Route Overview
The ultimate Yosemite experience: Valley icons, Glacier Point vistas, Mariposa Grove giant sequoias, and optional Half Dome views from North Dome. Expert pacing for photographers and nature lovers.
Itinerary
Tunnel View Sunrise
Watch sunrise light sweep across the valley from this iconic viewpoint.
Arrive before dawn for best light. Coffee available in the valley after.
Bridalveil Fall
A short walk will lead you to the base of Bridalveil Fall, allowing you to get an up close view of this often-windswept waterfall. Plunging 620 feet (189 meters), Bridalveil Fall is the first major waterfall you'll see when entering Yosemite Valley. In spring, it thunders; you can expect to get wet! In some cases the spray is so strong, you may not even be able to easily access the end of the trail. During the rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow.
Short 0.5-mile walk to the base of 617-foot Bridalveil Fall. Often creates rainbows in the mist.
Prepare to get wet in spring! Light spray year-round.
El Capitan Meadow
El Capitan Meadow offers a view of both the eastern and western faces of this iconic granite formation, rising over 3,000 feet above the meadow. El Capitan Meadow also provides great views of Lower and Middle Cathedral Rocks as well as the Cathedral Spires. During the full moon, moonlight illuminates El Capitan with an otherworldly glow that can be viewed from this meadow.
Best ground-level view of the world's most famous big wall. Look for climbers!
Bring binoculars. Climbers on the Nose route are often visible.
Yosemite Falls Loop
A tour stop that allows you to notice one of the most iconic features in Yosemite; the cascading waterfalls of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.
1-mile loop to the base of North America's tallest waterfall.
Peak flow in May-June. By August, may be reduced to a trickle.
Valley Visitor Center & Lunch
Explore the visitor center, Ansel Adams Gallery, and museum. Grab lunch at Village Grill.
Don't miss the Ansel Adams Gallery - free admission, stunning prints for sale.
Cook's Meadow Loop
Walk through the heart of it all! Enjoy views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, and Royal Arches from the center of Yosemite Valley as you saunter through this large open meadow. This short, easy walk offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock. From the visitor center, walk west along the bicycle path toward Lower Yosemite Fall. At shuttle stop #6, cross the street and follow the bike path, bearing left as the path forks.
Easy 1-mile meadow loop with views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Sentinel Rock.
Mule deer often graze here. Keep distance from wildlife.
Mirror Lake
5-mile loop with Half Dome reflections. Lake is best in spring.
Calm water = better reflections. Best in early morning or evening.
Valley View Sunset
El Capitan glows orange at sunset. Merced River reflections add magic.
Glacier Point Sunrise
The Glacier Point Road is closed for 2022. This world renowned overlook gives visitors a grand view of Yosemite Valley from above and a captivating vista of the park's southeastern high peaks. Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, is located 30 miles (a one-hour drive) from either Yosemite Valley or Wawona. The road stays open as weather permits.
Stunning sunrise over Half Dome from 3,200 feet above the valley floor. One of the greatest views in America.
Road opens late May typically. Check road status. Bring layers - cold at altitude!
Sentinel Dome Hike
2.2-mile roundtrip to a granite dome with 360-degree views. One of the easiest summit hikes in the park.
The famous Jeffrey Pine died, but views are still spectacular.
Taft Point
2.2-mile roundtrip to dramatic fissures and a dizzying overlook. El Capitan views.
Not for those afraid of heights! Careful near edges - no railings.
Wawona Lunch
Historic Wawona Hotel with classic dining room. Perfect stop en route to Mariposa Grove.
Try the patio for outdoor dining. Historic property worth exploring.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Over 500 mature giant sequoias including the Grizzly Giant (1,800+ years old). Multiple loop options.
Take shuttle from parking area. Grizzly Giant Loop is 2 miles; full grove is 7 miles.
Return to Valley for Sunset
Watch sunset paint El Capitan from the meadow.
Different sunset every night - never gets old.
Tenaya Lake
Crystal-clear high-country lake along Tioga Road. Perfect for photos or a quick swim (cold!).
Tioga Road open late May-October. Check status before driving.
Olmsted Point
Unique view of Half Dome's back side, plus Tenaya Canyon and surrounding granite.
Marmots live in the rocks - fun to watch but don't feed them.
North Dome Trail (Optional)
9-mile roundtrip to the best face-on view of Half Dome. For experienced hikers.
Alternative: shorter hike to viewpoints along the trail. Bring lunch.
Tuolumne Meadows
Vast high-country meadow at 8,600 feet. Different world from the valley.
Visitor center and grill open summer only. Great wildflowers in July.
Return via Tioga Road
Stop at Glacier Point on the way back for sunset if time allows.
Allow 1.5-2 hours from Tuolumne to valley.
Creates a copy you can customize
3
Days
19
Stops
moderate
Difficulty
Best Season
May-June for waterfalls, September-October for fewer crowds
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