Yosemite Valley Locations
Below you'll find more detailed accessibility information for locations in Yosemite Valley
​General Notes
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You'll see accessible restrooms referred to as "family restrooms" at times by the Yosemite Accessibility Guide.
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Don't assume that just because a door is listed as power-operated that it will actually work. During my visit in June 2022, several of the push plates were actually not working. Thankfully, during my July 2023 trip, most (though not all) were back in working order.
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I could not find a single restroom with a push plate.
Ahwahnee Hotel
Accessibility Guide:
"The Ahwahnee, a National Historic Landmark, has two accessible hotel rooms, two accessible junior suites, and two accessible cottages, all with grab-bars and roll up sinks. The ground floor of the hotel has an accessible dining room, bar, gift shop, patio, and drinking fountain. There is an accessible women’s restroom, telephone and unisex/family restroom located on the mezzanine that can be reached by elevator. The accessible men’s restroom in located on the ground floor. Valet parking and six designated accessible parking spaces are available. An accessible path connects the hotel with the cabins."
Additional Accessibility information:
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Ansel Adams Gallery
Accessibility Guide:
"Showcasing the work of Ansel Adams, contemporary photographers, and other fine artists, the gallery is open daily. For more information, visit The Ansel Adams Gallery website or call (209) 372-4413."
Additional Accessibility information:
The second floor is also accessible by going up a path to the left of the building and having a staff member open the door there. It was a bit of a squeeze with my power chair though.
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Bridalveil Fall
Accessibility Guide:
"This spectacular, year-round waterfall (albeit a trickle in late summer and fall) has an automobile only (no RV) parking area accessible from the north end of Wawona road, just before it merges with Southside Drive in Yosemite Valley."
Additional Accessibility information:
As of July 2023, the trail is still closed for renovation, including to make it wheelchair accessible!
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Campgrounds
Accessibility Guide:
"Lower Pines, Upper Pines, and North Pines
There are three campgrounds in Yosemite Valley that offer designated accessible campsites, suitable for wheelchairs, Lower Pines, Upper Pines, and North Pines. Some of the campsites have a raised tent pad. All accessible sites have paved trails to the restrooms, level pads, accessible fire rings and picnic tables with extended tops. Electric power to charge a wheelchair is available at Lower Pines accessible sites #7 and #14. (Continuous electrical service is not guaranteed: this electrical outlet is not recommended for medical appliance use such as a CPAP machine. You must bring your own extension cord and request to access the outlet.)​"
"Camp 4
Camp 4 sites are available from May 20 through September 30, 2022, by daily lottery, one day in advance, online via Recreation.gov. The lottery is open from midnight to 4 pm Pacific time each day, with results emailed shortly after 4 pm. Applicants can apply for up to seven nights. Average success rate is 10%. There is a non-refundable lottery fee of $10 per application (up to six people.) The camping fee (only charged with a successful lottery application) is $10 per person per night. Visitors with an Access Pass only need to pay 50%. The park’s website has more information about Camp 4. Camp 4 has recently been expanded and has accessible pathways, five accessible parking spaces, two of which are van accessible spots, and sites all suitable for wheelchairs. The accessible sites (50 & 51) have all the aforementioned accessories, including paved access to the accessible restroom and showers."
Additional Accessibility information:
The bear-proof garbage and recycling bins are impossible to reach and maneuver for individuals who are unable to stand or are of shorter height.
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Many of the "non-accessible" sites also have extended picnic tables for wheelchairs, though these surfaces are not paved.
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Curry Village
Accessibility Guide:
"Curry Village has two accessible cabins with bathrooms, one accessible hotel-standard room, and 14 accessible, heated canvas tent cabins.
Accessible shower and restroom facilities are located in the 500 section. They have two, standalone accessible restrooms, each with showers, for accommodations that do not have private bathrooms.
Accessible paths of travel (many dirt and some paved) connect to all major services. The dining pavilion, grocery/gift shop, pizza patio, bar, and the Mountain Shop are accessible. The dining pavilion has one accessible men’s stall, one accessible women’s stall, and one accessible shower stall each in the women’s and men’s areas.
An accessible, but unpaved, outdoor amphitheater offers evening programs spring through fall.
Designated accessible parking spaces for 12 cars and eight vans are available near the registration office, restaurants, shopping and designated accessible accommodations."
Curry Village, continued
Additional Accessibility information:
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Accessible Tents
While the accessible tents do not have stairs, there is a significant lip in the door that even my power chair had difficulty getting over without destroying the wood around it. Also, the doors are all pull handle and are made to swing back closed on you. You will also be told that the tents do not have electricity, but ours did. I would recommend bringing a power strip just in case. Be aware that the tents are on the opposite end of the parking lot from the central services, shops, eateries, and registration.
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Blocked Paths
If you do stay in the accessible tents, there is a paved pathway that you can use to get to the bathrooms and showers, but it is often illegally blocked by drivers who are desperate for parking in a full lot. Even when I filed complaints and explained the danger of my having to travel through the active parking lot to get to the other side, it was not treated as an important safety concern and no cars were ever towed. An easy fix would be to place two permanent pillars on either side of the path to prevent cars from parking there.
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Trash cans
Everything is paved until about a foot and half before you get to the trash and recycling cans. Then it suddenly drops onto dirt, making maneuvering a chair more difficult. An easy fix would be to simply extend the concrete all the way to the cans. They are also not height friendly but more so than the ones in the campgrounds.
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Registration Building
The registration building, if you're lodging at Camp Curry, does not have automatic power doors and they are a little heavy. There is, however, at least a lower counter available for shorter visitors and those in chairs or other mobility equipment.
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Cafeteria
I'm not sure what a solution could look like for this, but it's quite a balancing act to carry your food on a tray to the cashier without spiling it if you have to carry it in your lap or only have one usable hand (such as if you are using a cane). Also, the back doors to the outside patio are very heavy and a bit small for a larger chair to get through. It would've been easier if two of the doors could've been opened, but for some reason they would always keep one of the doors locked. Note, while the cafeteria has a smooth paved surface, the seating areas are carpeted, which can be more difficult to roll on for wheelchairs.
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Happy Isles
Accessibility Guide:
"Happy Isles by private vehicle
Happy Isles Loop Road, in eastern Yosemite Valley, is closed to private vehicles, but vehicles with disability placards may enter. To enter the loop, follow signs to the campgrounds and trailhead parking, then drive east beyond the “Authorized Vehicles Only” sign with hazard lights on. Speed limit is 15 mph. At shuttle stop #16, turn right on the paved road. Two designated parking spaces are located behind the accessible restroom, and two more are further down the same road at the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center.
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Happy Isles Art and Nature Center (summer only)
The art and nature center, about 100 yards from the shuttle stop, is geared to children and their families and is open daily in summer. The center offers nature exhibits and interactive, tactile displays on Yosemite’s natural history. The art center, operated by Yosemite Conservancy, offers art classes during the summer and fall. For information and a schedule of classes, call (209) 372-1442 or (209) 379-2646. The class schedule is also available in the Yosemite Guide and the NPS app. Request an accessible class location in advance.
Visitors can take a short walk out to the Happy Isles in the Merced River, listening to the roar of the river over huge boulders and/or feeling the rumble of the river passing underneath the footbridge in spring. During the summer, a volunteer at the art and nature center is available to assist with narrating the outdoor exhibits. Benches are available along the paved trail."
Additional Accessibility information:
It's a roughly 5 minute walk, slightly uphill, from the bus stop to reach the Art and Nature Center. The only restroom is located at the bus stop, so take care of business before moving on!
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Housekeeping Camp
Accessibility Guide:
"Housekeeping Camp offers three-sided concrete structures with canvas roofs that have cots, a place to prepare meals, and a concrete patio with a picnic table.
Linens are not provided but can be rented and laundry facilities are available.
Walkway surfaces include asphalt and dirt. There are two accessible parking spaces by the front desk.
Accessible sites have an accessible table on the patio, a food locker nearby, firepit for cooking, and a bedroom separated by a curtain.
There are a total of 22 accessible restroom stalls around the camp. Each section of Housekeeping Camp has an accessible stall in the public restroom, in addition to the shower house with a roll in shower room and an unpadded permanent bench as well as a portable, backless one. This room could be used to change an adult in a wheelchair. Ask for access at the front desk.
In Section H, four units have pavement access to units and accessible parking spaces that can fit a van. In Section E, there is one accessible parking space, however, there is no pavement access from the parking to the accessible unit. There is pavement access from the unit to the restroom."
Additional Accessibility information:
The entrance to the laundry facilities are a bit tight and but there are both washers and dryers that are accessible from a standing position. It can get rather hot and humid inside during the summer months.
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Indian Village
Accessibility Guide:
"Behind the museum and the visitor center is the reconstructed Indian Village of Ahwahnee, which offers outdoor displays about the culture and lives of the native inhabitants of Yosemite Valley.
A short, partially paved loop trail winding through the village has displays that incorporate audio buttons; they do not include a text component. The village’s central area is unpaved, consisting of level, packed dirt. The village is a collection of cedar bark homes to touch and/or enter. "
Additional Accessibility information:
The Indian Village is likely one of the least crowded, quiet spaces in the Valley. This is a great location to hide out in the shade at the picnic tables in the back if you're experiencing sensory overload.
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The paved path does end very abruptly without any signage or warning. While I was able to navigate it in my power chair, as well as the packed dirt area, I'm unsure how well a manual wheelchair would do on the drop and the dirt. I say this partially because the packed dirt is also often completely covered in pine needles, which can impact tire grips and catching. As of July 2023, it does appear an attempt was made to smooth out the drop, but after just a few weeks it seemed to be disintegrating. What it really requires is a more permanent slope.
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Lower Yosemite Falls
Accessibility Guide:
"From the shuttle stop, visitors can see the world’s fifth tallest waterfall (the tallest in North America), one of the most sought-after views in the park. This waterfall often dries up by late summer and resumes flowing in late fall. Yosemite Falls is 2,425 feet high and consists of three segments: Upper Yosemite Fall, the Middle Cascade, and Lower Yosemite Fall.
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No parking is available for any vehicles. A visitor in a wheelchair could be dropped off by car at the trailhead."
Additional Accessibility information:
The paved trail to Lower Yosemite Fall is a long one and there are two different routes to the top viewing area. The one to the right is the accessible trail. Once at the top viewing area, there is seating available but limited shade and it is often quite crowded.
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The accessible path is a mixture of paved trail and some boardwalks. There are three "turnouts" if you need to rest along the way without blocking traffic.
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Mirror Lake
Accessibility Guide:
"Mirror Lake is a seasonal lake on Tenaya Creek, in the shadow of Half Dome. Wayside exhibits explain the natural and cultural features of the area.
A one-mile road, from shuttle stop #17, leads to the lake and is easy to walk due to its paved surface. The last 1,000 feet of the trail up to the lake is on a slope from 6.6 percent to 10.6 percent.
Mirror Lake by private vehicle
The road to Mirror Lake, in eastern Yosemite Valley, is closed to private vehicle traffic, but vehicles with disability placards may enter, driving 15 mph with hazard lights flashing. Be watchful for people and bicycles in the road. Mirror Lake has accessible parking available.
To drive to Mirror Lake, take the bus/service road toward Happy Isles. Turn right onto the Happy Isles Loop Road and drive one mile. Turn right onto the walking path/service road just beside the Mirror Lake shuttle stop (#17) and proceed very slowly to the lake. The road is narrow, and you will encounter people on foot and on bicycles."
Additional Accessibility information:
I personally found the directions given in the guide as confusing. The signage on the road did not seem to help as it was unclear where I should park and where, or if, it was okay to proceed in my car beyond that point.
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Museum
Accessibility Guide:
"The Yosemite Museum has an art gallery with changing exhibits and the Indian Cultural Exhibit. The Indian Cultural Exhibit offers displays and demonstrations relating to the culture and lives of the native people who call Yosemite Valley home.
In front of the museum is a cross-section of a giant sequoia tree that visitors can touch and a recreation of an umacha, a Miwok and Paiute cedar bark house. A tactile map of the entire park is located against the wall behind the Indian Museum to the right of the back doors. It is not fully accessible by wheelchair. Interpretive rangers are available to provide additional information."
Additional Accessibility information:
The inside of the museum itself can feel a little cramped, especially when there are lots of visitors. However, I was able to make it through without running into or knocking over exhibits! The little shop (and I mean little) inside also has a counter that is not height friendly.
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Paved Valley Loop Trail
Accessibility Guide:
"A paved loop trail, just over a mile in length, extends east and west from shuttle stop #6 to Lower Yosemite Fall, which plummets 320 feet to the rocks below. In spring, mist reaches out to the viewing area and beyond. Watch your step: the path and bridge may be wet.
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Along the loop trail are seating areas, orientation maps, and educational exhibits. The exhibits have tactile features. A bronze relief map near the base of the western trail depicts the watershed that drains into Yosemite Falls. Huge granite boulders—some as big as a house—can be seen and touched just steps away from the paved trail leading to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall.
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Eastern Part of the Loop
The eastern part of the loop (0.6 mile from shuttle stop 6) is accessible to wheelchairs and crosses several braided streams before reaching the Lower Yosemite Fall viewing area, which has transferable seating to granite boulders at wheelchair height.
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The Western Trail
The western trail (0.5 mile) is wide enough for several people and is mostly accessible; however, a short, steep grade near the viewing area (the last 180 feet include a slope of 13.8%) may make assistance necessary for some visitors. An accessible restroom is located near the trailhead, across the street from Yosemite Valley Lodge."
Additional Accessibility information:
You will be potentially sharing the trail with pedestrians and cyclists, with e-bikes becoming ever more popular.
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Picnic Areas
Accessibility Guide:
"Sites feature accessible picnic tables with extended tops, accessible restrooms, and, at those locations that have grills, the grills are accessible. Picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations are not available) from dawn to dusk.
Lower Yosemite Fall
Lower Yosemite Fall has an accessible picnic area and restrooms. Because no parking is available, use the accessible shuttle bus or walk from Yosemite Valley Lodge.
El Capitan
El Capitan Picnic Area has two designated parking spaces, one of which is van accessible, with immediate paved access to a level, paved site with a picnic table with an extended tabletop and an accessible vault toilet.
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Sentinel Beach and Swinging Bridge
Sentinel Beach and Swinging Bridge have accessible picnic sites and accessible vault toilets. Much of the parking area is uneven and Sentinel Beach does not have designated accessible spots.
Church Bowl
Church Bowl Picnic Area has accessible parking, picnic facilities and accessible restrooms.
The Cascades and Arch Rock Entrance
The Cascades and Arch Rock Entrance have accessible picnic areas, restrooms, and parking."
Additional Accessibility information:
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Village Store
Accessibility Guide:
(nothing mentioned in the guide)
Additional Accessibility information:
This is the valley's largest gift store and also holds a good sized grocery store. Therefore, it can get quite busy and crowded. Outside the store this is also a grill and picnic tables.
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Visitor Center
Accessibility Guide:
"The Valley Visitor Center has an information desk, exhibits about the park, and a bookstore. An auditorium and a theater behind the visitor center offer presentations and films.
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Exhibits (currently under renovation)
The Valley Visitor Center has an information desk, exhibits about the park, and a bookstore. An auditorium and a theater behind the visitor center offer presentations and films. The main exhibit hall is fully accessible with tactile exhibits, including the geologic and historic stories of Yosemite Valley. A tactile relief map of Yosemite Valley is at the entrance (no longer available as of July 2023).
Doors & Restrooms
The visitor center has accessible power-assisted doors at front and rear entrances. Access to the theater and auditorium is through the front doors: proceed directly through the lobby and out the rear doors to the ramp (on the left). Accessible restrooms are in the building to the west of the visitor center.
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Theater
To reach the theater when the visitor center is closed, use the sidewalk to the left of the visitor center’s front entrance, pass the restrooms, and go up the concrete path on the left of the auditorium. An additional accessible path of travel is located behind the museum to the west of the auditorium.
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Yosemite: A Gathering of Spirit is shown every hour on the hour and Spirit of Yosemite is shown on the half hour in the Theater behind the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Both films are open captioned. Audio description and/or assistive listening is available for films shown in the theater; ask for a listening device at the visitor center’s information desk.
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Parking
A few accessible parking spaces are available just west of the visitor center. To reach these parking spaces, enter the Valley on Southside Drive. Just after the Yosemite Chapel, turn left onto Sentinel Drive. Continue left onto Northside Drive and turn right onto Village Drive; pass the “Do Not Enter” sign. Stay on Village Drive until reaching the “Do Not Enter” sign marking the shuttle bus route straight ahead. Turn left at the intersection. Accessible parking spaces are visible immediately on the right just before the Yosemite Museum.
The walk from the Yosemite Village parking lot to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is nearly a half mile. There is an accessible restroom in the lot, which has family restrooms, and a drinking fountain."
Additional Accessibility information:
The second floor is also accessible by going up a path to the left of the building and having a staff member open the door there. It was a bit of a squeeze with my power chair though.
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Valley Lodge
Accessibility Guide:
"Yosemite Valley Lodge has 10 accessible hotel rooms with accessible bathrooms and showers. If you have mobility issues, but don’t need an accessible room, make sure to request a room on the ground floor, as the hotel does not have elevators.
There are 16 accessible parking spaces (10 of which are van accessible).
The front lobby and tour desk, Mountain Room Bar, Mountain Room Restaurant, Basecamp Eatery, and gift shop are all accessible.
There are three public, accessible restrooms in the front desk lobby (24 hours), in the Mountain Room Lobby (24 hours) and at the Basecamp Eatery (open during business hours).
An outdoor accessible amphitheater may offer evening programs spring through fall.
Most walkways are paved and accessible with designated parking spaces available near the registration building and accessible hotel rooms.
A video phone is available for Deaf visitors."
Valley Lodge, continued
Additional Accessibility information:
The ordering kiosks at the Base Camp Eatery are not accessible to those who are either sitting or are short in stature. Those with low vision have also expressed difficulty with reading the screen. In theory an employee is supposed to be stationed nearby to assist, but I find that to rarely be the case. In some instances I've been able to hunt someone down beyond the kiosks or even behind the counter to help me. The Eatery also has tall ceilings, a mix of florescent and natural lighting, and tends to be crowded and noisy.
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The gift shop can be a bit of a tight fit for a chair but is doable. The shop uses overhead florescent lighting and has smooth flooring. It can get crowded.
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There are designated wheelchair spaces in the outdoor amphitheater.
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The registration building has a mixture of smooth and carpeted floors. The lighting tends to be dimmer/warmer.
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Welcome Center
Accessibility Guide:
(Welcome Center opened August 2023 and so is not listed in the 2022 Accessibility Guide.)
Additional Accessibility information:
While I was in Yosemite in July 2023, the Welcome Center was not yet open so I do not have information regarding accessibility.
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However, I did get the chance to visit the new restrooms in the Plaza. There is a separate, large, accessible room available. My only complaint is that the door is rather heavy to open, which anyone in a chair knows is a major pain to deal with.
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