Are you looking for a complete itinerary to help you explore the magnificence of Yosemite National Park in 2, 3 or 4 days? If so, then prepare to be amazed by all there is to see and do in Yosemite…. – from towering granite peaks, to lush meadows full of wildflowers and secret waterfalls tucked away behind giant boulders.
I’ve created a very detailed Yosemite Itinerary, with a full day plan for you of hikes, activities, where to stay, where to eat and where to get your morning coffee (cause you’ll need some energy for the adventures ahead!), things to see in Yosemite and some unique things to do in Yosemite.
Yes, I did all the planning for you, so you won’t have to spend time researching, so just grab this 2, 3 or 4 days Yosemite itinerary and enjoy your trip!
One have 1 day to spend in Yosemite? Read this itinerary:
Now, let’s explore the top things to do in Yosemite in 2 days!
2 Days in Yosemite Itinerary
So, how do you spend two days in Yosemite? If you want to spend your weekend in Yosemite, let’s make sure you do all the best things from what Yosemite has to offer. To maximize your time, arrive at the park as early as you can. Preferably before the sunset, so you can see the sunset at one of the most beautiful Yosemite spots.
DAY 1
- First, stop near the Yosemite Park Entrance Sign to snap the photo, because why not?
- Wawona Tunnel + Tunnel View
Have your camera ready when you drive through 4,233-foot-long Wawona Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in California.
When you exit the tunnel, you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking view of the Yosemite Valley. Make sure to record the drive exiting the tunnel – you’ll love the video!
Right after the tunnel, turn left to a parking lot and enjoy the Tunnel View Overlook – the most iconic spot in the park, that features the biggest attractions in the park – entire Yosemite Valley including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls.
Spend some time here, enjoying the view and snapping some photos.
- After that, continue with the tour around the Yosemite Valley. The road goes with one way traffic around the valley, so we will make stops along the road.
- El Captain. Right after entering the valley, you will see the famous El Captain, that Alex Honnold from Free Solo climbed (If you have-not watched FREE SOLO documentary, I highly recommend doing it before visiting the park). Stop the car, to admire its beauty and spot some climbers.
- Bridal Veil Falls – is the next stop and the first waterfall in the Yosemite Valley Loop. It’s short 0.5 mile stroll to a waterfall. Takes about 20 min total.
- Cathedral Beach – will be the next stop. It’s a picnic area with the views of the famous El Capitan rock mountain and the reflections from the Merced River. You can have your breakfast/snack here.
- Swinging Bridge – From the bridge, you will enjoy your first glorious view of Yosemite Falls. Spend some time walking around and enjoying the valley.
- Yosemite Valley Chapel – is only short walk away from the Swinging Bridge. It is such a beautiful and unique structure, in fact the oldest structure in the Yosemite. Interesting fact: you can get married there!
- Yosemite Museum and The Ansel Adams Gallery – I really liked the museum, which tells the history of Yosemite. On the backyard, you can find the old Indian village.
- Now you’ll probably be hungry for lunch. There’re various food options around Yosemite. I had the lunch at Base Camp Eatery – it’s a foodcourt inside the Yosemite Valley Lodge, very convenient location as I didn’t want to spend any extra time. Check out other dining options here!
- After a quick lunch, rent a bike (or bring your own) and make a loop around Yosemite Valley (you’ll get the map of the bike path from the bike rental place. The whole loops including the stops takes about 2 hours. It is the best way to explore the Yosemite Valley. (Alternatively, just go for a walk on the same loop).
- End you first night in Yosemite with a cup of hot cocoa (I got one at Base Camp Eatery) and stargazing. Far from large cities, the sky is clear is full of beautiful stars! Stargazing doesn’t get any better than this.
- Sipping on hot cocoa, I went on a little walk in the valley. Right after the sunset, we spotted some wild deers. Yosemite Valley is absolutely beautiful at the sunset!
Alternative options:
- Dinner! Have a luxurious dinner at the historic Ahwahnee Dining Room or the Mountain Room (need reservation for both), or grab more casual bite at Curry Village or Base Camp Eatery.
DAY 2 – Mist Trail
On the second day of the 2 day Yosemite itinerary, you’ll do the most beautiful hike in the YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – Mist Trail. You will see 2 amazing waterfalls, and unforgettable views of the park.
Start your day early, I recommend getting to the hike around 7am-8am, to avoid the heat and the crowds. We had a filling breakfast at the Base Camp Eatery, which is inside the Valley lodge hotel (thats why I loved staying in the Valley Lodge, everything is so close). I also prepared some snacks/sandwiches a day ahead, because the hike will take good half of your day!
Also, YOU WILL GET WET from the waterfalls, so dress accordingly.
I would highly recommend getting a good pair of hiking boots and the rain jacket if it’s a chilly day. The hike is not only steep, but you are walking alongside a powerful waterfall.
Parking: there was a plenty of parking in the Curry Village. Then you walk less than 1 mile to the start of the hike.
Along the Mist Trail, you have three options for stopping points: Base of Vernal Falls, Top of Vernal Falls, or top of Nevada Falls. My recommendation would be to do the top of Vernal Falls Top at least, and if you have time and energy continue on to the very top of Nevada Falls. You are going to LOVE the views!
- Vernal Fall Base: 1.6 miles round trip / 1.5 hours / Rated Moderate
- Vernal Fall Top: 2.4 miles round trip / 3 hours / Rated Strenuous
- Nevada Fall Top: 5.4 miles round trip / 5-6 hours / Rated Strenuous
It took us around 6 hours to complete the hike. We didn’t rush and spent enough time enjoying the views, taking pictures and taking some snack breaks.
AFTER THE HIKE: walk back to your parking at the Curry Village and reward yourself with delicious hand tossed pizza from Pizza Deck. There’s outdoor patio, and you can enjoy the drink from the bar next door while waiting for pizza. If you prefer something else, there’re other options available there!
After that, head back to the hotel to shower and relax by the pool/jacuzzi. Yosemite Valley Lodge had a pool, so we spent 1 hour just soaking in the pool.
And to finish the day 2, head over to SENTINEL BRIDGE to see the sunset. Sentinel bridge is located in the middle of the Yosemite Valley and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
So, how do you spend 3 days in Yosemite National Park?
3 Days in Yosemite Itinerary
DAY 1 and Day 2 will be the same as in itinerary above.
DAY 3
- To start your day 3 in Yosemite, I recommend waking up early and walking to get your coffee and breakfast at Degnan’s Kitchen. This place has outdoor patio, so you get to enjoy your morning coffee right in the middle of the Yosemite Valley. They have great coffee, breakfast options, and unique flavors of croissants (which were amazing!).
- We stayed in Yosemite Valley Lodge, so the walk took us about 15 min. The wildlife and nature is beautiful in the early hours, so you get to enjoy it without the crowds.
- On the way to get coffee, stop at the Lower Yosemite Falls. No hiking required, and you get the falls all to yourself. The crowds start to gather at 9am.
After the Lower Yosemite Falls, continue your way to Degnan’s kitchen.
- After your morning coffee, you can explore the Yosemite Museum and The Ansel Adams Gallery, if you haven’t already, which are in the same location. I really loved the Yosemite museum, where you can learn about the Yosemite history. Don’t forget to check out the small Indian village on the backyard.
- Now you have half of the day left to explore The Glacier Road, one of the best Yosemite attractions. Make sure to check the road is open here (it was closed for construction when we went there).
The Glacier Road
There are 3 main viewpoints on the Glacier Road, which are very close together. The drive to the top will take about 1 hour.
Washburn Point – will be your first stop. This is a viewpoint, no hiking required and ample parking is available.
Glacier Point – is your next stop. No hiking required as well, and you will get a beautiful view of the valley. Both Washburn point and Glacier point are great spots to see the sunsets, that don’t require any walking.
Taft Point- is the last stop. It is probably the most beautiful viewpoint, but it does require a 2.2 mile round trip hike, which is relatively easy. It is a perfect spot for a sunset!
If you’re leaving next day and have some time in the morning, I recommend booking a brunch experience at the historical Ahwahnee Hotel. It is a buffet style breakfast, with live piano music in a majestic dining room.If you can splurge, you’ll love this unforgettable experience.
Now, how do you spend 4 days in Yosemite National Park?
4 Days in Yosemite Itinerary
If you’re lucky enough to have 4 full days in Yosemite, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the best of what Yosemite has to offer.
DAY 1, Day 2 and Day 3 will be the same as in itinerary above.
DAY 4
- Start your last day in the Yosemite with a fabulous breakfast experience at the historical Ahwahnee Hotel. The breakfast is buffet style, in gorgeous classy dining room with a live piano music. This experience is truly unforgettable.
If you cannot attend the breakfast there, simply have your breakfast anywhere else in the valley, and head to the Ahwahnee Hotel after to explore it.
- After finishing your breakfast, grab a complimentary coffee or tea to go, and spend some time exploring the majestic Ahwahnee hotel. I heard you can even get a free 1-hour tour of the hotel, so make sure to ask. Don’t forget to walk around the hotel territory, which is beautiful.
- You can also grab a mid day drink in the cozy bar inside the Ahwahnee Hotel.
- Next, spend half of the day exploring the Mariposa Grove.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Head over to Mariposa Grove, to explore the thousand year old sequoias. Make sure to grab some lunch/snacks before heading there, as there will be no stores/restaurants. Mariposa Grove is about 1 hour drive from the Yosemite Valley, right at the South Entrance. So if you’re coming to the Yosemite from the south entrance (Los Angeles, San Diego), I recommend seeing Mariposa Grove on your way in the park on the 1st day, or your way out (last day).
Once you park, you will have 2 options – either take a shuttle directly to grove (it stops close to the parking lot), or walk a 2 mile scenic trail to reach Mariposa Grove (that’s what I did, but only if you have extra time, because all the sequoias are in the grove).
Once you reach Mariposa Grove, there are few options as well:
- Short 0.3 mile walk on a raised platform to see a Fallen Monarch.
- Grizzly Giant Loop trail (2 miles) to see the Fallen Monarch, Bachelor & Three Graces, and the most famous point Grizzly Giant (estimated to be over 2,700 years old), and the California Tunnel Tree (you can walk through the tree). I recommend doing the Grizzly Giant loop.
- Don’t forget to taste the Yosemite Water at the visitor center – it’s the spring water from the mountains, and tastes amazing!
Other Options
- Upper Yosemite Falls hike – is 7.6 mile round-trip hike, that requires a bit of climbing. It is a popular hike, with stunning view on the entire Yosemite Valley.
- Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias – while it is less popular than Mariposa Grove, there are also less crowds. If it is on your way, it could be a great stop.
- Tenaya Lake
- Yosemite Valley Hikes – there are numerous great easy and moderate hikes. Easy – Cook’s Meadow Loop (1mile), Lower Yosemite Fall Trail (1 mile), Mirror Lake Loop (2 miles). Moderate – Valley Loop Trail (6.5 miles, Four Mile Trail (4.8 miles).
Where is Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite National Park is located in the (Sierra Nevada mountain range of) Central California approximately 200 miles southeast of San Francisco.
TIP: When you put the navigation, make sure to enter: “Yosemite Valley” in your maps, not just “Yosemite”. Since the park is huge, you’ll need the more precise location.
How far is Yosemite from San Francisco – 170 miles (3.5 hours)
How far is Yosemite from Los Angeles or LAX – 300 miles (5 hours)
How far is Yosemite from Las Vegas – 486 miles (8.5 hours)
How far is Yosemite from San Diego – 430.4 mi (8 hr 30 min)
Yosemite Entrances
Yosemite National Park features five entrances. Which entrance to use to enter the Yosemite depends simply on the location where you coming from.
- Big Oak Flat Entrance (If you drive from San Francisco)
- Arch Rock Entrance (hwy 140, alternative entrance if you come from San Francisco, less crowded)
- South Entrance (If you drive from Los Angeles, San Diego)
- Tioga Pass Entrance (East, if you drive from Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe or Death Valley)
- Hetch Hetchy Entrance (hwy 120) – secluded, and doesn’t lead to major attractions.
Airport close to Yosemite National Park
Since Yosemite is far from major airports, most people will fly into a major city, rent a car and road trip to the park. So, What city do you fly into for Yosemite?
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest airport to Yosemite, 2h15 min drive to Yosemite Valley
- Sacramento – 3.5 hours to the Valley
- Oakland – 3 hours and 45 minutes to the Valley
- San Francisco – 4 hours to the Valley
- Reno – 4.5 hours to the Valley
Public Transportation to Yosemite
Amtrak and Greyhound both have some options. Click here for more info on how to get to Yosemite by public transportation.
Getting Around Yosemite National Park
The best way to get around Yosemite is by car, since it’s remote from major cities. There’s a free shuttle system in the park. Since the parking is very limited in the Yosemite, it is recommended to just park the car and use the shuttle.
Another option to explore the park is using the bike. There are over 12 miles of paved bike paths available in Yosemite Valley, so it’s a great way to explore the valley! You can bring your own or rent one. Bike rental info.
Best Month to Visit Yosemite National Park?
So when is the best time to see Yosemite? Whichever season you go, you will have completely different amazing experience! If it is your first time, I recommend late Spring and Summer. This way you can see the most the park has to offer.
Yosemite in Winter: At Yosemite National Park, winter is a magical, awe-inspiring time. From November until April, usually the most snow accumulation happens allowing visitors’ to truly capture the beauty and tranquility of the park. They come for activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing and more.
Yosemite in Spring: Great time to visit the park -Between April and June, the landscape comes alive with lush greens and vibrant hues of wildlife and wildflowers. Enjoy the park’s majestic waterfalls in full force and nice weather for hikes.
Yosemite in Summer: The most popular time, and my favorite one. You’ll get to enjoy warm weather and most waterfalls are still flowing. But keep in mind it gets crowded.
Yosemite in Fall: Although the park is beautiful in its’ autumn colors, the waterfalls are not flowing, which is the major experience in the park. Also, it’s a fire season in California, so make sure to check the conditions before going. On the other hand, you will enjoy the park in the vibrant red and yellow colors, and with less crowds.
How Many Days in Yosemite is Enough?
So how many days do you need to see YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK? The park is HUGE with endless hikes and viewpoints to explore, you could easily spend the weeks here. But let’s be realistic – I believe 3-4 days is perfect to see the most highlights of the park and Yosemite must see. But everyone vacation time possibilities are different so I created 1 DAY YOSEMITE Itinerary, 2 DAY Itinerary, 3 DAY Itinerary , 4 DAY Itinerary and some extra ideas if you get time for that! So keep, on reading!
Where to Stay in Yosemite – Yosemite National Park Lodging
Best places to stay in Yosemite
I definitely recommend staying inside the park if possible. This way you will get the real experience of the park. Staying inside the valley, 5 minutes away from the waterfall, takes the Yosemite experience to a whole NEW LEVEL! Trust me! After sunset walks through the valley before going to bed (we did spot the wild deers every single night!), hot chocolate while admiring the stars, and early morning walks to the waterfalls, when nature is quiet without the usual crowds.
There’re a couple of options inside the Valley:
$ Camping and Curry Village – the most affordable options within the park.
$$ Yosemite Valley Lodge – the most popular option, you need to book it way in advance! Also, a little trick that I figured out is to check the for available room 1-2 weeks in advance (I guess sometimes people cancel reservations, that’s how I was able to get the room last minute)
$$$ The Ahwahnee – the famous and luxury hotel
Personally, I stayed in Yosemite Valley Lodge and absolutely loved it. It’s a perfect location in my opinion, only 5 min aways from waterfalls, coffee shops and restaurants, has a pool, and bike rentals.
Where to Stay Near Yosemite Valley
Tenaya Lodge – located in the mountains, only 2 miles away from the Yosemite Park.
Valley View Lodge – located in a city of El Portal, only 20 min away from Yosemite Valley.
Wawona Hotel – historic hotel, 10 min away from south entrance.
Click here to see availability and prices of accommodation near Yosemite National Park.
Air BnB is always a great idea, but you will be further from the park!
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee
$35/vehicle (valid for seven days) or OR if you plan to visit more parks in the next 12 months I suggest you purchase the America the Beautiful Pass ($80) which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks!
Wrapping up, these are the 2,3 and 4 days in Yosemite Itinerary packed with all the must-see and must-do activities, best hikes, coffee and dining spots, as well as photography spots for you! You can easily change the days, switch the activities or cross out some if you prefer more relaxing vacation.
FAQ about Yosemite
Yes, two full days is a good amount of time to explore the park, read the 2 day itinerary here. Although, 4 days is perfect to see the most.
Yosemite comes from the Indian word “uzumate,” which meant grizzly bear.
Approximately 1,200 square miles in size
Yosemite National Park is renowned for its stunning granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, lush meadows, ancient sequoias and myriad wildlife.
That’s a wrap up! Here you have it – everything you need to know about spending 2,3,4 days in Yosemite, exploring beautiful Yosemite valley and beyond! I hope this guide will convince you to visit Yosemite National Park, as it is truly the trip of a lifetime! Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited, and I can’t wait to go back! If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below!
Thanks so much for stopping buy! I hope you will LOVE your Yosemite Vacation!
My Yosemite Outfits Links
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