Yosemite Valley

• Cook’s Meadow

  Walk the accessible boardwalks for a framed view of Half Dome and the surrounding granite spires.

• El Capitan Meadow

  Scan the 3,000-foot granite monolith for climbers and appreciate the sheer scale of the cliff face.

Minimal driving; utilize the Valley Shuttle for all stops

Avoid moving your vehicle between stops to prevent losing your parking space in the central lots.

• Happy Isles

  Visit the Nature Center and the trailhead where the valley floor transitions to the steep ascent of the Mist Trail.

• Vernal Fall Footbridge

  A moderate walk providing the first significant view of the river's powerful drop over the granite shelf.

Local transfer via shuttle; allow 4 to 5 hours for the walk and viewing

The stone steps toward the top of the fall are often slippery with spray; use caution and stay on marked paths.

• Mirror Lake

  Walk the seasonal loop beneath the face of Half Dome to see the granite walls reflected in the calm water.

• Valley View

  Stop along Northside Drive for a panoramic perspective of the Merced River with Bridalveil Fall in the distance.

Allow 2 hours for the loop; exit traffic is heavy in the late afternoon

Mirror Lake is frequently a dry meadow by late summer; visit in spring for the namesake reflection.