10 Awesome Things to Do in Yosemite Valley on Your First Visit
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Of all the areas of Yosemite National Park, the Valley is where the bulk of park visitors go and for good reason; it boasts some of the parks most famous attractions, such as Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Cap, Tunnel View, Happy Isles and much more.
This post doesn’t intend to tell you what the best sights are, as most other websites and blogs do. Being the “best” is up to each person’s interpretation. What I may consider the best, others might disagree. Additionally, there are so many equally beautiful things to see in Yosemite Valley that labeling any of them the “best” would devalue the others, in my humble opinion.
So instead, this post will use the word “awesome” to describe the sights I’m about to recommend. There are many others, but if anyone in my family or friend group were visiting Yosemite for the first time and asked for my recommendations, these are what I would start with in order for them to get a well-rounded first visit of the Valley. Let’s get into it.
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1) Tunnel View
No visit to the Valley would be complete without seeing the classic postcard view of Yosemite, so it’s only fitting we begin here. You can reach Tunnel View by following the signs to Glacier Road (Hwy 41). They’re dotted all along the main road on the valley floor. You’ll turn right at the sign pointing towards Glacier Point and head up 1.5 miles to the viewpoint’s parking lot.
From the viewpoint, you’ll get an unparalleled view of some of Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks; El Cap, Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, and more. The crowds get thick at Tunnel View, as this is a popular tour bus stop. The earlier you arrive, the better. For additional information on Tunnel View, read my post at the link below.
2) El Cap Meadow
Seeing El Capitan from Tunnel View is one thing, but seeing it up close and personal from the meadow below is a whole lot better. The best part? Due to its massive size, you can see it from just about anywhere in the meadow surrounding it.
Parking is plentiful on both sides of the road but in the busy summer months, it can be difficult to come by. If you can’t find a spot, just circle around. You’ll likely come across one eventually. The meadow makes for an excellent place to picnic and view El Cap climbers as they make their way up its face.
Pro tip: Be sure to bring binoculars. Seeing climbers with the naked eye is nearly impossible.
3) The Mist Trail
The Mist Trail is one of the premier hiking trails of not just the valley, but the entire park. Two beautiful waterfalls, Vernal & Nevada, are the main features of the trail, along with the infamous (and quad bursting) stone steps. The latter (Vernal) provides the mist that the trail is famous for in the spring and early summer months.
The trail is on the shorter side, coming in at 3 miles round-trip if just going to Vernal Fall. It’ll be 7 miles round-trip if moving on to Nevada Fall as well. Despite its relative shortness, the trail is steep and you will have to navigate hundreds of the slick, stone steps at both waterfalls. If you have the stamina, this hike is a must.
4) Yosemite Falls
Made up of three falls (upper, middle, & lower), Yosemite Falls stands at a commanding 2,435 feet and is one of the parks biggest (literally) attractions. Most people view the falls at the base from the viewpoint located just across the road from Yosemite Valley Lodge.
If you want to get up close and personal with it, though, hiking the Upper Yosemite Falls trail will take you to the top where epic views of the valley await you. The trail is strenuous and is about 7 miles, round-trip.
5) Half Dome
Not for the faint of heart, but worth every ounce of effort, Half Dome is the undisputed king of popular hikes in Yosemite. In order to partake in this one, you’ll need to apply for a permit. If you’re one of the lucky ones to get a permit, prepare yourself for a challenging, but rewarding experience.
You’ll make your way up the Mist Trail, get up and over Sub Dome and finally grab hold of the cables to hoist yourself 400 feet to the top. If you’re preparing to hike Half Dome or are considering it, read my post below for guidance.
READ ALSO: Half Dome: The Ultimate Guide To Yosemite’s Best Day Hike
6) Ansel Adams Gallery
Located in Yosemite Village, The Ansel Adams Gallery features many photographs from one of the most famous photographers in the world. If it’s in your budget, you can even purchase some of Ansel’s most iconic works for yourself.
Ansel Adams made a name for himself on his photographic art in not just the Valley, but the park as a whole and beyond. Seeing the park through his lens is something no visit to Yosemite would be complete without.
7) Indian Village
Indian Village is located within Yosemite Village, right behind the visitor center. It features several exhibits of dwellings, a sweat house, pounding rocks, Chief’s house, and a ceremonial roundhouse that were used by the Miwok Tribe. Additionally, there are examples of cabins used by early, non-native settlers.
It is a great place to take a leisurely stroll and at the same time, learn fascinating history about the people who not only originally discovered Yosemite before anyone else, but called it home for many years before it was stolen from them.
8) Glacier Point
Even though it’s outside the bounds of the valley, I’m still going to include it as the views from it are of the Valley. From the valley, follow signs to Highway 41and drive through Wawona Tunnel, following the road for about thirty miles. You’ll reach Glacier Point at the road’s terminus.
You’ll be at an elevation of 7,214 feet above sea level and 3,200 feet above the Valley itself. There’s a short trail that makes its way along the rim, a cool geology hut and a recently renovated visitor center, to name a few things. Many come here for the epic view of Half Dome, but Glacier Point has so much more to offer, so be sure to spend time looking around.
9) Bridalveil Fall
Likely the first waterfall you’ll see after entering Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Fall plunges 620 feet to the Valley floor and is one of the parks main attractions. You can view the fall from Tunnel View or you can utilize the paved trail that goes from the parking lot to the base.
Bridalveil flows year round but is most impressive in spring and early summer. If you visit during these times and go to the base, you will likely get wet, so be sure to protect those cameras. Bridalveil Fall has recently reopened after a multi-year renovation project of its parking lot, restrooms and trail.
10) Cook’s Meadow Loop
Lastly, no visit to Yosemite Valley would be complete without a hike around Cook’s Meadow. It’s a short, one mile loop, but packs a punch when it comes to epic views.
Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Glacier Point, and the beautiful Merced River are all features found along this easy going trail. It is perfect for families or for those just wanting to take in the sights while taking it easy.
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