Summary of Yosemite National Park Itinerary
About This Itinerary
Here’s a quick summary of all the places in this itinerary:
- Swinging Bridge Viewpoint
- Mist Trail
- Sentinel / Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail
- Lower Yosemite Fall
- Cathedral Rocks Viewpoint
- El Capitan Meadow
- Yosemite Valley View
- Tunnel View
- Washburn Point
- Glacier Point
- Big Trees Loop Trail
I’ll cover each of these places in detail, and then share a map and timeline you can follow for your itinerary.
Best Things To See & Do
• Swinging Bridge Viewpoint
For your first stop in Yosemite, make a quick visit to the Swinging Bridge picnic area. This spot offers one of the best views of Yosemite Falls in the park.
During our visit in June, we were fortunate to observe an amazing reflection in the water due to historic flooding, transforming the Merced River into a lake!
Typically, this phenomenon may not be observed, but it’s still a recommended stop to enjoy your first outstanding glimpse of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet (739 meters).
• Mist Trail
Next, drive to the parking lot for the Mist Trail. This trail is among the most popular hikes in Yosemite, so arriving early is essential to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability.
You can park at Curry Village or the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking. The latter is closer and saves you 10 minutes of walking, while the former has a cafe for breakfast or snacks post-hike.
The Mist Trail features two major waterfalls, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. If you’re an avid hiker, attempting at least to ascend to Vernal Fall is worthwhile, where you may even witness a rainbow forming below the waterfall!
• Sentinel / Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail
After finishing the Mist Trail, it’s time to take in more of the valley. Drive to the Yosemite Falls Vantage Point for parking. Here’s a map.
From this point, enjoy the Cook’s Meadow loop trail, a flat and accessible pathway, ideal for strollers and wheelchairs, showcasing some of the valley’s best views!
• Lower Yosemite Fall
Time to get up close with another remarkable waterfall! Drive to the Lower Yosemite Fall trailhead, park, and take the short but scenic hike to the waterfall.
You’ll notice Yosemite Falls comprises three sections: the upper, middle, and lower falls, and this hike provides a close-up view of the lower fall.
• Cathedral Rocks Viewpoint
This unnamed viewpoint deserves a mention for its stunning photography opportunities.
Continuing west on the valley loop road after passing the El Capitan picnic area, you’ll find a pull-off area offering epic views of the Cathedral Rocks.
Coordinates are marked on the map here. There’s limited parking available.
• El Capitan Meadow
El Capitan Meadow is adjacent to the road and features breathtaking views of both Cathedral Rocks and El Capitan, the sheer granite monolith famously climbed by Alex Honnold.
• Yosemite Valley View
This viewpoint, conveniently located by the road, is among the final stops in the valley.
Experience panoramic views of the Merced River, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall, often accompanied by rainbows.
• Tunnel View
Tunnel View is iconic for its breathtaking scenery, providing a view through the valley to Half Dome.
It’s best visited in the afternoon for optimal lighting conditions for photographs, despite the crowd.
• Washburn Point
Gaze down at the Yosemite valley from an elevated perspective at Washburn Point, accessible during your drive to Glacier Point.
• Glacier Point
At Glacier Point, marvel at stunning views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. If you’re up for it, explore nearby hiking trails, including the Taft Point and Panorama Trail.
• Big Trees Loop Trail
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, home to some of the oldest trees on Earth, serves as the last stop on this itinerary. From Glacier Point, drive about an hour to the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, where free shuttle buses run every 15 minutes.
Map Of Things To See & Do
Here’s a map outlining all the sights and activities included in this Yosemite itinerary. Click on the icons for directions and additional information.
Timeline For Your Visit
Following this suggested timeline can enhance your itinerary in Yosemite. The park fills up early, so starting your day at dawn is highly advised for parking and avoiding crowds.
- 6:00 AM – Depart Oakhurst or Mariposa to Yosemite National Park.
- 8:00 AM – Arrive at Yosemite Valley and start hiking the Mist Trail.
- 9:30 AM – Reach Vernal Fall’s peak and begin your descent.
- 10:30 AM – Complete the Mist Trail and drive to the Yosemite Falls Vantage Point.
- 11:00 AM – Hike the Sentinel / Cook’s Meadow loop trail.
- 11:30 AM – Drive to the Lower Yosemite Fall trailhead.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at the Yosemite Lodge Food Court.
(continued)
- 12:30 PM – Drive the loop road, enjoying lookout points at Cathedral Rocks, El Capitan Meadow, and Yosemite Valley View, and conclude your valley tour at Tunnel View.
- 1:30 PM – Exit the valley, heading towards Glacier Point. Stop at Washburn Point for additional viewpoints.
- 2:30 PM – Reach Glacier Point and soak in the views.
- 3:00 PM – Travel to Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza.
- 4:00 PM – Arrive at Mariposa Grove and catch a shuttle.
- 4:15 PM – Hike to the Grizzly Giant and Tunnel Tree, before heading back to the shuttle area.
- 5:15 PM – Return shuttle to Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza.
- 5:30 PM – Exit the park and head back to Oakhurst or Mariposa.
- 6:00 / 6:30 PM – Return to your accommodation for dinner.
Other Tips For Visiting Yosemite
- Reservation: Check the NPS page for potential reservation requirements.
- Entrance Fee: A park pass is required. Details are available on the NPS page.
- Navigation: Plan your route to avoid backtracking on the loop road within the valley.
- Parking: Expect challenges during peak travel seasons; arriving early is ideal.
- Clothing: Dress in layers to accommodate variable weather conditions.
- When To Visit: The spring months of May and June are optimal for visiting due to substantial waterfall flows and pleasant temperatures.
- Where To Stay: For comfort, consider accommodations in the valley at The Ahwahnee or Yosemite Valley Lodge, or explore options in nearby towns.
How To Spend More Than One Day In Yosemite National Park
If you have additional days in Yosemite, plenty of other adventures await, particularly for hikers.
On your second day, tackle the strenuous hike to Upper Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point for close encounters with powerful waterfalls.
If you’re up for the challenge, obtain permits for the Half Dome hike, known for its stunning and daring cable section leading to magnificent vistas.
On day three, revisit any missed sites or engage in leisurely hikes like Bridalveil Fall or Mirror Lake followed by a scenic drive along Tioga Road.
