The Valley, created by millions of years of huge geologic upheavals, glaciers and erosion, is famous for its waterfalls, towering granite walls, and iconic features like El Capitan and Half Dome. This site is guaranteed to be one of the most beautiful landscapes you will ever witness. Our #1 recommendation for hiking in the valley is the Mist trail. This wonderful hike starts at the far end of the valley, following the Merced river up past innumerable views and two magnificent water falls. Here is more information on other hikes in the the valley.

Glacier Point is an iconic overlook on the rim of Yosemite Valley, 3,200 feet above the Valley floor. From approximately May through November, this viewpoint can be reached by car or by a very strenuous hike from Yosemite Valley, the Four Mile Trail. One of our favorite hikes in the park is Sentinel Dome to Taft point loop (also excellent as a one way hike to either spot) This hike sports an easy climb up a granite done similar to half dome but without the permit and very long, steep and dangerous parts. The views here are spectacular. There are also many other amazing hikes in the Glacier Point area.

The Massive and ancient giant sequoias (click here for more information on the amazing trees) are the world's largest trees by volume and the most massive living organisms on Earth. Some of the largest of these magnificent trees live in three groves in Yosemite National Park. The most easily accessible of these (spring through fall) is the Mariposa Grove at the park's South/Oakhurst entrance on Highway 41. Two smaller—and less visited—groves are the Tuolumne and Merced Groves near Crane Flat.

Visiting Yosemite Valley will allow you to explore the gorgeous but small part the foothills of the giant mountain range called the Sierra Nevada. However, by traversing the wonderful road that cuts all the way across from eastern to western side of the range, you will get to see and explore the exceptional Sierra high country and high peaks contained herein. Main stops along the Tioga Pass Road include Olmstead point, Tenaya Lake, tons of interesting and unique landscapes and the scenic Tuolumne Meadows. While there are many other awesome hikes along this route, our favorite day hikes include Cathedral lakes and the shorter May Lake hikes.

Highlights include the Ansel Adams Gallery, where you can see a nice variety of high quality photographic landscape prints. The Visitor Center (now called the Yosemite Exploration Center and Museum) hosts interactive displays and exhibits highlighting Yosemite's history, the people who originally called this place home, as well as more about the geology, plants and animals of Yosemite. The Yosemite Conservancy bookstore located inside offers books, apparel, and gifts. This area also has several restaurants and shops. See map below for the location of most items listed:

The Village Store, above, is basically a small market with an outside eating area that can be very busy during mid day. It has all the essentials you need — including groceries, meat and baked goods, fresh produce, grab and go prepackaged items suitable for picnics, ready to eat sandwiches, salads, snacks and beverages. There’s also an ATM in the store. Additionally, you’ll find all the souvenirs, T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats you could ever want—perfect for gifts or commemorating your Yosemite experience. The Village Grill, right next door to the Village store is a counter service eatery serving grilled sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, beverages and veggie options. Outdoor seating only with shade umbrellas on the adjacent deck. Degnan’s Kitchen, around the corner from the Village Grill has a nice selection of standard sandwiches and deli favorites: soups, veggie selections, hummus, coffee, tea, espresso and beer.

Curry village, above, is at the end of Yosemite Valley, near the parking and trailhead for the Mist Trail. It has a large building that contains an outside eating deck, inside seating and several eateries including a place for pizza, “homestyle favorites”, burritos, tacos, rice bowls, veggie options and a bar.

This map shows the locations of all items listed above except for those located in Curry Village which can be found on the official Park Service map. The Yosemite Valley Lodge, an easy 15 minute walk west from Yosemite Village, has both a food court with inside seating and a upscale dinner house called the Mountain Room. The more reasonably priced Base Camp Eatery (the food court) offers a grill with burgers and fries, chicken and other grilled sandwiches. There is also an Asian section with poke bowls, orange chicken and some other sections. Next is American comfort food with meatloaf, pasta, Pizza and other selections . And for those who prefer lighter fare there is a nice health food option. The Lodge is located on the bottom left corner of the map

The Ahwahnee distinguishes itself as one of the crown jewels among all national park lodges. This hotel is a must-visit destination within Yosemite Valley for its dining, décor and architecture that complements the natural setting of the park. It offers unmatched elegance with iconic views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

This landmark facility offers a truly fine dining experience in the iconic dining hall as well as an upscale bar serving fancy “small bites, wine , beer and cocktails”. Expect dinner in the dining hall to cost no less than $125 per person. There is a dress code and reservatiions are a must. For more information regarding this and other general information on dining in the Ahwannee click here.

While visiting this scenic destination involves a two to two and a half hour trip from our Inn, it makes an excellent add-on on the way or returning from the park from the west. Hidden in Yoesmite's peaceful northwest corner, Hetch Hetchy Valley reservoir is extremely hot during the summer months of July through september, and so we reccomend you avoid visiting during those months. In spring, you will see abundant wild flowers and several large waterfalls (one at 1400 feet tall!) plummet spectacularly over thousand-foot granite cliffs. With its towering falls and dramatic domes, many have compared Hetch Hetchy’s grandeur to the more well-known Yosemite Valley. During the spring and fall months visitors have easy access to a vast wilderness filled with high-country lakes, streams, and wildlife. The easiest day hike leads to a number to waterfalls ending with Rancheria falls. The farthest waterfall is a 7 mile one way hike with a lot of elevation gain so in most case hikers only go as far as the easier and flatter Wapama Falls trail… then return the way they came. For more information visit: Hetch Hetchy