Valley View (Gates of the Valley)
Valley View
A viewpoint beside the Merced River, with the river in the foreground, El Capitan on the left, and Bridalveil Fall on the right. It is also known as the “Gateway to the Valley.”
The viewpoint is on Northside Drive, the road on the north side heading out of the valley, with only a few roadside parking spots. From the riverside rocks you can photograph the Merced River, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall, with far fewer people than at Tunnel View. El Capitan is lit up at sunset, which is a great time to take photos. The river is icy and fast, so do not enter the water in spring.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Tunnel View
- Bridalveil Fall
- El Capitan
- Horsetail Fall (Firefall)
- Taft Point
- Yosemite Falls
- Sentinel Dome
- Yosemite Village & Ansel Adams Gallery