Yosemite Valley General Forest Area

Description:

• The Yosemite Valley region of the park is world famous for its impressive waterfalls, cliffs and unusual rock formations. It includes such well-known natural features as Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls and El Capitan. The terrain of this region of the park holds epic status in the minds of rock climbers around the world.

  Activities, facilities and scenic beauty abound in the valley and bring many individuals (and their vehicles) into the area. On any given summer day expect traffic on roads and lines for attractions in the valley. In Yosemite Valley there are four campgrounds, four trailheads, a visitor center, park headquarters, a museum, two picnic areas and a lodge. Yosemite Village is the hub of visitor services in this area. It provides shower and laundry facilities, as well as a grocery. A free shuttle bus is available for visitors to Yosemite Valley. It is best on a busy day to park in the Curry Village Day-Use Parking Area and use the shuttle to get to trailheads and attractions in the area.

  The Yosemite Valley is open year-round and can be reached via Highway 41 from Fresno, Highway 140 from Merced, Highway 120 from Manteca and, in later spring through late fall, via Highway 120 from Lee Vining (the Tioga Road.