Tunnel Vision
Yosemite's majesty is best appreciated with a little wine and cheese at the newly renovated Tunnel View. Get there before sunset and join the photo frenzy as the periwinkle-and-peach sky sinks over a wish-you-were-here view of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. After, set up camp or check into your hotel (options below) and grab a window table for dinner at the Mountain Room. This quaint restaurant tucked away in Yosemite Lodge offers an amazing view of Yosemite Falls—the tallest waterfall in North America. The French onion soup is delicious, the New York steak is succulent, and the mud pie will leave you licking your lips. Post-meal, take in some premier stargazing from any meadow in the valley—all you have to do is look up. Good night!
Staying in Yosemite Valley without reservations made months in advance is challenging, but be persistent. Check with the DNC (central reservations: 801-559-4884) for cancellations (which do occur). To go a step further, call the front desk of your desired accommodation to see about availability; they're more likely to have up-to-date information about cancellations. Curry Village has a range of options from standard motel rooms to cabins to canvas tent cabins. Yosemite Lodge at the Falls has over 200 standard motel-style rooms. The Ahwahnee is the nicest (and most expensive) option in the valley. Room rates vary; call or check online. For camping, check Yosemite's campground and campsite information Web page.
