The dramatic waterfalls and granite walls of Yosemite National Park are all accessible via enjoyable hikes from this tourist village.
Yosemite Village is a small tourist-friendly destination set in the heart of the spectacular scenery of Yosemite Valley. It’s a gateway to some of the most recognizable landmarks in Yosemite National Park. Visit Yosemite Village to learn about the region’s history via art and museum exhibits. Plan excursions with park rangers and pick up supplies for overnight stays at the park’s camping grounds.
Glimpse into the lives of the Ahwahneechee people, Yosemite’s earliest residents, and walk through a replica indigenous settlement at Yosemite Museum. Learn about the flora, fauna and geological history of the valley at the Yosemite Visitor Center. Pick up trail maps and get advice from park rangers here, too. Browse art exhibitions, with a focus on the work of landscape photographer Ansel Adams, at the Ansel Adams Gallery.
The natural delights of Yosemite National Park are just a short walk from the village center. Stroll along the banks of the meandering Merced River to beaches and picnic sites. Among these are Sentinel Beach Picnic Area and Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. Gaze up at the soaring El Capitan rock while picnicking at El Capitan Meadow. Rent a raft, cruise along the river and paddle in the cool water.
Set out on foot along marked trails to discover the many waterfalls that flow from the clifftops. The 2,425-feet (739-meter) high Yosemite Falls is North America’s tallest waterfall. Horsetail Fall, Sentinel Falls and Staircase Falls are all worth hiking to. See imposing granite cliffs reflect perfectly in Mirror Lake and enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the valley at Tunnel View lookout.
For more adventure, hike to the summit of Half Dome, North Dome and Sentinel Dome for an on-top-of-the-world feeling. Glacier Point commands an awe-inspiring view of both Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
Yosemite Village is about a 4-hour drive from San Francisco and over a 5-hour drive from Los Angeles. The free Yosemite Shuttle connects the village with major sites in Yosemite Valley. Stay overnight at hotels and lodges or camping grounds, for a memorable night sleeping beneath a starlit sky.