None of the waterfalls are flowing, which I feel is a major experience in the park! This itinerary assumes you have two full days to explore the park. Its an inspiring place, and one you will want to visit over and over. Theres a very short and easy hike to the point. I caught myself saying, WOW this is so beautiful, about 100x a day, ha! The boardwalk wraps through the meadow, over bridges, across creeks, and gives you jaw-dropping views. I'm Monique - a Las Vegas native who doubles as a HR Manager & travel junkie (contradicting, I know). Enjoy great views straight up the massive granite monolith of El Capitan, towering 3,593 feet above the valley floor and of Cathedral Rocks, at El Capitan Meadow (here on Google Maps). Yosemite National Park is HUGE with endless hikes and viewpoints to explore. Summer is the most popular time at the park. We saw so much trash on the trails, which is always so heart breaking! You can find everything from an easy and flat stroll to a thigh-burner of epic proportions. From the Happy Isles shuttle stop, its less than a mile to the Vernal Falls footbridge. Tioga Road and Glacier Point may still be closed though, depending on the snowmelt. Yosemite is by far my favorite national park to date, and I have no doubt it will be yours too! Youll cross Tenaya Creek and several steep switchbacks on the eastern slope above Tenaya Canyon until you get to the top of the ridge. Youll need to plan in advance, and have a bit of luck for this one, but its totally worth the effort as this is arguably the most iconic hike in all of Yosemite. You get towering mountains, forest trails, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, wildlife viewing, and star gazing all in one little corner of the world! To start off day two, I would recommend walking to Yosemite Village to grab some coffee at Degnans Kitchen. Youll definitely want to come back for a more leisurely visit, but heres how to maximize your day, from sunrise to sunset. Along the mist trail, you have three options for stopping points: Base of Vernal Falls, Top of Vernal Falls, or top of Nevada Falls.

Theres an easy 1 mile loop trail that takes you to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. The main downside of Summer is it can get very hot when you are hiking and the crowds are still extremely busy.. meaning you will have to wait for parking at most viewpoints. It not only is bad for their ecosystem and their health, but it desensitizes them to humans and can lead to animal attacks. Located 2 miles from Glacier Point, the trailhead offers access to both Taft Point (take a left) and Sentinel Dome (take a right). I would highly recommend getting a good pair of hiking boots and water resistant clothes. Spend your third day exploring the Yosemite high country along Tioga Road. Head right for Sentinel Dome, or left to go to Taft Point first, with a gentle descent through the forest. We have an entire guide dedicated to helping you find the right place to stay in Yosemite National Park. Both hikes are just over 2 miles round trip, or you can combine them for a 5-mile loop. .

Plus it gives you the helpful information to make your 2 days in Yosemite National Park successful where to stay, how to get around, what to do with more or less time, and more. Just past the Wawona entrance, Mariposa Grove is the largest of three sequoia groves in the park, and features hundreds of mature and smaller trees. Afterwards, head to Valley View, another classic viewpoint great for photos. Once the trail starts to go up, look for views of Illilouette Falls. The Hetch Hetchy entrance is just 1 mile away from the Big Oak Flat entrance. Afterwards, hike to Lembert Dome and Dog Lake (hike info here), or if you have more time and energy, stunning Cathedral Lakes (hike info here). This viewpoint is only a 15 minute drive from the valley, and is not a hike. And take advantage of the many hot springs in the area. yosemite paisajes espectaculares montaas francisco nevadas mythiques breathtaking oovatu tioga tokkoro Note: This itinerary for the third day only works when Tioga Road is open, typically between late May or June and November. There is a free year-round shuttle bus that loops around Yosemite Valley on a regular basis. Head back the way you came until you reach a junction, and continue left on the Pohono Trail, which will cut through a lovely meadow with flowers and views of Sentinel Dome. Afterwards, stop by the Ahwahnee for a drink or meal. We've built a team of West Coast experts who write helpful, practical, and well-informed guides to the best places on the West Coast of the United States to help you plan the perfect adventure, big or small. Afterwards, stop at the Visitor Center, and take the shuttle to Happy Isles to take the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls, though you likely wont have time to go to the top of Nevada Falls. Return on the John Muir trail. I think its pretty common sense to not try and feed a bear.. but theres a reason they put directions on shampoo bottles , TIP: Make sure you pack yourself a really good camera because Yosemite is full of picturesque spots! Though there is still plenty to do and see with more time. Paid shuttles are available to Glacier Point and Tuolumne Meadows. Theres also a Visitor Center across from the hotel. This itinerary is perfect for first timers because you will get to see all of the must-see sights, do a few scenic hikes, hopefully spot some wildlife, and have tons of photography opportunities! If youre visiting between May and July, rafting along the Merced River is a non-strenuous yet scenic way to explore the park. Jen is a freelance writer, photographer and content producer based near South Lake Tahoe. You will just need to park the car and walk over to the viewpoint. The first stop is Washburn Point where you will get to see unobstructed views of the famous Half Dome! This is mainly due to Yosemites conservation efforts to reduce carbon emissions inside the park. If youve packed a lunch, feel free to enjoy it later on at one of the overlooks. Above the falls, youll see the Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. For backpacking and overnight stays in the wilderness in Yosemite, a wilderness permit is required. There are hundreds of trails in Yosemite, from day hikes to multi-day backpacking adventures. History buffs should also cross the covered bridge and stop in at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. . Go right at the junction to reach the Upper Yosemite Falls Overlook. Head up to Tuolumne Meadows and hike to Grant Lakes or Ten Lakes, or take the Vogelsang Loop. This means that I might make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through these links, which goes towards little Rosies dog treats! If its clear out, you may want to spend some time stargazing as well. Or, you could hike to Ostrander Lake.

yosemite Near the top of the falls, look for rainbows in the mist. At Fresno, take Hwy 41 north 65 miles to the South Wawona entrance. If youre visiting in the summer, stop at Sentinel Beach for a cool dip in the Merced River. You will quite literally have to book a 9-12 months in advance to have a shot at staying at these places on a weekend (and its not like midweek is particularly less competitive maybe only 6-8 for that). Youll spend your first day exploring the main highlights of Yosemite Valley, which includes several iconic waterfalls. This is a great time to photograph Half Dome, El Capitan, and, along Glacier Point Road. Its more of a lazy drift than actual rafting, but the views of the granite walls more than make up for any lack of action. An avid traveler, she enjoys exploring the mountains, oceans, and everything in between. Flowers start to bloom in May. You can find rental cars at all airports. The switchbacks continue after that until topping out after 3 miles. The most famous is the massive Grizzly Giant, at 210-feet tall and more than 100 feet in circumference. These 2 days in Yosemite are PACKED with the must-see sights, beautiful hikes, bear sighting tips, and tons of photography locations. 2 Days in Yosemite A Perfect Itinerary! Utah National Parks Road Trip 14 EPIC DAYS! Continue for 105 miles until you get to Arch Rock. Since it is far from major airports, most people will visit a major city, rent a car and road trip to the park. Usually this viewpoint is a lot clearer and in the spring you will see a few waterfalls! Or head down to the valley on the 9-mile Panorama Trail. I am always happy to help . Check before you get to the park as wilderness permits are not always available at the park. The ULTIMATE Bachelorette Party in Nashville Itinerary! The following campgrounds are great, and should be booked well in advance (where applicable). Climb up the steep granite steps to the top of Vernal Falls, where the Emerald Pool and Silver Apron are located. Tips for Planning a Trip to Yosemite National Park, 2 Days in Yosemite National Park: How to Plan an Amazing Yosemite Itinerary, Day 1: Yosemite Valley and Waterfalls Galore, Day 2: Giant Sequoias and Scenic Viewpoints, The Mist Trail and John Muir Loop to Vernal and Nevada Falls, How to Plan the Perfect Death Valley Itinerary (3 Days), How to Plan a Perfect Day Trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle, How to Plan the Perfect Los Angeles to San Francisco Road Trip, How to Plan an Amazing Crater Lake National Park Itinerary, The Best Things to Do in Point Reyes: What to Do & See, The 8 Best Hikes In Joshua Tree National Park.

Afterwards, head to the Bridalveil Falls trailhead, and take the short trail to the base of the falls. Cross the bridge over the Silver Apron and continue on another series of steps and switchbacks until you reach the top of the Mist Trail. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This could cause you to cancel your trip if the air quality reaches dangerous levels. To stand on actual Taft Point, you will need to go back down the mountain a little bit and walk towards the point. Just 1 mile from Glacier Point, make a quick stop at Washburn Point (here on Google Maps). There are a few options for accommodation inside the park: **I stayed in the Yosemite Valley Lodge and loved it! The hike is 16 miles round trip with 4,800 feet in elevation gain. For a more thrilling rafting experience, head west on Hwy 140 outside the park west of El Portal for Class III and IV rapids. Yosemite National Park is in California and is amazing!! I felt like I missed out on a huge part of Yosemite, but that just means I want to go back again . Looking for a perfect winter destination in California? You can also take the YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) buses to enter the park from Merced (Hwy 140) year-round, and seasonally from Sonora (Hwy 120), Fresno (Hwy 41), and Mammoth Lakes (Hwy 395). I went in the Fall and there were so many pros / cons. Choose which direction to go based on where you want to end up (for sunset). Whichever season you choose to visit Yosemite, I think you will have a completely different experience! Visit during the week, and early in the day, to avoid peak crowds. The biggest thing to know here is that you should make your reservations as early as humanly possible, wherever you end up choosing to stay. Be careful at the edge. Click here to check out my one-click photo filters!

Clark, Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, North Dome, and Sentinel Dome. But most of the parking areas once you are inside the park are very small! Were Matt and Alysha, the creators of this site dedicated to sharing the best of the West Coast.Were both West Coast natives weve never lived anywhere else, and the West Coast is our home. 2.3 miles, 1,000 feet elevation gain, moderate. Just after, take a left at the junction to stay on the Mist Trail and start climbing up steep granite steps. Though always double check the status of Tioga Road at this time, as it may not be open for the season. Popular areas include Yosemite Valley, with a base camp at Camp 4, and Tuolumne Meadows, with a base camp at the Tuolumne Meadows Campground. Backpackers, including those staying the night at Little Yosemite Valley, should apply for a Half Dome permit when applying for their wilderness permit. To spot climbers, head to El Capitan Meadow, El Capitan Bridge (which also has an Ask the Climbers program), Tenaya Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows. If you exit the park at Tioga Pass, continue on to Lee Vining and spend some time exploring the area, including highlights such as Mono Lake, June Lake, and Mammoth Lakes. The upside is that you will see the entire valley turn colors, giving an entire new experience in the park. To enter at Arch Rock, take I-5 south instead of I-205 30 miles to Hwy 140 east. This hike takes you to the top of the highest waterfall in North America (though it is technically three separate falls). Even if you have just one day in Yosemite, you can still see many highlights in the valley, waterfalls, and spectacular viewpoints.

Camping in Yosemite is one of the best ways to experience the park. An EPIC Tulum Bachelorette Party Itinerary 5 Days in Paradise. If you continue further, youll reach the top of Lower Yosemite Falls. TIP: I would HIGHLY recommend starting the hike early in the morning! The walk from Yosemite Valley Lodge to Degnans Kitchen is about 15 minutes and is where I saw bears every single morning. The park ranger told us that the best time for bear sightings is early in the morning when they are hunting for breakfast. Temperatures will drop, so bring layers. From the Happy Isles shuttle stop, cross over the Merced River and follow it upstream.

Definitely bring your camera for this spot! HI! Dangling your feet over the edge will get the palms sweating, but overall you feel very safe because the railing is preventing you from falling off. 14 miles, 3,200 feet elevation gain, difficult. Expect waits for parking spots, and crowds on trails. Stop by the nearby Swinging Bridge as well for great views of Yosemite Falls. After about 1.2 miles and 1,200 feet, youll reach Columbia Rock, which offers great valley views. There are a limited number available, and they must be applied for in advance. Your email address will not be published. Plan an Unforgettable California Adventure. . This is an extremely popular viewpoint, so expect to wait for parking during busy months / weekends! If you do just one hike in Yosemite, make it this one, which lets you see four waterfalls, including getting close enough to two to get wet from the spray (in the spring). yosemite document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. . As always, if you have any questions about Yosemite, dont hesitate to ask in the comments below! You can watch the sunset here, or if you have extra time and energy, hike to either Taft Point or Sentinel Dome for sunset after Glacier Point. Soon youll come across a lookout with views of Yosemite Falls. Washburn Point, Glacier Point & Taft Point. Stop at Tuolumne Grove to explore another grove of sequoias (including the Tunnel Tree and Leaning Towering Tree). yosemite Fall brings fewer crowds and fall colors, which can be spectacular around mid-October.

And DO NOT FORGET.. always pack out what you pack in! Especially being born and raised in Las Vegas (where the light pollution is one of the worst in the world), I was SO impressed!! On my trip, one of the two days in Yosemite was very smokey due to the wild fires near the park. This park is HUGE! The downside of course is that none of the hikes will be open and half of the roads in the park will also be closed. I would definitely stop on the way to check it out! Even though this itinerary is only for two days in Yosemite, you could easily spend more time in the park. You will also get a clearer view of Yosemite Valley! Reno airport is around 3 hours away and Mammoth Airport is only 1 hour away, but both only offer access in the summer and early fall when Tioga Pass and Tioga Road are open. Click here for all the information about Yosemites free shuttle! The first viewpoint you will see a metal railing that looks out over the valley and Taft Point (a sharp rock cut out directly in front of the viewing area). This will save you so much driving time and give you time to see as many sights as possible! This area is located right in the valley and has beautiful views of Yosemite Falls. If youve run out of time and sunset is fast approaching, stay put at Glacier Point. , Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more Travel inspo! Glacier Point is a very popular sunset spot. Here are even more things to do that you can add to your Yosemite National Park itinerary. Named for the Washburn brothers who built the Wawona Lodge, this overlook provides views of Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, Illilouette Falls, and the eastern crest of Sierra. To reach the viewpoint, you will need to park and hike a little over a mile (2.2 miles round trip). Start at the west end of Tenaya Lake and follow the trail south towards Tenaya Lake. Its one of the iconic views of the valley, with El Capitan, the Cathedral Rocks and Spires, Bridalveil Falls, and the Merced River in the foreground. For more information about this site's privacy policy, please click here. You can rent rafts near Curry Village or bring your own. They had great food options, walking distance to many sights, free bike rentals, pool, and the rooms were very clean!

yosemite Just ahead is Taft Point, where there is sometimes a wait for photos. Here are my favorite pink tennis shoes I wear everywhere! Now that your camera is warmed up, time to really put it to work! Find the put-in point near the rental shop. Learn how your comment data is processed. If you want to see famous viewpoints like Taft Point and Glacier Point, these are closed during the winter months. If youre planning on flying to Yosemite National Park, you actually have a surprising number of airport options to choose from. You just park the car and walk to the viewing platform. Most of the hike is directly in the sun towards the middle of the day. It will help you make the most of your time by covering the key highlights of the park in a way that makes logistical sense. Stop for a late breakfast or an early lunch and a peek inside the historic Victorian-style Wawona Hotel. Made famous by photographer Ansel Adams, Tunnel View is one of the most famous viewpoints in the park. Yosemite National Park is one of the most famous and popular national parks in the country, and deservedly so, as its a stunning natural wonder. The stars are incredible in the park since it is so far from major cities and there is hardly any lights inside the park.

Last but not least is Taft Point! You do not need a day-use reservation if taking YARTS, but you still need to pay the entrance fee. This is just a viewpoint (not a hike), so you will just park the car and walk out to the viewing platform. Big Sur Road Trip- Includes ALL the Best Viewpoints! The climbing season runs from April to October. Click here to learn how to edit like I do! Do not enter the waterthe currents have swept people over the falls in the past. The trailhead for Upper Yosemite Falls can be found near Camp 4. N. ext up is the short trail to Lower Yosemite Falls. Both areas are good spots to find climbing partners and beta. The lottery for permits opens in March, and only 300 hikers (225 day hikers and 75 backpackers) are allowed per day. For those that want to earn their views, the Four Mile Trail from the valley floor is a good option. Plus, there were almost no crowds in the park which means I got front row parking to all of the view points. You can also visit Mammoth Lakes []. Make sure to confirm shuttle status before finalizing plans that rely on them you can see the status here.

You will walk through mossy forest until you reach the edge of the granite cliff. Its steep but fairly short. After you are done hiking, head back to your hotel to shower, grab some food, and head back out to watch the sunset at Tunnel View. Heading to California? There are options near all the entrances to the park. Youll want to book your accommodations well in advance, especially if you want to stay inside the park. Enjoy great views of Bridalveil Falls. This 2 day Yosemite National Park itinerary is based on my experience having explored Yosemite for more than 20 years. This is the only spot in the park where I realized how deep the Yosemite Valley is! If you want to see famous viewpoints like Taft Point and Glacier Point, you might have to wait over an hour for parking! More trail information and recent trail reports here, 7.2 miles, 3,000 feet elevation gain, difficult. You likely wont have time to make it all the way to the top, but its worth hiking up the first 1.2 miles and 1,200 feet to Columbia Rock if your schedule allows. Further along Southside Drive, stop at Sentinel Bridge for great views and photos of Half Dome reflected in the waters of the Merced River. To escape the crowds, consider taking the trail up to Inspiration Point. Spend your second day admiring giant sequoia trees and several incredible panoramic viewpoints in Yosemite. Its considered the highest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet, even though its technically three separate falls. Find the trailhead around 2 miles before the end of Glacier Point Road (here on Google Maps). Click here to read my 2 Days in Yosemite Itinerary! If you have more or less time to visit Yosemite National Park, we have suggestions for you below the main itinerary. Head along Southside Drive with a stop at Sentinel Beach and then Sentinel Bridge for views of Half Dome in the Merced River. Its a short quarter mile paved trail to the base of the falls. tours4fun Backcountry hiking: Wilderness permits are required year-round for any overnight stays in the Yosemite wilderness. My love for travel has taken me all over the world at only 24. Theres a chance this free guide contains affiliate links. Okay, thats a wrap! Temperatures are still cool, so bring layers for hiking and outdoor activities. The hike starts up with a series of short but steep switchbacks. Many people turn around at this spot.

There is also a daily lottery two days beforehand. From mid-June to early October, a separate shuttle stops at El Capitan, Four Mile Trailhead, and the Valley Visitor Center.

This is a good time to explore the High Sierra region off Tioga Pass Road, like Tuolumne Meadows. Dont miss our detailed guide to where to stay at Yosemite National Park to help you find the perfect place to stay. Be sure to bring a head lamp for the walk back after sunset. Float down the river 3 miles and catch a shuttle bus back. Otherwise, head back down the road a little ways for one final hike for the day. After Olmstead Point, glistening Tenaya Lake awaits. When mapping how far the airport is to Yosemite, make sure you plug Yosemite VALLEY into your maps, not Yosemite National Park.

There are three very popular viewpoints on Glacier Road that are very close together (less than 5 minutes apart). You can also explore the upper grove, which adds 4 miles to your hike, and takes you past Mariposa Grove Museum more trail information here. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign If you do choose to stay longer, I would recommend spreading out these sights so you dont feel as rushed OR check out the bonus ideas section at the bottom of this guide. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you are able to spend more time in the park, I will have a bonus section at the bottom! The closest airport for year-round access to the park is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (YAT), around 2 hours away. Continue south, past a pond and some small creeks, and after 2 miles, take a right and continue for 1.5 miles until the Clouds Rest foot trail. 10 Things you NEED to Know Before Traveling to Yosemite! To end your last night in Yosemite, be sure to grab some hot cocoa and head outside to do some stargazing! More information on the hike here. Expect to take around 10 to 12 hours round trip.

From Los Angeles, take I-5 north to Hwy-99 north. Seeing leaves falling and autumn colors fill the park is SO beautiful! Stop for a bite at the Whoa Nelly Deli an award winning deli inside a Mobil Gas Station in Lee Vining. This was my favorite viewpoint by far, the views were unmatched! Join the Newsletter: Get brand new travel guides sent directly to your inbox! If you end up having more time in Yosemite, I would either spread these sights out so its more relaxing or add on a few sights from my bonus ideas list! Continue up to the top of Nevada Falls, then come back down along the John Muir Trail. Be sure to check out my Winter in Lake Tahoe Itinerary! Complete a waterfall trifecta with a visit to Yosemite Falls. Beginners can take a course through the Yosemite Mountaineering School, which also offers more advanced classes and guided climbs. For those with the time and stamina, Clouds Rest is a great option and will take you to the top of the largest granite dome in the park. Where you are coming from will largely dictate which entrance you use.