Yosemite Valley is the beautiful heart of National Park. Because of its breathtaking waterfalls and flourishing wild life, Yosemite Valley provides a remarkable scenery. Although the valley makes up only a small fraction of the park, its seven square miles offers endless memorable sights including Mirror Lake, Glacier Point and Half Dome.

Activities

There are unlimited possibilities awaiting in Yosemite Valley just for you! Enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, mountain climbing, camping and sight seeing.

Tour of Yosemite Valley

Located in the west valley, the park’s most tourist attraction spots include El Capitan, Sentinel Rock, Bridalveil Fall, Catherdral Rocks and tunnel View. In order to access much of the West valley, you must use your vehicle. Resources, such as audio tours and The Yosemite Road Guide, are available at the Visitor Center or other park stores.

Yosemite Valley’s Eastern End

Take a free bus ride to the Eastern end of Yosemite Valley where you can visit locations such as Half Dome, Glacier Point, Washington Column and Tenaya Canyon. This section of the shuttle bus route is closed in winter.

Bicycle Ride

Seeing wilderness up close on two wheels has never been more peaceful. Whether you brought your own set of wheels or would like to rent a few of ours, you will enjoy more than eight miles of paved paths through Yosemite Valley.

Rules for bicycle use in the valley:

• Bicyclists should stay on paved bike paths and highways.
• No riding on trails and into meadows. Erosion sand vegetation damage will result otherwise.
• Mountain and all terrain bicycles are permitted, but not allowed on unpaved surfaces in Yosemite Valley. Check at the Visitor Center for appropriate mountain bike routs.
• Ride to the right in single file.

Fishing

Lakes in the valley are flourishing with trout, particularly in the Merced river. Although stocking of trout is no longer performed, excellent pound fish are wheeled in every season.

On the Merced River in Yosemite Valley, only catch and release is permitted for rainbow trout. The use of natural or organic bait is prohibited. Only artificial lures and flies with barbless hooks may be used. The limit is 5 per day with 10 in possession. California fishing licenses are required (16+) and may be purchased at the Village Sports Shop and Wawona Store.

From the last Saturday in April to November 15, fishing is allowed in all streams and rivers. Year-round fishing is admitted in the parks lakes and reservoirs. Consult the California Fish and Game Regulations for further Yosemite fishing rules.

Outdoor Painting

At the Yosemite Art Center, free outdoor art classes are available during most parts of the year. Regardless of your skill level, artists of unique styles offer hands-on learning experiences to any interested students.

Class sessions are four hours in length and are scheduled from early spring through October, and during holiday periods.

Horse Back Riding

Horseback rides are offered (for those with hardened backsides) by DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite from their stables in the east end of Yosemite Valley (bus stop #18). Guided trips in two-hour, half-day, and full-day lengths are given to such destinations as Nevada Fall and Glacier Point. For reservations and information call 372-8348 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Go for a Dip

If you’d like to swim, the Merced River provides miles of beaches and numerous refreshing swimming holes during the summer months (it’s not too cold and fast-flowing in the spring). Or try out Mirror Lake and Tenaya Creek. If you must swim in a heated pool, in the summer there’s one at Yosemite Lodge and another at Curry Village. A small pool is available for guests only at the Ahwahnee Hotel.

Hiking

There’s a price to be paid for Yosemite Valley’s towering cliffs and sheer walls. Practically every hike leading out of Yosemite Valley is straight up and strenuous! But the valley floor offers many enjoyable walks over flat terrain, and no matter what your hiking ability, you can find a trail to suit you. Several Yosemite Valley floor trails are wheelchair accessible.
Make sure you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and clothes that allow freedom of movement. Carry a flashlight and rain gear. Rain (or snow) is a possibility in every season. Don’t forget plenty of water (drinking from rivers and streams is not advised), and lunch and snacks. Dogs on leash are allowed on trails on the floor of Yosemite Valley, but nowhere else.

Yosemite Theater

Throughout the year, dramatic and musical performances are offered by the Yosemite Theater program. Designed to supplement the interpretive activities of the NPS, Yosemite Theater is sponsored by DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite. Modest fees are charged for the various presentations. Best known of the theater programs are Lee Stetson’s one-man stage productions in which he portrays John Muir. There’s a program for every taste including musical campfire programs and slide and film presentations. Tickets for the performances may be purchased at the door, or check at DNC activities desk.

Picnic

There are a number of fine spots for a picnic in Yosemite Valley. In the eastern end of the valley, ride the shuttle bus to Happy Isles or take the walk to Mirror Lake. To the west try El Capitan picnic area (on the right side of Northside Drive about two miles west of Yosemite Lodge), Bridalveil Fall parking area (intersection of the Wawona Road and Southside Drive), Cathedral picnic area (on the left side of Southside Drive just past the El Cap crossover), Sentinel Beach picnic area (on the left a mile or so further along Southside Drive), or Swinging Bridge picnic area (less than a half a mile further on the left).

Outdoor Adventure

Throughout the year, the Yosemite Association presents a series of outdoor seminars in Yosemite Valley and at other park locations. Some of the courses, covering such topics as botany, geology, natural history, photography, art, and backpacking, are offered for college credit. Programs have been designed for all levels of experience and for every type of Yosemite user. The instructional staff is excellent. For a catalog of classes or more information, call (209) 379-2321, visit yosemite.org, or write: Outdoor Adventures, Box 230, El Portal, CA 95318.

Wheelchair Accessability

Many programs, facilities, and trails in Yosemite Valle (and throughout the park) are suitable for visitors in wheelchairs, with assistance. Information on accessible park programs, facilities, and trails can be found in the Yosemite Magazine or at park entrance and information stations.