For the most part, when we're out in nature, Chelsea and I love a good hike. We've been hiking together and challenging each other since 2016. A big part of our enjoyment of the outdoors involves planning a long hike with beautiful vistas, along with the giant meal and beer that inevitably follows! However, not everyone's idea of fun outdoors is to hike like mad and sweat like crazy - some people just want to see the beauty, and that's okay! The important part of getting outside to national, state, or even local parks is just to be there.
Recently, Chelsea and I met my sister and niece in Yosemite for a couple of nights. Neither of them are big hikers, so we planned an alternate way to go see some of the beautiful scenery the Yosemite Valley has to offer. Since we only had one day, we chose to drive into Yosemite on Wawona Road from the West. This gives the perfect opportunity to see the real beauty of El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, and the rest of the valley from higher up. Right after you come out of the tunnel, there is a great spot to pull off to the side to view the scenery, aptly named "Tunnel View." This is great spot to see Yosemite for the first time!
Continuing down Wawona Road, you make your way down into the valley to be in amongst the trees and the beautiful rock formations that rose up to create the valley. The drive down into the valley is great because it's one large one-way loop that you can drive to see the different spots and then end up back where you started. One of the first stops you'll come across is the Bridalveil Falls trailhead, which is a great spot to stop and walk in a little bit along a very flat trail to get to the falls. You get a really close up view of the waterfall - so close that you can see and feel the mist in the air! This spot is a "can't miss" spot, for sure. (If you're like me and you loooove AllTrails, use this link to find the Bridalveil Falls Trail on AllTrails!)
As you proceed onto Southside Drive, you'll find a number of different spots to safely pull off to the side of the road so you can get out and take pictures. Along the way you'll find different angles of waterfalls, El Cap, Half Dome, and the other rock features of the valley. I absolutely recommend bringing binoculars - some of the things you can see near the top of the walls are amazing. There were at least a couple of waterfalls that ran off the side into nothing, and never made it to the ground!
I recommend a stopping and having lunch or a snack at any one of the several picnic areas you'll find along the valley loop. One spot we particularly liked was the El Capitan Picnic Area which is on the backside of the loop. Here you'll find picnic tables to eat at, some welcome shade, vault toilets, and a beautiful view of El Capitan. Another great spot to stop, even if you're not having a picnic there, is the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area (this stop is worth it to see the bridge and the river - dip your toes in the water). You can bring your own lunch or you can stop at the Village Store to grab some food and drinks. We chose to get food at the store and then drive around to the El Cap Picnic Area to stop and have some snacks. They have some really cool merchandise for purchase at the Village Store as well.
Last point to note is regarding your furry 4-legged friends - dogs ARE allowed in the valley, but as far as the hiking trails are concerned, they are only allowed on paved trails. We brought our dog and wandered on the Bridalveil Falls trail, and along the roads and in the picnic areas. He had a fantastic time!
Take it slow driving around the Valley! This drive was the only thing we planned for the day, and that allowed us to really take our time, enjoy it, and take everything in. This is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth and even if you're not a big hiker, you'll love it!