Yosemite Valley

As the hub and undisputed gem of Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities: granite precipices and cliffs create sharp contrasts against the lush and fertile land of the valley floor. All of the big names are here: El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls…it's just a matter of deciding which waterfall to explore first or which hike to attempt next.

Activities range from birdwatching to biking, horseback riding to hiking and all manner of sport in between. In addition to the natural beauty, you'll also find the bulk of visitor amenities in Yosemite Valley: the Valley Visitor Center, Yosemite Museum and Nature Center at Happy Isles are all based in the Valley, making it the perfect base camp to explore the myriad of natural treasures of Yosemite National Park.

Practical Info

Yosemite Valley is located in the western Sierra Nevada mountains in California. Getting there is easy--year round access to Yosemite Valley is available from Highways 41, 140 and 120 though chains may be required in the winter. Public transportation is available through Amtrak and Greyhound; free shuttle is provided in eastern Yosemite Valley, in the summer, as far west as El Capitan.