Yosemite

Drive to Yosemite(3 hours)

From Fresno (FAT, 95 miles, 2.5 hours via Hwy 41) or SFO (195 miles, 4 hours via Hwy 120). Timed-entry reservation required May-Sep ($2/vehicle at recreation.gov — sells out instantly). Park entry: $35/vehicle. Enter before 5AM or after 4PM to potentially skip reservation

Tunnel View first stop(30 minutes)

The sweeping panorama of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome that defines Yosemite. 15-min drive from south entrance. Parking fills by 10AM in summer. Best at sunset or after storms

Check into Yosemite Valley accommodation(1 hour)

Budget: Curry Village tent cabins ($150-200); mid-range: Yosemite Valley Lodge ($250-350); splurge: The Ahwahnee ($500+). All book out 5+ months ahead. Alternative: Mariposa (30 min) or El Portal (20 min) lodging

Afternoon in Yosemite Village(1.5 hours)

Valley Visitor Center for orientation, Ansel Adams Gallery (free), Village Store for supplies. The free valley shuttle runs every 10-20 min between all major points

Sunset at El Capitan Meadow(1 hour)

Walk to the meadow and look straight up at the 3,000-foot granite wall. Bring binoculars to spot rock climbers on the face. The scale is incomprehensible until you see those tiny dots moving

Lower Yosemite Fall trail(1 hour)

Easy 1-mile loop to the base of the 2,425-foot waterfall. The spray in May-June can soak you from 50 yards. Peak flow: May-June. By late August most years the falls dry up completely. Free

Valley Floor Loop (bike or walk)(3 hours)

Rent bikes at Yosemite Valley Lodge ($12/hour) and ride the 12-mile paved loop past El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Swinging Bridge, and Cathedral Rocks. Flat and easy. The best way to see the valley without parking headaches

Lunch at Degnan's Kitchen(45 minutes)

In Yosemite Village. Pizza, sandwiches, soup ($10-15). Quick and convenient. Or pack lunch at the Village Store deli

Bridalveil Fall(45 minutes)

A 620-foot waterfall with a short 0.5-mile walk to the viewpoint. The mist blows dramatically in afternoon breezes. The Ahwahneechee called it Pohono (spirit of the puffing wind)

Sentinel Dome sunset(2 hours)

2.2-mile round trip hike from Glacier Point Road to a granite dome with 360-degree views. Moderate. The sunset from the top with Half Dome and the valley below is extraordinary. Bring headlamp for the walk back

Drive to Glacier Point(1 hour)

1-hour drive from the valley. Road open late May-October. Arrive early — parking fills by 10AM. The viewpoint is the park's finest: 3,200-foot drop to the valley floor, Half Dome at eye level, High Sierra beyond

Glacier Point views and photography(1.5 hours)

Multiple viewpoints along the rim. The overhanging rock photo spot is iconic. Free with park entry. Bring layers — it is 7,214 feet and noticeably cooler than the valley

Taft Point hike(2 hours)

2.2-mile round trip to a dramatic cliff edge with natural fissures you can peer through to the valley 3,000 feet below. No railings at the point itself — vertigo warning. The view of El Capitan from across the valley is stunning

Packed lunch at Glacier Point(30 minutes)

No food for sale at Glacier Point — pack everything from the valley

Four Mile Trail descent(3 hours)

If you arranged a shuttle, hike the 4.6-mile trail from Glacier Point down to the valley floor (3,200 ft descent). Steep but all downhill. Continuous views. Knees will feel it. Alternatively, drive back

Free morning in the valley(2 hours)

Sleep in or revisit a favorite meadow. Cook breakfast at your campsite or grab coffee at Degnan's

Drive to Mariposa Grove(1 hour)

South entrance of the park. Free shuttle from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (mandatory in summer). 500+ mature giant sequoias, some over 2,000 years old

Grizzly Giant Loop trail(1.5 hours)

2-mile flat loop past the Grizzly Giant (1,900 years old, 209 feet tall) and the California Tunnel Tree (walk-through opening). The scale of these trees defies comprehension. You need to stand next to one to understand

Lunch at Wawona Hotel(1.5 hours)

Historic 1879 hotel near Mariposa Grove. The dining room serves seasonal California cuisine ($15-25). The veranda with the lawn view is pure 19th century

Afternoon rest or Wawona swimming hole(2 hours)

The South Fork of the Merced River near Wawona has swimming holes. Locals know them — ask at the hotel. Cool mountain water, granite slabs for sunbathing

Option A: Half Dome cables route(12 hours)

14-16 miles round trip, 4,737 ft elevation gain. Permit required (lottery at recreation.gov in March, $10). Start by 5:30AM. The cables section is the crux — near-vertical granite with metal cables to pull yourself up. Physically and mentally demanding. Bring 4+ liters water, food, headlamp, gloves for cables

Option B: Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls(5 hours)

If no Half Dome permit. 7-mile round trip to both falls. Vernal Fall (317 ft) soaks you with mist on the granite staircase — wear quick-dry clothes. Nevada Fall (594 ft) at the top is equally dramatic. Strenuous but shorter. Start by 8AM. The granite staircase along Vernal Fall is the park's most iconic hike

Recovery at Curry Village(2 hours)

Post-hike beer at the Curry Village Pizza Patio ($8-10). Lie on the grass and stare at the granite walls. You earned it

Drive Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows(2 hours)

Open late May-October (check nps.gov). 60 miles of alpine scenery — granite domes, lakes, and subalpine meadows. Stop at Olmsted Point for a back-side view of Half Dome and Tenaya Lake for photos

Tenaya Lake(1 hour)

A stunning high-alpine lake ringed by granite domes. The beach on the east end is one of the park's only sandy shores. Water is cold but swimmable in August. Free

Lunch at Tuolumne Meadows Grill(45 minutes)

Seasonal food stand. Burgers, fries, soft serve. The meadows stretch for miles — wildflowers in July are extraordinary

Lembert Dome hike(2 hours)

2.8-mile round trip to the top of a glacially polished granite dome. Moderate. 360-degree views of the meadows, Cathedral Range, and the High Sierra backcountry. The granite surface is grippy — climb right up

Return to valley via Tioga Road sunset(2 hours)

The return drive at sunset is magical. Stop at Olmsted Point for golden light on the granite landscape

Sunrise at Valley View(45 minutes)

Drive to Valley View (Hwy 41 near Bridalveil Fall entrance) for the classic sunrise panorama — El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall framed by the Merced River. The mist in the valley at dawn is otherworldly

Last walk in the valley(1 hour)

Cook's Meadow loop (1 mile) for final views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point from the valley floor

Breakfast at The Ahwahnee(1 hour)

Even if not staying, the Sunday brunch or weekday breakfast in the grand dining room ($20-30) is worth it for the architecture alone. The room has 34-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the granite walls

Drive out(3 hours)

To Fresno (FAT, 2.5 hours) or SFO (4 hours). Stop at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center in Wawona on the way out if time allows

Drive to Yosemite(3 hours)

From FAT (95mi) or SFO (195mi). Timed-entry $2 at recreation.gov May-Sep. Park: $35/vehicle

Tunnel View(30 minutes)

El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome panorama. Fills by 10AM

Check in(1 hour)

Curry Village ($150-200), Valley Lodge ($250-350), Ahwahnee ($500+). Book 5+ months ahead

Yosemite Village(1.5 hours)

Visitor Center, Ansel Adams Gallery, Village Store. Free shuttle every 10-20 min

El Capitan Meadow sunset(1 hour)

Binoculars to spot climbers on the 3,000-ft wall

Lower Yosemite Fall(1 hour)

1-mile loop. Spray soaks you May-June. Dry by late August

Valley bike loop(3 hours)

$12/hour rental. 12-mile paved loop past El Capitan, Bridalveil, Cathedral Rocks

Lunch at Degnan's(45 minutes)

Pizza, sandwiches $10-15

Bridalveil Fall(45 minutes)

620-ft fall. 0.5-mile walk. Dramatic mist

Sentinel Dome sunset(2 hours)

2.2-mile round trip. 360-degree views including Half Dome

Drive to Glacier Point(1 hour)

Open late May-Oct. Arrive early. Half Dome at eye level

Glacier Point views(1.5 hours)

Multiple viewpoints. Overhanging rock photo spot

Taft Point hike(2 hours)

2.2-mile round trip to cliff edge with fissures. No railings. El Capitan views

Four Mile Trail descent(3 hours)

4.6 miles, 3,200 ft descent. Continuous views. Arrange shuttle

Mariposa Grove shuttle(1 hour)

500+ sequoias, some 2,000+ years old. Mandatory shuttle in summer

Grizzly Giant Loop(1.5 hours)

2-mile flat loop. Grizzly Giant (1,900 years), California Tunnel Tree

Lunch at Wawona Hotel(1.5 hours)

1879 hotel. Seasonal cuisine $15-25. Veranda views

Swimming at Wawona(2 hours)

South Fork Merced swimming holes. Granite slabs for sunbathing

Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls(5 hours)

7 miles round trip. Vernal (317 ft) soaks you on the staircase. Nevada (594 ft) at top. Strenuous. Start by 8AM. Quick-dry clothes essential

Recovery at Curry Village(2 hours)

Pizza Patio beer ($8-10). Lie on grass staring at granite

Tioga Road drive(2 hours)

Open late May-Oct. 60 miles. Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake stops

Tenaya Lake(1 hour)

Alpine lake with granite domes. Sandy beach. Cold but swimmable Aug

Lunch at Tuolumne Grill(45 minutes)

Burgers, soft serve. Wildflower meadows

Lembert Dome(2 hours)

2.8 mi round trip. Glacially polished granite. 360-degree views

Option A: Half Dome(12 hours)

14-16 mi, 4,737 ft gain. Permit required (lottery March, $10). Start 5:30AM. Cables section near-vertical. 4+ liters water, gloves, headlamp

Option B: Clouds Rest(8 hours)

14.5 mi round trip from Tioga Road. No permit needed. The summit view of Half Dome from above is arguably better than from Half Dome itself. Less crowded. Knife-edge final ridge

Cook's Meadow stroll(1 hour)

1-mile loop. Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point views from the valley floor

Lunch at Ahwahnee dining room(1.5 hours)

34-foot ceilings, granite wall windows. Brunch $20-30

Indian Village of Ahwahnee(45 minutes)

Reconstructed Miwok/Paiute village. Bark houses, acorn grinding rocks. Free

Evening program at campfire(1 hour)

Rangers give evening talks at various amphitheaters. Free. Check schedule at visitor center

North Dome hike(5 hours)

9.4-mile round trip from Tioga Road (Porcupine Creek trailhead). The view of Half Dome from North Dome — dead-on at eye level across the valley — is the park's best. Moderate difficulty. Fewer people than valley trails

Evening at Mirror Lake(1.5 hours)

2-mile flat loop from the valley shuttle. The lake reflects Half Dome in spring (may be dry by late summer). The wetland area has excellent birding

Drive to Hetch Hetchy(1.5 hours)

40 miles from the valley via Big Oak Flat Road. The reservoir flooded a valley John Muir said rivaled Yosemite Valley itself. Gate opens 8AM

Wapama Falls hike(4 hours)

5 miles round trip along the reservoir. Two major waterfalls: Tueeulala Falls and Wapama Falls (1,400 ft). The trail crosses granite ledges above the reservoir. In spring the falls can flood the trail — check conditions. Dramatic and wild

Sunrise at Valley View(1 hour)

The classic Merced River reflection shot with El Capitan. Mist in the valley at dawn

Ansel Adams Gallery workshop(2 hours)

The gallery offers free photography walks and workshops. Check schedule. Even without a formal program, the staff share tips on iconic viewpoints

Afternoon at Swinging Bridge(1.5 hours)

Meadow area with Yosemite Falls reflections. The best afternoon light for photography

Sunset at Tunnel View(1.5 hours)

Return for sunset colors. The valley fills with golden light from the west

Drive east on Tioga Road(1.5 hours)

Through Tuolumne Meadows and over 9,945-ft Tioga Pass. The east side of the Sierra drops dramatically into the Great Basin

Mono Lake South Tufa(1.5 hours)

Walk among the otherworldly limestone tufa towers rising from the alkaline lake. $3/person. The lake is 2-3x saltier than the ocean. Brine shrimp turn it pink. 2 million migratory birds visit annually

Lunch at Whoa Nellie Deli, Lee Vining(1 hour)

Inside a Mobil gas station but serving unexpectedly excellent food — fish tacos ($14), lobster taquitos ($16). A legendary roadside stop. Open April-November

Bodie Ghost Town(2 hours)

30 miles north of Lee Vining (last 3 miles unpaved). A perfectly preserved 1880s gold mining ghost town. $8/adult. 170+ buildings frozen in 'arrested decay.' One of California's most evocative sites. Open daily in summer

Last swim at Sentinel Beach(1.5 hours)

Sandy beach on the Merced River near Swinging Bridge. Calm current, cold water. The classic valley swimming spot

Sunrise at Valley View(45 minutes)

One last dawn with the Merced River reflections

Breakfast at Ahwahnee(1 hour)

Grand dining room farewell

Drive out(3 hours)

To FAT (2.5h) or SFO (4h). Stop at Pioneer History Center if time allows

Drive to Yosemite(3 hours)

From FAT (95mi) or SFO (195mi). Timed-entry $2 May-Sep. Park $35/vehicle

Tunnel View(30 minutes)

Classic panorama. Fills by 10AM

Check in(1 hour)

Curry Village $150-200, Valley Lodge $250-350, Ahwahnee $500+

Yosemite Village(1.5 hours)

Visitor Center, Ansel Adams Gallery. Free shuttle

El Capitan Meadow sunset(1 hour)

Binoculars for climber-spotting on the 3,000-ft wall

Lower Yosemite Fall(1 hour)

1-mile loop. Peak spray May-June

Valley bike loop(3 hours)

$12/hr. 12-mile paved loop

Bridalveil Fall(45 minutes)

620 ft. 0.5-mile walk

Sentinel Dome sunset(2 hours)

2.2-mi round trip. 360-degree views

Drive to Glacier Point(1 hour)

Open late May-Oct. Half Dome at eye level

Taft Point(2 hours)

2.2 mi. Cliff edge with fissures. No railings

Four Mile Trail descent(3 hours)

4.6 mi, 3,200 ft down. Arrange shuttle

Mariposa Grove(1 hour)

500+ sequoias. Free shuttle

Grizzly Giant Loop(1.5 hours)

2-mi. 1,900-year-old Grizzly Giant

Wawona Hotel lunch(1.5 hours)

1879 hotel. $15-25

Swimming holes(2 hours)

South Fork Merced. Granite slabs

Mist Trail(5 hours)

7 mi. Vernal (317 ft) and Nevada (594 ft). Start 8AM. Quick-dry clothes

Recovery at Curry Village(2 hours)

Pizza Patio beer $8-10

Tioga Road drive(2 hours)

60 miles. Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake(1 hour)

Sandy beach. Cold swimmable Aug

Lembert Dome(2 hours)

2.8 mi. Polished granite. 360 views

Option A: Half Dome(12 hours)

14-16 mi, 4,737 ft. Permit lottery. Cables. Start 5:30AM

Option B: Clouds Rest(8 hours)

14.5 mi from Tioga Rd. No permit. Knife-edge ridge. View of Half Dome from above

Cook's Meadow(1 hour)

1-mi loop. Classic valley views

Ahwahnee lunch(1.5 hours)

34-ft ceilings. Brunch $20-30

Indian Village(45 minutes)

Miwok/Paiute reconstruction. Free

Ranger campfire program(1 hour)

Free evening talks

North Dome hike(5 hours)

9.4 mi from Porcupine Creek. Dead-on Half Dome view. Fewer people

Mirror Lake evening(1.5 hours)

2-mi loop. Half Dome reflection (spring). Birding

Drive to Hetch Hetchy(1.5 hours)

40 mi. Gate opens 8AM

Wapama Falls hike(4 hours)

5 mi. Two waterfalls (1,400 ft combined). Granite ledges above reservoir

Sunrise at Valley View(1 hour)

Merced reflection, El Capitan. Dawn mist

Ansel Adams Gallery(2 hours)

Free photo walks and workshops

Swinging Bridge meadow(1.5 hours)

Yosemite Falls reflections. Afternoon light

Tioga Road east(1.5 hours)

Over 9,945-ft pass into the Great Basin

Mono Lake South Tufa(1.5 hours)

Tufa towers, alkaline lake. $3. 2M migratory birds

Whoa Nellie Deli lunch(1 hour)

Gas station with amazing food. Fish tacos $14. Legendary

Bodie Ghost Town(2 hours)

30 mi N. 170+ buildings in arrested decay. $8. Evocative

Sentinel Beach swim(1.5 hours)

Merced River sandy beach. Cold, calm

Upper Yosemite Falls trail(7 hours)

7.2 mi round trip, 2,700 ft gain. The most strenuous popular hike in the park. Views from the top are extraordinary — look down the full 2,425-ft drop. Columbia Rock (halfway) is the bailout point with excellent views. Start by 7AM. 3+ liters water

Merced Grove hike(2.5 hours)

3-mile round trip to a grove of about 20 giant sequoias. Moderate (downhill in, uphill out). You may have the entire grove to yourself. Trailhead on Big Oak Flat Road

Crane Flat area(1.5 hours)

Tuolumne Grove (another small sequoia grove, 2.5 mi round trip) and the Crane Flat fire lookout road for views

Lunch at Crane Flat store(45 minutes)

Basic supplies and snacks. The gas station here is one of the few in the park

Chilnualna Falls trail(5 hours)

8.2 mi round trip, 2,200 ft gain near Wawona. A series of cascades ending at a massive granite-walled fall. Far fewer hikers than valley trails. The upper falls section through granite-slab country is spectacular

Pioneer Yosemite History Center(1 hour)

In Wawona. Historic buildings, covered bridge, horse-drawn stage rides in summer. Free

Wawona Hotel veranda(1.5 hours)

Sit on the grand veranda with a drink and watch the lawn. This is what 19th-century Yosemite tourism looked like

May Lake trail(3 hours)

2.4 mi round trip from Tioga Road. A granite-rimmed alpine lake beneath Mt. Hoffmann (10,850 ft). Easy-moderate. The High Sierra Camp at the lake offers tent-cabin stays (lottery system, $400+/night). The lake color is deep blue-green

Optional Mt. Hoffmann summit(3 hours)

From May Lake, a scramble to the 10,850-ft summit (2 mi each way, 1,500 ft gain). The geographic center of the park. Panoramic views of the entire High Sierra. Class 2 scramble — only for experienced hikers

Afternoon at Tenaya Lake(2 hours)

Cool down at the alpine beach

Drive to Sequoia NP(3 hours)

Via Fresno and Hwy 198. Entry covered by Yosemite's America the Beautiful pass. The drive through the Sierra foothills is scenic

General Sherman Tree(1 hour)

The largest living tree on Earth by volume — 275 ft tall, 102 ft circumference. Short paved walk from parking. The scale is humbling even after Yosemite's sequoias

Congress Trail loop(1.5 hours)

2-mile loop past some of the largest trees including the President and the Senate Group. Paved, easy. Fewer visitors than Yosemite's groves

Lunch at Lodgepole Market(45 minutes)

In Sequoia NP. Deli sandwiches, pizza. $8-12

Moro Rock(45 minutes)

A granite dome with 400 stairs to a summit panorama of the Great Western Divide. Vertigo-inducing but incredible

Sunrise at Valley View(1 hour)

The classic shot one last time

Final valley walk(2 hours)

Visit any spots you missed or want to see again

Last swim(1.5 hours)

Sentinel Beach or Wawona swimming holes

Final Tunnel View sunset(1 hour)

The farewell view that started it all

Breakfast at Ahwahnee(1 hour)

Grand dining room farewell

Drive out(3 hours)

To FAT (2.5h) or SFO (4h)