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Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
1. Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows is a gorgeous high alpine meadow with beautiful rock formations, a clear and calm river, and wildlife galore. This area was a favorite spot of John Muir’s and was a big reason why he wanted Yosemite to be a National Park in the first place!
What You Need to Know
Tuolumne Meadows boasts a large campground and a Visitor Center, as well as some great hikes. A few trails to consider hiking while in the area are:
- Soda Springs Trail — This trail provides a great overview of the Tuolumne Meadows and is 1.5 miles roundtrip
- Lembert Dome Trail — This moderate 2.8-mile trail leads to the top of a foreboding granite dome.
For more specific hiking recommendations for this area — including a special hidden gem — take a look at this itinerary.
Be advised that pets are not permitted on any trails in Yosemite.
Getting Here
Tuolumne Meadows is along the Tioga Road, which runs east to west through Yosemite. It is near the East Entrance of the Park. This road is high in elevation and remains closed for a large part of the year, so be sure to check the website to ensure the road is open. Yosemite also runs a shuttle bus along the Tioga Road during the summer that would eliminate the hassle of trying to find a parking space.
2. Tenaya Lake
Imagine having the ability to drive along the road and see a beautiful high-elevation alpine lake! In my experience, usually high alpine lakes are only accessible by hiking to them, but not in Yosemite. If you want to see a sparkling alpine lake in the high Sierras, Tenaya Lake is the place to go.
What You Need to Know
This can be a quick stop on your route along the Tioga Road, but I suggest packing a picnic and staying for a little while. The white sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery, but the water is cold. Notice where the glaciers carved out the landscape so long ago and look for the signs they left behind.
Getting Here
Tenaya Lake is located along the Tioga Road (Highway 120), about 6 miles west of the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center.
3. Bridalveil Fall
Yosemite has one of the most incredible collections of dramatic waterfalls anywhere in the world! A fun way to experience these thundering waterfalls up close is to take the short hike to Bridalveil Fall. You’ll love how the water comes down in such force, sending mist up in every direction.
What You Need to Know
Bridalveil Fall is the waterfall you see in all of those “classic” pictures of Yosemite National Park. It is often side-swept because of the wind, and you probably will get a little wet as you get to the end of the trail. This trail is short and paved, but it is not recommended for strollers/wheelchairs because of the elevation gain.
The trail to Bridalveil is 0.5 miles round trip, and pets are not permitted.
Getting Here
As you are traveling into Yosemite Valley on El Portal Road, take a right and cross over Pohono Bridge (you cannot go straight because it is a one-way road). When you see the turn-off for Wawona Road, take a right and look for the Bridalveil Trailhead on your left.
4. Sentinel Dome
For a sensational 360-degree vista, the top of Sentinel Dome is the place to be. Get a bird’s-eye view of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls (Upper and Lower), Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Yosemite Valley, and El Capitan — you’ll experience all of Yosemite’s most famous landmarks in one hike!
What You Need to Know
This is arguably one of the most picturesque areas you will ever visit and is well worth the climb and the crowds. The hike is 2.2 miles roundtrip with about 400 feet of elevation gain. Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Most of the elevation is gained during the final ascent to the top of the dome itself. It’s not too steep or treacherous— just watch your footing and hold on to your young children. It flattens out with some nice places to sit and relax at the very top.
This area is usually extremely crowded, but you can beat the crowds with the tips found in this itinerary!
Getting Here
The Sentinel Dome Trailhead is located 14.2 miles down the Glacier Point Road, just a couple of miles shy of reaching Glacier Point.
5. Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and the Mist Trail
The Mist Trail is one of the coolest trails I have ever hiked. Seriously. Not only is it beautiful, but it offers a truly unique experience you won’t get anywhere else. Get ready to be drenched! Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall are huge, roaring waterfalls that showcase the majesty of Yosemite.
For detailed information and pictures of the Mist Trail, be sure to check out this trail guide!
6. Mirror Lake
The stunning Mirror Lake lies in the shadow of the iconic Half Dome and offers a unique and spectacular view of the granite cliffs. If you’re looking for a little bit of solitude in the bustling metropolis of Yosemite Valley, you can likely find it here!
What You Need to Know
The 2-mile trail to Mirror Lake is paved and wheelchair accessible. If you’re visiting Yosemite in the late summer or fall, the lake may be completely dry, but I still recommend making the hike. You’ll find that the area turns into a beautiful meadow when the water dries up.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
Take the Yosemite Shuttle to stop 17. Accessible parking spots are available if needed, in which case you can just drive to the Mirror Lake Road at the east end of Yosemite Valley.
Click NEXT to see stops 7-12 (including the most incredible views of the park)!
All of these places look amazing! We have a permit for Half Dome at the end of August and currently have a two-night stay booked in Curry Village (for the night before our permit date and the day of). I’m realizing now we should probably stay at least one more night/day to explore more. Would you recommend getting a third night in Curry Village (if possible) or look to stay in another area of the park?
Thanks for the tips!
Yeah, another night in Curry Village would work great! If you know where else you’d like to explore, you could get lodging closer to that area though. Either way…Curry Village is a good central location for getting to all areas of Yosemite.
We are supposed to be going to Yosemite in early May. With this years snowfall do you think we’ll have a problem getting around?
I think you’ll be okay in the valley, but I do think a couple of the other roads will still be closed for the season at that time.
Hi! My fiance and I are traveling to Yosemite for our honeymoon, staying in a cabin located in Big Oak Flat. What is the best park entrance from here? Are there any must see attractions/hikes close to this area?
The Big Oak Flat Entrance will be the one you’ll use to get into the park. From here, you’re close to a couple of sequoia groves, Hetch Hetchy, and the Tioga Road. It’s about 45 minutes – 1 hour to get down into Yosemite Valley. Have fun!
Hello! I’m traveling from TN to Reno, NV the first week of October. We will only have time for one night so a half approximately 1.5 adventure time in the park. I’m seeking info on what area(s) will be closest to us traveling from Reno. Which entrance would be best? We will also need to book lodging if you have tips on that as well. I’m planning to purchase your itenerary for either one day or two days!
Thanks in advance!!
-Ashley P.
Hey Ashley,
How exciting! I’ve made the drive from Reno to Yosemite a few times. The shortest drive is to enter Yosemite through the east side from the town of Lee Vining. You’ll go up to the top of the pass {the road is steep} and into the park on the Tioga Road. Watch the weather…that time of year snow is definitely possible, and the Tioga Road can close at any time if unsafe. You can easily spend half a day along that road, so I’d take your time and get out and explore. If you can spend the night in Yosemite Valley, that would be ideal. Then you’ll be able to follow the 1-day itinerary to see all the best stuff in the Valley area.
Hope that helps!
Ash
are you day guide with kids friendly option thank you
They are! I travel with my young kids, so I try to keep the activities very kid-friendly. Have fun!
Hi!
My husband and I are planning on visiting Yosemite for the first time next April (from the U.K.) and were wondering what restrictions may be in place.
I’ve read that we will need to access the park from the west entrance and mostly stick to Yosemite valley.
We were thinking of staying in either Mariposa or Oakhurst as a base. Any recommendations on either accommodation or walks?
Thanks!!
Hey Emma,
The Tioga and Glacier Point Roads will likely still be closed in April, so you will want to stick mostly to the valley. I have recommendations for things to do in the valley in the 1-day Itinerary here: https://dirtinmyshoes.lpages.co/yosemite-itinerary/
Have fun!
Ash
Hi Ash,
Thank you SO much for sharing this. My husband and I only had about 3 days in Yosemite and your list was enormously helpful. Our favorite spots were Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows, as well as the views of the Vernal and Nevada Falls from Glacier Point (the full Mist Trail and granite steps were going to be too strenuous for us).
Even though there was so much more to see, we came home very satisfied with the spots we chose and loved visiting mid-week in September for the warm days, cool nights, and smaller crowds. Can’t wait to go back! Thank you!!!
Rachael & Dave
I’m so glad you guys had such a great time :) There’s so much to see in Yosemite, you’ll never be done exploring!!
Hello, Myself and 4 friends are making the trip mid Oct. We have 1.5 days to explore Yosemite. Do you have a suggested route we take to hit up all of your 12 spots?
Thanks!
Callie
Hi there Callie!
I have created several itineraries for Yosemite that you can work your way through depending on how much time in the park. All of my suggestions, tips, and tricks are in my itineraries! You can find them here: https://dirtinmyshoes.leadpages.co/yosemite-itinerary/
Have fun!!
Ash
Hi, We’re looking at going to Yosemite in June & have obviously waited too late for a campsite/lodging in the park. We’ll be coming in from the North & will have 3 adults & 3 children in our group. Do you have any recommended places to stay just outside of the park? Thanks for all of the great info you have provided!!
Hi Kathryn,
There are several first-come, first-served campgrounds within the park that would still be available to you, as well as some options outside of the park. I have written up an itinerary for Yosemite with my best tips, as well as a lodging and dining guide that’s included with the 3 or 4 day. I definitely suggest starting with that! You can find it here: https://dirtinmyshoes.leadpages.co/yosemite-itinerary/ All of my recommendations are included in there. Have an amazing trip!!!
I ordered the itinerary but didn’t get the emails. I checked the junk and trash but not there.
Hi Mary Jo, can you please email me at ash(at)dirtinmyshoes(dot)com? I need some information from you so that I can resend everything :)
Hi Ash
We’re visiting for 3 days (4 nights) in the last weekend of April (getting excited). Being so early in the season I see a fair bit of Yosemite will be closed – but the upside is we assume there will be plenty of water in the falls? We have only visited (from the UK) in the summer before, so hoping for a different perspective.
Any recommendations or tips for a late April visitor?
Hey Marc,
The waterfalls should be fabulous. If you can, definitely hit up the Mist Trail! You’ll mostly be confined to Yosemite Valley, but it will be a wonderful time. I put my recommendations for Yosemite Valley in the 1-day itinerary on my site if you want to check it out here: https://dirtinmyshoes.leadpages.co/yosemite-itinerary/
Have a great trip!
Ash
Just returned from Yosemite yesterday and the falls were amazing!!!! Yes glacier point was closed and so was mariposa but there is so much to see an experience! Bridalveil and verbal were rushing with water!!
Thanks for the update! I’m so glad you had such an amazing time!
Hi there! I am wanting to visit Yosemite for the 1st time in June 2017 (planning way ahead!). I’d prefer to do backcountry camping and am wondering if it is challenging to find spots. If we only have 3-4 days to spend in the park, what would you recommend we see, as backpackers? Thanks!
Hi Franny,
Getting backcountry permits can be quite challenging, depending on the area you want to explore! I would highly recommend looking into the John Muir Trail (AMAZING!!!) or the High Sierra Camps. Those are some of the most popular routes….but for a good reason :) You can learn more about the permitting process here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm
Hope that helps!
Ash
Great post. Will be there in October for 3 days so will try to hit as many of these as we can. Hoping most of the waterfalls will be flowing.
Have fun! The waterfall flow will be low that time of year, but it’s such a beautiful place you won’t be disappointed!
Great post! My boyfriend and I are driving through yosemite in June this year (travelling from San Fran to vegas) spending 2 nights travelling through and I loved reading what you got up to! Thankyou for the tips and love your photos. Can’t wait to see the beautiful sights xx
I’m excited for you to go there….such a spectacular place! Have fun!
Hello there! My husband and I are going to Yosemite for our second time. We want to float down the Merced River with our own rafts this time and not rent the inflatable boats that are available. What is the best way to go about parking our vehicle so that we have transportation at the end of the float? The website says that most people put in at Stoneman Bridge and take out at Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, but I don’t know how this would work with only one car.
I would get there early in the morning and park the car at Sentinel Beach. From there, you can walk along the Valley Trail to shuttle stop 11, take the bicycle path near Swinging Bridge to shuttle stops 7 or 8, or catch the El Capitan Shuttle that picks up across the street at the Four-Mile Trail and travels to the Visitor Center. Hope that helps!
Ash
Thanks for all of your guidance and time devoted to visitors to Yosemite :)
We will arrive next Sat-Wed (June 18-22, 2016) for my husband’s bucket list birthday present. We will spend 2 days just south of Yosemite at Houndstooths Inn for Sequoia/Kings Canyon enjoyment also.
Obviously we will make the best use of the park on Mon-Wed hoping for less crowded areas. We are very fit and active in our early-mid 50’s and thinking about entering for daily lottery for Half dome, but not sure that we should actually. We are not experienced hikers and probably might have all of the suggested gear (compass, best traction boots, etc..)….I would probably only consider this if we hired a private guide, but have no idea of that cost or availability.
We will definitely take advantage of the hiking areas that you listed…..would you recommend certain ones that would be best with a guide? Or do you feel that all will be fine for us if we are not most experienced hikers?
Thanks again
Hi there and thank you for the kind words. If you are fit and have a decent amount of hiking experience (sounds like you are) then I think Half Dome is a real possibility….it will definitely be something you will never forget! If you don’t feel comfortable hiking it without a guide, then I think a guide is a great idea.
Everything on my list of things to do is simple enough for the everyday traveler, so you would be just fine without a guide on those hikes! Say happy birthday to your husband from me :)
Thanks so much for your time and attention to my inquiries. Have a great day!
How long would you suggest us to stay in Yosemite to visit all 12 of these that you listed? We will have a 19 year old and a 12 year old with us, but they love to hike….we went to Yellowstone for 4 days and Grand Tetons for 2 and they loved it. We are from Illinois and planning on driving out to Yosemite with stops to see Grand Canyon along the way and I was curious as to how long you think we would need in Yosemite? Thanks-A-Bunch!
Hi Stacey! I would recommend about 3 days to hit everything on the list. If you have more or less time, I would be happy to help you adjust the itinerary to fit your schedule. Be sure to check out my post on the Grand Canyon as well. It sounds like you are gearing up for a great trip! Let me know if you have any additional questions and thanks for stopping by!
Great information! I am going to Yosemite for the first time on Nov. 6-7 :) I can’t wait! I am interested in photographing small streams, meadows, and lakes hoping to get some autuum colors if possible. Being a first timer there, I have no clue of what place to visit first. Your input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Raul.
That sounds great Raul! You will have an awesome time! There is a gorgeous little meadow in Yosemite Valley. We also love Mirror Lake, Tenaya Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows. I would definitely recommend stopping by a Visitor Center and chatting with the rangers when you first get there….no doubt they will have some awesome ideas for you. I hope that you will share some photos with me on my facebook page when you return :)
Great info. We will be in a 30 foot motorhome for all our camping and sightseeing…is this possible? Any road suggestions? We are going the very end of Sept. 2015
Betty, as far as I know you will be able to take a motorhome on most roads in Yosemite. I would definitely recommend parking it and taking the shuttle in Yosemite Valley though. It will be a nightmare trying to find parking for a vehicle that large at every stop you want to make!
How much time should one plan to see all that you have listed?
Hi Paula, I would recommend about 3 days to get through everything without feeling rushed! If you have more or less time let me know and I’d be happy to give you some recommendations :)
We are planning a trip June of 2016 and I’ve heard that Mariposa is closed until 2017. Where else do you suggest we find similar big sequoia’s like in the grove?
Hey Jessica, unfortunately you are right. The Mariposa Grove is closed for a while :( Several other small, lesser known Sequoia groves can be found in the Park. I have never been to the others, but a ranger recommended them to us and I would like to check them out sometime. Check this website ( http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mariposagrove.htm#otherplaces ) for instructions to a couple of smaller groves in Yosemite. Hope that helps!
Just got back from Yosemite and it was FABULOUS! We’ll need to go back because we didn’t see everything but your list was very helpful. I would add Sentinel Dome and Olmstead Point (taking the very short walk to a lookout) to your list.
There were so many people – is there an off season when you can still see most of the park?
I’m so glad that you had a great time! I would love to see your pics and hear your experience with Half Dome….and thanks for the tips on Olmstead Point and Sentinel Dome!
So many people….yes….we were there in the beginning of June during the middle of the week. It was still busy, but not too bad so I would probably go around that time again. Any earlier and you might still hit snow (you could even hit snow in June but we didn’t) and in September I think that the crowds would be less but you may not see as many waterfalls. I think that Autumn in Yosemite would be amazing though!
Hi :) I’m glad I discovered this post. I’m a single mom of 2 boys, 2 and 3. I grew up camping and can’t wait to take my kids on our first trip. I’m taking them this Sept. I haven’t quite decided where though. I was thinking Shaver Lake but after reading this I think you changed my mind to Yosemite! I’m a little nervous about going alone but I’m so excited I can hardly wait!
Marietta, you and your boys will love Yosemite! There are so many great viewpoints and short hikes for kids. Those boys are lucky to have such a fun and adventurous mom :) Let me know if you have any questions about anything…I am more than happy to help.
This is exactly what what I need! I am headed to Yosemite in August (as I was lucky enough to get a permit for Half Dome) and have been wondering what I need to see while I am there. Thank you!
This is just what I’ve been looking for! We drew out for a permit to hike Half Dome in August and I have been searching for what else to see while we’re there. This is perfect. I just discovered your sight and can’t wait to see all your other posts. I live in Utah and love hiking so I think I will find plenty of great suggestions from you.
Angee, I am so jealous that you got permits for Half Dome. That is on my list! Please give me an update after you make the trek. I’m glad my site will be useful to you and I hope you will continue to stop by. Let me know if you have any more questions about Yosemite. I have more to write about but just not enough time in the day. I’d be happy to provide any additional information!
Great post! I love Yosemite, and even though I’ve been you have some great advice for visiting!
Thanks Debi! That definitely means a lot coming from someone who has already been.
Gorgeous photos! We went to Yosemite on a free day that had to have been its busiest day ever, and it was still so worth seeing! And now whenever I see ‘Moon over Half Dome’ (which is in our doctor’s office) I can think I’ve been there too :)
I totally agree…it is still worth going even though it’s so busy. I love being able to see pictures of places knowing that I’ve been there!
I used to live only about one hour away from Yosemite when I was growing up. Wish I would have taken more advantage of that when I was old enough to travel. Now I live in So Cal, so not crazy far, but I would love to plan a trip for my family to go visit! I Pinned this to make sure I hit all the best spots! Thanks for the tips!
Wow, one hour? How lucky! You will love it when you go with your family. Thanks for the pin :)
I’ve been dying to go to Yosemite! Thanks so much for the guide.
I’m happy to help. Let me know when you make it out there :)
All of these places look amazing! I’d love to go to each of the waterfalls and check out Mirror Lake, and the sequoias, of course. Great tips!
The sequoia’s were incredible. You will love it!
I love waterfalls too and it looks like there are so many! I would love to visit there someday. Thanks for sharing the spots to definitely visit!
Thanks for stopping by Ali. I hope you get to visit Yosemite soon!
When I was a kid we went to Yosemite every single year, I can’t wait to start that tradition when my girls get a little older. Great post!
Sara, what an awesome tradition to have. Your girls are so lucky! I grew up going to Grand Teton and I am still so grateful for the tradition my parents started.
I’ve always wanted to go here. Now that my husband and I have a little camper trailer, I can totally see us going there with our little family. Thanks for giving us the inside scoop of where to go! Can’t wait now!
You definitely need to take your little family there. I was surprised at how much there is to do with kids!
I officially want to see all of this. I have never been! I would love to go – maybe one day :) thanks for sharing!
Rowan, you should start planning your trip! Thanks for stopping by.