On the thrilling drive into Yosemite Valley, you'll be impressed by the panoramic windshield views
of a glacier-carved canyon, thickly forested, with grassy meadows beside a bubbling river and granite monoliths scraping the sky. Stop at Tunnel View for a postcard-perfect shot of the valley floor, snaggletoothed Half Dome, stalwart El Capitan and cascading waterfalls rushing down sheer cliffs.
In the valley, park your car for the day and ride the free visitor shuttle buses (www.nps.gov) to avoid traffic jams. From convenient shuttle stops, it's an easy stroll right up to the base of double-tiered Yosemite Falls, the continent's highest at over 2400ft, or pulse-pounding Bridalveil Fall. If you've got more time and stamina, ascend the slick granite-rock staircase on the Mist Trail, which runs so narrowly beside Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall that you're likely to get sprayed with water, above which spritely rainbows flash. Still got some energy? Get an advance permit for the all-day hike to Half Dome or sign up for a rock-climbing lesson with Yosemite Mountaineering School. Or chill on a blanket in El Capitan Meadow with a pair of binoculars and watch the pros scaling its daunting granite face, looking like ants.
Not all of the valley's best attractions are outdoors. Bring the kids to the Valley Visitor Center for a free film about Yosemite's show-stopping wonders, then peruse the natural history displays and check daily schedules of free ranger walks and talks. At the nearby Yosemite Museum, cultural demonstrators bring to life Native American tribal traditions, including intricately patterned woven baskets.
Heading into Yosemite's High Country
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