Yosemite Valley
The Heart of Yosemite
Yosemite Valley is where the park reveals its most iconic landscapes: granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and landmarks that feel both immense and immediate. Stretching seven miles long and one mile wide, this is the center of Yosemite’s story, home to Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and more. Located about a 55-minute drive from Tenaya at Yosemite, the Valley is an easy and rewarding journey that leads you into the landscapes that define Yosemite.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View marks a memorable arrival into Yosemite Valley, where the landscape opens all at once to reveal Bridalveil Fall and the towering granite faces of El Capitan and Half Dome. It’s one of the park’s most iconic vistas, offering a first look that feels both expansive and unforgettable. From Tenaya at Yosemite, Tunnel View is about a 50-minute drive, making it an easy and rewarding stop along your journey into the Valley.
Valley View
Valley View offers one of Yosemite’s most iconic perspectives, where El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and the Merced River come together in a single, sweeping scene. Located along Northside Drive, this easily accessible stop captures the Valley’s scale and symmetry, especially in the softer light of early morning or evening.
Half Dome
Half Dome is one of Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks, its glacier-carved granite face rising nearly 5,000 feet above the Valley floor. Instantly recognizable, it stands as a defining feature of the park’s landscape and one of the most celebrated formations in the National Park system. Stoneman Meadow offers wide-open views, while Mirror Lake brings you closer to its base, accessible via a two-mile round-trip walk along a paved trail.
El Capitan
El Capitan is one of Yosemite’s most legendary landmarks, rising more than 3,000 feet above the Valley floor in a sheer expanse of granite. While it gained global attention through the Oscar-winning film Free Solo, it has long held iconic status among climbers and park enthusiasts. On clear evenings, especially from El Capitan Meadow, small points of light appear along its face—headlamps from climbers making their way up this world-renowned ascent.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is one of the park’s most iconic highlights, dropping a total of 2,425 feet and ranking among the tallest waterfalls in the world. Made up of three sections—Upper Yosemite Fall, the Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall—it transforms with the seasons. Fed by snowmelt, the falls typically flow from late fall through mid-summer, reaching peak power in spring when the water thunders into the Valley below.
Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall
The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s most iconic hikes, leading to close-up views of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall along a steep and rewarding climb. Unlike many of the Valley’s waterfalls, these can only be experienced on foot. In spring and early summer, the powerful flow creates a constant mist along the trail, often soaking hikers along the way. Even in drier seasons, both waterfalls maintain a steady presence, making this a reliable and worthwhile hike year-round.
Bridalveil Fall
Bridalveil Fall is one of Yosemite’s most recognizable waterfalls, welcoming visitors as they enter Yosemite Valley. Dropping 620 feet from a hanging valley, the waterfall is known for its graceful flow and the mist that drifts across the landscape—especially in spring when water levels are at their peak. Easily accessible via a short walk, it offers a close-up experience that feels both immediate and iconic.
Stay
Choose the way you stay and wake ready for Yosemite.
Activities
Spark discovery with on-site activities included in each stay.