The 26 best beaches in and around Yosemite National Park

A spectacular view of Half Dome, the waterfalls and Yosemite Valley below. We worth the hour drive before entering the valley. Can get fairly cool in the fall but seeing the traditional reds, yellow, orange and brown foliage is so beautiful. Food, drinks and gifts are available.

We went to Glacier Point to watch the sunset. Really awesome experience. There is a large parking lot with three sets of restrooms. There is a wheelchair accessible route to Glacier Point. From Glacier Point there are 2 trails that lead back to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Some nights, there are nighttime ranger talks where you can view the Milky Way with guidance.

Amazing panoramic view of the mountains. The hike was moderate with consistent views, a beautiful river, waterfalls, and bridges. A must see in the area.

The best time is to go 30-40 minutes before sunset. You’ll see hues of orange, then pink, then lilac on the peaks. It’s the perfect way to end your trip to Yosemite.

Amazing. We almost skipped this but SO glad we didn't. BUT I would highly recommend hitting Glacier Point late in your trip especially after all of your Yosemite Valley activities. Apparently this used to be one of the most popular spots and I can see why!

This place lives up to the hype. Thank goodness we planned and prepared for our visit. The drive up to this point is super fun and your views are rewarded should you survive. You could also hike up there but those days are over for me.

Breathtaking views of the Yosemite valley and half dome. Can be easily accessed during summer when the roads are open. During winter, you have to hike to this place.

The shear drop of the El Capitan cliff is breathtaking to say the least. A good 3000 feet separates the Base from the Top of this Granite Monolith. It's the site of major Rock Climbing competitions. If you are a hiker, you would find it challenging to do a base to top hike. The meadow down below also provides a magnificent view, known as the Tunnel View, of the Yosemite Valley.

I've always been fascinated with El Capitan mainly because of the documentary, Free Solo. It actually won an Academy Award for best documentary and was released in 2018. Alex Honnold is the first and only person to have free-soloed El Capitan's freerider route. He completed this climb without any ropes, harnesses, or safety gear, making it one of the greatest feats in adventure sports history. The first known ascenders were actually Warren Harding, George Whitmore, and Wayne Merry. The first known ascent was on November 12th, 1959. El Capitan is about 3,000 feet from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous location for big wall climbing. Its location is in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

As iconic as it is from the bottom of El Capitan, you should try and hike up to the top and see how it looks from the top. The sunset and sunrise from the top is exquisite, and since not a lot of people high up to the top, it is barely crowded at any point of time. I’ll see if you’re a climber when you try climb it cause it’s one of the best climbs in the park.

You look to the sky and you see one massive rock, so high you can’t believe it. For me, when I came back after 25 years still one of the most beautifull views in the world

El Capitán in Yosemite is a breathtaking natural wonder that showcases the grandeur of the park. The towering granite monolith offers stunning views and is a must-see for any visitor. Whether you're hiking, climbing, or simply enjoying the scenery, the experience is unforgettable. It's a perfect spot for photography and nature lovers alike. Don't miss the chance to witness this iconic landmark.

Incredibly huge and incomprehensibly tall cliff that is one of the highlights of the Valley. Insane people can climb it!

A sheer granite monolith in California's Yosemite Valley, rising nearly 900 meters from the valley floor. It is the global center for big-wall rock climbing, with its iconic Nose route representing a multi-day test of endurance, technique, and mental fortitude for climbers.

Hidden gem of Yosemite, very quiet and serene. Water is crystal clear and the sunset is beautiful. Very kid friendly with lots of things to do. There a trail full of birds and squirrels that leads to the lake.

Absolutely stunning! Walking into this the first time is breathtaking. The color of the water, the landscape beyond. It's breathtaking. Wish I would have gone for a dip or went floating in my tube. A must-see in your lifetime

Beautiful clear water! Shallow for quite a distance, like up to my knees, it was to my 2.5 year Olds chest, if that. Was a great temp, not too cold not too warm. This is definitely worth a stop.

While traveling from Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe, we came across this beautiful lake and decided to stop for a while — and it was absolutely worth it! The water was crystal clear and peaceful, creating such a calm and refreshing atmosphere. You can truly feel the serenity of nature here. The water is quite cold, so I wouldn’t recommend swimming for everyone, but it’s a perfect spot to relax, take in the view, and enjoy a peaceful break during your journey.”

This is the secret spot in Yosemite. No crowds… one of the best places in the world.

Beautiful and serene. You kind of have to take turns to park if you arrive later. People seem to not stay to long, but I swim the lake so we are there a while. Bring your paddle board and swimsuit. Water is always super clear and beautiful. The views around are amazing. AND,,,look up on the big granite walls and you may see a rock climber or walker! Beautiful beautiful spot.

We drove further up and in specifically to see and take a dip in this lake on our way back home from camping in Yosemite Valley. The drive was stunning! I couldn't believe we got to witness such untouched beauty...and then Tenaya Lake. Wow. Breathtaking. Still brings a tear to my eye that we got to stand on her shore and take in her beauty. It was around the 90s when we left the valley and much colder (around high 60s) at the lake. It was also windy. Unexpected, first-timer experience, ha! My husband and I did eventually gather courage to jump in for a quick "I did it!" swim, though I wish I stayed in a bit longer (we didn't let our son go in, tho he wanted to, our wild child). You quickly adjust and it does feel warmer out of the water. Anyhow! A visit to Tenaya Lake is more than worth the drive! I can't attest to any crowd as we visited on Labor Day. Many visitors just stayed a bit to look at the lake or moved on for a hike around the lake. I think we and a couple others actually put a blanket down. Again, it was windy! Great memories from here, and looking forward to seeing her again.

The Merced River is a river in central California that is fed by the snowmelt within Yosemite National Park. The river winds its way through Yosemite Valley, making a central feature of this area of the park. When visiting the Valley, you won't help but see and spend time near the Merced River. One way roads run along side the Merced River into and out of the valley. There are several nice bridge crossings of the Merced and hiking trails that run along side the river. We visited the Yosemite Valley this past April and were quite impressed with the water flow and natural beauty of the river. Our favourite spot was at the Swinging Bridge picnic area in the center of the Valley. At this location the Merced widens a bit and flows with a flat surface, recreating a reflection pool where you can see Yosemite Falls and the ridge of the valley walls to the north in the standing river water. This was a beautiful spot on the river for photos of the valley. We will specifically seek out a return to this particular location on the Merced when we are next able to visit Yosemite. We also enjoyed stopping along El Portal Road just outside the Valley. There are several pullover locations where you can exit your vehicle and have a look at the river, which runs very rapidly in this location. Lastly, we spent a bit of time on the Merced River near El Portal and Briceburg, where there is a nice walking trail - Merced River Trail. At this location, you can walk alongside the river and enjoy spring blooms during the spring.

Beautiful river in Yosemite that you will not be disappointed with. Yosemite is breathtaking and there are many places to hike and explore. This river is beautiful and if you are a good swimmer you can also swim in it. I swam in it but the water was way too cold but it was summer time so it ended up been refreshing and quite an enjoyable memory.

The river is the heart of Yosemite Valley. Passes through Vernal and Nevada Falls. Yosemite and Bridelveil Falls waters merge with the river. It is cristal clear too cold even is summer. You can swim in one of the beaches or take a small boat tour.

beautiful place to bring your family! We enjoyed walking / biking the road and trail with our dog. A little chilly at sunset, but nothing unbearable! Without a doubt, a place to enjoy and relax at any time of the year!!!

Good place to fish, and not alot of people around. Quite and can be peaceful.

Beautiful Merced River. Stretching through Yosemite National Park and creating calm waters to float upon. If you enjoy serenity, a visit to the Merced is a must, one for the bucket list.

145 mile long river that flows swiftly through Yosemite National Park. Beautiful in early spring. This photo was taken in mid May.

Short hike that's suitable for families, with a very slight elevation rise. There are spots where you can go inside the water stream but you can reach the fall itself without going into the water. Keep in mind - To get to the fall there's a short section at the end where you have to climb and walk through some rocks. Very underrated location in Yosemite! 5/5

Awesome falls, don't forget to come with a swimming clothes because you can get into some water here at the end. But before you get there, you will need to clib some huge rocks. Great for young people, older people will look at it from a far.

We visited during summer when the water flow was lighter, but the waterfall was still beautiful and worth stopping for.

It was majestic! It was a short hike up to the falls. Wind makes the mist fall all over the rocks so be a little careful, Hike difficulty: 4/10. Parking was very difficult during the weekend as expected, but its worth the hassle. We visited in June and the weather was perfect. November was also good, but jackets are a must!

Stunning and super easy hike to view the falls up close for the entire family! Strongly recommend visiting

Located on the Southside Drive of Yosemite valley, is this beautiful site. Easily accessible, Parking available. You can go on a Hike or just settle down to take pics.

Beautiful area to visit with family in Yosemite! Lots of rocks to climb or you can just chill and hang out by the waterfall.

Such a beautiful are with nice low water so I could let the kids in to play without worry! Gorgeous views and space to park. Had restroom too, would definitely come back here!

Rocky beach, little tiny fish in the river. Pretty relaxed current in August. Rocks are not comfortable with bare feet. Kids had fun playing with rocks and cooling off in the river. Water temp in the lower 60s in Aug.

Beautiful spot to have a picnic. Couples, families, small group, or large groups. You can use the existing picnic tables, they're scattered throughout along the riverside. Coarse, sandy, beach areas, great for throwing down a blanket or maybe some chairs; you can even bring a grill if you like; as long as you're mindful and remember to be responsible. Whether you stop to eat, take some pictures, or even spend the day; with the towering trees, gorgeous mountains, and crystal clear waters, the scene is just breathtaking. It is truly amazing and awe-inspiring. Taking in all of the masterful artwork, brings a feeling of peace and connection. I am so grateful to have made this trip.

This is a great place for a picnic and a splash around in the glorious setting of Yosemite National Park. We visited on the 5th of July so the place was busy with holiday crowds but not too busy to find a place to sit.

This place is fantastic. I left my car here and hung out at the beach and picnic tables here two days in a row. The beach isn't crowded, the view of El Cap is great The parking lot is shaded but BUMPY. if your car is lowered, or sporty, you might bottom out! my sedan was fine going slow. There are almost always spots here and you can take the shuttle to the happy isles trailhead and yosemite village. Then you can take the shuttle back here and swim / eat. This place is amazing to escape the crowded feeling in the rest of the valley. Bring picnic food in a cooler, don't buy meals at the park concessions ! lol. they aren't passing their health inspections.

My wife and I were married here. Rarely crowded with great views of El Capitán!

Beautiful little area to dip your toes in the water and see El Cap

Family and I have been coming here since I was a little boy. I almost drowned here swimming so be careful the floor of the river changes drastically so make sure you know how to swim or life vest it. Despite almost dying this will be our go to place for day trips and bbq. If you get there early enough you can save yourself a table and grill and spend the day basking in the sun with the views of the waterfalls. Restroom located nearby. If you forget something you’re not too far from the general store to pick up whatever you need but try to not to forget anything as they are expensive.

Swinging Bridge Picnic Area offers a lovely view with a calming breeze. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The river here is perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm day. A peaceful and scenic place for a picnic or quick dip.

One the best places in the Yosemite National Park. It is the best place to chill and relax with scenic view. Nice clear water, clean beach/ picnic area. After the hike, this is the best place to have a beer and relax in the cold water. There are plenty of tables as well. I would recommend to go to beach area next to the water stream.

There is only one Yosemite on planet Earth. It's a truly majestic place. Do some research on which season fits you best, as they are very different. Plan a visit if you've never been!

One of the best picnic areas in Yosemite. You get the river to dip, bridge & trail to take strolls at, trees for shades with grillers, tables and seat. Downside is its tiny parking area so maybe if you can, do your picnic after lunch

Very cool bridge. It actually does swing a bit when your walking on it. It's about a 3/4 mile hike from the main road where you can park. One side below the bridge has pretty good rapids and a lot big rock slabs you can relax on. The other side of the bridge slows down into a clear pond area. Good spot to fish since I saw plenty of trout in the water. As usual Bear signs are posted along the trail and there was also a mountain lion spotted in the area sign. Probably a good idea to hike in a pair or group. But fun for the solo adventurer like myself.

Such a beautiful spot in the park to enjoy a picnic or a dip in the river. The parking is limited here.

This area is so beautiful and not at all crowded. We found a shady place to spread out on the beach and have a picnic lunch while the kids played in the show moving stream.

Great stop, hike back at the river there is a beautiful beach area to have a picnic or glass of wine! Cheers

We've been coming back to this beautiful beach on the Merced river for years. In the summer it's always refreshing to dip in the water and enjoy the sandy beach. This time, we happened to come after the first winter snow and the beauty looks very different.

Great place to enjoy a picnic while having great views and having a stroll by the river. There are restrooms and some tables. Few spots to park though, not a huge area

Sentinel Beach picnic area had tables and bbq pits also restrooms accessible for wheelchairs.

Nice place to have a picnic with grand surrounding after long hiking

Excellent place and the view it's amazing

This picture was special taken for my three son's

Awesome sight

(Translated by Google) We visited this National Park taking advantage of a long stay in San Francisco, this way we went to see the Yosemite Valley area. You are impressed to see the amount of elements that come together in this valley. It caught our attention on one side of the valley to see 3 peaks, one mounted on the back of the other, which are located east of El Capitan and this formation can be seen from the Merced River and from the Cathedral Beach picnic area. Then you discover that these three moles have been given names, Brother Superior, Middle and Inferior. (Original) Visitamos este Parque Nacional aprovechando una estancia larga en San Francisco, de esta forma fuimos a ver la zona de Yosemite Valley. Te quedas impresionado de ver la cantidad de elementos que se unen en este valle. Nos llamo la atención en un lateral del valle ver 3 picos uno montado al lomo del otro que se encuentran al este de El Capitán y se puede ver esta formación desde el rio Merced y desde el área de picnic de Catedral Beach. Luego descubres que estas tres moles les han dado nombre, hermano Superior, Medio e Inferior.

The Three Brothers is a striking rock formation in Yosemite National Park, made up of Eagle Peak (the highest), Middle Brother, and Lower Brother. Nestled near the Merced River, this trio creates a stunning silhouette, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light paints the granite peaks in golden hues. It’s a lesser-known but incredibly scenic spot that offers a peaceful break from the more crowded viewpoints. Whether you’re capturing photos or just soaking in the quiet majesty, the view of the Three Brothers is a beautiful reminder of Yosemite’s raw, natural charm.

Sentinel Bridge offers one of the best views of Yosemite Valley and the iconic Half Dome reflected perfectly in the water. A peaceful place to relax, take photos, and enjoy nature’s masterpiece.

They say it's the best place to watch the sunset in the park. It certainly doesn't disappoint. The bridge is on the corner, so traffic is usually going by very slow. It was not crowded while we were there. There was also parking very close to the bridge.

Great place for sunset pictures of half dome. The pictures are un touched iPhone pics

If you stop by the lookout, you might want to walk near this bridge and have to look at the half dome at this bridge. It’s nice that there’s a river on the viewpoint and it’s a good spot to take a landscape shot of it. Highly recommend to take a few moment and enjoy the scenery

Great place to watch the sunrise over Half Dome and Yosemite Valley!

This bridge provides a great view of Half Dome right above the Merced River. It's an easy walk from Yosemite Village or Yosemite Lodge. Sunset provides some dramatic lighting on Half Dome.

Worth a visit to see the view of Half Dome from the bridge, ESPECIALLY at sunset!

Beautiful place!

MAGICAL section of the river..worthy of all day stroll!

Absolutely stunning. The effort, the challenge, the commitment is 💯 worth it. Take your time, enjoy the views. The elevation gain is noticeable especially with the switchbacks. The trail is mostly packed down. There's quite a few sections with very loose gravel, stone and rock. Eyes open and head up.

Tough climb. Took us 4 hrs to get all the way up and then back down again. Awesome views and totally worth it. On the top at Glacier Point you can refill water and buy drinks and some lighter food.

This is a no joke 4.6 miles hike / climb one way to the top with 3,200 ft elevation (that is 320 floors of 10 ft high). The views are amazing and the Glacier Point at the top is stunning. There is no option to take shuttle down, so you need to hike back 4.6 miles or option pay for $200 for a Lyft… 😅However, if you are not up for a hike you can drive up and come back - traffic is bad though and need to drive around the mountain. Here are few photos.

One of the most jaw dropping hiking experience. The view is truly unmatched in California. Do come prepared though, it is a solid 2 or more hour hike upwards. It is steep and slippery is some areas. There is also a store at the top to refuel your journey back down.

I would have given it a 5 star but the fact that the whole trail is paved takes a lot away from an outdoor experience... It's super bad for your joints as well.

This definitely is a challenging hike. The heat and the sun takes its toll on you the first half of the hike up. Take plenty of water and maybe plan for a different time of day. By the midpoint, the elevation starts to work in your favor with cooler temperatures and a breeze. There are some steep dropoffs so be careful. Views are amazing so have a full charge on your phone.

This is one of the hardest hikes I’ve ever done, but also one of the most beautiful ones! Make sure to get there early, we pulled into the parking lot around 6:30AM and there were only a couple of spots left. The uphill switchbacks are brutal, but if you start early enough you do them in the shade. The views all the way up are phenomenal, and the view up top is such a treat! You have a 240 degree view of the valley and it is stunning. Glacier road is still closed (we did this mid June 2023), so it’s just you and other hikers on top. However, because of the closure, the restrooms are not ready (there are some porta potties but no toilet paper), nor are the waterfountains. Make sure you bring plenty of water (I drank almost 4 liters), sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray. Do not attempt this with young children. It took us about 3 hours to go up, 2 to descent.

A luxury compared to tent camping! Spent 3 nights at the end of September/beginning of October. It's as nice as you want to make it. I picked this over Curry because of the amenities (cooking, campfire, location). The beds were more comfortable. We brought our own sleeping pad, bedding, and sleeping bags. Bonus for bringing camp lights/string lights to set the ambiance. There is plenty of room in the bear box for everything. The outdoor space for cooking/eating was also sufficient for everything. We ate at the camp fire most nights. Bring extension cables for the outlets. It was extra but we also did a quick wipe down before setting up camp. We also brought a little rug to get in/out of bed and it was nice to have a semi clean place to stand. We were in the J section without a river view but it was only a short walk to the bridge. Restrooms were clean and plenty of secure trash areas near by. Showers were adequate. Bring shower shoes and toiletries (they offer soap in-shower but I had my own).

I had read mixed reviews of people's experiences at Housekeeping Camp (rustic, noise issues, cleanliness), but had such a wonderful experience. We were in D202 - more along the edge than the middle - and enjoyed the location. The perk of having a fire pit, picnic area, outlet, food storage box, general store, showers/bathrooms, and nearby parking were so convenient. All the staff I met were friendly and helpful, and the campers around us were friendly and observed the quiet times and campground rules. We slept well, enjoyed the evening campfire cooking, hiked all day, showered and relaxed on the beach. There were minor things like 1. the restroom stalls ran out of toilet paper, 2. the shower water temp fluctuated between hot and cold, 3. our unit was maybe less-nice compared to some of the ones right on the river (no mirror, privacy curtain not well-secured), but we brought TP with us and didn't mind the hot/cold water after hiking all day, and we went into the experience with rustic expectations. Nothing detracted from our visit and we both agreed we'd stay there again!

Great location for rustic camping in Yosemite valley. Fully equipped camp shop, with food, stuff you may have forgot, firewood, gifts. Showers are hot. On site laundry. Accommodation is 3 walled huts with a screen for the fourth wall. But there is electricity and a covered porch, so a step up from camping. But...the critters can get in... Bear proof lockers right outside. Car can be parked at the cabin. Bathroom block is getting a bit old and tired, in need of a makeover. Cabins are close together but everyone was quiet when we were there

May not be for everyone, but, if you love it, you LOVE IT. It's camping made simpler because you don't need a tent and with access to electrical outlets. People go all out decorating their units turning them into mini homes in the center of Yosemite. Wonderful beach and river access right in camp. Beautiful views of Yosemite falls and Half Dome. Park next to your unit. Store your gear and go for a hike.

An awesome location to wake up to in the morning; nestled in the valley with a mountain stream right there. Showers had hot water but would not remain that way for more than a minute before they would cycle between hot and cold but we were informed of a boiler issue. The tent mattresses were very comfortable.

These are drive up camping with canvas roof and concrete walls. You have a covered table and cook area. Your own fire pit, use from 5-10pm. 2 electrical outlets. 2 lights, bring your own cord and string lyfor more lighting and character. Beds are at my style bunk bed and a full bed. Decent mattress. Asphalt style floor. Some are closer to the river but those you can't drive right up to your site and have to bring your stuff to the site. Maybe 50-100 feet. Had a great time. Showers and laundry on site. Splash in the river. Great time. Some of the spots are close together so if you had multiple family or friends it makes a communal style camping.

We had an amazing time. The location was perfect and the weather was great. People were friendly and the campsite was clean as clean as can be for camping. Having a fire pit to sit around was great! Bring lights to hang up and a table cloth. It can be a little loud at night but everyone seemed to comply with the 10pm quiet time.

This cramping has a premium location, you can do many hikes right from here , the views are amazing. It is really hard to get a space on this campsites and I am really disappointed to see many spots empty every day. I am not sure if it is because they do not want to sale all the spots for a reason or because people reserve and do not show up. If that is the case, there should be a sistem where people should confirm the visit the day of the reservation or the spot will be available for last minute visitors. Just an idea, but definitely those empty spots should be occupied every night. This park is beautiful and people travel alot to get there, just because there is not campsites available.

We were lucky to get a spot at North Pine when someone cancelled and were happy with #400. One thing to know about the campgrounds in Yosemite Valley is that they are packed! You're there for the convienience of being close to it all, but don't expect privacy. Our night included crying babies and neighbor lanterns shining in our window until 1am. That said, it was great to be right there and our site had a view of Half Dome that was an unexpected treat.

The North Pines campground is super nice. The individual sites are well placed and the sites are very roomy. The water and dump are easy to access and overall a great site.

Always an absolute joy and amazing experience. Every year we try to get reservations for at least a few days of camping in Yosemite Valley but as soon as they release the campsites we try to grab them but they are taken within minutes of the release. This year we were blessed with a week stay in North Pines Campground in July, which is a total miracle. We always have a great time sharing our camping experiences with my wife’s family. This year was so great having our campsite for those with tents and my Sister in law had an RV at their site. We had the Grill and Upright Stove which worked best for some of the meals and the RV accommodated the other venues. We enjoyed swimming in the Merced River for refreshment. The Trams were running from Curry Village to Yosemite Village and the rest of the normal Valley Destinations. They were still working on construction for the Campground destinations. Curry Village and Yosemite Village always have any grocery items that you would want if you forgot them or just simply ran out. There are plenty of hiking trails for all levels of hiking that you and your family and friends can enjoy. I recommend having All Trails App and the preloaded trails to assist you in navigating your hiking along with bringing plenty of water please. Already missing Yosemite and looking forward to our next trip.

Amazing location next to Merced, nice views of half dome, plenty of shade. Bear box has plenty of room. Most spots are right next to each other.

Campground right next to a heavy flowing river where if you’re fortunate enough to get a camping site will be either right next to the river or within short walking distance to the river. Some of the views from the campsite are The Dome, The Bridalveil Fall and the River.

We love this camp ground. Great views of half dome and royal arches. Great food at camp Curry.

I bought all our tires from them for 20 years now. excellent fast service. honest integrity. I appreciate that. anytime you have a flat tire or something they fix it for free because we buy our tires from them. owner still working everyday , but his young grandson is learning and taking over the business slowly and it does my heart good to see what a good mechanic he is too , a real chip off the old block

Had a great experience here! The prices were very reasonable, and the service was quick and efficient. The employees were friendly, hardworking, and made the whole process easy. Highly recommend if you’re looking for quality service without breaking the bank!

‏I came to this garage with a problem with one of my wheels, and they handled it quickly and professionally. Everything was explained clearly, the service was efficient, and the price was fair. I felt the car was in good hands and would definitely return if I need help again.

Just wanna say thank you again for best deal and tire, great shout out to mark the owner and his nephew the repair my tired did a great job very fast and fix the issue, im not from here but when I need something to my car when im here again going back 👍. Had a great time talking to them both awsome work you both thank you again.

Awesome service as usual. These guys will take care of you.

This is my favorite tire shop period. These guys are straight foreword, priced well, good quality service, and most importantly honest. They will tell you the good and bad of what you need to know on tires. I strongly recommend them to any and everyone.

Blew a tire, could not fix the rim but gave great recommendations on where to get a new one, didn't even charge me as he tried to fix but was beyond repair.

It is a great spot on the way to upper Yosemite Falls. It shows an epic view of Yosemite valley and I think if you are not too experienced for the hiking you may be able to stop here. One of the best spot in the whole Yosemite valley.

An absolutely beautiful hike with breathtaking views! Once you reach Columbia Rock, keep going—you’re already past the hardest part. Just a little extra push and you’ll be rewarded with the stunning Yosemite Falls. Watch out for loose dirt and rocks and dress warmly in layers. Pack extra water, even in winter, as the incline is steep and staying hydrated is key.

There are some great views of the valley from this spot on the trail. Don't stop here though, keep taking the trail to the Northeast until it turns North. Once it turns North there are amazing views of Upper Yosemite Falls! It's not that far past here where you can see the Upper Falls up close!

Beautiful hike, with stunning views. Keep going past Columbia Rock— to the falls! If you make it to Columbia youve already done the hardest part. It’s worth the little extra push to Yosemite falls 😍 Also careful of loose dirt, it’s a dusty trail. And pack more water than you usually need, the incline is steep and it’s hot!

Steep. It’s not as bad as vernal or Nevada falls. Park at camp 4 and walk across the street. Easy trail to follow. It is a stop on the way to upper Yosemite falls. The elevation is quite a bit with gradual switchbacks. Not many places to go off trail most of the way up. Pretty heavily trafficked but less than vernal falls. The rocks are a tad slippery on the way down and poles actually help quite a bit. Took us 1.5hrs up with a few short breaks and 30 mins down.

This place is big, this is for me half way to the very top of the mountain 🏔️. I took me like 2 hours to get here. But, the view from here is beautiful you can see everything down. I got dizzy for how high it is. There are many rocks all around here and many 🦟 mosquitos. But the view to the park from the top of the Columbia rock is beautiful now.

Another great place to stop at the Yosemite park. If you can make it a bit farther on the trail you see the base on the upper falls. You get to see some cool looking plants base don time of year. We were on this trail June 1st.

Primitive campsite with very clean put toilets. Right along the Merced River. Super pretty. Was $10 a site, $5 with national access pass. Quietest and darkest place to camp outside Yosemite.

Great camp by the river...except people should educate themselves about littering and contaminating Merced River with trash. It's a nice first come first serve campsite right on the outskirts of Yosemite, we should all do our part in keeping it clean for others to enjoy.

First come first serve, many sites (about 10-15?) $10. Really love the site. It's gorgeous, well maintained with many amenities, and like the almost city like planning of the campsite. Docked a point because there's SO MANY WASPS even in October, and the trip to the parking lot to your site is around 30 seconds per way. Btw, there aren't many camp sites near here, so plan ahead.

Great place to stop on way to Yosemite. Only $10 per night. I spent December 23, 2023 there.

Been enjoying this part of the Merced river since the early 80s Great for exploring hiking fishing panning gold swimming Family gatherings

This used to be our home away from home…I’ve been here at least a few dozen times in the last 7 years and I regret to say, we won’t be going back. Unless you like really loud music in different languages, giant parties at more than half the campsites (of more than 8 people even though the rules state 8 people per site), trash EVERYWHERE (Modelo and Corona bottles, diapers, bottle caps, broke glass, toilet paper, etc.), and packing for a weekend camping trip with your family, only to get there and find more than half of the sites “Occupied” (friends putting a couple random items on the picnic table and a “receipt” on the post now means that campsite is taken as long as those friends are camping next door). “Occupied” no longer means paying for your spot and “tent up” within 30 minutes like the rules say. And you no longer have to actually be there for the night. So if you want to camp for just one night and a campsite has a receipt on the post and someone’s friend next door willing to stay up all night and watch that spot for them, you’re screwed and can’t camp there. I highly doubt not recommend camping there in the summer months. The cooler months aren’t so bad though if you enjoy camping in the cold!

A very beautifully prepared campground, with barefoot lockers, barbecue pits, and access to a nice rock Beach. I would have taken a swim in the slow flowing river if it was warmer. First come first serve, and currently there is a warning for toxic algae, so the river water is not available for use.

These guys are awesome. Super friendly, real helpful. Just good ol'boys.

The gentlemen were very helpful. They helped me untie my knots on my trash bags. Helped me fill the trash cans. And also pointed out the faucet that had the colder water when I washed my hands. Very polite. Wonderful experience!

Just handed in a little bit of cans plastic and glass got back a pretty good amount didn't think I was going to get that much and they're very friendly and gave away free food. Keep up the good work stay safe and healthy.

Remember everyone has a bad day now & then! These guys are super nice, helped us unload the truck & put the cans in the garbage cans to be weighed. They even stoped to say hi to our Chihuahua. 5 Star's 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👍

These guys are friendly and efficient! They've got a good operation and keep reliable hours. Always a pleasure.

Very helpful employees. Never worry about not being paid correctly, employees are great won't go anywhere else.

Great place very nice guys. they give more help than the other places and have better prices to

(Translated by Google) We visited this National Park taking advantage of our stay in San Francisco, this way we went to see the Yosemite Valley area. You are impressed to see the number of places to visit or of interest that come together in this valley. In this case Sentinel Rock, another mass of granitic formation that we find in front of Yosemite Falls, on the south side of the valley. When you look at it from below it seems like it is just another rock, but looking closer it looks more like it is perched like a large dark gravestone on the valley floor. Later you discover that climbing this mountain gives you panoramic views of the Falls and El Capitan. (Original) Visitamos este Parque Nacional aprovechando nuestra estancia en San Francisco, de esta forma fuimos a ver la zona de Yosemite Valley. Te quedas impresionado de ver la cantidad de lugares a visitar o de interés que se unen en este valle. En este caso Sentinel Rock, otra mole de formación granítica que la encontramos frente a las cataratas de Yosemite, en el lado sur del valle. Cuando lo observas desde bajo parece que es una roca más, pero fijándote se parece más que se encuentra encaramada como una gran lapida oscura sobre el suelo del valle. A posteriori descubres que subir a esta montaña se obtienen unas vistas panorámicas de las Cataratas y El Capitán.

Upper Yosemite Falls was one of the best hikes of my life. The beginning and end are challenging, but worth it. There’s a section in the middle that’s relatively flat, which has some of the best views of the falls. There are small trails that branch off for the best views. I recommend going as early as possible in the morning because it gets very warm later on in the day. Nearly all of the second half of the hike is exposed to the sun by the later morning hours. I also recommend bringing plenty of water, especially if you’re not as experienced and if you’re planning on going later in the day. I read some reviews recommending that people hike a further 0.8 miles past the falls to Yosemite Point. This was absolutely worth it, rewarding hikers with views of the entire valley and Half Dome.

(Translated by Google) One of the most beautiful trails in Yosemite NP. This is the second time I have committed it and I will do it again. Unfortunately, at the current time (August) there was hardly any water and the beautiful waterfall could not be seen. So the best time is in spring. I hike a lot and classify the difficulty level as moderate to difficult. From the valley it is about 1000 meters in altitude. With breaks, the tour lasts approximately 4-5 hours. The view is magnificent and the climb is really worth it! Definitely try it out. Please bring sturdy shoes and water! (Original) Einer der schönsten Trails im Yosemite NP. Ich habe ihn nun zum zweiten Mal begangen und werde es wieder tun. Leider gab es zum aktuellen Zeitraum (August) kaum Wasser und der wunderschöne Wasserfall war nicht zu sehen. Die beste Zeit ist also im Frühling. Ich wandere sehr viel und ordne den Schwierigkeitsgrad auf Mittelschwer bis schwer ein. Vom Tal sind es etwa 1000 Höhenmeter. Mit Pausen dauert die Tour etwa 4-5 Stunden. Die Aussicht ist grandios und der Aufstieg lohnt sich wirklich! Unbedingt ausprobieren. Festes Schuhwerk und Wasser mitnehmen bitte!

There are much better restrooms in the park. this one was kinda filthy when we visited, not much more than a hole in the ground really. The cabins were quite spacious though actually so at least it is wheelchair accessible.

Didn’t go to this bathroom but it seems from the pictures it’s decent, kind of small but that’s what you get with inflation nowadays.

You can get off here to go to the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail. The trail is very easy and not very long. You can get up close to the lower falls. The Valleywide Shuttle is very convenient to go to where you want to go. Just leave your car at Yosemite Valley Lodge day use parking and take the shuttle around. You have to get there early like around 8:00am because it fills up quickly.