"Yosemite Valley : travel tips to THE Valley" Yosemite Village by wildography

Yosemite Village Travel Guide: 3 reviews and 1 photos

Living as a Yosemite Valley resident...

First, a quick introduction...

I first came to Yosemite in 1985; since then I have visited Yosemite a many times. In 2002, I came to Yosemite Valley to live, and work. I worked for the official concessionair of Yosemite National Park : Yosemite Concession Services. I was employed as a Security Officer. After a brief departure in 2002, I returned to Yosemite Valley and have been here ever since.

An avid hiker and photographer, I have explored, and discovered for myself, Yosemite Valley. During my travels in this 7 mile long by 1 mile wide Valley, I have found MANY areas that visitors VERY rarely visit. I also have found the BEST and the WORST times to visit Yosemite Valley.

Hopefully, the information below will assist you in planning your next trip to the "INCOMPARABLE VALLEY".

Yosemite Valley : WHEN to visit...

BEST time: April 15 - May 15. WHY:
Waterfalls are ALL flowing strong; there are fewer people; warmer temperatures; wildflowers.

Best MONTHS:
(ranked according to my opinion)
1) April; 2) May; 3) February; 4) November; 5) January; 6) March

WORST months:
(ranked according to my opinion)
7) August; 8) September; 9) July; 10) June; 11) October; 12) December

Important Times: (not ranked in order)
1) last week of February: Yosemite's NATURAL firefall - Horsetail Falls;
2) April: waterfalls approach peak flow;
3) May 15th: tourist season kicks in full force;
4) June: the "high country" opens;
5) July 15th: mule deer fawns born;
5) mid August: waterfalls begin to dry up;
6) September: most waterfalls dry (except Vernal, Nevada, & Bridalveil);
7) late October: fall colors emerge;
8) December: waterfalls begin to flow again;

BEST way to visit Yosemite Valley: live & work there!

WHAT to DO in Yosemite Valley

Buy "the guidebook to Yosemite Valley";
Buy "the photographer's guide to Yosemite Valley"
Buy the "yosemite Valley map"

All of the above are available at Valley stores and are THE BEST information sources available.

- ride the FREE shuttle bus : to see the main areas of the Valley;
- sign up for the FREE camera walk at the Ansel Adams Gallery (ask for Christine Loberg);
- ask at the Yosemite Lodge front office about the FREE programs;
- HIKE to: Mirror Lake; Bridalveil Fall; Lower Yosemite Fall; Swinging Bridge & Leidig meadow;
- SEE: the Chapel; the Ahwahnee Hotel; sunset at Cook's Meadow; the Valley cemetary; the Visitor's Center & Indian museum;
- EXPERIENCE: what it feels like to lie down in the middle of Leidig meadow at sunset and watch the stars come out;
- ENJOY the MAGIC of Yosemite by just being there!

Pros and Cons

Pros:beauty; Mule Deer; coyotes, the trees, Half Dome, El Cap
Cons:LOTS of visitors from June through August
In a nutshell:Life's reality changes when you enter the VALLEY

Intro Written Mar 20, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (3)

its not worth dying for... Warnings and Dangers (1)

if you get stupid when hiking or climbing in Yosemite... you could die!!! (if your lucky, maybe just a few broken... more travel advice

top things to NOT waste your money on in... Tourist Traps (1)

1) DINNER at the Ahwahnee (sunday brunch is good, otherwise, go to the Mountain Room restaurant); 2) a ROOM at the... more travel advice

only a resident knows... Off The Beaten Path (1)

Imagine the crowds on July 4th weekend.... there are thousands of people EVERYWHERE.... except... for those places... more travel advice

Have you been to Yosemite Village? Share your travels with the world!

Comments (3)

Reply
- Report abuse
wildography Jan 25, 2007 at 12:56 PM

from WILDOGRAPHY: A new guide book is being written that will help you enjoy Yosemite EVEN MORE THAN before! EMAIL me with your complaints, your suggestions, your "wishes" on your Yosemite Vacation. Help make Yosemite vacations TRULY magical!
Reply
- Report abuse
IceBear7 Oct 17, 2004 at 8:42 PM

hi david, i think it must be great to work in yosemite... i had a wonderful time there last week, and i loved the stars at night! have to see the waterfalls the next time, and go climbing!
Reply
- Report abuse
KastleKonfusion Aug 13, 2004 at 12:00 AM

Thanks David, very helpful and informative page about Yosemite. Looking forward to spend a weekend at Yosemite when we are in San Jose 15-30 Aug. Cheers! Karan