Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is a sanctuary of natural wonders, where towering granite cliffs meet cascading waterfalls and lush meadows. It boasts iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan and offers awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. Hiking trails, ancient sequoia groves, and diverse wildlife make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Most people elect to spend around 2-4 days exploring the park but you can easily spend more. This is a weekend guide with tips and my personal itinerary to help you plan out your time!
getting to and around Yosemite
The easiest way to capitalize on your time and to see the park is to drive yourself. You can do this by renting a car. There are several airports to fly into but all are at least 1 hour from the park. Account for that in the time you will need to get to the park and explore. Yosemite is shaped like a big E. The most iconic area to visit the Yosemite Valley but depending on where you fly into and which entrance you go through you may be hitting some of the other iconic areas first. When planning your itinerary the best thing to do is look at the map and make sure to plan for your top must do things. Also remember if you are planning to go during peak time in the summer to book your accommodations way in advance! If you plan on taking local transportation and shuttles that is definitely a possibility but it may take more time and patience and may lead to sacrificing some of the things you want to do or see. The YARTS bus is a fee operate bus that brings visitors from outside locations into the park if you do not have your own transportation. Yosemite provides free shuttles around Yosemite Valley- one that is the whole valley and other that is East only. Both run 7AM-10PM and come every around every 12 minutes. There is also a free Mariposa Grove Shuttle usually between April and November from the Welcome Plaza to the Grove.
when to visit
The best time to visit Yosemite is between June and September as this is when most roads are accessible. We went in the fall. This is ideal time for the weather and less crowded than the summer months. However, by the autumn, a lot of the power of the waterfalls has withered.
Our itinerary
Day 1 – Getting to Yosemite
Drive from San Francisco to Oakhurst. There are several other airports that are closer but this was just part of our trip in the San Francisco Bay area. This drive is about 200 miles and takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes depending on traffic. Oakhurst is a great little town with lots of accommodation options and restaurants. We did this drive in the late afternoon arriving just in time for dinner.
Day 2-Yosemite Day 1
Today we got up extra early to start the day off right! We headed to the South Entrance and next up to Mariposa Grove to check out the giant sequoia trees. When we went this area was under some construction and we had to hike extra miles to even get to the trees. The trees are very epic though! We also stopped at the Wawona Visitor Center. From there we headed to Glacier Point Road. This road is open late May through October and offers epic views of the Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. Check out the Glacier Point and Washburn Viewpoints. Next we hiked to Taft Point with epic granite cliff and views! Next we headed to Yosemite Valley. On the way, make sure to stop at the Tunnel View. We ate our picnic lunch at El Capitan. We checked out the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center to get some ideas on which hikes would be best for the following day and get our Passport book stamped! Then we proceeded to head to check in at our accommodation the Yosemite Valley Lodge. As the sun was setting, we walked around the Valley where the light hit Half Dome beautifully, we saw deer and a bear, and took in the stunning landscape.
Day 3-Yosemite Day 2
Today we got up early again to start the day off right! We set off for the Mist Trail which gets hikers up close to Vernal and Nevada Falls. On this hike we saw a bear! While on the hike suddenly smoke plowed through the air completely changing the atmosphere. Our plan was to maybe head over the Tuolumne Meadows but with all the smoke and haze we decided we would just have to come back another time! Honestly, after having come in the fall time, I cannot wait to return again but next time in the spring to see the majestic waterfalls in full action!
where we stayed
We spent the first night in Oakhurst before entering the park. This provided more affordable accommodation and is a great alternative to staying in the park. We elected to spend one night in the Yosemite Valley which was an excellent choice. It allows early access to the trails with less crowds and you can easily enjoy sunset and sunrise without having to drive in the dark.
Within the park, you can stay at one of the campgrounds or some wonderful hotel/lodges. Some require advanced reservations which can be made at www.travelyosemite.com. You can stay at the iconic Ahwahnee Hotel built in the 1920s, the Yosemite Valley Lodge, the Wawona Hotel, White Wolf Lodge or glamp at the famed canvas tent cabins of Curry Village.
fees
We always get the annual pass. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 is valid for one year from month purchased- I highly recommend this if visiting more than 3 parks in a year.
If you only plan to come to Yosemite you can buy a weekly pass which is good for 7 consecutive days for the following fees:
Private vehicle: $35/7 days
Motorcycle: $30/7 days
Person: $20/7 days (bicycle, hikers- without a vehicle)
top things to do
Yosemite National Park is an outdoor paradise packed stunning views and incredible nature. See these top things to do to mark out your itinerary if you are tight on time.
No trip to Yosemite is complete without exploring the Yosemite Valley. Here you can discover the heart of the park, with must-see attractions like Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall. Take in the stunning scenery and capture memorable photos.
Another must is to drive or hike to Glacier Point for a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite’s high country. It’s especially spectacular during sunset.
Mariposa Grove is located in the southern part of the park. Wander among ancient giant sequoia trees in Mariposa Grove. The Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree are highlights not to be missed.
If you are up for the challenge, partake in the iconic hike to the summit of Half Dome, offering breathtaking views of the park and Yosemite Valley. You must get a permit to do this. This will take all day and it is advisable to stay in the park the night before and after.
Make sure to explore high country where you will discover discover gems like Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and Olmsted Point.
Yosemite is packed with some incredible hiking trails. Some of the best worth checking out include Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, Cathedral Lakes, Clouds Rest, Four-Mile Trail, Mirror Lakes and so many more. There are a number of moderate and difficult hikes you can explore but remember good sun protection and plenty of water.
