my US road trip. Was thinking about doing it next summer, but looks like it has to be postponed…
Carol says
Ruth
Yosemite is truly a beautiful place. I have been there many, many times and I always see something new!!! I love to pack out and explore what most people don’t see. Was happy to see the picture of the packer with the string of mules. Thank God for the mule packers who make it possible for all the outback hikers!!
Varun sharma says
we should look for accommodations way ahead of you visit.