If you visited Yosemite Valley between 19672023 and went to the visitor center in Yosemite Village, you probably encountered a less-than-ideal situation: a confusing half-mile walk from the nearest parking area, a small space often packed with people waiting to talk to rangers, and few resources available outside of business hours.

This original Valley Visitor Center — though perfect for visitor crowds in the late 1900s — was unintentionally creating a confusing and unwelcoming experience for 21stcentury visitors.

In an effort to transform the experience of visiting the Valley, the National Park Service and Yosemite Conservancy teamed up to create the new Yosemite Valley Welcome Center. 

Supported in large part by Conservancy donors, this $10.4 million project transformed the  3,000-square-foot south wing of the historic Yosemite Village store building into a state-of-the-art visitor center. Here, visitors can learn about safety and stewardship, talk to rangers and Conservancy volunteers to get oriented and plan their itineraries, shop for guides and maps, and more. 

Construction began in the winter of 2021, and the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center officially opened its doors to the public in the spring of 2023.

Now, easy-to-follow pathways guide visitors to the new welcome center, which is just a short stroll from accessible parking. An expansive, outdoor plaza creates a gathering place where visitors can plan itineraries or regroup after a day in the park. It offers stadium seating and informational signs and maps, all available 24 hours a day. 

Inside, the retrofitted interior features educational and trip-planning resources, including videos and interactive touchscreens, and is staffed by park rangers ready to answer questions and provide guidance.

The new visitor hub also offers opportunities for people to connect with Yosemite Conservancy, including by purchasing our retail items, talking to Conservancy staff and volunteers, learning about programs we offer in the park, and more.

Nearby, visitors can explore other Yosemite Village buildings and resources as well, including places to purchase food, stock up on camping supplies, browse artwork and museum exhibits, and more. 

With your generous support, this project has transformed the experience of arriving in Yosemite Valley and ensured that millions of people can start their journeys with the information they need to stay safe, be good stewards, and enjoy their time in the park.

by RHAA Landscape Architects.
The exterior of the new Yosemite Valley Welcome Center features a spacious outdoor plaza with stadium seating, maps, trip-planning guidance, and more.
by Leslie Stone Associates.
The interior of the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center offers a variety of self-service resources for visitors, as well as opportunities to talk to park rangers and Yosemite Conservancy staff and volunteers.
by Courtesy of NPS.
The new Welcome Center occupies the south wing of a historic Yosemite Village building that dates back to the late 1950s. The space originally served as a dining area, and later as a retail space.
by Courtesy of NPS.
This Conservancy donor funded project transformed a vacant space at the south end of Yosemite Village into a vibrant visitor hub where visitors can learn about safety and stewardship, talk to rangers, shop for guides and maps, and more.