Happy Isles - Yosemite Valley, California

Name: Happy Isles
Rating: 4.7

👍 Reviews 📌 Map ℹ️ Information ⏰ Hours

Address: Yosemite Valley, CA 95389.

Specialties: Island.

Opinions: This company has 21 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.7/5.

📌 Location of Happy Isles

Happy Isles, located at Address: Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, is a beautiful and picturesque spot in the heart of Yosemite National Park. This location is known for its small islands in the Merced River and lush forest surroundings, making it a peaceful retreat for visitors. With a specialty in providing an island experience, Happy Isles is a must-visit for anyone exploring Yosemite.

Natural Scenery and Hikes

Happy Isles is a perfect spot for enjoying the natural scenery and starting various hikes. Visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls, and the peaceful sound of the river flowing through the islands. The area offers a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, from easy nature walks to more challenging hikes leading to the top of Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls.

Happy Isles Nature Center

In addition to its natural beauty, Happy Isles is also home to the Happy Isles Nature Center. This center is a great place to learn about the park’s natural history and the ecosystem of the area. Visitors can participate in ranger-led programs, attend educational presentations, and view exhibits on the park’s plants, animals, and geology.

Opinions and Average Opinion

Happy Isles has received many positive reviews from visitors. With 21 reviews on Google My Business, the location has an average opinion of 4.7/5. Many visitors have praised the area’s natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and the opportunities for hiking and learning about the park’s natural history. One visitor commented, “Happy Isles is a beautiful spot in Yosemite National Park, perfect for enjoying the natural scenery and starting various hikes. A must-visit for anyone exploring Yosemite”

Recommendation

👍 Reviews of Happy Isles

Happy Isles - Yosemite Valley, California

Jonathan Phan

5/5

Happy Isles is a beautiful spot in Yosemite National Park, perfect for enjoying the natural scenery and starting various hikes. The small islands in the Merced River are picturesque, and the lush forest surroundings make it a peaceful retreat. It’s also a great place to learn about the park’s natural history at the Happy Isles Nature Center. A must-visit for anyone exploring Yosemite!

John P

5/5

The best time to visit Happy Isles in Yosemite is Spring and early Summer time when the Merced river is roaring, and flowers are blooming. But Autumn is also a good time, there is no crowd around you, and the whole island is super quiet.

The trail is short and easy. It is about one mile without any elevation. There is a shuttle stop (called Happy Isles Shuttle stop, of course) right at the trailhead. It means you can park your car anywhere in the valley, then take the shuttle to the trailhead. A kiosk by the stop provides a map of Happy Isles. You will meet the Happy Isles Nature Center within 0.2 mile. Then cross a brdige over merced river and reach the two tiny islands in the middle of the river.

The first island is surrounded by Boulders and Trees, only a small trail cross the heart of it. You will meet another bridge at 0.4 mile, which leads you to the second island. In the middle of the bridge, there is a copper plaque honoring Steven Mather, the fournd of the National Park Sevice.

Happy Isles is also the start point of John Muir Trail. You can hike to Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Half Dome by crossing a stone bridge over Merced River and follow the sign.

Guthrie Paterson

5/5

The takeoff spot for iconic Yosemite hikes - the falls, JMT, Half Dome, etc. Well marked and easy to find your path. Lots of folks during the busy summer…

Aaron Bright

5/5

Beautiful and easy walk. Great for the kids.

Yin-Chen Huang

5/5

I love these two small isles very much. Right in the middle of Merced River. A good place to listen to constant flow of water stream under the shade. The presence of the sound reminds me the passage of time. If we can let go everything like the time we have had, maybe we can attain eternal peace and happiness. Yes. Happy Isles.

Lou Skunkape

5/5

Did it in the winter
Wow

James Chapman

5/5

Good place to find dippers.

rhuds

5/5

It is an amazing place.