Yosemite Valley View: A Glacial Masterpiece
Experience the iconic Yosemite Valley from this easily accessible viewpoint, offering stunning vistas of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and the Merced River.
Valley View, also known as Gates of the Valley, is a renowned scenic spot in Yosemite National Park, offering a breathtaking panorama of the valley's iconic landmarks. From this vantage point, visitors can witness the grandeur of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and the Merced River, all framed by the towering granite cliffs that define Yosemite.
A brief summary to Yosemite Valley View
- Northside Dr, Wawona, California, 95389, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and during peak season, as the small parking lot fills up quickly.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and the Merced River.
- Stay back from the river banks, especially in spring when the water is swift.
- Check the NPS website for road closures, weather information, and other important updates before your visit.
Getting There
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Driving
Valley View is located on Northside Drive, near the west end of Yosemite Valley. From Yosemite Village, follow Northside Drive west for approximately 4.5 miles. The viewpoint will be on your right, just before the Pohono Bridge. Parking is available in a small lot, but it can fill up quickly. During peak season, consider using the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle and walking to the viewpoint to avoid parking hassles. Entrance to Yosemite National Park costs $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days. Alternatively, a Yosemite Annual Pass can be purchased for $70.
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Shuttle
To reach Valley View via the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle, park at Yosemite Village. From the village, take the Valleywide Shuttle (Green Route). Alight at the stop closest to Valley View, and follow the short walking path to the viewpoint. The shuttle operates from 7 am to 10 pm, with buses arriving every 12 to 22 minutes. There is no cost for the shuttle, as it is free to use. However, entry into Yosemite National Park still requires payment of the $35 per vehicle entrance fee (valid for seven days) unless you have a valid annual pass.
Discover more about Yosemite Valley View
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hanging Valley Viewpoint
1.2 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows from Hanging Valley Viewpoint, where granite cliffs meet lush wilderness.
Cathedral Rocks
2.2 km
Experience the grandeur of Yosemite's Cathedral Rocks, a stunning natural landmark offering breathtaking views and challenging climbs.
El Capitan Picnic Area
3.8 km
Picnic beneath a giant: Enjoy stunning views of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park at this accessible and scenic picnic spot.
Four Mile Trailhead
5.6 km
Hike Yosemite's Four Mile Trail for breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Half Dome. A challenging climb to Glacier Point!
Yosemite Valley Lodge
6.3 km
Experience Yosemite Valley from this ideally located lodge, offering comfortable rooms, convenient amenities, and easy access to park attractions.
Yosemite Cemetery
7.3 km
Discover the stories of Yosemite's pioneers in this peaceful and historic cemetery nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley.
The Ansel Adams Gallery
7.5 km
Experience the timeless beauty of Yosemite through the lens of Ansel Adams at his family's historic gallery in Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Wilderness Center
7.5 km
Your first stop for Yosemite wilderness adventures: permits, maps, and expert advice in the heart of Tuolumne Meadows.
Yosemite Valley Welcome Center
7.6 km
Start your Yosemite adventure at the Welcome Center: expert advice, maps, and resources for exploring this iconic national park.
Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center
7.7 km
Discover Yosemite's past and the Sierra Club's legacy at this historic landmark, offering exhibits, a library, and conservation insights.
Housekeeping Camp
7.7 km
Experience Yosemite's beauty with a touch of comfort at Housekeeping Camp, offering rustic lodging and stunning views in the heart of Yosemite Valley.
Washburn Point
7.8 km
Experience Yosemite's grandeur from Washburn Point: panoramic views of Half Dome, Nevada and Vernal Falls, and the High Sierra await along the scenic Glacier Point Road.
Glacier Point
7.9 km
Experience Yosemite's grandeur from Glacier Point: panoramic views, hiking trails, and unforgettable vistas await. Open seasonally by car.
Curry Village
8.3 km
Experience Yosemite Valley's charm at Curry Village: lodging, dining, activities, and stunning views beneath Glacier Point.
The Ahwahnee
8.4 km
Experience Yosemite's grandeur at the Ahwahnee Hotel, a historic landmark offering luxury, stunning views, and a connection to the park's natural beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
El Capitan Viewpoint
0.1 km
Discover stunning panoramic views of El Capitan at this scenic viewpoint in Yosemite National Park, a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
Sentinel Falls
1.0 km
Discover the stunning beauty of Sentinel Falls in Mariposa, California, a breathtaking waterfall that captivates nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Bridalveil Creek
1.1 km
Discover the serene beauty of Bridalveil Creek in Tuolumne Meadows, a scenic spot perfect for relaxation, photography, and immersing in nature's wonders.
Artist Point Trail
1.3 km
Explore the stunning vistas and diverse wildlife along Artist Point Trail in Yosemite National Park, a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers.
Tunnel view
1.4 km
Experience the stunning panoramic vistas of El Capitan and Half Dome at Tunnel View, a must-visit scenic spot in Yosemite National Park.
Bridalveil Fall
1.4 km
Discover the beauty of Bridalveil Fall, a stunning 620-foot cascade in the heart of Yosemite National Park, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Wawona Tunnel
2.1 km
Discover the stunning vistas of Yosemite Valley at Wawona Tunnel, a historical landmark showcasing nature's breathtaking beauty.
El Capitan Meadow
2.4 km
Discover the stunning beauty of El Capitan Meadow in Yosemite National Park, where breathtaking views and outdoor adventures await every traveler.
The Base of the Nose
2.5 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of The Base of the Nose in Yosemite National Park, a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
El Capitán
2.8 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of El Capitán, a granite monolith in Yosemite National Park that captivates adventurers and nature lovers alike.
El Capitan Trail
2.9 km
Experience the majesty of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park: a world-class destination for climbing, hiking, and breathtaking views.
Horsetail Fall
3.2 km
Discover the breathtaking Horsetail Fall in California, a stunning waterfall that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and fiery winter spectacle.
Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
3.3 km
Experience the serene beauty of Cathedral Beach Picnic Area in Tuolumne Meadows, a perfect picnic spot surrounded by Yosemite's breathtaking landscapes.
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail
5.2 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite Valley Loop Trail, a stunning hiking route through America's iconic national park.
Glacier Point Rd
5.3 km
Experience the stunning beauty and panoramic views of Glacier Point Road in California's Yosemite National Park, a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
Essential places to dine
The Skiers Grill
6.1 km
Discover The Skiers Grill: A cozy dining gem in Badger Pass Ski Area offering hearty breakfasts and delicious lunches amidst Yosemite's stunning scenery.
Yosemite Lodge Food Court
6.3 km
Experience delicious meals amidst breathtaking views at Yosemite Lodge Food Court - where nature meets culinary delight.
The Mountain Room
6.3 km
Experience exceptional American cuisine with breathtaking views at The Mountain Room in Yosemite Valley Lodge.
The Loft at Degnan's
7.6 km
Discover The Loft at Degnan's - where delicious pizzas meet stunning Yosemite Valley views.
Village Grill
7.6 km
Experience delicious American cuisine at Village Grill in Yosemite National Park - a perfect stop for hungry adventurers!
Curry Village Dining Pavilion
8.3 km
Experience delightful dining amidst breathtaking views at Curry Village Dining Pavilion in Yosemite Valley.
Curry Village Pizza Deck
8.3 km
Savor delicious pizza in the heart of Yosemite National Park at Curry Village Pizza Deck - where nature meets flavor.
Seven Tents Pavilion
8.3 km
Experience delightful dining at Seven Tents Pavilion amidst Yosemite Valley's breathtaking landscapes.
Taqueria @ Meadow Grill
8.3 km
Experience delicious grilled dishes amidst the stunning scenery of Yosemite Valley at Taqueria @ Meadow Grill.
The Ahwahnee Dining Room
8.3 km
Experience fine dining at The Ahwahnee Dining Room in Yosemite National Park - where culinary artistry meets breathtaking natural beauty.
The Ahwahnee Bar
8.4 km
Experience luxury dining at The Ahwahnee Bar amidst Yosemite's breathtaking scenery with craft cocktails and gourmet bites.
The River Restaurant & Lounge
10.1 km
Experience the best of American cuisine at The River Restaurant & Lounge, where breathtaking views meet delicious flavors in El Portal.
White Wolf Lodge Dining Room
17.0 km
Experience fine dining at White Wolf Lodge Dining Room amidst California's breathtaking High Sierra landscapes.
Wawona Hotel Dining Room
20.1 km
Experience delectable American cuisine surrounded by Yosemite's breathtaking beauty at Wawona Hotel Dining Room.
The Restaurant at Rush Creek Lodge
22.0 km
Experience authentic American cuisine amidst stunning natural beauty at The Restaurant at Rush Creek Lodge in Groveland.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Base Camp Eatery
6.3 km
Experience the flavors of Yosemite Valley at Base Camp Eatery, where delicious meals meet breathtaking views in a casual atmosphere.
Starbucks Yosemite
6.3 km
Experience a unique coffee haven in the heart of Yosemite National Park, where nature meets the comfort of Starbucks.
Yosemite Valley Lodge Gift Shop
6.3 km
Discover unique souvenirs and essential supplies at Yosemite Valley Lodge Gift Shop, your gateway to capturing the essence of Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Valley Lodge Bike Stand
6.3 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park on two wheels with the Yosemite Valley Lodge Bike Stand, an ideal adventure for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Yosemite Village Parking
7.4 km
Discover the heart of Yosemite National Park with easy parking access to breathtaking views and a free shuttle service around the valley.
Yosemite Visitor Center
7.4 km
Explore Yosemite National Park's breathtaking beauty starting at the Visitor Center, your gateway to adventure, information, and unforgettable experiences.
Degnan's Deli
7.5 km
Discover the delicious flavors of Degnan's Deli in Yosemite, where fresh ingredients meet stunning natural beauty for the perfect dining experience.
Village Store
7.6 km
Discover the ultimate convenience at The Village Store in Yosemite Valley, offering groceries and unique souvenirs for an unforgettable experience.
Housekeeping Camp Store
7.7 km
Explore Yosemite National Park with ease at Housekeeping Camp Store, your go-to for groceries and camping essentials amidst stunning natural beauty.
Glacier Point Gift Shop & Snack Stand
7.9 km
Explore the Glacier Point Gift Shop & Snack Stand for unique souvenirs and tasty snacks amidst Yosemite's stunning beauty.
Curry Village Coffee Corner
8.3 km
Experience the charm of Curry Village Coffee Corner, your perfect retreat in the heart of Yosemite National Park, offering delicious coffee and breathtaking views.
Curry Village Gift and Grocery
8.3 km
Explore the heart of Yosemite with unique souvenirs and grocery essentials at Curry Village Gift and Grocery.
Mountain Shop at Curry Village
8.3 km
Explore Yosemite with ease - the Mountain Shop at Curry Village is your go-to for outdoor gear, groceries, and expert advice.
The Ahwahnee Sweet Shop
8.4 km
Discover sweet delights at The Ahwahnee Sweet Shop in Yosemite National Park, where delectable confections meet breathtaking natural beauty.
The Ahwahnee Gift Shop
8.4 km
Discover unique souvenirs and outdoor gear at The Ahwahnee Gift Shop, nestled in Yosemite Valley, capturing the spirit of nature's beauty.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Mountain Room Lounge
6.3 km
Experience the breathtaking views and delicious local cuisine at The Mountain Room Lounge in Yosemite National Park.
Bar 1899
8.3 km
Experience the rustic charm of Bar 1899 in Yosemite Valley, where refreshing drinks and breathtaking views create unforgettable moments.
Dry Creek Bar
55.3 km
Discover unique cocktails and cozy lodging at Dry Creek Bar, a must-visit cocktail haven in the heart of Mammoth Lakes, California.
Tusks Bar
55.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Tusks Bar in Mammoth Lakes, where live music and sports create an unforgettable experience.
Steeps Bar
56.2 km
Discover Steeps Bar in Mammoth Lakes for a cozy atmosphere, delicious American cuisine, and stunning mountain views, perfect for any traveler.
Basin Bar
57.1 km
Unwind at Basin Bar in Mammoth Lakes, where friendly vibes and local brews blend seamlessly for an unforgettable après-adventure experience.
Grizzly Bar
58.7 km
Experience the warmth and charm of Grizzly Bar, a cozy destination in Mammoth Lakes offering delicious American cuisine and refreshing drinks.
Yosemite Grill
59.8 km
Discover Yosemite Grill, where delectable grill delights meet the serene beauty of Oakhurst-North Fork, perfect for nature-loving foodies.
Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe
60.0 km
Discover the perfect blend of exquisite wines and delightful cuisine at Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe in Mammoth Lakes, California.
Clocktower Cellar
60.2 km
Discover the charm of Clocktower Cellar, a cozy bar and restaurant in Mammoth Lakes, offering fine wines, delicious food, and a warm atmosphere.
Mammoth Brewing Company
60.2 km
Experience the best of Mammoth Lakes at Mammoth Brewing Company, where craft beer meets breathtaking scenery and great food.
Salsa's
60.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Salsa's in Mammoth Lakes, offering a fantastic drink selection and lively atmosphere amidst breathtaking mountain views.
Liberty Sports Bar and Grill
61.1 km
Experience the best of American cuisine and lively sports atmosphere at Liberty Sports Bar and Grill in Mammoth Lakes.
Black Velvet Coffee Roaster | Espresso & Wine Bar
61.2 km
Discover Black Velvet Coffee Roaster, a delightful espresso bar in Mammoth Lakes offering artisanal coffees and exquisite wines in a cozy atmosphere.
The Shed | Wine & Charcuterie
61.3 km
Experience the perfect blend of exquisite wines and artisanal charcuterie at The Shed | Wine & Charcuterie in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
