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Yosemite Valley is on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It rests in the center of Yosemite National Park. The Yosemite Valley lays claim to many of the park’s most popular attractions, so it is the destination of most visitors every year.

Each spring, when the snows begin to melt high up in the Sierras, the water forms into rivers which cascade down the mountain side and pour over many of the famous cliffs and ledges that Yosemite park is known for. As a result, Yosemite is also home to many of the most stunning waterfalls on earth.

Perhaps the most famous of these falls shares it’s name with the park itself. Yosemite Falls is a crowd favorite, and is actually made up of three separate falls. The Merced Lake flows above the valley and to the end of its canyon (known as Little Yosemite Valley,) where the “Giant Staircase” begins.

Hikers and backpackers love Yosemite Park. Many scenic nature trails lead out of Yosemite Valley. One popular trail is the John Muir Trail which covers 211 miles and ends near the summit of Mount Whitney. The aptly named Mist Trail takes you on a journey past Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls and provides some exception views of each, as well as the option to cool off in the blissful mist of each fall. There is also a popular trail that leads to the top of Yosemite Falls which is called the Yosemite Falls Trail.

The Yosemite Valley is an ecosystem with much diversity and many unique attributes. It is made up of a pine forest with many large, open meadows. Hundreds of plant species including grasses and wildflowers have been identified there.

The Yosemite Valley is known for its unique granite monoliths, which provide a rare outdoor theater unlike anything else on earth. Many of the valley’s most distinguishing features including Half Dome & El Capitan can be seen from most areas of the valley. These cliffs tower above the valley floor. Clouds Rest peak is another notable attraction in the valley. Towering at 9,926 feet above the valley floor, Clouds Rest is the highest point in the valley.

There are three developed areas in the valley where most of the hotels, restaurants, and shops are. Yosemite Village, Curry Village, and Yosemite Lodge have many quality accommodations and are on the bus route.

Other visitors attractions in Yosemite Valley include the Yosemite Museum, the Indian Cultural Exhibit and the Ansel Adams Gallery, where many of the artists famous and not so famous paintings are on display.

A visit to the picturesque Yosemite Valley is an experience you will not soon forget, and spending even one day here, you will easily recognize why this valley is one of the most popular areas in the park.

To learn more about the Yosemite Valley visit the Yosemite Valley page at www.NationalParkReservations.com/yosemite-valley.htm. To learn how you can take vacations to places like Yosemite Park and more than 5000 other exciting destinations all over the world and get paid for it, visit Resorts 360 Vacation Club at www.Resorts-360.com