Danielle Dare & Stephen Rosso
Things To Do
Guided Bus Tour
Offering 2 and 4 hour guided bus tours available in the morning and afternoon hours. This is a great way to learn fun facts about Yosemite and to see all the "must sees" before leaving The Valley!
Bridalveil Falls
This is The One—the one that Ansel Adams made famous in his shot of Yosemite Valley from Inspiration Point. Bridalveil Fall is one of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls, probably second only to its big sister, Yosemite Falls. You can easily hike the paved trail less than a mile up to the base of Bridalveil Fall and in peak flow you’ll enjoy the mists that swirl at the base of the falls. A poncho is recommended in early spring. The trail is wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly as long as your furry friends are on a leash.
Yosemite Falls Trail
At a height of more than 2,425 ft Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. It flows approximately November through July, with peak flow in May. Hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls is a strenuous, 6-8 hour hike but worth it for amazing views of the falls. Choose either lower Yosemite Falls or upper Yosemite falls! Lower Yosemite Falls is only about 1.5 miles! Choose Upper Yosemite Falls for a more lengthy hike. You can hike just the first two miles for some of the best views before returning back to the Valley floor.
Vernal Falls
Vernal Fall is only 317 ft (96 m) tall but it is among the most powerful waterfalls in Yosemite. Unlike Yosemite Fall or Bridalveil Fall, Vernal cannot be viewed from the valley floor by car. To see it you must get on the trail. Luckily you have lots of options. The easiest path is along a well-marked path that begins near the Happy Isles Nature Center. You can a free shuttle bus to Happy Isles Nature Center or walk there from Half Dome Village. From there follow the trailhead to Vernal Fall footbridge (about 1 mile) or continue on to the top of the waterfall. This is a great option if you want to wander through the mist of this very powerful waterfall.
Sentinel Bridge
Take in the breath-taking drama of the entire valley. Enjoy almost 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of easy walking and some of the most unforgettable Yosemite scenery. Crossing the famous Sentinel Bridge you will encounter the Yosemite Chapel, one of Yosemite’s oldest buildings. The trail continues through open meadows and thick green forest, bringing you to the edge of the beautiful Merced River... the perfect place to stop, rest and enjoy a picnic lunch. Witness the grandeur of Yosemite Falls and panoramic views of Cathedral Rocks, Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and the Royal Arches.
Glacier Point
Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite’s high country. This is also a good starting or finishing point for some of Yosemite’s most popular trails, including the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail. The best time to visit is early spring or fall before the road closes for the season.
Mirror Lake Trail
An easy loop trail in Yosemite National Park, the pathway around Mirror Lake is a must-see for its beautiful reflections of Half Dome and its abundance of wildflowers during the early summer months. This is a well-marked trail and significantly less crowded than other trails in the park. The trailhead is at the far east end of Yosemite Valley and many visitors take the free shuttle bus or hike east from Curry Village or the Ahwahnee Hotel where there is a parking area and drinking water is available. The shuttle stops directly at the trailhead.
Yosemite Valley Museum
Yosemite Museum tells what we know of native Miwok and Paiute people since European settlers began arriving in droves from 1850 on. Behind Yosemite Museum is the Indian Village of Ahwahnee, a re-creation of an Indian settlement in the Yosemite Valley.
Ansel Adams Gallery
We are located in the heart of Yosemite Valley, between the Visitor Center and Post Office, with incredible views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Glacier Point. Yes, we’re fortunate, and the staff includes climbers, photographers, hikers, dog lovers and generally people who love Yosemite. The Ansel Adams Gallery is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service.