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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Yosemite Valley, California is a must-visit destination for outdoor adventurers. With its scenic views and top outdoor activities, it's no wonder why it's a popular destination. From hiking and biking to rock climbing and camping, there are plenty of activities to choose from. For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, there are breathtaking trails and activities to explore, such as Glacier Point, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. There are also plenty of other attractions to explore in and near the area, such as the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite Valley Chapel, and the Yosemite Museum. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or an exciting adventure, Yosemite Valley, California has something for everyone.

    Top Spots in and near Yosemite Valley

    • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

      Photograph Stoneman Bridge in Yosemite NP

      4.5
      This location turned out to be one of our favorite unplanned stops in the Yosemite Valley to photograph and explore.Stoneman Bridge was constructed in 1933 and spans 72 feet long. The Merced River flows under this classic stone bridge providing very photogenic reflections, with Half Dome in the b...
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    • Yosemite Valley, California

      Sentinel Meadow Cook's Meadow Loop Trail

      4.5
      1.99 mi / 85 ft gain
      This short, easy walk provides some of the best views of several iconic Yosemite landmarks from the valley floor.  If you complete the entire loop, expect to see Yosemite Falls from the Swinging Bridge, Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge (a popular spot at sunset), and the historic Yosemite Chapel.  ...
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    • Yosemite Valley, California

      Half Dome via the Mist Trail

      4.8
      15.94 mi / 4800 ft gain
      Be sure to arrive early early in the morning to beat the crowds or if you want to break up the hike, first-come, first served campsites are available at Little Yosemite Valley Campground - make sure to check out the details in that adventure and obtain a wilderness permit. Even if you are just da...
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    • Yosemite Valley, California

      Thru-Hike the John Muir Trail

      5.0
      203.17 mi / 44944 ft gain
      To thru hike the JMT is probably one of the sickest trips to do! It's not a heavy commitment like the PCT or AT but it's also no week long vacation from work, backpacking the woods of your local forests either. There's a sweet spot in thru hiking and I believe this trail gives the full taste. You...
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    • Yosemite Valley, California

      Mirror Lake

      4.6
      2.56 mi / 190 ft gain
      Mirror Lake is a very popular spot in the Yosemite Valley and definitely a must see to check off your explore list. Crowds are much smaller if you go during the winter, but some parts of the water might be iced over. The trailhead you take to get there is well marked and can be found at the far ...
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    • 37.739698,-119.564018

      Snow Creek Trail

      5.0
      20.43 mi / 2700 ft gain
      This is truly a beautiful hike. Although it’s not the easiest, you are rewarded by the views. From the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17), it is 0.9 miles to the Snow Creek trailhead and 1.7 miles to the Snow Creek overlook where you can camp in close proximity. Once you reach the top, you...
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    • Yosemite Valley, California

      Vernal & Nevada Falls via Happy Isles

      4.6
      7.23 mi / 2815 ft gain
      This popular hike starts near Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. The first mile of the trail is paved and almost entirely uphill. You will come to the footbridge which tends to be very crowded. About 0.2 miles beyond the footbridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. Follow the Mist Tra...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Photograph Yosemite's Half Dome at Glacier Point

      4.7
      Glacier Point gives you a classic view of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.  You can get a different perspective of Half Dome if you jump on any of the trails heading out of Glacier Point. Illilouette Falls trail gives you a different view of Half Dome.  This trail is around 4-5 miles round trip fro...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Stargaze and Photograph the Night Sky at Glacier Point

      5.0
      The summer months of June, July, and August tend to provide the best views of the stars, and particularly in August during the meteor showers. Amateur astronomers often gather on Saturdays during the summer, and provide first hand knowledge and guidance. Glacier Point can accommodate hundreds of ...
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    • Mariposa County, California

      Reverse Summit of Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park

      4.5
      17 mi / 6100 ft gain
      Yosemite's Panorama Trail is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and worthwhile trails in the entire national park. The stretch that reaches from the valley floor to the top of Glacier Point involves 8.5 miles and a monumental amount of elevation gain. If you want to see the entire stretch of trai...
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    • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

      Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park

      4.5
      5.07 mi / 1400 ft gain
      The hike begins at Glacier Point. Find the marker for the Panorama Trail just beyond the viewing steps (to the right, if you’re looking at Half Dome). The first section of the hike will be lined with open views of Half Dome, Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. It will be hard not to stop to listen ...
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    • Yosemite Valley, California

      Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)

      4.2
      Also known as Tenaya Creek Falls or Three Chutes Falls, this spot is loved by locals and is definitely worth the hidden trail and scramble over rocks. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake, and a boulder-filled canyon. Great for photos or for relaxing by some secluded falls. To get t...
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    • Yosemite Valley, California

      Hike to Basket Dome

      9.45 mi
      Getting There Starting in Yosemite Valley, head to the Snow Creek trailhead just past Muir Meadows. Start the hike early in the morning, since it gets pretty hot in the summer and the last part of the hike is in the sun. The Trail You'll hike more than 140 switchbacks to reach the top of Ba...
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    • Yosemite Valley, California

      Snowshoe to Snow Creek

      5.0
      10.98 mi / 2700 ft gain
      Take the Valley shuttle to Mirror Lake Trailhead where you will begin your hike. After a flat 2 miles, you will begin the steep three miles up to snow creek as you take one switch back after the next.  This steep climb will reward you with beautiful views of Tenaya Canyon and give you a differen...
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    • Yosemite Valley, California

      Photograph Moonbows at Yosemite Falls

      1 mi
      In spring at Yosemite National Park, a unique phenomenon occurs, called “moonbows.” Seen during the full moon, moonbows are rainbows produced by light reflected off the surface of the moon, and are relatively faint and difficult to detect with the naked eye, but they do appear in long exposure ph...
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    • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

      Bike Yosemite Valley

      4.0
      12 mi
      Bringing my bike to the Valley was one of the best decisions I have made on my many trips there. Everything changed after that visit and there will never be another time (unless in the dead of winter) that my bike will not be there with me. The reason is simple: everything is heightened.When Yose...
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    Camping and Lodging in Yosemite Valley

    Housekeeping Camp
    Yosemite Valley, California

    Housekeeping Camp

    From $108 / night

    Curry Village
    Yosemite Valley, California

    Curry Village

    From $90 / night

    The Ahwahnee
    Yosemite Valley, California

    The Ahwahnee

    From $386 / night

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Yosemite Valley

    Yosemite Shines in Fall and Winter

    Yosemite Shines in Fall and Winter

    Sara Sheehy

    Outbound Reviewed: Spotting Climbers on El Capitan with Maven Optics C.1 Binoculars

    Outbound Reviewed: Spotting Climbers on El Capitan with Maven Optics C.1 Binoculars

    Liam McNally

    A Starbucks Opened in Yosemite Valley and the World Didn't End

    A Starbucks Opened in Yosemite Valley and the World Didn't End

    Kyle Frost

    Searching for Winter Wildlife in Yosemite Valley

    Searching for Winter Wildlife in Yosemite Valley

    Greg Harlow