However, if youre on a budget OR

2021/05/21

However, if youre on a budget OR youre planning within a couple of months of your trip, this is your best bet. Now that your camera is warmed up, time to really put it to work! After Olmstead Point, glistening Tenaya Lake awaits. However, they will all be some distance from the valley, with a drive time of an hour in some cases. Hike along OShaughnessy Dam, go chase waterfalls, like Tueeulala and Wapama Falls or Rancheria Falls, and look for wildflowers from late spring to summer. 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. I felt like I missed out on a huge part of Yosemite, but that just means I want to go back again . If you are able to spend more time in the park, I will have a bonus section at the bottom! Especially being born and raised in Las Vegas (where the light pollution is one of the worst in the world), I was SO impressed!! Most likely, you are driving to the park since it is pretty remote! 2022 Note: While entrance reservations are no longer required, youll want to confirm road status and campground statuses before your trip. You get towering mountains, forest trails, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, wildlife viewing, and star gazing all in one little corner of the world! 7.2 miles, 1,900 feet elevation gain, moderately difficult. Weve got all sorts of super detailed, in-depth California travel guides written by locals to help you plan an amazing trip. On my trip, one of the two days in Yosemite was very smokey due to the wild fires near the park. Start at the west end of Tenaya Lake and follow the trail south towards Tenaya Lake. Not only does it give you different views, but its also safer going down than the Mist Trail as its less steep, though it adds about 1.5 miles to your overall hike. Start at the upper Tunnel View parking lot and climb up a series of switchbacks. For specifics, I walked to coffee between 7am-8am every morning. Glacier Point is a very popular sunset spot. Here is a list of what I have in my camera bag, Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more Travel inspo, Here are my favorite pink tennis shoes I wear everywhere. The switchbacks continue after that until topping out after 3 miles. And take advantage of the many hot springs in the area. 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. Popular areas include Yosemite Valley, with a base camp at Camp 4, and Tuolumne Meadows, with a base camp at the Tuolumne Meadows Campground. The following campgrounds are great, and should be booked well in advance (where applicable). To reach the viewpoint, you will need to park and hike a little over a mile (2.2 miles round trip). Just after, take a left at the junction to stay on the Mist Trail and start climbing up steep granite steps. When mapping how far the airport is to Yosemite, make sure you plug Yosemite VALLEY into your maps, not Yosemite National Park. Afterwards, head to the Bridalveil Falls trailhead, and take the short trail to the base of the falls. Note: This itinerary for the third day only works when Tioga Road is open, typically between late May or June and November. The rocks at the base are very slippery and should not be climbed. 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. Find the trailhead near Camp 4. Last but not least is Taft Point! Tioga Road and Glacier Point may still be closed though, depending on the snowmelt.

To escape the crowds, consider taking the trail up to Inspiration Point. Unfortunately when I visited the park in fall of 2020, the air quality / visibility was not good since there was a huge fire south of the park. There is also a Visitor Center nearby. Even though this itinerary is only for two days in Yosemite, you could easily spend more time in the park. Continue for 85 miles until you reach Big Oak Flat entrance. 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). 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). About halfway up, youll cross the old and overgrown Wawona Road. Or if you want to see both the mountains and the coastline, you can head inland to spend Two Days in Yosemite National Park! This itinerary assumes you have two full days to explore the park. Tioga Road and Glacier Point (to Badger Pass) will be closed. Youll cross Tenaya Creek and several steep switchbacks on the eastern slope above Tenaya Canyon until you get to the top of the ridge. There are a variety of closures for improvements, including a full closure of Glacier Point Road (more information here) and various campground closures (more information here). Clark, Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, North Dome, and Sentinel Dome. You can rent rafts near Curry Village or bring your own. Fall brings fewer crowds and fall colors, which can be spectacular around mid-October. You can also visit Mammoth Lakes []. Both are great for sunset. You do not need a day-use reservation if taking YARTS, but you still need to pay the entrance fee.

Its a quick walk from the parking lot to the overlook, where you can look straight down at the valley. 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. After about 1.2 miles and 1,200 feet, youll reach Columbia Rock, which offers great valley views. 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. 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. Head to Tunnel View for sunrise with one of the most iconic views in the park.

From the Happy Isles shuttle stop, its less than a mile to the Vernal Falls footbridge. On my first morning there, I saw a mom and cub in the meadows AND a bear way up in a 50ft tree eating acorns!! This will save you so much driving time and give you time to see as many sights as possible! Looking for more California itineraries? If you continue further, youll reach the top of Lower Yosemite Falls. This park is HUGE! Be careful at the edge. All of the massive hotels look like tiny houses from way up here. Plan an Unforgettable California Adventure. Heres the map of the route from the NPS website (more information here). If youve packed a lunch, feel free to enjoy it later on at one of the overlooks. Sacramento and Oakland airports are around 3.5 hours away, with San Francisco and San Jose airports around 4 hours away. Required fields are marked *. Designed and Developed by PenciDesign Be sure to check out my Winter in Lake Tahoe Itinerary! From mid-June to early October, a separate shuttle stops at El Capitan, Four Mile Trailhead, and the Valley Visitor Center. Yosemite is by far my favorite national park to date, and I have no doubt it will be yours too! Combine two popular hikes and viewpoints in this one loop, or choose either Sentinel Dome or Taft Point if youre short on time. Similar in appearance to Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy was flooded in 1923 to be a water supply for the city of San Francisco. Visit during the week, and early in the day, to avoid peak crowds. I caught myself saying, WOW this is so beautiful, about 100x a day, ha! Do not enter the waterthe currents have swept people over the falls in the past. Bring binoculars to look for climbers on the wall. Afterwards, stop by the Ahwahnee for a drink or meal. Its a good place to enjoy a picnic or snack. There is a free year-round shuttle bus that loops around Yosemite Valley on a regular basis. 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. At this viewpoint, you get to see the entire Yosemite Valley including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls! This area is located right in the valley and has beautiful views of Yosemite Falls. Campsites can be booked five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 am PST. This hike takes you to the top of the highest waterfall in North America (though it is technically three separate falls). Yosemite is a mecca for rock climbers, from bouldering to the ultimate in big wall climbing. 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). The climbing season runs from April to October. There are more than 750 miles of trails to explore in the Yosemite Wilderness and spending a night or two backpacking is a great way to explore.

If you want to help Yosemite with their conservation efforts, I would opt into taking their free shuttle! This is a good time to explore the High Sierra region off Tioga Pass Road, like Tuolumne Meadows. Take I-205 east and connect to Hwy 120 east at Manteca. If its clear out, you may want to spend some time stargazing as well. If you only have 2 days in Yosemite, I would highly recommend spending a little extra money to stay in the Valley. Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel and vacation rental links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. At the very top, take some time to appreciate the spectacular 360-degree birds eye view of Mt. N. ext up is the short trail to Lower Yosemite Falls. An EPIC Tulum Bachelorette Party Itinerary 5 Days in Paradise. Complete a waterfall trifecta with a visit to Yosemite Falls. Or head down to the valley on the 9-mile Panorama Trail. Are you ready for an epic 2 days in Yosemite?! Join the Newsletter: Get brand new travel guides sent directly to your inbox! Some of the waterfalls and lakes will be dried up at this time. Since it is far from major airports, most people will visit a major city, rent a car and road trip to the park. The trail is open between May and October and requires a permit. Drive to Cooks Meadow next.

I am always happy to help . Right after Sentinel Creek you have the option to take a side spur to Roosevelt Point. In the morning, start your trip off with the most beautiful hiking area in the park. Here are some of the top lodging options outside the park. 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. Its a popular viewpoint and the parking lot may be full, especially around sunset. End your day with sunset at Valley View, located on Northside Drive just before Pohono Bridge (here on Google Maps). History buffs should also cross the covered bridge and stop in at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. Waterfalls should all be flowing in early summer, though they start drying up after mid-summer. After you fuel up on some coffee, grab some free bikes from Yosemite Valley Lodge or walk over to Cooks Meadow! As always, if you have any questions about Yosemite, dont hesitate to ask in the comments below! Afterwards, head to Valley View, another classic viewpoint great for photos. The hike starts up with a series of short but steep switchbacks. Most of the hike is directly in the sun towards the middle of the day. Smoke from wildfires may be an issue. Enjoy great views of Bridalveil Falls. P.S. TIP: El Capitan Meadows is on the way to Tunnel View. The hike is 16 miles round trip with 4,800 feet in elevation gain. I have always dreamed of visiting this incredible location, and it lived [], [] Yosemite National Park is incredible. Smoke from wildfires may be an issue in late summer. 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! This could cause you to cancel your trip if the air quality reaches dangerous levels. 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. This was my favorite viewpoint by far, the views were unmatched! If you have the stamina, continue on another 1.5 miles and 500 feet to Yosemite Point for expansive views of the valley, Half Dome, North Dome, Clouds Rest, Glacier Point, and Lost Arrow. 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. . More trail information and recent trail reports here, 7.2 miles, 3,000 feet elevation gain, difficult. Its considered the highest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet, even though its technically three separate falls. The first stop is Washburn Point where you will get to see unobstructed views of the famous Half Dome! 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Five campgrounds are open year-round, while the rest are seasonal between April, May, or June to October or November. , [] TIP: If you have more time and want to see more of California, be sure to check out my 7 day California itinerary for ideas on things to do from San Francisco to Los Angeles! Definitely bring your camera for this spot! But especially if you want to stay in the Valley, where there are few options. Make sure to confirm shuttle status before finalizing plans that rely on them you can see the status here. Learn how your comment data is processed. Its steep but fairly short. Return on the John Muir trail. Here are even more things to do that you can add to your Yosemite National Park itinerary. Utah National Parks Road Trip 14 EPIC Everything You Need To Know About Planning a An EPIC Tulum Bachelorette Party Itinerary 5 3 Day Lake Tahoe Itinerary (Winter Guide)! I think you would love these! I would recommend getting their early to watch the sunset so you can guarantee yourself parking! Head along Southside Drive with a stop at Sentinel Beach and then Sentinel Bridge for views of Half Dome in the Merced River. Youll definitely want to come back for a more leisurely visit, but heres how to maximize your day, from sunrise to sunset. Located 2 miles from Glacier Point, the trailhead offers access to both Taft Point (take a left) and Sentinel Dome (take a right). You can enjoy a cold dip in the waters, a hike around the lake, or look for climbers on the walls. Here is my Two Day Yosemite Itinerary if you are planning a trip out there after visiting the springs. That being said, we would absolutely never recommend something to you that we dont stand behind 100%. We have an entire guide dedicated to helping you find the right place to stay in Yosemite National Park. The hike is relatively easy and STUNNING! Have even more time in the park? For backpacking and overnight stays in the wilderness in Yosemite, a wilderness permit is required. If you have more or less time to visit Yosemite National Park, we have suggestions for you below the main itinerary. Check before you get to the park as wilderness permits are not always available at the park.

For more information about this site's privacy policy, please click here. The only downside is that the crowds will be INSANE. Dont miss our detailed guide to where to stay at Yosemite National Park to help you find the perfect place to stay. This parking lot is not huge, so it might fill up fast during the busy seasons. Expect to get wet along here. Be sure to bring a head lamp for the walk back after sunset. This 2 day Yosemite National Park itinerary is based on my experience having explored Yosemite for more than 20 years. Theres also a Visitor Center across from the hotel.

My recommendation would be to do the top of Vernal Falls. You can find rental cars at all airports. At Glacier Point you can sit on the ledge with your legs under the railing! 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. Theres also a picnic area where you can enjoy a snack. Head up to Tuolumne Meadows and hike to Grant Lakes or Ten Lakes, or take the Vogelsang Loop. A separate permit is required for Half Dome. Glacier Point is also just a viewpoint not a hike! Here are my favorite pink tennis shoes I wear everywhere!