Most of the park is not Yosemite Valley, most people who visit only spend time in the valley. In size, the length of the valley (where all the people and traffic are) is about the same as the distance across San Francisco, all accessible from one road (the one-way loop road). All accessible from the shuttles. (All except the Tunnel/Discovery and Bridal Veil.) The upper shuttle is year round, the lower valley shuttle is summer only, but only goes to El Capitan and Cathedral Beach. The best way to see the valley is to first take the shuttle or take one of the tours, then walk the trails, then bike the road and bike paths, then walk some more. Walk (on the paved trails or boardwalks) into one of the meadows and just sit or stand and look and listen.
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| Mirror Lake. Eventually this will become a meadow with Tenaya Creek flowing through on its way from the high country to the Merced near Happy Isles, but early in most years there is still a lot of lake left. In a dry year don't expect much water in August. The easy trail (bicycles allowed much of the way) takes about 1 hour (or 2 if you do the full loop around the lake). | Happy Isles. The Merced begins its trip through the relatively level valley floor at Happy Isles. This stop on the shuttle is the access to Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail. Most people take this trail only to the bridge with the first view of Vernal Falls. At one time this trail was paved, now it is only mostly paved. Above the bridge, it is the usual dirt and rocks (especially the rocks on the Mist Trail section). | Below the lodge and campground areas you find Cathedral Rocks across from El Capitan. Bridalveil Creek flows above and behind this feature before its drop to the valley. |
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| The large meadow complex near Yosemite Lodge is an outstanding location to spend time. Trails lead to views of the Merced. | The foot (and often bike) trails lead to crossings of the Merced (with April snow) | Sentinel Bridge (near the chapel) is a shuttle stop, a major intersection, and the "classical" view of Half Dome. Afternoon in low water seems to be best to get the stereotypical reflection, though mornings in the spring high water are not bad either. Cook's Meadow (behind you while looking at Half Dome) has trails to explore and provide the best views of Yosemite Falls. |
| Snow is always possible into the early spring. But if you get up (and from the floor of a glacial valley, up is the important word) the trail (Yosemite Falls Trail) you get good views of the valley floor. |
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| The distinctive manzanita is common on the lower slopes. This one is on the Yosemite Falls trail, not the Yosemite Falls path where most people go, but the trail that eventually gets to the top of the Falls. | The dogwood blooms in the spring. There are some around Sentinel Bridge, and a large number below Bridalveil Meadow | Winter sometimes brings snow to the valley floor. The 4000' elevation is low enough that it will not last long so enjoy it while you can. |
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