Valley View Visitor’s Guide - Yosemite National Park
I recently took a magical Winter road trip to Yosemite National Park...not only was the valley blanketed in sparkling snow, but also much quieter and less crowded than in other times of the year. However, each season in the park is truly remarkable, and one viewpoint I always stop at on every Yosemite adventure is Valley View. So this week I’m thrilled to share a visitor’s guide on this must-see Yosemite destination, including what it looks like in each season and at different times of day.
Valley View in the Winter in Yosemite National Park
Location
Also known as Gates of the Valley, Valley View is located along Northside Drive just before the exit to the 140 and the Valley Loop return to Southside Rd across the Pohono Bridge. There are several parking spots, but they can fill up quickly during weekends, holidays, and in the busy Summer season, so I’d highly recommend a visit in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds. You can also find this iconic viewpoint right off the Valley Loop Trail, which encompasses the entire Yosemite Valley in 11.5 glorious miles.
El Capitan from Valley View in the Winter
Highlights
A perfect stop in Spring, Summer, Fall & WInter, this lookout is one of the only places on the valley floor that you can see El Capitan and Half Dome (at least a small sliver of it). The Cathedral Rocks and Bridalvail Fall flowing to the right are a couple more highlights here, and the mighty Merced River flows beautifully across the scene in the foreground. I love that this perfect viewpoint is located just steps from the parking area…meaning I can set up my camera and head back to the car just a few feet away to warm up if it’s extra cold during a sunrise or night photography shoot. After capturing the iconic photo from the main viewing area, I’d encourage you to explore upstream a bit...the waters are more calm in this area (particularly in Summer and Fall), providing excellent reflections of Bridalveil Fall across the valley.
Summer sunrise in late July at Valley View
Seasons & Times of Day
I love the accessibility of Valley View in the Winter when many of Yosemite’s roads are closed (it’s hard to beat the early morning fog rolling in over the snowy water here), but every season this spot is truly stunning. In the Spring as the snow melts this spot is lush green, the Merced is swollen & raging, and Bridalveil Fall is flowing at its peak. Visiting for a Summer sunrise could definitely qualify for a bucket list experience, particularly in late July, as this is the time of year the sun rises directly between the giant granite formations in front of you. Fall colors here are as glorious as you might imagine, the Merced provides glassy reflections, and just before sunrise I’ve often caught a glimpse of the local mule deer strolling along the water’s edge.
Pre-dawn is one of my favorite times to visit. Sunrises are beautiful here as well, but just know that El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall are backlit once the sun makes an appearance. Sunset is also magical...you won’t see the sun actually set since it’ll be behind you, but you will get to see the aspenglow cascade across the granite features in front of you, which is quite a treat. This is also one of my top spots for for stargazing and astrophotography. Setting up tripods can be a bit tricky since it’s rocky near the water’s edge, so make sure to bring a good headlamp, and consider visiting on new moon nights when the sky is super dark.
Below are some of the shots we’ve captured from Valley View over the years from different seasons and times of day.
Valley View in Spring with the Merced River & Bridalvel Fall raging
Valley View Summer sunrise in late July
Valley View with Fall colors in Yosemite National Park
Valley View in Winter in Yosemite National Park
Summer sunrise in late August at Valley View
Summer sunset at Valley View in Yosemite National Park
Milky Way over Valley View in Yosemite National Park
Know Before You Go
• The small parking lot accommodates less than a dozen vehicles (and while it’s rarely filled) please respect the signs and don’t park on the road which can be dangerous to traffic.
• This viewpoint may be closed during periods of high fire danger for public safety reasons.
• Always check the NPS website prior to visiting Yosemite for road closures, weather information, up to date park information, and visiting guidelines. Listen to weather reports on the road and snow conditions within the park. Cell phone service is spotty even in the valley, so check before you go.
• Please remember to respect the local plant & animal life here – take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it, so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Tire chains may be required for all vehicles everywhere in Yosemite and surrounding areas when roads are snowy or icy. Requirements are based on weather and conditions, so it's not possible to predict if you'll need tire chains at any given time. Chains are often required on roads both inside and outside of Yosemite from November through March.
• Check current road conditions and chain requirements here: 209-372-0200 (then 1, 1)
Top 10 Yosemite Attractions
Bridalveil Fall from Valley View in the Winter
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Yosemite Valley. For a virtual visit at Valley View in the Winter, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Valley View in the Winter in Yosemite National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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What are the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park? Today I'm sharing one of the best Yosemite hotels for your next national park vacation. Centrally located near iconic landmarks, hiking trails, and viewpoints, Yosemite Valley Lodge is one of the top spots to stay in the park. Hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, see Half Dome from Cooks Meadow, and grab food at on-site restaurants.