Skating The Valley Floor Loop

There is one primary loop which is open to bicycles (and skates) which offers many breathtaking views and a breathtaking workout, if you want it. It is about 9 miles long, and includes a few rolling hills and one big hill.

You can start anywhere on the loop you want, and practically all the lodging on the Valley Floor lies close to or on this loop. I stayed in the cabins at the Lodge, so that is where my photo tour begins. In fact, my cabin was number 132, and was equipped for disabled persons. So, I had a ramp from my front door right onto the pathway. :-)


About This Photo Tour

I took these photos while skating the Valley Floor Loop. Each thumbnail image is also a link to a page which presents the image in a larger size, and includes more details about that part of the loop. There is a lot more information about skating in Yosemite buried in these pages, so explore each link. This page here is only a summary of the loop.

The Path Near the Lodge

Here is the view after leaving the Lodge, heading toward Yosemite Village. The path is smooth, paved, and divided for opposing traffic. Halfdome appears in the upper right.

The Path Near the Ahwahnee

Here is the view after you pass the Village. Across the meadow is the Ahwahnee Inn, the best accommodations on the Valley Floor. Halfdome looms closer.

Mirror Lake or Happy Isles?

After the meadow is a sign which points the way and distance to Mirror Lake, Happy Isles and Curry Village. Either way you go you will end up returning to this sign. I chose the left. :-)

Skating Through the Forest

So, I found myself skating through the trees on my way to Mirror Lake.

Mirror Lake

Why do you think they call it Mirror Lake? You have to go up a stiff hill to get there, but the view is worth it. Careful going back down the hill! Don't speed when there are tourists on the road -- most people want to feel peaceful in Yosemite, not thrilled.

Like a Bridge Over Happy Isles

You go back down the hill from Mirror Lake and keep left to skate towards Happy Isles. When you get there you can stand on the bridge at Happy Isles and look down the Merced River at a bridge you crossed on your way to Mirror Lake.

The Path Near Curry Village

After Happy Isles you are on the return side of the loop, and after passing the Pines campgrounds you arrive at Curry Village, and you see Yosemite Falls ahead of you. From there you can proceed to Yosemite Village and onward to the Lodge to complete the loop. Naturally, your loop would be completed when you return to where you started. But, when you visit Yosemite, you find yourself a bit more at peace when you get there.

Next?


Last Updated: 5/6/96
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Howard Cohen - hoco@timefold.com
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