Yosemite Valley & Falls
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Yosemite Valley - by Datingscout on Unsplash
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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
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
av. transport time:2h
est. visit time:4h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo
Max number of travellers:15
Min. Child age:3
Max. child age:11