Yosemite Valley — Local services in Oakhurst

I visited Yosemite Valley in August 2024 on a hot summer day, and it was absolutely breathtaking. Despite the heat, the valley was full of life, color, and natural grandeur. Towering cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome looked stunning against the clear blue sky, and the Merced River winding through the valley added a peaceful charm to the entire landscape.

The conservation efforts in Yosemite Valley really stood out — the area is remarkably clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully managed. Trails were in excellent condition, signage was clear, and shuttle buses helped reduce traffic and pollution. It’s clear that preserving the natural beauty of the valley is a top priority, and it made the experience even more enjoyable.

Even on a hot day, we found plenty of shaded areas, and the cool river breeze helped balance the temperature. The valley floor walk was calm and scenic, and we spotted deer, birds, and even a bear from a safe distance — a reminder of how alive this place truly is.

Yosemite Valley is a true gem — a place where raw wilderness and careful stewardship come together beautifully. I couldn’t have asked for more. A...

$35 to get in. Yosemite is awesome, beautiful, and simply amazing. As soon as you enter the park there are various trails and turnouts that you can use to take photos or video. As you keep driving down the 41. You will eventually hit a tunnel which is a thrill itself. Immediately after there is a Vista point that allows you to appreciate the whole valley in its entirety. You can also stop here and take pictures. You won't regret it. Keep driving down and you will encounter a waterfall and further down you will reach the bottom of the valley, here there are different trails and some waterfalls you can walk to for some amazing photographs. If you come during snow season, be aware, it can get very slippery. Some of the sights to see are Mirror Lake, upper and lower falls among others. It is cold during the winter so dress appropriately. Follow me and my adventures ig:...

A bit of disappointment for me. This place is extremely crowded, full of cars that are circling around, desperately searching for a free parking place. There are multiple parking lots, but they are still not sufficient. I and my boyfriend circled through them for more than 1 hour just to find a place to park. Maybe it would be reasonable to consider some regulation for the entrance of cars to the valley and use e.g. shuttles from certain point further instead. There are multiple restaurants, accommodation options, toilets and drinking fountains at this place, adding to the impression that this is a small tourist village. The atmosphere and the views of the mountains and steep rocky walls around are very nice. You can do some small hikes, and check out e.g....