Yosemite Valley Loop Trail (Half Loop)

This is the half-loop itinerary on Valley Loop Trail, a 7.2-mile point-to-point walk from Lower Yosemite Fall west toward El Capitan, across El Capitan Bridge, then east on the south side to Yosemite Village. Allow 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The park's current distance is 7.2 miles, while an older park mileage table and the mapped corridor are about 6.5; check the route map and plan for a long walk. Despite its name, this itinerary ends at Yosemite Village rather than returning to shuttle stop #6.

Start at Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead, near shuttle stop #6. There is no parking at the trailhead; the Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Village parking areas are the main options. Plan how you will reach the start and continue from the Village at the finish. A fountain and restrooms are near the start, but there is no drinking water along the route. For a much shorter outing, the separate Lower Yosemite Fall loop is about 1 mile round trip.

From the start, head west along the base of the Three Brothers and past Camp 4 toward El Capitan. Cross the Merced River at El Capitan Bridge, then turn east on the south-side route to Yosemite Village. The changing views of granite walls, valley meadows and the river corridor are the payoff; expect some stretches near roads as well as quieter sections through meadow and forest.

This walk follows many of Yosemite Valley's early east-west trails and wagon roads. The Three Brothers rise above the westbound stretch, with El Capitan marking the bridge crossing; the route links those landmarks through the valley floor rather than climbing to a summit.