Yosemite Valley

A Hot Summer Adventure

• Sony A7R III
• f/4
• 29mm
• 100
• 1/8000 sec

Our recent trip to Yosemite Valley was a blend of stunning natural beauty, memorable experiences, and a few practical challenges. Staying in Curry Village, we found ourselves right in the heart of Yosemite, ready to explore all that this iconic national park has to offer.

Staying in Curry Village

• Sony A7R III
• f/4
• 24mm
• 400
• 1/4000 sec

We opted for a small cabin in Curry Village, which was comfortable but not particularly clean. The real challenge, however, was dealing with the extreme heat during the day. The guest lounge wasn’t air-conditioned, but we found refuge in the large air-conditioned space inside the food court, which became our favorite hangout spot to escape the summer heat.

Parking in Curry Village, as well as throughout the entire park, was another issue. To avoid losing our parking spot, we decided to rely on the park’s shuttle system, which turned out to be a convenient way to explore Yosemite Valley without the stress of moving our car.

Dining at the Ahwahnee Hotel

On the first night, we dined at the Ahwahnee Hotel, a beautiful venue that was unfortunately under renovation. Despite its stunning interior, our dining experience was disappointing. The restaurant performed a bait-and-switch, offering a subpar buffet at expensive prices, coupled with terrible service. It was nearly impossible to get a cold drink without asking multiple times. In contrast, the bar offered much better service and an à la carte menu with higher quality food at more reasonable prices. Until the renovations are complete, I recommend avoiding the restaurant and opting for the bar instead. Additionally, with another restaurant in the park converted into an employees’ lounge, finding food at the remaining venues was challenging.

Exploring Yosemite Valley

• Sony A7R III
• f/5.6
• 24mm
• 100
• 1/80 sec

After a hot night, we took the shuttle to Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. The shuttle was truncated, preventing us from visiting Mirror Lake, but Yosemite Falls did not disappoint. The thunderous roar of the water and the misty spray provided a refreshing escape from the heat. The hike to the lower falls was relatively easy and offered spectacular views of the cascading water.

• Sony A7R III
• f/4
• 16mm
• 100
• 1/2500 sec

Next, we took the shuttle further to view El Capitan, the iconic granite monolith. We enjoyed a short walk in the meadow, marveling at the sheer size of El Capitan. However, with temperatures soaring well over 100 degrees, we soon needed a break.

Leaving the Park

• Sony A7R III
• f/3.5
• 35mm
• 100
• 1/8000 sec

On our way out of the park to the south, we made a stop at Tunnel View. The morning light reflecting off Half Dome gave the valley a beautiful bluish tint, creating a breathtaking vista that was absolutely worth the visit.

Final Thoughts

While the natural beauty of Yosemite Valley is unparalleled, our experience in the cabins at Curry Village during a heat wave was less than ideal. If you’re planning a visit, book far in advance and consider staying within the park to fully enjoy all that Yosemite has to offer.

In summary, despite the heat and a few inconveniences, our visit to Yosemite Valley was filled with awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable moments. The majestic landscapes, from towering waterfalls to iconic rock formations, left us with a deep appreciation for this natural wonder. Yosemite Valley is a destination that every nature lover should experience at least once.

Additional Photos