The best MTB trails in Yosemite Wilderness

The famous Tunnel View can get busy, but you can play your cards right and visit during the perfect time. Spring is when waterfalls flow strongly, and the late afternoon through sunset offers excellent lighting conditions.

One of many excellent Yosemite Valley viewpoints. The valley shows off Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

Bicycling in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is allowed on the Mariposa Grove Road between the Welcome Plaza (near the South Entrance) and here, by the short trail to the Grizzly Giant (when the road is open for the season). Bicycles are not permitted really much beyond here on any trails or other areas within the Mariposa Grove beyond the designated road.

Tunnel View is one of Yosemite National Park’s most famous viewpoints. Located at the east end of Wawona Tunnel along Highway 41, it sits at about 4,500 feet in elevation and provides an iconic view over Yosemite Valley. To the left, El Capitan towers over the valley, while to the right, Bridalveil Fall cascades down its rocky cliffs. In the background, Half Dome dominates the horizon.

Yosemite Valley offers over 12 miles of paved bike paths, providing a scenic and enjoyable way to explore the park. These paths are mostly flat, making them suitable for riders of all skill levels, including families with children. Cyclists can enjoy views of iconic landmarks such as Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls while riding. This is a great way to get around the valley and avoid the traffic that piles up during the busy season!

At the Swinging Bridge and Swinging Bridge Picnic Area, visitors can enjoy fantastic views of Yosemite Falls reflected in the Merced River, best seen by day or by full moon at night. Despite the name, the bridge no longer swings, as it was replaced after flood damage in 1964. The picnic area offers tables, grills, and scenic surroundings. The area is open from dawn to dusk and features accessible amenities, including picnic tables, vault toilets, and parking. Visitors should keep food secure due to bears and other wildlife and be cautious around swift waters.

Curry Village, located in Yosemite Valley, is a popular spot for food and lodging, offering a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. For lodging, it provides a mix of accommodations, including canvas tent cabins, wooden cabins, and a limited number of hotel-style rooms. The tent cabins, available in both heated and unheated options, are a rustic yet iconic way to experience the park, while the hard-sided cabins provide more comfort. Each accommodation style offers easy access to the stunning views and nearby trails. When it comes to food, Curry Village has several dining options to keep visitors well-fed after a day of exploring. The Pizza Deck is a favorite, serving freshly made pizzas with outdoor seating that allows you to take in the incredible surroundings. The Coffee Corner is perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a quick snack. Meadow Grill offers burgers, fries, and other casual fare in a laid-back setting, while the Curry Village Dining Pavilion provides buffet-style meals in a family-friendly environment. Seasonal food trucks also appear on occasion, adding variety to the dining scene. The field near Curry Village, officially known as Stoneman Meadow, offers stunning views of some of Yosemite Valley’s most iconic landmarks. From this open area, you can take in breathtaking vistas of Half Dome, its sheer granite face rising dramatically against the sky, especially striking at sunrise or sunset. To the west, you’ll see the towering cliffs of Glacier Point and Sentinel Rock, while the lush greenery of the meadow provides a peaceful contrast to the rugged surroundings. In the spring and early summer, wildflowers often dot the meadow, adding vibrant colors to the scene.

Curry Village, located in Yosemite Valley, is a popular spot for food and lodging, offering a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. For lodging, it provides a mix of accommodations, including canvas tent cabins, wooden cabins, and a limited number of hotel-style rooms. The tent cabins, available in both heated and unheated options, are a rustic yet iconic way to experience the park, while the hard-sided cabins provide more comfort. Each accommodation style offers easy access to the stunning views and nearby trails. When it comes to food, Curry Village has several dining options to keep visitors well-fed after a day of exploring. The Pizza Deck is a favorite, serving freshly made pizzas with outdoor seating that allows you to take in the incredible surroundings. The Coffee Corner is perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a quick snack. Meadow Grill offers burgers, fries, and other casual fare in a laid-back setting, while the Curry Village Dining Pavilion provides buffet-style meals in a family-friendly environment. Seasonal food trucks also appear on occasion, adding variety to the dining scene. The field near Curry Village, officially known as Stoneman Meadow, offers stunning views of some of Yosemite Valley’s most iconic landmarks. From this open area, you can take in breathtaking vistas of Half Dome, its sheer granite face rising dramatically against the sky, especially striking at sunrise or sunset. To the west, you’ll see the towering cliffs of Glacier Point and Sentinel Rock, while the lush greenery of the meadow provides a peaceful contrast to the rugged surroundings. In the spring and early summer, wildflowers often dot the meadow, adding vibrant colors to the scene.