Behind the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, this theater screens two films: Ken Burns’ Yosemite: A Gathering of Spirit, a celebration of the Yosemite Grant's 150th anniversary, and the painfully dramatic but beautifully photographed Spirit of Yosemite. The movies alternate, starting every half-hour between 9:30am and 4:30pm (from noon on Sunday), and offer a free, air-conditioned respite from the summer heat.
At 7pm, take your pick from a rotating selection of films (adult/child $10/free). Actor Lee Stetson portrays the fascinating life and philosophy of John Muir, and park ranger Shelton Johnson re-creates the experiences of a buffalo soldier. Other films explore search-and-rescue missions and rock climbing in the park. There are also special children’s shows.