One winter day

Description:

In a neat demonstration of sedimentary processes, Mirror Lake has been gradually filling up with sand, so (except in the springtime) it is not as mirror-like as it once was.  Nonetheless, the lake's banks do provide a glorious view straight up Half Dome's face. Start from Shuttle Stop 17. This is considered an easy walk, with a mild uphill grade. The distance is just about a mile, and if you didn't care about fully experiencing this nice part of Tenaya Canyon you could complete the round-trip in about an hour. This area can get crowded in summer. In winter hikers must start from Shuttle Stop 19, which adds another mile to the trip. In summer months, there is access for vehicles with current disability placards.

Description:

A Yosemite tradition this huge and elegant dining room somehow feels intimate, despite its 34-foot ceilings. For breakfast, you can choose from frittatas or omelets, or enjoy a variety of salads or sandwiches for lunch. The dinner menu features entrees such as Salmon Ahwahnee served with Dungeness crab with bearnaise sauce and wild rice. The restaurant has an extensive and award-winning wine list. Reservations are essential for dinner, and the evening dress code calls for jackets or sweaters for men older than 12 and dresses or pantsuits for women.

Our Local Expert Says:

A great education can be had between exhibits, the bookstore, the film and talking with rangers.

Description:

The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is the heart of Yosemite Village and is open daily, with hours varying with the season. The visitor center is immediately west of the main post office in the park at shuttle bus stops #6 and #9. You'll find information, maps, books, a series of great natural and cultural history exhibits, and helpful rangers to get you oriented to visiting the park.  Every half hour the park's award-winning film is shown in the Theater out back.  The Indian Museum and Indian Village are adjacent. 

Our Local Expert Says:

A must-stop in Yosemite Village

Description:

Yosemite's best known artist was trained as a classical pianist, but he married into a photography business and it is still run by the Ansel Adams family today.  The Gallery is located in Yosemite Village, right next to the Valley Visitor Center, and it's open all year.  Whether you're a photographer or not, the Gallery is worth a visit, for some unique shopping, rotating exhibits of various artists and photographers (many local), and a look at some of the master's work on display.  There is jewelry, Native American craftwork, help with camera issues, a great selection of Yosemite and other books, as well as posters, videos, postcards, fine art prints, ceramics, etc.
Free camera walks go out with a local pro each morning in spring, summer and fall; reservations are strongly advised.  High-level photography workshops are described on the Gallery's website.  Ansel's inspiration lives on strongly in the digital age. 

Our Local Expert Says:

An enthralling stroll for any ability.

Description:

The trail to Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the easiest walks in the park, with the biggest payoff: staring up at a 300' waterfall.  During the spring's snowmelt you may find yourself getting drenched as you gaze at this famous waterfall and listen to the amazing roar of the pounding water. By contrast, if you come in August there may not be a single drop of water - that's a Mediterranean climate; the falls are entirely fed by snowmelt.  Start from Shuttle Stop 6 or Yosemite Village or Yosemite Lodge. This walk is likely to be crowded in summer but if you go early or late in the day, it's just you and the water. There is wheelchair access by staying on the eastern trail, and the trail is open all year.
The trail makes a nice loop, with several bridges over Yosemite Creek.  There are numerous interpretive signs along the way that explain the history and natural history of the falls area through the seasons.  John Muir lived in two different spots along this trail.  A convenient restroom is near the trailhead.  The popular 'Yosemite Frazil Ice' video was all filmed here; look for frazil ice in April.