The Valley Loop Trail follows many of the Valley's first east-west trails and wagon roads. It offers a rare opportunity in Yosemite Valley to hike on a fairly level trail with some solitude.
While some of the trail passes near roads, much of it takes you through meadows, talus slopes at the base of the granite cliffs, and near the Merced River. You can access the trail from many places throughout the Valley; however, the mileage and description used here starts at the Lower Yosemite Fall area (follow signs for Valley Loop Trail).
Route-finding can be difficult in places, so it is best to bring a map with you (even a simple day hiking brochure from the visitor center) as it will orient you with the various landforms in the Valley, which are often listed on the trail/directional signs.
From the Lower Yosemite Fall area, head west along the base of the Three Brothers rock formation, past Camp 4, eventually working your way through Yosemite Valley to El Capitan.
If you are planning to hike the half loop, cross the Merced River at El Capitan Bridge and continue by heading east back toward Yosemite Village. If you are planning to hike the full loop, continue west past El Capitan toward Bridalveil Fall.
If you are planning to hike the full loop keep in mind the shuttles do not go out to the west end of the valley. You are commited to finishing the hike and returning at least as far as the most westerly shuttle stop.
While most of the trail is flat, there are some hilly sections throughout the hike. Additionally, you will find mixed trail surfaces: dirt, rocks, sand, and old pavement. During the spring when the valley fills with water from both named and unamed falls and cascades sections of this trail may be bobby, damp or flooded.
TIP! Hiking this trail takes you to the relatively little visited west end of the valley. Not only will you have the trail pretty much to yourself but you are likely to see some pretty cool wildlife, such as deer, bear, bob cat and if you are lucky a mountian lion. Just walk softely and keep conversation low and to a minimum.
The Valley Loop Trail is open year-round. During spring, you may find localized flooding on the trail near creeks. During winter, the trail is often snowy and icy in places, particularly along the south side of Yosemite Valley. In these areas, use extreme caution as it may be hard to get traction on ice and route-finding may be difficult in snowy areas (the trail may be completely obscured by just a few inches of snow.
Plan ahead; stay hydrated by carrying plenty of water as no drinking water is available along the trail.
Wear appropriate footwear for a long hike over varying terrain.
Drinking water is not available along the trail. A drinking fountain is available at the start of the trail near the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead.
Restrooms are available at the trailhead near the start of the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. Vault toilets are also available at the Bridalveil Fall parking area and Swinging Bridge Picnic Area.
Parking is not available at the trailhead; the trail begins at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (near shuttle stop #6). Primary parking is available at the day use parking area in Yosemite Village. Keep in mind it is a loop trail and you can also access the trail from various roadside parking areas throughout Yosemite Valley. If you are staying in the park camping or lodging you can just hope on it pretty much anywhere.
The Valley Visitor Shuttle (7 am to 10 pm year-round) serves this trailhead (stop #6). You can also walk from the Yosemite Village area along the bicycle path to get to the trailhead (this adds approximately 0.5 mile (0.8 km) to your hike). From May to October, the El Capitan Shuttle stops at the El Capitan Bridge (stop E4) and the Four Mile Trailhead (stop E5), should you need alternate transportation back.
Pets, bicycles, and strollers are prohibited.
Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife
Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.).
Proprietor: Vonnie Coombs
Cell: 619-948-8561
7509 Henness Circle, Yosemite CA, 95389
E-mail: reservations@yosemiteperegrinelodge.com
Yosemite Peregrine Lodging is located inside the gates of Yosemite National Park in the Yosemite West development. You have to enter Yosemite to get to Yosemite West. Don't let other hotel operators fool you. Ask for a physical address and check them out on a map before you make your reservation. Some accommodations claim to be minutes from Yosemite and are actually an hour or more.