One Full and Active Day in the Valley

Orient yourself to the various destinations and shuttle stops in the Valley.

First stop, a walk up to Vernal Fall. Ride to Shuttle Stop 16 and begin the 3 mile round trip hike to the top of Vernal Fall. The trail is paved to the footbridge and surprisingly steep. Continue on to the top of Vernal Fall; be careful with your footing in the spring & early summer on the wet steps.

Back from your hike, wander around a bit in the beautiful Happy Isles area. Check out the 1996 rock fall from Glacier Point above.

Either ride the shuttle to the next stop, or just walk to Stop 17. Walk out to Mirror Lake and enjoy the up-close view of the base of Half Dome.

Continue walking to the intersection with a Valley loop trail and turn left toward the Ahwahnee Hotel. Even in the midst of summer you'll have fewer folks around you. Walk about 2.5 miles to the Church Bowl Picnic Area or the back of the Ahwahnee Hotel. Eat your picnic, dine at the Ahwahnee, or continue on to Yosemite Village and buy lunch.

Continue on the same less traveled path to Lower Yosemite Fall. Enjoy the cooling mist at the viewpoint for the waterfall.

If you still have plenty of energy and want a strenuous challenge, hike up to Columbia Rock for a great view of the Valley. This is just part of the Upper Yosemite Fall trail and is accessed near Camp 4; walk or ride from Lower Yosemite Fall trailhead.

Instead of the strenuous hike up to Columbia Rock, how about a flat 2 mile walk through a meadow? This trail has little shade but great views. Walk all the way to the Yosemite Chapel and over both Sentinel Bridge and Swinging Bridge.

If it's a warm day, stop by the river anytime to dip your toes. Later in the summer folks swim or float here, but be very careful in spring.

Be sure to spend some time in a quiet place just reflecting on the beauty of Yosemite Valley.

Eventually, you'll need to head back to your car. Use your feet or the shuttle.