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Yosemite Valley & Falls

9035 Village Drive, Yosemite Valley, California

Description

Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, in Western California. It is famous for its iconic granite cliffs, its waterfalls and for the trailhead of the John Muir Trail (340km to Mount Whitney) Most visitors spend their time and overnight in the Yosemite Valley. It is 12km long, densely forested with pine trees and follows the course of the Merced River. Highlights include the Tunnel View, short trails to various waterfalls such as Bridalveil Falls and Yosemite Falls (the highest in North America), views of the high granite summits of Half Dome and El Capitan and various trails

Access & Transport

The closest towns are Groveland (70km) and Mariposa (60km), at the edge of the San Joaquim Valley. Modesto is 175km away and San Francisco 300km to the west. Coming from Fresno / Kings & Sequoia NP, it is also possible to reach from the south on the scenic but curvy CA-41.

Instructions & Recommendations

Note that a reservation is required to drive into Yosemite National Park during peak hours (06h00 to 16h00) from mid-May to end September unless you have an accommodation booking, are using the YARTS buses or have a hiking/climbing permit. Details here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm

Meta review

The park and various views from the valley are a staple of travel guides and magazines as well as hiking and climbing ones. The only downside really is logistics, in particular the traffic along the valley floor with full car parks and waits for shuttle buses. Otherwise, favourites include the first sight of the valley for many people at Tunnel View and Yosemite Falls in full flow during the spring. Many visitors mention that they could easily stay longer than 3 days. Tip: you may consider using the bike rentals to get around the valley and save your energy for hiking.

Environmental & Social

Being managed by NPS avoids reckless developments and, overall, the environmental impact is manageable. There are various projects aiming to improve sustainability practice in hospitality, waste reduction, etc.

Conclusion

The Yosemite Valley is the most visited part of the national park for a reason: the rock formations are incredible and there really is plenty to see and admire. Another positive aspect is that the valley floor is quite flat so families and visitors with fitness limitations can still enjoy easy walks in various areas whilst hikers can take on the many trails starting there.

Key positive

Drop-dead gorgeous scenery

Well maintained trails and good infrastructure

Many hiking options

Key negative

Very busy road and parkings in the summer and weekends

Suitability

Visitors with reduced mobility can enjoy the views but will not be able to get to some of the viewpoints and on the trails

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:2h

est. visit time:4h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Entrance fees for 1 car / van, valid for 7 days (3 days in summer season)

Max number of travellers:15

Min. Child age:3

Max. child age:11

Traveller #
Adult
Child
1
US$35
US$35
2+
US$0
US$0
Price for commercial tours are higher

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