Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley
4.5
About
Many climbers consider Yosemite Valley among the world's very best climbing sites.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Yosemite Valley
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
11 within 5 kms
Attractions
64 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,715 reviews
Excellent
5,372
Very good
918
Average
274
Poor
96
Terrible
55
Stuart D
Palo Alto, CA11 contributions
Nov 2022
One of the best National Parks in the US. Stunning views and great hikes. Only downside it gets easily crowded.
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AndyKansasCity
Kansas City946 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
There’s nothing quite like coming out of the tunnel and seeing Yosemite Valley before you. A beautiful area, but often busy. There’s lots of hiking and sightseeing, hotels and restaurants. Find a place to park and take the shuttle wherever you want to go. Be aware that there are two shuttles: one goes all around the valley and the other makes a smaller loop.
Written 30 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DanoIII
Seattle30 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
What a place. If you like the outdoors and hiking, this your place! I’ve been to dozens of National Parks and this is as good as it gets. Clean, easy hiking and road access. Don’t miss this gem. I recommend hiring a hiking guide from the Yosemite Mountaineering as School. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it. Ask for Nick, he was great. Bring plenty of water, good well broken in boot and dress in layers. The view are spectacular.
Written 11 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brendan S
Arlington, VA1,390 contributions
Oct 2022
Yosemite Valley is the famous part of Yosemite National Park and the area with the most tourist infrastructure. This is where you can see the valley view, the major rock formations and the waterfalls...when there is water. And it's the seasonality of Yosemite that's the challenge. It's tough to visit in the winter - November through April - because of heavy snow. In the summer months, it gets so crowded that they limit visitor access and there are traffic jams. I visited in late October and there were mostly sparse crowds and no traffic. But Yosemite Falls was a trickle down the cliff, Vernal and Nevada Falls were reduced in intensity and Mirror Lake did not have a drop of water in it. I'd probably aim for spring before peak tourist season or fall right after the tourist season. And make sure to stay late at least one night for the terrific stargazing - I could see the Milky Way with a naked eye.
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melaney68
Chesapeake Beach, MD9,470 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We were fortunate to secure a recreation.gov park pass and so we rerouted our road trip and entered the park on the east side. There were many traffic delays due to construction and it took a very long time to get to the valley. On our last trip we came in via the west entrance which led us to the valley much faster. We visited in April last time and there were waterfalls everywhere. The park seemed incomplete without them.
Written 1 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TennisStar602
Florida478 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
This area of Yosemite is the main part. All of the well known Yosemite rock formations are here. The parking and traffic can be rough, but they were reasonable on a late Sunday in October. I loved the scenery but I did not allot enough time for a hike in this area. Just a word of caution, when it gets dark, it gets DARK! Please be advised that the sun went down at 6:00 P.M. in late October.
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ClaudiaS339
Panama City, Panama154 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Amazingly impressive! we had beautiful weather, just right temperature. We stayed at Yosemite view lodge (no celular signal there, you pay for WiFi) just a short car ride from the park entrance, when you drive and see this majestic cliffs or when you hike to the gigantic trees it makes you feel the wonder of nature.
Written 29 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Balasubramanian R
Chennai (Madras), India720 contributions
Oct 2022
Yosemite valley is the tourist attraction in Yosemite national park. The valley surrounded by granite mountains like EI Capitan, half dome etc. Water falls, forest, park are there. People used to visit the valley in the week end and on holidays
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nickss1
Southend-on-Sea, UK4,549 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
This is definitely worth the long trip to get here. The scenery is stunning; so much to see. We found getting a parking spot an issue at the village, but we eventually came across a space (we went on a busy Saturday). We visited the Valley Visitor Centre, saw Yosemite movie in the attached theatre, then went on short walk to Lower Yosemite Falls. All on a wonderful autumn/fall day.
Written 15 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PacificNWFamily
Washington State97,886 contributions
Sep 2022
We have enjoyed Yosemite Valley so many times, and we seem to find something new with every visit. This time the ‘new’ thing was finding big crayfish (crawdads) in Tenaya Creek.
We walked a loop from the Church Bowl Picnic Area to the Ahwahnee, up & down the Mirror Lake Loop, through the edge of the North Pines Campground, and back. The crayfish were easily seen from the bridge over Tenaya Creek between the campground and the Backpacker’s Campground. What a fun find.
We enjoyed a secluded picnic on the trail from Mirror Lake Road/Trail to North Pines CG. We sat near Tenaya Creek and enjoyed the scenery. On our last visit we picnicked alongside the Merced River near El Capitan Meadow. There are so many places to enjoy Yosemite Valley.
We walked a loop from the Church Bowl Picnic Area to the Ahwahnee, up & down the Mirror Lake Loop, through the edge of the North Pines Campground, and back. The crayfish were easily seen from the bridge over Tenaya Creek between the campground and the Backpacker’s Campground. What a fun find.
We enjoyed a secluded picnic on the trail from Mirror Lake Road/Trail to North Pines CG. We sat near Tenaya Creek and enjoyed the scenery. On our last visit we picnicked alongside the Merced River near El Capitan Meadow. There are so many places to enjoy Yosemite Valley.
Written 8 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kathryn J
Crewe, UK36 contributions
Hi everyone. A bit of an urgent one. My family have arrived in Los Angeles and are making their way to Yosemite. Unfortunately there have been major problems in UK with luggage and their 3 cases have been lost. This trip has been cancelled 3 times and it was one of those holidays of a lifetime for an 18th, 21st and 50th! Anyhoo, their main reason for visiting Yosemite was for mountain climbing. All of their equipment is in the suitcase. Is there anywhere where climbing equipment can be hired please or any other suggestions please? Thank you.
Michael P
Mason, OH268 contributions
Check out the Mountaineering School located inside the park at Curry Village. They may be able to help. Also check into renting gear at REI. Learn more at their website.
Charlotte A
11 contributions
Hello. Does anyone know if/when the Merced river rafting opens?
PacificNWFamily
Washington State97,886 contributions
The Yosemite forum is the best place to ask.
The water level needs to be low enough (and it's low this year!), the water temperature needs to be high enough (it's been right around 40 degrees lately), and the air temperature needs to be warm enough (it has snowed recently, but hot weather is coming again.)
Huachucakid
5 contributions
Planning a trip to Yosemite in April 2022. Anyone know when they will open the bicycle rentals for the spring season? I wrote the NPS and received a very vague answer.
PacificNWFamily
Washington State97,886 contributions
Hi
Next time use the forum rather than this seldom viewed Q&A feature.
Melody
1 contribution
Hello, we are a family from the UK looking to stay overnight or two Yosemite National park and would like to combine this with a tour if possible on our way from LA to San Francisco- grateful for any advice please? Thank you Melody
passion to travel
Parker, AZ261 contributions
Spend as much Tim in Yosemite Valley, it’s breathtaking. You don’t need a “tour” just make lodging reservations in the valley well in advance and just drive there, rent bikes and take in the amazing beauty if the waterfalls, granite, meadows and wildlife. May & June are the best months. Mid summer can get extremely hot and by end of summer waterfalls can be dry.
AJ J
6 contributions
Getting married in Yosemite in late October and I am having a hard time trying to figure out what kind of cover up or shawl I should buy to wear over my wedding gown. I know the weather can be unpredictable but what advice can anyone give me on if I should buy something sheer, maybe fleece or like faux fur? Should it be thin and lightweight or warmer? Thank you kindly!
PacificNWFamily
Washington State97,886 contributions
Hi
I recommend asking on the Yosemite NP forum page.
Late October could be 70 degrees or could be snowing or anything in between . If you are lucky, it will be 65 degrees, sunny, with a gentle breeze.
I would go for a thin but warm layer.
Best wishes (from a June Yosemite bride!)
Teja G
2 contributions
We are planning a visit here in the second week of April. Which site of this park is good to visit & which is nearest airport to fly in. We will be coming from NYC. Thanks.
PacificNWFamily
Washington State97,886 contributions
Hi
Rather than using this seldom seen Q&A feature, I suggest asking your questions on the Yosemite forum. The Top Questions on the right side of that page is loaded with topics that can help you with your planning.
Getting lodging will be the biggest challenge as other April visitors booked months ago. See the first topic in the Top Questions.
Fresno Yosemite Airport / FAT is the closest airport, but it might not be the easiest to use. There is a topic about airports in the Top Questions.
The "site" of the Park that is good to visit is Yosemite Valley. You will probably also want to visit Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. High country roads will be closed, but you can access these two places.
Amelia
Port Talbot, UK7 contributions
My husband and I will be driving from South Lake to Williams, Arizona in August. We have planned to break the journey up with two night stay. We have already booked our final night near the Hoover Dam but would like to stay somewhere in Yosemite. Ideally we would like to be near some sights but would like some suggestions as to other good locations which will be en route?
We have looked at some options including Mammouth Lakes, Bishop, Big Pine, Lone Pine and Independence but are unsure where would be best for either 1 night or 2 nights if there are lots of things to do. This is part of our honeymoon and we’d like to make the most of our time in the area.
Thank you in advance!
M1809
Porthcawl, UK103 contributions
I did a huge amount of research before our visit to California last June/July and unless you want to pay the huge prices to stay in Yosemite Valley then I can highly recommend staying in Oakhurst. Oakhurst is a small town approximately 15-20 mins drive from the South entrance to Yosemite National Park. At the south entrance you will find Mariposa Grove which is where the giant sequoia trees are located - a beautiful place and a must visit.
Also, another 15-20 mins drive will get you to Glacier Point and at 4,500 feet you will have breathtaking views across Yosemite Park and it’s mountains and waterfalls - I’m not easily impressed but this place blew me away!
Another 20 minutes drive will get you to the main Yosemite Valley where you can park and take some beautiful walks and take the park bus which is free and will drop you off at different points in the park.
We only stayed in Oakhurst for 1 night and managed to squeeze in all the above in a long day but I wish we’d stayed for 2 nights as there was so much more to do and see.
If you like walking, research Glacier Point as there are a lot of talks/various organised walks with guides on certain days which we’d like to have done.
Apologies for bombarding you with this information but I know that staying in the right place can make your stay. I can recommend the Best Western Plus, Yosemite Gateway Inn, Oakhurst if you’re looking for a good base at a reasonable price. If you have more questions just ask!👍
Sharon M
13 contributions
Hi, were first-timers planning on visiting Yosemite in August 2020 . 2 elderlies, 2 adults, 2 kids.
Would it be a reasonable drive at the park during the afternoon? I am asking because there is a
19:00 night program at glacier point that the park guide offer. The bus service they provide with the program is very expensive and if you book just the guide without the bus - it is 10$ per person. The question is, is it a reason to drive at the park at the dark?
Neal S
Medfield, Massachusetts, United States108 contributions
The sun is still up at 7 p.m. in August, so you won't be driving in the dark.
We have only 4 hours at Yosemite. Can we take the Valley shuttle and still make it back in time to board our bus?
Edwelsh
North Canton, OH4,482 contributions
I think the Valley Shuttle would be a very good option. Parking is very limited, so is your time. The shuttle had designated parking spots and you hop out snap a few pics and hop back on. The ranger talks in between
RennieFamilyHolidays
Middlesbrough, UK277 contributions
Looking to go here next September. How long do we need here to enjoy and relax. Also is there any main places that are a must see place ?
Ray P
22 contributions
Do not miss visiting Glacier Point which provides fantastic views down into and across the valley. It was the highlight of my visit.
YOSEMITE VALLEY (Yosemite National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Yosemite Valley
- We recommend booking Yosemite Valley tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 54 Yosemite Valley tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Yosemite Valley:
- Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup (From S$196.41)
- Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco (From S$275.51)
- Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco (From S$262.32)
- 2-Day Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco (From S$750.06)
- Small-Group Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco (From S$235.96)
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley:
- (1.10 km) Housekeeping Camp
- (1.17 km) The Ahwahnee
- (1.13 km) Yosemite Valley Lodge
- (1.82 km) Curry Village
- (13.05 km) Yosemite Gateway/Horse Ranch Cottage/Outdoor SoakingTub & Shower/Views/Trails
- Restaurants near Yosemite Valley:
- (0.15 km) Degnan's Kitchen
- (0.16 km) Degnan's Kitchen
- (0.17 km) Degnan's Loft
- (0.22 km) Base Camp Eatery
- (0.32 km) Village Grill
- Attractions near Yosemite Valley:
- (0.05 km) Valley Visitor Center
- (0.06 km) Ansel Adams Gallery
- (0.10 km) Yosemite Village Store
- (0.10 km) Indian Village of the Ahwahnee
- (0.17 km) Wawona Covered Bridge