The Yosemite Valley: Yosemite National Park

The Yosemite Valley is a wide glacier-carved valley, centrally located within Yosemite National Park in the western Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The Yosemite Valley was carved out mostly by glacier activity that moved through the area during the last ice age, and it follows the path of the Merced River.

Today, the valley is a breathtaking sight to see. Nearly 8 miles in length and up to a mile deep in many areas, the Yosemite Valley has become the most popular destination in Yosemite National Park, one of the nations most popular national park destinations.

Some of the noteworthy attractions within the Yosemite Valley which add to it's beauty, majesty and appeal include the infamous Half Dome, towering Glacier Point, the majestic Yosemite Falls, the unmistakable face of El Capitan as well as other unique features like Cathedral Spires, Sentinel Rock, the Three Brothers, and Bridalveil Fall just to name a few.

Most people who visit the park will catch their first glimpse of the staggeringly beautiful Yosemite Valley as they emerge from the Wawona Tunnel. The Wawona Tunnel opens up on the east end to provide jaw-dropping views down the long channel of the Yosemite Valley providing an exceptional opportunity to get a panoramic view of all of Yosemite's most talked about features in one picture perfect moment. In fact, this point offers such a fantastic opportunity for taking in the impressive beauty of El Capitan, Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Cathedral Spires and more, that it has garnered a name fitting of its location..."Tunnel View." The same spot has also been lovingly referred to as "Artist Point" because so many paintings have been created with this viewpoint being their inspiration.

There are a few lodging options available right in the center of all the action on the Yosemite Valley floor, The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and Curry Village. Each of these lodging options varies quite a bit one from another.

Lodging Located on the Yosemite Valley Floor

The Ahwahnee

The Ahwahnee is an upscale lodge positioned in arguably the most beautiful spot in the Yosemite Valley. The Ahwahnee was built in 1927 and is a historical landmark today, and easily one of the most distinctive resort hotels in all of North America. Each room at The Ahwahnee is designed to provide comfort and delight for its guests and reflects the natural surroundings, the Native American influences, and the historical significance of the park and the hotel.

Click here to learn more about The Ahwahnee...

Click here to learn more about Yosemite Valley Lodge...

Curry Village

Curry Village is the most economical lodging option on the valley floor. Curry Village, or "Camp Curry" as it is often called, is known for its wide selection of tent cabins and regular cabins which are situated at the feet of Glacier Point. The Tent cabins at Curry Village are wood-framed tents with canvas walls and a canvas roof that will accommodate up to five people. Regular cabins are wooden structures with either one double bed, a double and a single, or two double beds. The tent cabins only offer shared bath facilities, whereas the regular cabins are available with or without private baths. Curry Village also offers standard motel-style rooms inside the Stoneman House. These motel rooms offer one, two, or three double beds and a private bath.

Click here to learn more about Curry Village...