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All 50 Yosemite National Park Attractions »

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite National Park, CA
4.5 of 5 stars 270 Reviews
Type: Valleys, Hiking Trails
Description: Many climbers consider Yosemite Valley among the world's very best climbing sites.
Useful Information: Activities for older children
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270 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    206
    43
    11
    5
    5
Date Rating
Cleveland, Ohio
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 28, 2012 NEW

We were at the Yosemite Valley in May and what a great time to go. The weather was perfect and no bugs to deal with. The park has so many beautiful waterfall to view you could spend a lot of time there. We hiked the mist trail which is a good trail, but be prepared for steep climbing up a... More

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Pacific Palisades, CA
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

Fabulous, educated, omnipresent and unhurried rangers. Wonderful educational programs (the John Muir program moved my 9 year old to tears, and both my 7 and 9 year olds loved the Buffalo Soldier program--sit them in the front for this one) Great shuttle service. fyi Mosquitos in May! They are easily deterred by repellent sold at gift stores, but don't be... More

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Pearland
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

Great views of the waterfalls. We were there in May when the snow was still melting. Did not see much wildlife - only some mule deer. Yosemite is beautiful for its views but if you want wildlife viewing, better go to some of the other national parks (yellowstone, tetons, rockies, smokies). I was shocked at how crowded it was in... More

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Xenia, Ohio
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012

I was surprised to see that Yosemite had so many water falls. The month of May is the best time to view these falls since the water flow slows down or ends after May. My favorite spot was Glacier Point. The road is full of curves and you have to be careful. However, the views of the park are spectacular... More

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Austin, Texas
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2012

Ansel Adams used his photography to describe the Yosemite Valley - a wise choice since words are totally inadequate. It is truly a magical place where the landscape is breathtaking and the light changes every minute of the day. Any photographer should plan to spend - at a minimum - one full day at the park, from sunrise to sunset... More

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Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

This valley is a spiritual place, old history, science, mother nature, all combined singing a sweet sound of water flowing through the earth. Sounds silly, but it's something you can't describe, you just need to see it yourself. I've heard that for years, until I saw it for myself. I went bike riding on the bike path, and it was... More

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Zurich, Switzerland
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012

The Yosemtie is great and very big area with an super wildlife. There is so much to do and see, the falls, the Mammoth Trees of Mariposa and Frezno, the high mountains around the park and also the driving to the park. And not forgett the Yosemite Museum. This park is with the yellowstone the best parks ever seen in... More

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Brooklyn NY
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This was our first visit to Yosemite and I know we'll return. We drove from New York to visit places we've only read about. Yosemite is spectacular. The major sites in Yosemite Valley, El Caiptan, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, are magnificent. Every time you turn, the site has a different look. The short hike up to the Falls is... More

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Kyle, Texas
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
93 helpful votes 93 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012

What a beautiful place. The water flow was just past peak which meant all the falls were really putting on a display. We spent two days and could have spent much more. Everywhere you look you see spectacular views. We camped at the Merced River. Tranquility base for sure. More

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Hayward, California
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012

This is one of the best sites in california for romance and serenity, peaceful and beautiful, my family loved it.This was more than a few years ago and I plan on going back next spring with my new husband to camp and relax. More

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