Yosemite Valley View — Attraction in Oakhurst

This is a classic spot in Yosemite Valley, and it's long been a favorite of mine. I've been coming here for decades, and it always takes my breath away. This spot and Tunnel View part two of the most iconic views in Yosemite Valley.

It would actually be equal to the tunnel of you if the drove around the valley was clockwise versus counterclockwise, as the view would greet you as you round the corner similar to Tunnel view as you leave the tunnel.

As it stands, it's probably more similar to Tunnel View as you drive up from Yosemite Valley, meaning it's a gorgeous view but it doesn't greet you as you enter towards it. The traffic flow in the valley is one direction, counterclockwise, so you will see this view as you are leaving Northside Drive towards the Pohono Bridge. Make sure to slow down, because it's easy to miss in this direction if you're not paying attention.

It's beautiful in any weather or time of year. You can see Bridalveil Fall flowing over the cliffs below Cathedral Rocks to the right, as El Capitan rises up on the left side. The valley sits framed between these two giants, as the Merced River flows in front of you. When the river flow is slower, you can see amazing reflections. But even when it's fast it's beautiful to see.

Part of the beauty of this spot is how it's always changing. From sunrise to sunset, on a cloudy day, or even when fog envelopes and hugs the cliffs, it's a beautiful sight. There is a toilet behind the parking area if you walk across the road.

There's a decent amount of parking here, the other one can get crowded at times. Especially when a tour bus pulls in and 40 tourists get out. If that happens, I would suggest driving around the valley and checking out other reviews and then coming back here in 20 minutes or.

If you only have one day in Yosemite Valley, this is definitely a spot you want to check out...

Yosemite in summer is EXTREMELY crowded. We went on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. I took a recommendation from a friend and decided to be at the South entrance gate off the 41 by 5:45am. Gates open at 6 am. Best decision ever!! Yosemite seemed to be all ours, with no traffic, availability to see so much in one day, and allowed time to really take in the sunrise beauty Yosemite offers. I recommend packing your own lunch to save time as well. Reservations are required, so be sure to make them prior to your visit. It's only $2 and allows 3 consecutive days in the park. The best view, in my opinion, was at Glacier Point. Being in the park this early allowed us to see and hike Bridal Veil falls, Swinging bridge, El Capitan, the valley meadow hike at Swinging bridge below El Capitan, take a soak in the Merced River with a view of Yosemite falls, go to the visitors center, visit Yosemite Village, go into the Ahwahnee hotel and take the hike behind it, visit Glacier Point ( MUST SEE!!) and take the hike at Maripos Grove. We were done by 4:00pm. Traffic began to get really bad around 11:30am. If you are visiting, I highly recommend being at your preferred entrance gate before 6 am. Take Electric bikes as well, there are bike trails throughout the valley and allow you to see so much more!! I also recommend GOING THE SPEED LIMIT. 21 Bears were hit last year and signs are posted throughout the roadways at the locations where each one was hit :( If you are in a hurry, Just DON'T GO. Someone passed me over the double yellow line because I was going the posted speed limit which endangered our vehicle occupants, theirs, and wildlife. Preserve this amazing place by being patient and kind!! We will be back again for camping in Yosemite!! All the campgrounds looked wonderful!!! YOSEMITE...

The first time around we came into the park from the north and only came across tunnel view by mistake. We had no idea that this particular viewpoint existed we had only known of the many pictures taken from here. Because this location is so popular it can be very hard to find any parking here during the busy times of day. There are roughly 50 spots available for regular vehicles with a few larger spaces for RVs and larger tour buses. We were here at a few different times and found that it was much busier closer to sunset which is expected. Because of this we came up about an hour early to enjoy the view without focusing solely on taking pictures. There aren’t any bathrooms up there either, so it is good to go prior to going up and expect the crowds. This monument that we photographed was added in the last decade and shows the entire valley in a small scale along with the different hiking trails marked as dotted lines on the statue. From this viewpoint as you continue north you will encounter the trailhead for Glacier Point and Bridalveil Falls as you begin to descend into the park. On your way out of the park from this viewpoint you will come across the road that will take you up towards Glacier Point to avoid the strenuous hike. Next time around we will be stopping at Glacier Point to see the perspective of the valley from up...