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in North America and the fifth-highest in the world. The water from the top descends a total of 2,425 feet, and when the falls run hard, you can hear them thunder all across the Valley. When they dry up—usually in late summer—the Valley seems naked without the wavering tower of spray. Tip →If you hike the mile-long loop trail (partially paved) to the base of the Lower Falls during the peak water flow in May, expect to get soaked. You can get a view of of the falls from the lawn of Yosemite Chapel, off Southside Drive. | Yosemite Valley, access from Yosemite Lodge or trail parking area.

VISITOR CENTERS

Le Conte Memorial Lodge.

This small but striking National Historic Landmark, with its granite walls and steeply pitched shingle roof, is Yosemite’s first permanent public information center. Step inside to see the cathedral-like interior, which contains a library and environmental exhibits. To find out about evening programs, check the kiosk out front, look in the park’s newspaper, or visit | www.sierraclub.org. | Southside Dr., about ½ mi west of Curry Village 95389 | Memorial Day–Labor Day, Wed.–Sun. 10–4.

Valley Visitor Center.

At this center—which was overhauled in 2007—you can learn how Yosemite Valley was formed and about its vegetation, animals, and human inhabitants. Don’t leave without watching the superb Spirit of Yosemite, a 23-minute introductory film that runs every half-hour in the theater behind the visitor center. | Yosemite Village 95389 | 209/372–0299 | Late May–early Sept., daily 8–6; early Sept.–late May, daily 9–5.

YOSEMITE IN ONE DAY

Begin at the Valley Visitor Center, where you can watch the inspiring documentary Spirit of Yosemite. A minute’s stroll from there is the Indian village of Ahwahneechee, which depicting American Indian life circa 1870. Take another 20 minutes to see the Yosemite Museum. Then, take the free shuttle to the Yosemite Falls and hike the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail to the base of the falls. Then proceed via shuttle or a 20-minute walk to Yosemite Lodge.

Next choose one of three things: leisurely exploring Curry Village—perhaps going for a swim or ice skating, shopping, renting a bike, or having a beer on the deck; checking out Happy Isles Nature Center and the adjacent nature trail, then enjoying an ice-cream treat while walking back to Curry Village; or hiking up the Mist Trail to the Vernal Fall footbridge to admire the view.

Hop back on the shuttle, then disembark at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Step into the Great Lounge, which has a magnificent fireplace and Indian artwork, and sneak a peek into the Dining Room, if you’re up for a splurge. Get back on the shuttle, and head to Yosemite Village, where you can stop by the Ansel Adams Gallery. Get back in your car and drive to the El Capitan picnic area and enjoy an outdoor evening meal. At this time of day, "El Cap" should be sun-splashed. (You will have gotten several good looks at world-famous Half Dome throughout the day.) Any sunlight left? If so, continue driving on around to see Bridalveil Fall.

EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS

CLASSES AND SEMINARS

Art Classes.

Professional artists conduct workshops in watercolor, etching, drawing, and other mediums. Bring your own materials or purchase the basics at the Art Activity Center, next to the Village Store. Call to verify scheduling. | Art Activity Center, Yosemite Village 95389 | 209/372–1442 | www.yosemitepark.com | Free | Early Apr.–early Oct., Mon.–Sat., 10 am–2 pm.

Yosemite Outdoor Adventures.

Naturalists, scientists, and park rangers lead multi-hour to multiday educational outings on topics from woodpeckers to fire management to pastel painting. Most sessions take place spring through fall, but a few focus on winter phenomena. | Various locations 95389 | 209/379–2321 | www.yosemite.org | $82–$465.

MUSEUMS

Nature Center at Happy Isles.

Designed for children, this small museum could use some updating. One of its dioramas has several stuffed animals, including a baby bear. Taxidermy hardly promotes a spirit of conservation and respect for living creatures; carvings and synthetics,