The most centrally located hotel in Yosemite Valley, situated next to Yosemite Falls. Comfortable motel-style rooms in a natural setting, with easy access to the valley's main trails and the free shuttle system. Restaurant on site serves hearty meals after long hiking days.
Yosemite Valley Lodge—operated as Yosemite Valley Lodge at the Falls under the Travel Yosemite brand—sits at 9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive in the heart of Yosemite Valley, California, adjacent to Lower Yosemite Falls, which at 2,425 feet is the tallest waterfall in North America. The lodge serves as the primary mid-range accommodation hub within Yosemite National Park, operated by Aramark under a national park concessionaire contract. Its location at the western end of the developed valley puts it within easy reach of every major attraction without requiring a personal vehicle. The 245 rooms are arranged in a series of single-story and multi-story motel-style buildings spread across a forest setting of black oaks and ponderosa pines. Rooms are functional rather than luxurious—comfortable queen or king beds, private baths, and television—but views of the surrounding granite walls and forest more than compensate for understated furnishings. Some rooms face open meadows with direct views of Yosemite Falls. The Valley Dining Room serves hearty American fare suited to post-hike appetites; a lounge bar is a gathering point in the evenings. A gift shop and market supply trail snacks, sunscreen, and Yosemite-themed merchandise. Bicycle rentals are available for exploring the valley floor. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle System stops directly at the lodge, providing free connections to all major valley trailheads—including the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, Mirror Lake Trail, and the Happy Isles Nature Center. The lodge represents strong value for in-park accommodation, priced substantially below The Ahwahnee while sharing the same central valley location and free shuttle access. At $190–$280 per night during peak season, it is the most accessible full-service lodging option inside one of America's most popular national parks.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Bicycle rentals
- Gift shop
- Park shuttle access
Location
9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Highlights
- Located beside Yosemite Falls—North America's tallest waterfall at 2,425 feet—inside Yosemite National Park
- Free Yosemite Valley Shuttle stops directly at the lodge, eliminating car dependence for trailhead access
- Most centrally located mid-range lodge in Yosemite Valley for the Mist Trail, Mirror Lake, and El Capitan viewpoints
- Bicycle rentals available for exploring the flat valley floor paths toward Curry Village and the meadows
- On-site dining room, lounge bar, market, and gift shop providing full self-sufficiency inside the park
Tips for visiting
- Reservations open 366 days in advance and summer dates fill within hours of release—book on the opening date
- The free valley shuttle is the most efficient way to navigate—park the car and use it for the entire valley stay
- A Yosemite National Park entrance fee or annual America the Beautiful pass is required to access the lodge
- Early morning fog in the valley creates spectacular photography conditions; set an alarm for pre-dawn light on El Capitan
- Bring warm layers regardless of season—Yosemite Valley temperatures drop significantly after sunset even in July and August
Accessibility
Yosemite Valley Lodge offers ADA-accessible guestrooms with roll-in showers and accessible paths connecting the main lodge to accessible rooms. The free Yosemite Valley Shuttle provides accessible low-floor boarding at most stops. The paved valley bicycle paths are wheelchair-accessible, though most park trails involve uneven natural terrain unsuitable for wheelchair use.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Yosemite Valley Lodge located within the park?
The lodge is at the western end of Yosemite Valley's developed area, adjacent to Lower Yosemite Falls. It is approximately a 20-minute drive from the Arch Rock entrance on CA-140.
Is a car necessary to stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge?
No. The free Yosemite Valley Shuttle stops at the lodge and connects all major valley trailheads and attractions. A car is useful for day trips to Mariposa Grove or Tuolumne Meadows.
How do reservations work for the lodge?
Reservations are made through the Travel Yosemite website operated by Aramark, the park concessionaire. Bookings open 366 days in advance; summer and holiday dates are extremely competitive.
Is there dining available at the lodge?
Yes, a dining room restaurant, lounge bar, and gift shop market are on the property. The larger Yosemite Village with additional dining is a short shuttle ride away.
How does pricing compare to The Ahwahnee?
Yosemite Valley Lodge rates typically run $190–$280 per night versus $600–$1,200 at The Ahwahnee. Both share the same central valley location and free shuttle access.