🏞 Perfect Yosemite Itinerary for 2024: See it All in 1-3 Days (2024)

No amount of time will ever be enough, but a carefully planned Yosemite itinerary will ensure you maximize your time in the best National Park in the USA.

I visit Yosemite every chance I get and find new photogenic treasures every time I visit. It is no wonder Ansel Adams held such fondness for this incredible landscape.

In this travel guide, I will provide the perfect Yosemite itinerary for exploring the park for the first time.

I have designed this guide to help you plan for the best possible experience whether you have one day, two days, or three days in Yosemite National Park.

🌲 Yosemite Itinerary Overview

1-3 Day Yosemite Itinerary At a Glance

Weather permitting, the perfect way to spend 1-3 days in Yosemite NP breaks down as follows:

I have created this guide to begin with a one day itinerary that focuses on seeing Yosemite Valley, then subsequently adding the more remote regions of the park with each extra day available.

Each day begins with where to watch sunrise in Yosemite and concludes with our favorite place for sunset in the region of the park where your day will end.

Quick Notes and Possible Amendments:

• Those of you who plan on moving quickly may be able to combine Day 1 and Day 2 by avoiding some of the suggested hikes.
• There is no reason you cannot change the order in which you visit each region. I have presented them in the order that I find most scenic.
• Those traveling into Yosemite from the east (via Mammoth Lakes or Mono County) should reverse this itinerary by beginning with Day 3 and working backward!
• If you have more than three days in Yosemite, there are endless hiking trails to explore as well as some remote regions of the park (such as Hetch Hetchy) that you can add to your itinerary!

Seasonal Considerations

Be aware that the time of year you are planning a visit will drastically impact your options for exploration.

Both the Tioga Pass and Glacier Point roads will be closed during winter, limiting you to just the Yosemite Valley.

Depending on the weather, closures typically begin in November through late May or early June.

🌲 Quick Facts About Yosemite National Park

• Location: California, USA
• Established: October 1, 1890
• Size: 748,000acres (1,169mi²)
• Annual Visitors: 2,268,313 (2020), 4,422,861 (2019)
• Visitor Centers: Valley Visitor Center (year-round), Valley Wilderness Center (May-Oct)
• Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle; $30 per motorcycle; $20 per individual; $80 Interagency Annual Pass

Yosemite Reservations for 2024

In 2024, reservations are required during the following weekends:

• February 10–11
• February 17–19
• February 24–25

This is due to theYosemite Firefallnatural event that occurs during this time. Even if you do not intend to visit Horsetail Falls, reservations will still be required during these dates,

Note that you still need to pay the entrance fee even with a reservation.

At present, these are the only dates that require reservations in 2024. I recommend checking on the Yosemite NPS website for the most up-to-date information.

🔎 LEARN MORE:
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO YOSEMITE FIREFALLS

🚘 Getting to Yosemite National Park

At no cost to you, we receive a small amount for any bookings made using the links below.

By Car

Our Yosemite itineraries are designed to be self-driving. The easiest and most convenient way to get to and around Yosemite for most will be by car.

Whether you have your own car or rent a car, having a vehicle will allow you to explore at your own pace without timetable or group constraints.

By Public Transport

It is possible to reach Yosemite National Park using public transportation.

YARTS provides year-round bus services from Merced, as well as additional seasonal routes. This can be combined with AMTRAK or Greyhound services to reach Yosemite Valley.

Once at Yosemite Valley, you can use the free Yosemite Valley shuttle system to get around.

By Tour

If you don’t want to have to figure out all the details yourself, then a tour to Yosemite is a great option. There are a wide range of day trips, as well as multi-day tours to choose from.

Here are some of the best-rated day tours to Yosemite National Park:

• Small-Group Day Trip to Yosemite from Lake Tahoe: 4.9/5 ⭐
• Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour: 4.5/5 ⭐
• Small Group Yosemite & Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco: 4.4/5 ⭐

For those with more time, you may wish to consider one of these highly-rated multi-day tours:

• 2-Day Yosemite National Park Tour from San Francisco: 4.8/5 ⭐
• 4 Day Sierra Nevada Tour of Yosemite and Tahoe from San Francisco: 5/5 ⭐
• 5-Day Yosemite Backpacking – Yosemite Icons: 5/5 ⭐
• 6 Day Yosemite Backpacking – The Hidden Yosemite: 5/5 ⭐

🗺 Yosemite Itineraries Map

All the places mentioned in these Yosemite itineraries are pinned and color-coded by day on the map above.

Click on the image above or here to open the map in a new tab. This map will help give you an understanding of the layout of the park as you read through this guide.

♥️ LOVE THE NATIONAL PARKS?
DISCOVER 65+ PERFECT NATIONAL PARK GIFTS

🏃‍♀️ Yosemite Itinerary Day 1: Yosemite Valley

DAY 1 ITINERARY OVERVIEW:

• Tunnel View
• Cathedral Beach
• Bridalveil Falls
• Swinging Bridge
• Vernal Falls + Nevada Falls (time permitting)
• Yosemite Valley Chapel
• Sentinel Bridge (parking may be closed due to construction)
• Ansel Adams Gallery & Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
• Lower Yosemite Falls
• Upper Yosemite Falls (time permitting)
• Valley View
• Four Mile Trail

The first day of our Yosemite itinerary focuses on hikes and views within the Yosemite Valley.

If you visit between November and April, this will likely be the only part of the park you can access as the other roads are closed.

The good news is that Yosemite Valley is largely considered the best part of the park, and a day trip is more than enough time to see it.

In the itinerary below, you will find my recommendations for how to spend one day in the park at a leisurely pace and still see all of the iconic sights.

If you are visiting in the summer when the days are long, you will have a bit more time and opportunity for additional hikes.

For those with just one day in Yosemite, I also recommend perusing my Yosemite Day Trip Guide for a more thorough and detailed breakdown of our favorite stops.

Sunrise at Tunnel View

Begin your day at the most iconic viewpoint in all of Yosemite National Park. Sunrise at Tunnel View is one of those lifetime travel bucket list items that everyone should attempt to experience.

While Tunnel View is the best, you can find out more and discover all of my favorite places for sunrise at Yosemite in this guide.

In the spring, the sun will rise directly in line with the viewpoint. By summer, it peeks out from behind El Capitan to the left of the vista. In the winter, it actually will not make it over the mountains to the right of the vista for an additional hour or more.

Be sure to get there early! The park entrance gate gets insanely busy and backed up, which will cost you precious hours.

Additionally, the parking lot can get full within an hour of sunrise. I recommend arriving early and getting parked at least 15 minutes before sunrise to enjoy the beautiful colors and magical light.

Drive the Yosemite Valley Scenic Loop

At this point, you will have all day to drive the loop and explore the many waterfalls and trails. Be aware that most of the roads through the valley are one-way.

The views are incredible from pretty much everywhere and you will find small pull-offs frequently for photo ops.

To make sure you have time for everything, I recommend sticking to mostly shorter hikes and trails.

If it is open, consider the hike to Bridalveil Falls as you leave Tunnel View. Other waterfalls with a short hike to consider are Vernal Falls and Yosemite Falls (Upper and Lower).

There are many unmarked places to stop and enjoy the views, but the most iconic are the Swinging Bridge, Sentinel Beach, Half Dome Bridge, and Valley View.

Sunset at Four Mile Trail

Don’t worry, you don’t actually have to hike four miles up!

The trick to seeing sunset in any valley, including Yosemite, is to try and find some elevation. With a one-day itinerary, you likely won’t have time to drive to some of the higher vantage points.

Luckily, one of the best sunset views in the park is accessible via a short hike up Four Mile Trail.

After about one mile, you will find a clearing with a pile of rocks to the right of the trail. If you are sure-footed and the rocks are dry, you can easily scamper up a bit to get a clear view of the entire Yosemite Valley.

If not, you will still have a great view but may have a bit of vegetation partially obstructing the valley floor.

🗻 Yosemite Itinerary Day 2: Glacier Point Road

⛔️ Glacier Point Road closes seasonally.
❄️ Closures typically begin in November through late May or early June.
🥾 When closed, the only way to access the vista is via the Four Mile Trail.
⚠️ Check the NPS website here for current road closures.

DAY 2 ITINERARY OVERVIEW:

• Sunrise at Glacier Point Viewpoint
• Panorama Trail
• Illilouette Falls
• Washburn Point
• Mono Meadow
• Sunset at Taft Point

Those of you wanting to spend a weekend in Yosemite National Park will have time to explore all there is to see in Yosemite Valley, plus drive along Glacier Point road to take in even more of this park’s beauty.

While you will be looking at “the same” natural features for the most part, such as Half Dome, Vernal Falls, etc, you will be doing so from 7200 feet (2195m) up!

There are tons of trails to explore in this region and I recommend doing as many as you are comfortable with based on the heat and your level of fitness.

Just remember that you are at a higher elevation where the air is much thinner.

Sunrise at Glacier Point

Begin the day watching the sun come up behind Half Dome from the highest accessible viewpoint in the park!

Watching the sunrise at Glacier Point will require a very early start, which is why this two-day Yosemite itinerary suggests attempting it on the second day.

For perspective, the drive from El Portal to Glacier Point is 1h 6m. From the parking area, you will still need to walk about a quarter-mile (5-10 minutes) to get to the lookout.

Despite not being a morning person, I highly recommend you make the effort to watch the sunrise here. Hey, you didn’t come to Yosemite to sleep through the best time of day!

Hike Panorama Trail (or some of it)

If you are in good physical condition and want to see arguably the best views in all of Yosemite, consider hiking the Panorama Trail.

The total distance is 8.5 miles but takes most hikers 4-6 hours to complete. Along the way, you will enjoy sweeping views of the Yosemite Valley, as well as several top-down looks at an assortment of waterfalls.

Of course, an 8.5-mile trek is not for everyone! Not to worry, there are shorter options worth considering. As time is precious, I recommend just walking about 1.8 miles to a view of Illilouette Falls.

There is some elevation change that makes this a moderately difficult 3.6-mile roundtrip walk, but it is worth the effort. Additionally, there are plenty of places to stop and rest in the shade.

Walk the Mono Meadows

For a gentle meander through open fields, drive back down Glacier Point Road and park up at the Mono Meadows trailhead.

Instead of staring at granite cliffs and waterfalls, visitors will enjoy open meadows with plenty of birds and wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Mono Meadow trail is an easy 1.2-mile out and back. Most people choose to also stop by the Sierra Overlook, which increases the distance to 3.5 miles roundtrip.

Sunset at Taft Point

Assuming you have done a few walks and made time to enjoy your meals, the day will be getting late and it is time to enjoy the best place for sunset in Yosemite at Taft Point.

Westerly views are difficult to find in the park, particularly with ample elevation. Taft Point offers the best west-facing vistas and a series of rock ledges that give the perspective of being above it all.

As dangerous as the photos make it look, the ledges are mostly wide and spacious, posing little risk if common sense is applied.

The hike from the parking area to Taft Point is about 2.2 miles roundtrip. It is an easy stroll and mostly shaded throughout. Bring a camera and perhaps a beverage while you watch the light dance and fade on the granite cliffs of Yosemite.

Taft Point is my favorite place to watch the sunset and conclude two days in Yosemite.

Alternative Sunset Options: Washburn Point or Glacier Point

If you are not physically able to walk the 2+ mile roundtrip to Taft Point, both Washburn Point and Glacier Point provide beautiful foregrounds for some sunset photography as well.

These views both face mostly east, so you will be watching the light and shadow play on the distant mountains and valleys rather than looking into the sun.

There is no hike at all to Washburn Point and ample parking is available. If you have already photographed sunrise at Glacier Point as was recommended, consider Washburn Point instead to have some variety in your portfolio.

🧗 Yosemite Itinerary Day 3: Tioga Road

⛔️ Tioga Pass Road closes seasonally.
❄️ Closures typically begin in November through late May or early June.
⚠️ Check the NPS website here for current road closures.

DAY 3 ITINERARY OVERVIEW:

• Sunrise at Valley View
• Tuolumne Grove Giant Sequoias
• Lukens Lake
• Olmsted Point
• Tenaya Lake
• Sunset at Tuolumne Meadows

If you are fortunate enough to have an itinerary that allows three days in Yosemite, you will have enough time to add Tioga Pass.

There are too many hikes to list along Highway 120, but listed in this section will be the must-see stops along the way to Lee Vining where the Yosemite Park boundaries end.

If you are traveling onward toward Mono County and Mammoth Lakes as part of a bigger California road trip, I have written several guides to hidden treasures and popular destinations that are nearby upon exiting the park.

In particular, do not miss the natural, incredible Travertine Hot Springs and Buckeye Hot Springs, located just 30 minutes north of Lee Vining.

My favorite place in all of California is the city of Mammoth Lakes, located just 30 minutes south of Lee Vining. On the way, you must at least drive through the June Lakes Loop scenic drive.

We stayed a week camped on BLM land exploring the myriad of Mammoth Lakes hot springs, soaking in mineral-rich water, and enjoying too many sunsets, sunrises, and moonlit nights.

Sunrise at Yosemite Valley View

Begin your third day in Yosemite with sunrise at Valley View. This is the last stop on the Valley Loop drive and is one of the most iconic views in the entire park.

As most of you will be camping either in the park or in nearby El Portal, this will allow you a bit more sleep as the drive is only about 20 minutes from town.

Parking is limited but rarely fills up this early. Bring appropriate footwear as the best photos will be taken from the water’s edge.

See the Giant Sequoias at Tuolumne Grove

If you haven’t stood at the base of these ancient giants and marveled at their size, consider a brisk one-mile hike to stand with them in Tuolumne Grove. No matter how many times I stand at the foot of them, they never fail to impress me!

While the hike down is only a mile, it is steep with a 500-foot elevation loss. This means hiking a steep one-mile back following your time amongst the sequoias.

Expect the hike to take you about an hour and be sure to bring plenty of water, particularly in the summer months.

The trailhead to the sequoia grove will be well-signposted and will be the first stop along Tioga Road.

Stop by Lukens Lake

There will be plenty of roadside lakes along the drive through the Tioga Pass, but this is one of the most accessible for those who wish to include a few short hikes in their Yosemite itinerary.

The total roundtrip distance is only 1.6 miles and is mostly shaded, making for a pleasant stroll.

Lukens Lake is a beautiful alpine lagoon surrounded by bright green trees and often provides a mirror reflection. Consider packing your late breakfast or lunch to picnic by the water.

Enjoy the view from Olmsted Point

As you climb to one of the highest points in the park, you will arrive at the breathtaking Olmsted Point. This is a must-see on your way through!

Most visitors will simply admire the scenery from the parking lot, but there is a small trail that provides some alternative views in a short walk.

Just past the Olmstead Point parking area is an unmarked pull-off. In the distance is Tenaya Lake, tucked below Cathedral Peak.

If you are feeling adventurous and the weather is completely dry, consider climbing some distance up the slick rock on the other side of the road. With a bit of elevation, the view improves dramatically, and is one of the best secret photo locations anywhere in Yosemite.

Picnic at Tenaya Lake

The number of stops and hikes you have done will determine whether or not it’s time to eat. Ideally, you should be arriving at Tenaya Lake around dinner time.

This is a great spot to enjoy your meal as the lake is gorgeous and no hike is required to access it.

When you have finished eating, you can walk around the lake if you like and get some nice evening photos.

Just make sure you allow yourself time to explore the final stop on my three-day Yosemite itinerary with a sunset visit to world-famous Tuolumne meadows.

Sunset at Tuolumne Meadows

Your three days in Yosemite National Park come to a brilliant conclusion with a sunset stroll through the Tuolumne Meadows. This will be the last stop on Tioga Road before exiting the park and rapidly descending in elevation en route to Lee Vining.

Stretch your legs exploring the large subalpine meadow teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. The Tuolumne River snakes gracefully through, surrounded by the large granite peaks that make the region so striking.

A few various hiking trails are available ranging wildly in distance, but you really can’t go wrong. For a short, easy jaunt, consider a quick walk to Soda Spring.

Of course, my personal recommendation is to simply read the sky and sunlight and chase that around in pursuit of scenic foregrounds complemented by the evening glow.

🌱 Tips for Planning Your Yosemite Itinerary

I’ve covered everything to see on your Yosemite itinerary. But before you hit the road, it is worth considering these factors that will be important to the success of your journey.

Best time to visit Yosemite National Park

If you are only making a day trip to Yosemite, each time of year offers unique benefits and challenges. Winter weather can be challenging but extremely beautiful, for example.

In addition, if you have never seen the natural phenomenon known as the Yosemite Firefall, these occur in February only and are a bucket list experience. In short, there is no one best time to visit Yosemite if your visit is short.

If you are hoping to spend more than two days in Yosemite, you are better off planning your road trip for a time when Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road are open.

Accordingly, the best time for longer-term visits to Yosemite is between late May and October, when these roads are open.

In particular, May provides the most impressive waterfalls as they burst with snowmelt. Alternatively, October is a good option to get some fall colors.

Of course, there is no bad time to visit the park, just plan as far ahead as you can to ensure you have all the reservations you require.

Where to stay in Yosemite NP

Camping in Yosemite

You are not allowed to sleep overnight in your car or van in any of the national parks, including Yosemite. This is known as “freedom camping” and a park ranger could issue a fine, though it is more likely you will simply be asked to leave.

There are a lot of campgrounds throughout Yosemite National Park, but only one in the Yosemite Valley. The others are mostly primitive camping options (meaning limited amenities) and are dotted throughout the outskirts of the park.

All campsites require reservations and fill up months ahead of time, so plan accordingly. Also, be aware that overnight parking is not permitted anywhere in the park without a permit.

Accommodation in Yosemite

For those of you who want a bit of comfort during your stay and want to be centrally located, the Yosemite Valley Lodge is the only hotel within Yosemite Village. It is located near the base of Yosemite Falls.

The best option for most who wish to stay nearby will be to look at the options available in the town of El Portal. This is the closest town to the park entrance and is only a 20-minute drive from Yosemite Valley.

In El Portal, you will find a variety of accommodation options as well as places to sleep in your vehicle if you are self-contained.

Gas and services

Surprisingly, there are plenty of gas stations not just near, but within the Yosemite National Park boundaries. Unsurprisingly, you pay a bit extra to fill up in the park, as well as in El Portal.

All services are available in the Yosemite Village, ranging from a small general goods store to a Starbucks!

There is also a cafeteria, gas pumps, and pretty much anything else you might need during on your visit.

Yosemite Entrance fees

Note that there are no day passes to Yosemite. There are too many options to list them all, but the most commonly purchased tickets are:

7-Day Vehicle Pass: $35/vehicle
7-Day Individual Pass:$20 (must be traveling by bike/bus/foot)
One-Year Yosemite Pass: $70
One-Year Interagency Pass: $80

🧐 Yosemite Itinerary FAQS

Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions when planning your visit to Yosemite National Park.

🎒 Packing List for Yosemite National Park

Disclosure: At no cost to you, we receive a small amount for any purchases made using the links below.

Depending on the time of year and activities you have planned, your exact packing list will vary. However, there are a few key items that I recommend bringing:

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

The annual national park pass costs $80 and provides access to all 63 national parks in the US. Additionally, it grants admission to over 2000 federal recreation sites! Discounted passes are offered to some groups, including seniors, military personnel, and 4th graders.

Camera

Yosemite is an absolute treasure trove when it comes to photography, so don’t forget your camera! We use the Sony a7riii and have loved it ever since the first photo we took with it.

Hiking shoes

Yosemite has some incredible hikes so you’ll want to ensure you pack some comfortable shoes. Ideally, bring awaterproof pair of hiking shoesas rain is not uncommon, particularly if you’re visiting from October and May.

Sun protection

Yosemite sits at an average elevation of 4,000ft. (1219m) so you can expect the sun to be strong here. Ensure you have good protection from the sun with a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as a minimum.

We use Stream 2 Sea sunscreen as it’s eco-friendly and most of their bottles are made from sugarcane resin rather than plastic.

Layers

The temperatures in Yosemite can fluctuate by 30°F (~18°c) in a day. Additionally, the temperature varies hugely depending on elevation.

With this in mind, you’ll want to pack layers of clothing. A wind and waterproof jacket is also likely to come in handy.

Reusable Water Bottle

We don’t travel anywhere without a reusable water bottle. Remaining hydrated is even more important in the desert. Bring your bottle to prevent wasting single-use plastic bottles! Water is available at trailheads and visitor centers.

Portable Powerpack

You’ll likely be using your phone to navigate, take photos, and more!

Bring apower packwith you to keep your phone charged on the go.

Backpack

You’ll want a backpack that’s comfortable and sturdy to carry around during the day. I use theGoGroove camera backpackas it also provides easy side access to my camera while out and about.

Mini First Aid Kit

When out hiking, we always have a mini first aid kit in our bag just in case. You never know when it may come in handy (particularly as I’m clumsy)!

📖 More Guides to Yosemite & California

If Yosemite National Park is just one stop on your California road trip, consider adding some of these nearby gems to your itinerary:

Other Yosemite Guides

• Ultimate Guide to Yosemite Firefall
• Yosemite Photography Guide: Tips For Photographing Yosemite Valley
• Yosemite Day Trip Guide

Mammoth Lakes and Nearby Hot Springs Guides

• Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs Comprehensive Guide
• June Lakes Loop Scenic Drive
• Travertine Hot Springs Guide
• Buckeye Hot Springs Guide
• Hilltop Hot Springs Guide
• Rock Tub Hot Springs Guide
• Shepherd Hot Springs Guide
• Whitmore Hot Springs Explained

Southern California Guides

• Joshua Tree National Park Photography Guide
• LA Bucket List
• Artists Palette, Death Valley NP

Northern California Guides

• Best Things to Do on a Northern California Road Trip
• The Ultimate Guide to Burney Falls in NorCal
• Shasta-Trinity National Forest Photography Guide

Finally, feel free to browse our Yosemite photography gallery or Northern California photography galleryto purchase fine art prints or simply find inspiration!

💬 Yosemite Itinerary Final Thoughts

No matter how much time you have on your Yosemite itinerary, this place will always leave you wanting more!

This is truly one of the most beautiful places in the state of California and indeed in the country. Having visited every US national park, I can say with some credibility that Yosemite is among the very best of them.

Most importantly, I hope you have found this travel guide useful and inspiring in planning adventures of your own.

Of course, mistakes do happen! If you see anything inaccurate or misleading, please let me know in the comments below. Likewise, it makes my day to read comments of appreciation and I absolutely welcome those as well.

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