YOSEMITE valley

Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park and the starting point for many visitors. This iconic area is surrounded by towering granite cliffs, including the famous El Capitan and Half Dome. Here, you can also find some of the park’s most famous waterfalls, such as Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall.

tunnel view

Tunnel View is one of the most famous viewpoints in Yosemite, offering a classic and iconic view of Yosemite Valley. From this vantage point, you can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all framed within the valley. It’s a great spot to visit at sunrise or sunset, when the lighting is particularly incredible. This viewpoint is located at the eastern end of the Wawona Tunnel along Highway 41 and is easily accessible.

Location: 10 miles from Yosemite View Lodge | 18 miles from Yosemite Cedar Lodge & Indian Flat Campground

bridalveil fall

Located near the entrance to Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Fall is one of the first waterfalls you’ll encounter in the park. It’s a 620-foot drop, and in the spring, the falls create a mist that dances in the breeze, giving it its name. A short, easy trail leads to the base of the falls, making it accessible for all visitors. The view of Bridalveil Fall from Tunnel View is particularly stunning.

Location: 9 miles from Yosemite View Lodge | 14 miles from Yosemite Cedar Lodge & Indian Flat Campground

vernal and nevada falls

The Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite, and for a good reason. The trail follows the Merced River, offering up-close views of two powerful waterfalls. The hike to the top of Vernal Fall is about 3 miles round trip, but if you’re up for a challenge, continue to Nevada Fall for a total of 7 miles round trip. The trail can be steep and slippery, especially during the spring, but the views are more than worth the effort.

Location: 14 miles from Yosemite View Lodge | 20 miles from Yosemite Cedar Lodge & Indian Flat Campground

half dome

Half Dome is arguably the most famous feature in Yosemite. Its sheer granite face has made it a symbol of the park and a bucket-list destination for many hikers. The trek to the top of Half Dome is not for the faint of heart, with a challenging final ascent using cables. However, those who make it to the summit are rewarded with unparalleled views of the park. Permits are required for this hike, so plan ahead if you want to tackle this iconic trail.

Location: 14 miles from Yosemite View Lodge | 20 miles from Yosemite Cedar Lodge & Indian Flat Campground

glacier point

For one of the most spectacular views in the park, head to Glacier Point. From this vantage point, you can see a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra peaks. The drive up to Glacier Point is seasonal, typically open from late May through October, but it’s well worth the trip. For the more adventurous, there’s a challenging hike up the Four-Mile Trail, which ascends 3,200 feet from the valley floor.

Location: 33 miles from Yosemite View Lodge | 41 miles from Yosemite Cedar Lodge & Indian Flat Campground

Mariposa grove

Home to over 500 mature giant sequoias, Mariposa Grove is a testament to the grandeur of nature. These ancient trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old, tower over the landscape and create a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree are among the most famous sequoias in the grove. The grove offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to longer hikes that take you deeper into the forest.

Location: 33 miles from Yosemite View Lodge | 41 miles from Yosemite Cedar Lodge & Indian Flat Campground

tioga pass

If you have time, you must witness the gateway to Yosemite’s high country, which offers a scenic drive through some of the park’s most rugged and beautiful landscapes. At an elevation of 9,945 feet, it’s the highest highway pass in California and typically opens from late May to October. The drive along Tioga Road takes you past alpine lakes, meadows, and granite domes, with numerous opportunities for hiking and photography.

Location: 72 miles from Yosemite View Lodge | 78 miles from Yosemite Cedar Lodge & Indian Flat Campground

tuolumne meadows

For those looking to escape the crowds, Tuolumne Meadows offers a more peaceful and expansive experience of Yosemite. Located in the park’s high country, Tuolumne Meadows is a vast, open subalpine meadow surrounded by stunning granite domes and peaks. The area is perfect for hiking, fishing, and picnicking.

Location: 54 miles from Yosemite View Lodge | 62 miles from Yosemite Cedar Lodge & Indian Flat Campground

hetch hetchy 

Hetch Hetchy, located in the northwest corner of the park, is often overlooked by visitors, but it offers incredible beauty and solitude. The reservoir, formed by the O’Shaughnessy Dam on the Tuolumne River, is surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls. The area is perfect for hiking, with trails leading to Wapama Falls and Rancheria Falls. Hetch Hetchy is also a great spot for wildflower viewing in the spring. You also do not need a park reservation if you visit! 

Location: 40 miles from Yosemite View Lodge | 47 miles from Yosemite Cedar Lodge & Indian Flat Campground