Expect to get wet along here. To spot climbers, head to El Capitan Meadow, El Capitan Bridge (which also has an Ask the Climbers program), Tenaya Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows. Now that your camera is warmed up, time to really put it to work! For specifics, I walked to coffee between 7am-8am every morning. 
Yosemite is massive, and you really need a car to get around, and for the most flexibility. Expect crowds, though they are not as bad as in the summer. Learn how your comment data is processed. If you take my recommendation of hiking to Vernal Falls / Nevada Falls, you will get to see the areal shot of the waterfalls from this view!
Click here to learn how to edit like I do! The hike is relatively easy and STUNNING! HI! Its steep but fairly short.
Continue for 105 miles until you get to Arch Rock. For a more thrilling rafting experience, head west on Hwy 140 outside the park west of El Portal for Class III and IV rapids. Usually this viewpoint is a lot clearer and in the spring you will see a few waterfalls! Head along Southside Drive with a stop at Sentinel Beach and then Sentinel Bridge for views of Half Dome in the Merced River. 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! 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. After you fuel up on some coffee, grab some free bikes from Yosemite Valley Lodge or walk over to Cooks Meadow! Its one of the best in the park and you definitely earned it. We have an entire guide dedicated to helping you find the right place to stay in Yosemite National Park.
Big Sur Road Trip- Includes ALL the Best Viewpoints! To reach the viewpoint, you will need to park and hike a little over a mile (2.2 miles round trip). Here are some of the top lodging options outside the park. 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. Afterwards, stop by the Ahwahnee for a drink or meal. Head to Tunnel View for sunrise with one of the most iconic views in the park. There is also a daily lottery two days beforehand. I think you would love these! 7.2 miles, 1,900 feet elevation gain, moderately difficult. 
There are a few places to stay inside the Valley, but they are very competitive, and youll pay a premium for the convenience and privilege of being within walking distance of everything there is to do and see in the Yosemite Valley. Yosemite National Park is located in central California, just east of San Francisco. Clark, Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, North Dome, and Sentinel Dome. From the Happy Isles shuttle stop, its less than a mile to the Vernal Falls footbridge. It not only is bad for their ecosystem and their health, but it desensitizes them to humans and can lead to animal attacks. The following campgrounds are great, and should be booked well in advance (where applicable). Do not enter the waterthe currents have swept people over the falls in the past. Are you ready for an epic 2 days in Yosemite?! Most of the hike is directly in the sun towards the middle of the day. Spring is the best time to visit to see waterfalls at their fullest. If youre visiting in the summer, stop at Sentinel Beach for a cool dip in the Merced River. 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. The views around every corner are absolutely breath-taking. The Mist trail to Vernal falls will give you gorgeous, expansive views the entire way to the top. 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 an easy 1 mile loop trail that takes you to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. There are options near all the entrances to the park.
Backcountry hiking: Wilderness permits are required year-round for any overnight stays in the Yosemite wilderness. 
If you want to see famous viewpoints like Taft Point and Glacier Point, you might have to wait over an hour for parking! The lottery for permits opens in March, and only 300 hikers (225 day hikers and 75 backpackers) are allowed per day. If youve packed a lunch, feel free to enjoy it later on at one of the overlooks. Before we get into the itinerary for Yosemite, lets cover some basics that youll need to know for your trip. Its a short quarter mile paved trail to the base of the falls. 
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Its a quick walk from the parking lot to the overlook, where you can look straight down at the valley. You are very likely to get a little wet! The hike is not only steep, but you are walking alongside a powerful waterfall. For all the highlights of backpacking without having to carry all the heavy gear, consider staying at one of the five High Sierra Camps, which provide beds and meals. 
I caught myself saying, WOW this is so beautiful, about 100x a day, ha! I went in the Fall and there were so many pros / cons. You get towering mountains, forest trails, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, wildlife viewing, and star gazing all in one little corner of the world! 
Just after, take a left at the junction to stay on the Mist Trail and start climbing up steep granite steps. Be sure to bring a head lamp for the walk back after sunset. Yosemite was truly the most beautiful national park Ive been to and definitely worth the long travel time to get there. There are a few options for accommodation inside the park: **I stayed in the Yosemite Valley Lodge and loved it! Definitely bring your camera for this spot! Find the put-in point near the rental shop. As always, if you have any questions about Yosemite, dont hesitate to ask in the comments below! This is the first major waterfall you see as you enter the valley, and one that will be flowing year-round. Everything You Need To Know About Planning a Bachelorette Party in Tulum. 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. This area is located right in the valley and has beautiful views of Yosemite Falls. 
Designed and Developed by PenciDesign Once you get out of the forest area, you will begin to see the edge of the mountain peaking down to the valley. 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. This will save you so much driving time and give you time to see as many sights as possible! Afterwards, head to Valley View, another classic viewpoint great for photos. The stars are incredible in the park since it is so far from major cities and there is hardly any lights inside the park. At the far western edge of Tuolumne Meadows, take an easy stroll up Pothole Dome for lovely views over the meadow.
Find the trailhead around 2 miles before the end of Glacier Point Road (here on Google Maps). The trailhead for Upper Yosemite Falls can be found near Camp 4. Most likely, you are driving to the park since it is pretty remote! I strive to share my travel journey to inspire YOU to see this beautiful world we live in! 5 miles, 1,100 feet elevation gain, easy/moderate. 14 miles, 3,200 feet elevation gain, difficult. Afterwards, head to the Bridalveil Falls trailhead, and take the short trail to the base of the falls. I would highly recommend getting a good pair of hiking boots and water resistant clothes. Stop by the nearby Swinging Bridge as well for great views of Yosemite Falls. Head right for Sentinel Dome, or left to go to Taft Point first, with a gentle descent through the forest. 
I am always happy to help . There are 13 developed campgrounds inside the park offering nearly 15,000 campsites. 
To enter at Arch Rock, take I-5 south instead of I-205 30 miles to Hwy 140 east. Soon youll come across a lookout with views of Yosemite Falls. 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.
Be sure to check out my Winter in Lake Tahoe Itinerary! Be careful at the edge. Telescopes are often set up for you to get a closer look at climbers progress and you can chat with a Yosemite Climbing Ranger. You can definitely earn your views here. Just 1 mile from Glacier Point, make a quick stop at Washburn Point (here on Google Maps). Utah National Parks Road Trip 14 EPIC DAYS! Jen is a freelance writer, photographer and content producer based near South Lake Tahoe. 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. Check before you get to the park as wilderness permits are not always available at the park. From San Francisco, take I-80 east to I-580 east past Livermore. To escape the crowds, consider taking the trail up to Inspiration Point. Located just outside the eastern end of Wawona Tunnel, it features a classic view of El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, Sentinel Rocks, and Bridalveil Falls. 
This is a great time to photograph Half Dome, El Capitan, and, along Glacier Point Road. Heading to California?
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. You will just need to park the car and walk over to the viewpoint. Start at the upper Tunnel View parking lot and climb up a series of switchbacks. From mid-June to early October, a separate shuttle stops at El Capitan, Four Mile Trailhead, and the Valley Visitor Center. 
For even better views, head to the cliffs a bit further west of the point. Its considered the highest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet, even though its technically three separate falls. For those who would prefer not to rough it, but still want to be close to everything, there are several lodging options inside the park, from grand historic hotels to more basic canvas tent cabins. Climb up the steep granite steps to the top of Vernal Falls, where the Emerald Pool and Silver Apron are located. Day Trip to Santa Barbara - The ONLY Itinerary You Need! @2019 - All Right Reserved. 
And DO NOT FORGET.. always pack out what you pack in! 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. TIP: Bring a blanket and a sandwich to enjoy your lunch with the BEST view! End your day with sunset at Valley View, located on Northside Drive just before Pohono Bridge (here on Google Maps). Youll hit a junction with the John Muir Trail shortly before you get to a bridge overlooking Nevada Falls. You can find everything from an easy and flat stroll to a thigh-burner of epic proportions. TIP: El Capitan Meadows is on the way to Tunnel View. 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. Here is my Two Day Yosemite Itinerary if you are planning a trip out there after visiting the springs. 
Theres a short spur trail just before the bridge that leads to an overlook of the falls. 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. 10 Things you NEED to Know Before Traveling to Yosemite! This is an extremely popular viewpoint, so expect to wait for parking during busy months / weekends! Camping in Yosemite is one of the best ways to experience the park. Last but not least is Taft Point! She loves the outdoors and living the Tahoe lifestyle, including hiking, climbing, scuba diving, surfing, and snowboarding. If you only have 2 days in Yosemite, I would highly recommend spending a little extra money to stay in the Valley. To stand on actual Taft Point, you will need to go back down the mountain a little bit and walk towards the point. 
Yosemite National Park is HUGE with endless hikes and viewpoints to explore. History buffs should also cross the covered bridge and stop in at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center. This parking lot is not huge, so it might fill up fast during the busy seasons. []. Youll definitely want to come back for a more leisurely visit, but heres how to maximize your day, from sunrise to sunset. The park ranger told us that the best time for bear sightings is early in the morning when they are hunting for breakfast. When the Badger Pass Ski Area is open (typically mid-December through March), a shuttle also runs twice daily between the valley and Badger Pass. The switchbacks continue after that until topping out after 3 miles. Bring binoculars to look for climbers on the wall. Make sure to confirm shuttle status before finalizing plans that rely on them you can see the status here. Continue for 85 miles until you reach Big Oak Flat entrance.
Winter often sees snow, turning Yosemite into a stunning winter wonderland with barely any crowds (other than over the holidays). Something I didnt realize until I arrived at the park was that Yosemite Valley (where most of the sites are) is 1.5 hours from the park entrance! You can find rental cars at all airports. 
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). 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. Whichever season you choose to visit Yosemite, I think you will have a completely different experience! Is there a print friendly version of your epic 2 day itinerary? Especially being born and raised in Las Vegas (where the light pollution is one of the worst in the world), I was SO impressed!! I personally went in the fall months, which was amazing, but I would recommend visiting in the spring. Here is a list of what I have in my camera bag. Once the trail starts to go up, look for views of Illilouette Falls. Both are popular for sunset, and there may be a wait for the best photo spots. 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 biggest thing to know here is that you should make your reservations as early as humanly possible, wherever you end up choosing to stay. All of the lakes and rivers are full, all the waterfalls are flowing, wildflowers begin to bloom, and the weather is beautiful! Expect waits for parking spots, and crowds on trails. Dont miss our detailed guide to where to stay at Yosemite National Park to help you find the perfect place to stay. Or, you could hike to Ostrander Lake. Backpackers, including those staying the night at Little Yosemite Valley, should apply for a Half Dome permit when applying for their wilderness permit. Visit in February for Firefall, when Horsetail Falls glows at sunset as if its on fire. Welcome to Wild Willys Hot Springs Near Mammoth Lakes. 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. 2022 Note: While entrance reservations are no longer required, youll want to confirm road status and campground statuses before your trip. Plus, there were almost no crowds in the park which means I got front row parking to all of the view points. In the morning, start your trip off with the most beautiful hiking area in the park. This could cause you to cancel your trip if the air quality reaches dangerous levels. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you continue further, youll reach the top of Lower Yosemite Falls. 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). Spend your second day admiring giant sequoia trees and several incredible panoramic viewpoints in Yosemite. Campsites can be booked five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 am PST. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and spanning more than 1,000 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its granite peaks and monoliths, stunning vista points and scenery, impressive waterfalls, pristine alpine lakes, scenic meadows, giant sequoias, world-class rock climbing, and hundreds of miles of epic hiking trails. The first stop is Washburn Point where you will get to see unobstructed views of the famous Half Dome! Stop for a late breakfast or an early lunch and a peek inside the historic Victorian-style Wawona Hotel. Click here to read my 2 Days in Yosemite Itinerary! About halfway up, youll cross the old and overgrown Wawona Road. Located 2 miles from Glacier Point, the trailhead offers access to both Taft Point (take a left) and Sentinel Dome (take a right). Right after Sentinel Creek you have the option to take a side spur to Roosevelt Point. Click here to check out my one-click photo filters! Spend some time enjoying the beauty of Tuolumne Meadows, the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra and likely blanketed in wildflowers. e to spending 3 days in SF, one day in San Francisco, 14 perfect weekend getaways from San Francisco, day trip to Santa Barbara from Los Angeles, best things to do in Mammoth Lakes in the summer, the best hikes in Death Valley National Park, Highway 395 road trip from Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe, In the winter, ski touring visitors can stay at the. The climbing season runs from April to October. Have even more time in the park? Smoke from wildfires may be an issue.
I would recommend leaving the valley roughly 3 hours before sunset to be able to see all of these viewpoints and enjoy sunset at Taft Point. 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. More information on the hike here. Yosemite National Park is in California and is amazing!! At Glacier Point you can sit on the ledge with your legs under the railing! Complete a waterfall trifecta with a visit to Yosemite Falls. Tioga Road and Glacier Point may still be closed though, depending on the snowmelt. I'm Monique - a Las Vegas native who doubles as a HR Manager & travel junkie (contradicting, I know). A separate permit is required for Half Dome.
I wore these water resistant shorts (which are WAY too cute) and here are the boots I desperately wish I had and got for my next hike. A 2 mile loop of the lower grove takes you past the Grizzly Giant and other famous trees.
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. Youll cross Tenaya Creek and several steep switchbacks on the eastern slope above Tenaya Canyon until you get to the top of the ridge. Theres a very short and easy hike to the point. Seeing leaves falling and autumn colors fill the park is SO beautiful! Temperatures will drop, so bring layers. This is just a viewpoint (not a hike), so you will just park the car and walk out to the viewing platform. Five campgrounds are open year-round, while the rest are seasonal between April, May, or June to October or November. 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! From the Happy Isles shuttle stop, cross over the Merced River and follow it upstream. Sacramento and Oakland airports are around 3.5 hours away, with San Francisco and San Jose airports around 4 hours away. Bring binoculars or stop at nearby El Capitan Bridge for the seasonal Ask a Climber program. When I started the hike at 10am, most of the hike was in the shade still, making it way more enjoyable! Similar in appearance to Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy was flooded in 1923 to be a water supply for the city of San Francisco. Many people turn around at this spot. The boardwalk wraps through the meadow, over bridges, across creeks, and gives you jaw-dropping views. Here are my favorite pink tennis shoes I wear everywhere! Theres also a picnic area where you can enjoy a snack. Waterfalls should all be flowing in early summer, though they start drying up after mid-summer. For those that want to earn their views, the Four Mile Trail from the valley floor is a good option. 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). PS: Planning a trip to Yosemite? Join the Newsletter: Get brand new travel guides sent directly to your inbox! If youre planning on flying to Yosemite National Park, you actually have a surprising number of airport options to choose from.
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. The walk from Yosemite Valley Lodge to Degnans Kitchen is about 15 minutes and is where I saw bears every single morning. 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. For more information about this site's privacy policy, please click here. . 
, Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more Travel inspo! Some of the waterfalls and lakes will be dried up at this time. 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)! This 2 day Yosemite National Park itinerary is based on my experience having explored Yosemite for more than 20 years. Even with one day in Yosemite, you can still enjoy many of the top highlights of the park, several hikes, multiple waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints and overlooks. Head up to Tuolumne Meadows and hike to Grant Lakes or Ten Lakes, or take the Vogelsang Loop. 
If you want to see famous viewpoints like Taft Point and Glacier Point, these are closed during the winter months. There are a limited number available, and they must be applied for in advance. Next up is Glacier Point, which will give you similar views to Washburn Point, but you will feel a lot closer to Half Dome. Plan an Unforgettable California Adventure. Float down the river 3 miles and catch a shuttle bus back. From Los Angeles, take I-5 north to Hwy-99 north. An EPIC Tulum Bachelorette Party Itinerary 5 Days in Paradise. There are a few other places to stay inside the park. 
However, if youre on a budget OR youre planning within a couple of months of your trip, this is your best bet. N. ext up is the short trail to Lower Yosemite Falls. Summer is the most popular time at the park. In the summer you will get to enjoy the lakes, most waterfalls are still flowing, and you will get beautiful hot weather. You will need to drive over an hour up the mountain to get to the viewpoints, but plan to stay up there for the remainder of the day. You just park the car and walk to the viewing platform. There are five different entrances to Yosemite: Arch Rock (Hwy 140, from the west); Big Oak Flat (Hwy 120, from the west); South/Wawona (Hwy 41, from the south); Tioga Pass (Hwy 120, from the east; summer only); Hetch Hetchy (Hwy 120, from the west; only provides access to Hetch Hetchy area). Or head down to the valley on the 9-mile Panorama Trail. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. On busy days, you may need to wait in a line to get your photo at Taft Point! Expect to take around 10 to 12 hours round trip. We saw so much trash on the trails, which is always so heart breaking! Smoke from wildfires may be an issue in late summer. 
The downside of having your own vehicle is that parking can be an issue at popular spots, especially around the valley, during the peak summer season. 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!! Okay, thats a wrap! These 2 days in Yosemite are PACKED with the must-see sights, beautiful hikes, bear sighting tips, and tons of photography locations.