The climbing season runs from April to October. To start off day two, I would recommend walking to Yosemite Village to grab some coffee at Degnans Kitchen. 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. Just after, take a left at the junction to stay on the Mist Trail and start climbing up steep granite steps. Looking for a perfect winter destination in California? 10 Things you NEED to Know Before Traveling to Yosemite! Beginners can take a course through the Yosemite Mountaineering School, which also offers more advanced classes and guided climbs. This is a great time to photograph Half Dome, El Capitan, and, along Glacier Point Road. Enjoy great views of Bridalveil Falls. There is also a daily lottery two days beforehand. Stop for a bite at the Whoa Nelly Deli an award winning deli inside a Mobil Gas Station in Lee Vining. Head up to Tuolumne Meadows and hike to Grant Lakes or Ten Lakes, or take the Vogelsang Loop. sequoias guided nationalpark parco getyourguide visite gregorio sequoia alcatraz daagse tagestour groveland For specifics, I walked to coffee between 7am-8am every morning. Head along Southside Drive with a stop at Sentinel Beach and then Sentinel Bridge for views of Half Dome in the Merced River. TIP: I would HIGHLY recommend starting the hike early in the morning! Its steep but fairly short. At 7,214 feet, and 3,214 feet above the valley floor, Glacier Point offers one of the best views of the park, a stunning panorama of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, three waterfalls, Tenaya Canyon, and distant mountain peaks and domes. Many people turn around at this spot. N. ext up is the short trail to Lower Yosemite Falls. Both areas are good spots to find climbing partners and beta. The walk from Yosemite Valley Lodge to Degnans Kitchen is about 15 minutes and is where I saw bears every single morning. You will also get a clearer view of Yosemite Valley! 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. Be careful at the edge. This is the only spot in the park where I realized how deep the Yosemite Valley is! You do not need a day-use reservation if taking YARTS, but you still need to pay the entrance fee. For backpacking and overnight stays in the wilderness in Yosemite, a wilderness permit is required. Glacier Point is also just a viewpoint not a hike! Spend your third day exploring the Yosemite high country along Tioga Road. Here are even more things to do that you can add to your Yosemite National Park itinerary. Or if you want to see both the mountains and the coastline, you can head inland to spend Two Days in Yosemite National Park! You can definitely earn your views here. I personally went in the fall months, which was amazing, but I would recommend visiting in the spring. The Mist trail to Vernal falls will give you gorgeous, expansive views the entire way to the top. Theres a chance this free guide contains affiliate links.

Expect crowds, though they are not as bad as in the summer. Choose which direction to go based on where you want to end up (for sunset).

The trailhead for Upper Yosemite Falls can be found near Camp 4. Visit during the week, and early in the day, to avoid peak crowds. Here is my Two Day Yosemite Itinerary if you are planning a trip out there after visiting the springs. An avid traveler, she enjoys exploring the mountains, oceans, and everything in between. The hike is relatively easy and STUNNING! The main downside of Summer is it can get very hot when you are hiking and the crowds are still extremely busy.. meaning you will have to wait for parking at most viewpoints. Just ahead is Taft Point, where there is sometimes a wait for photos. . Continue up to the top of Nevada Falls, then come back down along the John Muir Trail. Be sure to bring a head lamp for the walk back after sunset. You can find everything from an easy and flat stroll to a thigh-burner of epic proportions. Clark, Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, North Dome, and Sentinel Dome. I would recommend getting their early to watch the sunset so you can guarantee yourself parking! I have always dreamed of visiting this incredible location, and it lived [], [] Yosemite National Park is incredible. Once you get out of the forest area, you will begin to see the edge of the mountain peaking down to the valley. An EPIC Tulum Bachelorette Party Itinerary 5 Days in Paradise. Combine two popular hikes and viewpoints in this one loop, or choose either Sentinel Dome or Taft Point if youre short on time. This itinerary assumes you have two full days to explore the park. 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. Stop for a late breakfast or an early lunch and a peek inside the historic Victorian-style Wawona Hotel. Both are popular for sunset, and there may be a wait for the best photo spots. This park is HUGE! TIP: El Capitan Meadows is on the way to Tunnel View. Afterwards, head to El Capitan Meadow for a view straight up El Capitan plus great views of Cathedral Rocks. Spend your second day admiring giant sequoia trees and several incredible panoramic viewpoints in Yosemite. Is there a print friendly version of your epic 2 day itinerary? Plan an Unforgettable California Adventure. You can enjoy a cold dip in the waters, a hike around the lake, or look for climbers on the walls. 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. Find the trailhead near Camp 4. Yosemite National Park is in California and is amazing!! 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. Next up is Glacier Point, which will give you similar views to Washburn Point, but you will feel a lot closer to Half Dome. Theres a short spur trail just before the bridge that leads to an overlook of the falls. Jen is a freelance writer, photographer and content producer based near South Lake Tahoe. A separate permit is required for Half Dome. HI! If you continue further, youll reach the top of Lower Yosemite Falls. , VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Do not feed the wildlife, yes.. not even the squirrels! In this 2 day itinerary I will go over all the most breathtaking viewpoints and hikes, perfect for first-timers. Be sure to check out my Winter in Lake Tahoe Itinerary! The boardwalk wraps through the meadow, over bridges, across creeks, and gives you jaw-dropping views. On my trip, one of the two days in Yosemite was very smokey due to the wild fires near the park. There are a variety of closures for improvements, including a full closure of Glacier Point Road (more information here) and various campground closures (more information here). But most of the parking areas once you are inside the park are very small! 2022 Note: While entrance reservations are no longer required, youll want to confirm road status and campground statuses before your trip. More trail information and recent trail reports here, 7.2 miles, 3,000 feet elevation gain, difficult. Spend some time enjoying the beauty of Tuolumne Meadows, the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra and likely blanketed in wildflowers. To escape the crowds, consider taking the trail up to Inspiration Point. 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. Youll cross Tenaya Creek and several steep switchbacks on the eastern slope above Tenaya Canyon until you get to the top of the ridge. Are you ready for an epic 2 days in Yosemite?! Head back the way you came until you reach a junction, and continue left on the Pohono Trail, which will cut through a lovely meadow with flowers and views of Sentinel Dome. Theres an easy 1 mile loop trail that takes you to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. Waterfalls should all be flowing in early summer, though they start drying up after mid-summer. I think you would love these! For a more thrilling rafting experience, head west on Hwy 140 outside the park west of El Portal for Class III and IV rapids. Click here for all the information about Yosemites free shuttle! From the Happy Isles shuttle stop, cross over the Merced River and follow it upstream. Yosemite National Park is located in central California, just east of San Francisco. The ULTIMATE Bachelorette Party in Nashville Itinerary! Yosemite is massive, and you really need a car to get around, and for the most flexibility. Both are great for sunset. Here are my favorite pink tennis shoes I wear everywhere! Yosemite is by far my favorite national park to date, and I have no doubt it will be yours too! For even better views, head to the cliffs a bit further west of the point. Since it is far from major airports, most people will visit a major city, rent a car and road trip to the park. When mapping how far the airport is to Yosemite, make sure you plug Yosemite VALLEY into your maps, not Yosemite National Park. Even if you have just one day in Yosemite, you can still see many highlights in the valley, waterfalls, and spectacular viewpoints. 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. For more detail on each region, including the pros and cons for each area, youll definitely want to head there. For more information about this site's privacy policy, please click here. They have tons of signs to read and a few different viewing areas. Return on the John Muir trail. Last but not least is Taft Point! Bring binoculars or stop at nearby El Capitan Bridge for the seasonal Ask a Climber program. You will just need to park the car and walk over to the viewpoint. 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!! To reach the viewpoint, you will need to park and hike a little over a mile (2.2 miles round trip). Named for the Washburn brothers who built the Wawona Lodge, this overlook provides views of Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, Illilouette Falls, and the eastern crest of Sierra. 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. For those that want to earn their views, the Four Mile Trail from the valley floor is a good option. Heres the map of the route from the NPS website (more information here). This viewpoint is only a 15 minute drive from the valley, and is not a hike. Dangling your feet over the edge will get the palms sweating, but overall you feel very safe because the railing is preventing you from falling off. If you want to see famous viewpoints like Taft Point and Glacier Point, these are closed during the winter months. However, they will all be some distance from the valley, with a drive time of an hour in some cases. Spring is the best time to visit to see waterfalls at their fullest. Temperatures will drop, so bring layers. If youre visiting between May and July, rafting along the Merced River is a non-strenuous yet scenic way to explore the park. Youll want to book your accommodations well in advance, especially if you want to stay inside the park.

From Los Angeles, take I-5 north to Hwy-99 north. The closest airport for year-round access to the park is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (YAT), around 2 hours away. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Similar in appearance to Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy was flooded in 1923 to be a water supply for the city of San Francisco. Summer is the most popular time at the park. Its a popular viewpoint and the parking lot may be full, especially around sunset. [], [] I traveled there in October 2020 (click here to read my full itinerary), I was in complete awe. 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. It not only is bad for their ecosystem and their health, but it desensitizes them to humans and can lead to animal attacks. 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. Right after Sentinel Creek you have the option to take a side spur to Roosevelt Point. Campsites can be booked five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 am PST. Expect to take around 10 to 12 hours round trip. 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. The Hetch Hetchy entrance is just 1 mile away from the Big Oak Flat entrance. Plus, there were almost no crowds in the park which means I got front row parking to all of the view points. Click here to check out my one-click photo filters! . 5 miles, 1,100 feet elevation gain, easy/moderate. The hike is 16 miles round trip with 4,800 feet in elevation gain. Make sure to confirm shuttle status before finalizing plans that rely on them you can see the status here. This was my favorite viewpoint by far, the views were unmatched! Enjoy a picnic lunch or grab food at nearby Tuolumne Meadows Lodge or Tuolumne Meadows Grill. Seeing leaves falling and autumn colors fill the park is SO beautiful! Along the mist trail, you have three options for stopping points: Base of Vernal Falls, Top of Vernal Falls, or top of Nevada Falls. But especially if you want to stay in the Valley, where there are few options.

This is the first major waterfall you see as you enter the valley, and one that will be flowing year-round. Some of the waterfalls and lakes will be dried up at this time.

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). From mid-June to early October, a separate shuttle stops at El Capitan, Four Mile Trailhead, and the Valley Visitor Center. This way you are reducing your own carbon footprint (especially in a place with SO much natural beauty), and you dont have to worry about finding a parking spot at all the famous hikes / viewpoints. Head right for Sentinel Dome, or left to go to Taft Point first, with a gentle descent through the forest. There are a limited number available, and they must be applied for in advance. Its considered the highest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet, even though its technically three separate falls. If youve packed a lunch, feel free to enjoy it later on at one of the overlooks. Otherwise, wait until you are down in the valley to grab some food, with grab and go, fast casual, and fine dining options available. Expect to get wet along here. The following campgrounds are great, and should be booked well in advance (where applicable). You can rent rafts near Curry Village or bring your own. Float down the river 3 miles and catch a shuttle bus back. Here are some of the top lodging options outside the park. Head back to the trailhead on the Sentinel Dome Trail. Complete a waterfall trifecta with a visit to Yosemite Falls. Stop at Tuolumne Grove to explore another grove of sequoias (including the Tunnel Tree and Leaning Towering Tree). Climb up the steep granite steps to the top of Vernal Falls, where the Emerald Pool and Silver Apron are located. As always, if you have any questions about Yosemite, dont hesitate to ask in the comments below! If you only have 2 days in Yosemite, I would highly recommend spending a little extra money to stay in the Valley. Whichever season you choose to visit Yosemite, I think you will have a completely different experience! The upside is that you will see the entire valley turn colors, giving an entire new experience in the park. Looking for more California itineraries? Heading to California? I caught myself saying, WOW this is so beautiful, about 100x a day, ha! I think its pretty common sense to not try and feed a bear.. but theres a reason they put directions on shampoo bottles , TIP: Make sure you pack yourself a really good camera because Yosemite is full of picturesque spots! Heres a break down of every season, so you can make your own decision: In the winter, you will get to see the beautiful snow capped mountains and trees, no bears in sight, and no crowds! 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. The views around every corner are absolutely breath-taking. To enter at Arch Rock, take I-5 south instead of I-205 30 miles to Hwy 140 east. 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. If you have more or less time to visit Yosemite National Park, we have suggestions for you below the main itinerary. After about 1.2 miles and 1,200 feet, youll reach Columbia Rock, which offers great valley views. Its a quick walk from the parking lot to the overlook, where you can look straight down at the valley. If youve run out of time and sunset is fast approaching, stay put at Glacier Point. 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. 2.3 miles, 1,000 feet elevation gain, moderate. Start at the upper Tunnel View parking lot and climb up a series of switchbacks. Unfortunately when I visited the park in fall of 2020, the air quality / visibility was not good since there was a huge fire south of the park. 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. There are 13 developed campgrounds inside the park offering nearly 15,000 campsites. Welcome to Wild Willys Hot Springs Near Mammoth Lakes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are options near all the entrances to the park. Temperatures are still cool, so bring layers for hiking and outdoor activities. [] Psst.. Like adventurous travel with tons of hiking? End your day with sunset at Valley View, located on Northside Drive just before Pohono Bridge (here on Google Maps). Near the top of the falls, look for rainbows in the mist. My love for travel has taken me all over the world at only 24. I felt like I missed out on a huge part of Yosemite, but that just means I want to go back again . And take advantage of the many hot springs in the area. At Fresno, take Hwy 41 north 65 miles to the South Wawona entrance. I strive to share my travel journey to inspire YOU to see this beautiful world we live in! These 2 days in Yosemite are PACKED with the must-see sights, beautiful hikes, bear sighting tips, and tons of photography locations. Though always double check the status of Tioga Road at this time, as it may not be open for the season. Definitely bring your camera for this spot! Expect waits for parking spots, and crowds on trails. Afterwards, head to Valley View, another classic viewpoint great for photos. Drive to Cooks Meadow next. This hike takes you to the top of the highest waterfall in North America (though it is technically three separate falls). At 0.8 miles, youll reach the Vernal Falls footbridge. The hike starts up with a series of short but steep switchbacks. When I started the hike at 10am, most of the hike was in the shade still, making it way more enjoyable! There are quotas for each trailhead, 60 percent of which can be reserved in advance, with the remainder two weeks and up to four days in advance. More information on the hike here. This 2 day Yosemite National Park itinerary is based on my experience having explored Yosemite for more than 20 years. Most of the hike is directly in the sun towards the middle of the day. Here is a list of what I have in my camera bag. Tioga Road and Glacier Point may still be closed though, depending on the snowmelt. About halfway up, youll cross the old and overgrown Wawona Road. Washburn Point, Glacier Point & Taft Point. There is a free year-round shuttle bus that loops around Yosemite Valley on a regular basis. 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. 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. Theres also a Visitor Center across from the hotel. At other times of the year, when the wind picks up and moves the water from side to side, you see why the Ahwahneechee people called it Pohono, or Spirit of the Puffing Wind. Also, fire season in California is in the fall months. If youre visiting in the summer, stop at Sentinel Beach for a cool dip in the Merced River. You will walk through mossy forest until you reach the edge of the granite cliff. There are hundreds of trails in Yosemite, from day hikes to multi-day backpacking adventures. 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. This will save you so much driving time and give you time to see as many sights as possible! There are a few other places to stay inside the park. Afterwards, head to the Bridalveil Falls trailhead, and take the short trail to the base of the falls. The first stop is Washburn Point where you will get to see unobstructed views of the famous Half Dome! This is a good time to explore the High Sierra region off Tioga Pass Road, like Tuolumne Meadows. From the Happy Isles shuttle stop, its less than a mile to the Vernal Falls footbridge. 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)! Both hikes are just over 2 miles round trip, or you can combine them for a 5-mile loop.

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). Youll definitely want to come back for a more leisurely visit, but heres how to maximize your day, from sunrise to sunset. The short trail offers great views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock.

Get here early to grab a good spot, or consider visiting at sunrise to beat the crowds. On busy days, you may need to wait in a line to get your photo at Taft Point! If you want to help Yosemite with their conservation efforts, I would opt into taking their free shuttle! The trail is open between May and October and requires a permit. 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. There are a few options for accommodation inside the park: **I stayed in the Yosemite Valley Lodge and loved it! Weve got all sorts of super detailed, in-depth California travel guides written by locals to help you plan an amazing trip. Though there is still plenty to do and see with more time. If its clear out, you may want to spend some time stargazing as well. Check before you get to the park as wilderness permits are not always available at the park.

Sitemap 32