Yosemite in a Day
GATES OF THE VALLEY II • Janet Martinez
We highly recommend spending more time in the park, but … If you are limited to only one day, here is our list of must-see highlights You’ll need to get an early start if you want to pack all these great sights into one day.
DAY 1 (Yosemite Valley) STOP 1
Glacier Point (Open Seasonally)
Make your way up to Glacier Point via Glacier Point Road. At 3,000 feet above the valley floor, this grand vista offers a bird’s-eye view of Yosemite Valley, many of the valley’s waterfalls, and massive granite peaks of Yosemite’s high country. STOP 2
Tunnel View
View of Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Clouds Rest and El Capitan. View Bridalveil Fall from Tunnel View, then head toward Yosemite Valley. You will see a sign for Bridalveil Fall on your right. Enjoy an easy ¼ mile walk to the base of the waterfall (be prepared to get a little wet in the springtime). STOP 3
Yosemite Chapel
Continue on the road and follow the signs to turn left over Sentinel Bridge. You can park at Shuttle Stop 11. After taking in views of Yosemite Falls across Cooks Meadow, walk back to the middle of the bridge for the perfect selfie spot featuring a view of Half Dome over the Merced River.
Yosemite Valley
STOP 5
Valley Loop Trail & Yosemite Falls Follow the signs for the Day Use parking area. If it is time for lunch, step into the deli for a tasty sandwich. We suggest taking it to-go and making the short walk to Lower Yosemite Falls. There, you can enjoy your lunch while you gaze at the magnificent 2,425 foot waterfall. From the lower fall, head out on the Valley Loop Trail and meander your way through the valley enjoying views of Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls from different angles. In addition, enjoy lush meadows, wildflowers, and a possible deer or coyote sighting. Looking for an easy way to get around the Valley? Hop on the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle. (See Map page 25) STOP 6
The Yosemite Chapel is the oldest building still in use in Yosemite Valley. Dating back to 1879, the chapel offers both a history lesson and a spectacular view of Yosemite Falls from its steps. It’s also a fantastic location to capture fall photos.
4
Sentinel Bridge
STOP 4
Half Dome Village
Work your way back to Half Dome Village to enjoy a tasty fresh-baked pizza on the Pizza Deck. If you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier, hop back on the Yosemite Valley Shuttle and head over to the The Majestic Yosemite Hotel for dinner. If you have a little extra time, stop in at the Ansel Adams Gallery, Indian Museum and the Valley Visitor Center before you depart. YOSEMITE CHAPEL • VYMC
2019 Visitors Guide - Visit Yosemite | Madera County
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