Day Tripping
Yosemite
Valley Day Trip - 1 hour one-way drive from The Redwoods
Yosemite
Valley's seven square miles is the most visited area of the park, and
for good reason. At every turn, you will be treated to one of the outstanding
scenic wonders of the Park. Yosemite Valley is also the hub of the Park's
educational, recreational, shopping, and dining choices. In fact, you
could make several day trips to the Valley, if you are inclined to spend
time exploring or hiking. We've outlined below our suggestions for a one-day
visit to the Valley, and then listed many of the other choices for you
to customize your own day tripping plans.
One-Day Visit to Yosemite
Valley
- Start early, and take a backpack lunch with you.
- Take your Yosemite Guide. The Yosemite Guide is published quarterly
and you should receive one at the Park Entrance Station when you enter
the Park. We have a small supply of Guides at our office, and one can
also be obtained at the Park's Valley Visitor Center. The Guide has
a detailed map of the Park and Yosemite Valley, as well as current information
about Park programs, guest services, operating hours, and the free Yosemite
Valley Shuttle Bus.
- Stop at Tunnel View pullout for your first breathtaking view of Yosemite
Valley.
- Park your car at the day-use parking lot at Curry Village, and take
the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle Bus to the Valley Visitor Center (Shuttle
Bus Stop #6).
- The Valley Visitor center is a good place to start your visit. Park
information, orientation programs, exhibits, and books are available.
- Reboard the Shuttle Bus to Yosemite Falls (Shuttle Bus Stop #7). The
walk to the base of the falls is easy and short.
 Consider a two-hour Valley Floor Tour (1999 season - $17.50/adult),
which you can board from Yosemite Lodge (Shuttle Bus Stop #8). A 2-hour,
26 mile tour on an open-air tram or enclosed motor coach (depending
on weather) to see and photograph the beautiful landmarks and waterfalls
in Yosemite Valley. Guides will share information about Yosemite's animal
and plant life, as well as the geology and history of the Park.
- Reboard the Shuttle Bus to Happy Isles (Shuttle Bus Stop #16). Enjoy
your backpack lunch soothed by the sounds of tumbling water near the
Happy Isles Nature Center. A seasonal snack stand is nearby. The Happy
Isles Nature Center is open late spring to early fall. Check the Yosemite
Guide for operating hours of both the snack stand and Nature Center.
- Happy Isles is the trailhead for hikes to Vernal and Nevada Falls.
Hike to the Vernal Falls footbridge (1.4 miles, 1-2 hours) for a stunning
view of this cataract, or continue along the Mist Trail to the top of
Vernal Falls (3 miles roundtrip; 2-4 hours). This is considered a "moderate
to strenuous" hike.
- Reboard the shuttle bus to the Curry Village day-use parking lot (Shuttle
Bus Stop 1).
- Return to your cabin at The Redwoods for a great home-cooked dinner,
or enjoy dinner before leaving Yosemite Valley. You can choose from
a variety of dining experiences in various Valley locations, ranging
from snack food to fine dining. Check the Yosemite Guide for your dining
choices.
 Customize Your
Yosemite Valley Day Trip
Just a Few of Your Other Choices
- Rent bicycles at Yosemite Valley or Curry Village and tour the Valley on more than 12 miles
of surfaced bike paths.
- Visit the Yosemite Museum Gallery, Indian Cultural Exhibit and Village, and Ansel Adams Gallery, all located in Yosemite
Village near the Visitor Center.
- Join a Park Service Ranger for a walk to explore Yosemite's natural and cultural history. Check the Yosemite
Guide for the current schedule.
- Venture out on one or more of the many Yosemite Valley Day Hikes described in the Yosemite Guide.
- Rent a raft at Curry Village and float along the Merced River soaking in the changing
scenery of Yosemite Valley.
- In winter, ice skate in the shadow of Half Dome at the Curry Village outdoor ice rink.
- Attend an evening performance of the Yosemite Theater, which offers a variety of theatrical and musical
presentations. Check the Yosemite Guide for the current schedule.
- Enjoy an elegant dinner at The Awhawnee Dining Room or The Mountain Room at
Yosemite Lodge. Note that for dinner, a suit coat and tie for men, and
dresses or evening pantsuits for women are preferred at The Ahwahnee Dining
Room.
On any
day trip, always take along a pack with water, snacks, camera, binoculars,
insect repellant, and sunscreen. Most scheduled activities, such as ranger-led
programs, are offered primarily during the summer months.
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