Last updated on March 9th, 2026
Looking for the ultimate Yosemite National Park itinerary? We’re sharing multiple itinerary options, for 1-6 days in the park!
We have been fortunate enough to visit Yosemite National Park multiple times, spending over a week in the park across both visits. And because of this, we have been able to experience a wide variety of what this park has to offer!
We’ve hiked the famous Mist Trail, rode bikes through the valley, seen the sunset from Glacier Point, walked among Giant Sequoias, visited underrated spots like Hetch Hetchy, and admired the gorgeous views from Tioga Road.
There are tons of incredible things to do in Yosemite and we’ve crafted the ultimate Yosemite National Park itinerary, with options for 1-6 days, to help you make the most out of your time in the park!
Check out all of our Yosemite National Park resources
- Plan the Ultimate California National Parks Road Trip! (3 itineraries)
- The 33+ BEST things to do in Yosemite National Park
- Where to stay in Yosemite National Park
- How to spend ONE day in Yosemite National Park
- The PERFECT 2 Day Yosemite National Park itinerary
- The 22 BEST hikes in Yosemite National Park
- The Best Day Hike in Yosemite: Four Mile, Panorama, & Mist Trail
- See more California National Park guides
Want to Learn More as you explore?
We highly suggest downloading the Guide Along – Yosemite (totally worth the cost!!) audio tours to navigate you on the road. Even when you don’t have service it knows where you are and provides commentary and history about the area. As well as alerts you when to stop for specific sights. These guides are fun to listen to and the narrator feels like a fun friend in the car with you!
How many days do you need in Yosemite?
While Yosemite National Park may be most famous for the jaw dropping Yosemite Valley, there is SO much more to explore! The park encompasses 1,200 square miles, with 5 major areas: Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Wawona and Mariposa Grove, Hetch Hetchy, and Tioga Road.
During our most recent visit to Yosemite National Park we spent 6 days exploring the park and it felt like the perfect amount of time! We were able to visit all of its areas, which each offer a different experience and views.
However, we realize not everyone can dedicate a full 6 days to the park. But thankfully, there is still a lot that can be experienced in less time. So whether you have 1, 3, or 6 days (or anything in between!) in Yosemite National Park, you’ll still be able to witness the magic that makes this one of the top National Parks in the US!
About these Yosemite National Park itineraries
Based on our experience visiting Yosemite National Park multiple times, we have crafted different Yosemite National Park itineraries for 1-6 days. Which are perfect whether you’re spending your entire trip in Yosemite or it’s just a stop on a larger California National Parks Road Trip!
Each of these itineraries includes what we think are the best things to do in Yosemite National Park, depending on how much time you have. We’ve structured them in a way that you can maximize your time in the park, instead of spending all of your time driving around.
Some days of these itineraries are busier, while some are a bit more relaxed. And for all itineraries, we are providing different options, so you can choose what is best for you and your abilities.
Note: These itineraries are written for a summer and early fall visit, when everything is open. If you visit outside of the summertime, some areas, like Glacier Point and Tioga Road, will not be open.
To learn more about Yosemite National Park, including how to get there, how to get around, when to visit, and more, read this guide.
1 day in Yosemite National Park itinerary
With one day in Yosemite National Park we suggest just sticking to Yosemite Valley, plus heading up to Glacier Point (if you have time) to see the valley from high up!
Watch the sunrise at Tunnel View
Tunnel View is one of the most breathtaking views in the park! And for most visitors, it’ll be one of the first views you see (talk about a first impression)
We love starting our day in the park with sunrise here. The sun rises behind the valley, giving you a front row seat to watch it pop over the mountains.
Hike the Mist Trail
One of the most iconic hikes in Yosemite Valley is the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls! This 6.4 mile (round trip) hike is a bit of a doozy, with 2,208 feet of gain, but along the way you’ll climb to the top of both Vernal and Nevada Falls. Oh, and as the name implies, be sprayed with lots of mist!
As you hike up Vernal Falls, the spray from the waterfall will completely soak you, depending on how raging it is. It feels so refreshing on a warm day or is a great way to wake up if you’re hiking early, like we do! Just make sure to bring a pack cover and a rain jacket, if you want to stay dry.
This hike can take quite a few hours, so we recommend packing a picnic to enjoy at the top of Nevada Falls. And if the entire hike is too difficult for you, you can either just go to the top of Vernal Falls or walk the Bridalveil Fall Trail instead.
A+K Tip: The parking lot fills up early for the Mist Trail and if it’s full, you’ll have to take a shuttle. We suggest arriving at sunrise for this hike, as after 9 AM, it turns into a bit of a conga line.
Explore the valley
After hiking the Mist Trail, spend the rest of the day exploring more of Yosemite Valley! There is a lot to see and do across the valley, which can be enjoyed by walking or riding a bike (the park has bike rentals and free short term bike shares!).
Depending on how much time you have, check out some of these viewpoints and short walks:
- Walk the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail to see Yosemite Falls. This is an easy, paved hike (that is dog friendly!) and is a must-see in the park. It can be very busy though, so be prepared!
- Check out the Swinging Bridge. This idyllic bridge passes over the Merced River with views of Yosemite Falls.
- Head to Sentinel Beach, where you’ll be surrounded by towering cliff faces including Sentinel Rock. This is a great spot for a picnic lunch!
- Grab a treat at the Village Store. They have cold drinks, snacks, plus most importantly, pints of ice cream! You can also explore the Yosemite Museum and Ansel Adams Gallery along the way.
- Check out one of the most impressive climbing walls in the world at El Capitan Meadows. Be sure to watch Free Solo before you visit the park to truly appreciate this spot! If you have binoculars you’ll easily be able to see climbers on the wall. There is lots of roadside parking here. Just make sure to only enter the meadow where there are already established paths, to protect the terrain.
- Valley View is another gorgeous, quick viewpoint of the Yosemite Valley that you can drive to. It’s the perfect final stop on your way to Glacier Point!
Sunset at Glacier Point
To complete an epic day in Yosemite National Park, head over to Glacier Point for sunset. While the sun doesn’t set in view here, you get an amazing alpenglow on Half Dome. To view the actual sunset, hike to Taft Point or Sentinel Dome (or both!) instead (if you still have some energy left). Just make sure to swing by Glacier Point beforehand, it’s our favorite view!
Keep in mind this area is only open in the summer and takes about an hour to drive to from Yosemite Valley.
Up for a challenge? Spend the day hiking the Four Mile Trail, Panorama Trail, and Mist Trail instead! This hike will take you up to the top of Glacier Point, along the top of the valley, and down the Mist Trail. In our opinion, it’s the BEST day hike in Yosemite. But it will take all day and is very intense!
2 days in Yosemite National Park itinerary
With 2 days in Yosemite National Park you can not only visit the spots we shared in the one day itinerary above, but also add on Tioga Road, one of our favorite areas of the park!
Day 1
Follow the one day itinerary above!
Day 2
Today you’ll explore Tioga Road! This road runs from Crane Flat to Lee Vining in the Eastern Sierra and is California’s highest highway pass at 9,945 feet.
Compared to Yosemite Valley, this area is far less chaotic. And offers a different perspective of the park! There are beautiful views of Yosemite’s high country, different lakes to explore, short hikes and longer backcountry adventures, and more!
Important note: Tioga Road is only open in the summer (usually June through October), with its opening date differing year to year, so be sure to check the conditions before your visit.
Hike May Lake
For a short and sweet hike, with a big payoff, check out May Lake. It mixes much of what makes Yosemite fantastic: forest, granite slabs, and a clear lake with a stunning mountain backdrop!
See the views from Olmsted Point
One of the best views on Tioga Road is from Olmsted Point. Here you can see a different perspective of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley. The view from the parking lot is great, but we suggest walking on the short trail out to a more open area.
Enjoy Tenaya Lake
There are over 2,000 lakes in Yosemite National Park, but Tenaya Lake is the most accessible. Surrounded by granite peaks and domes, it makes for a pretty epic place to kayak, swim, or paddleboard. Or if you don’t have your own watercraft (there are no rentals near the lake), you can just enjoy a picnic here!
Visit Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows is a wide open subalpine meadow with the Tuolumne River lazily winding through. It is one of the largest high elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada. And it is STUNNING! A couple highlights here are walking to the footbridge and walking to Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge.
Hike Lembert Dome
To get a higher view of the Tuolumne Meadows hike to the top of Lembert Dome! This 3.8 mile (round trip) hike is a great way to experience one of the park’s many striking domes.
Explore outside of the park
The last stretch of Tioga Road leaves Yosemite National Park, as it makes its way down to Lee Vining. If you are able to continue further, we suggest stopping by Tioga and Ellery Lakes. And once making it to the end of the road, stop at Whoa Nellie Deli in the Mobil gas station (don’t let this deter you!) for fish tacos!
3 days in Yosemite National Park itinerary
With 3 days in Yosemite you can experience the 2 days in Yosemite National Park itinerary at a slightly slower pace, plus add on an additional area: Mariposa Grove!
Day 1
Follow the one day itinerary above, which includes the Mist Trail, Lower Yosemite Falls, and quick stops in Yosemite Valley.
But for sunset, instead of heading to Glacier Point, stay in the valley and either hike up to Artist Point or revisit Tunnel View. While you won’t see the actual sun set at either of these spots, you will get to see a beautiful alpenglow on the valley walls and Half Dome.
Day 2
Today you’ll be exploring both Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point, which are located about 1 hour away from each other. Since Mariposa Grove shuttles don’t start until 8 AM, you can sleep in a little bit today!
Visit Mariposa Grove
The Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park is the largest grove of Giant Sequoias in the park, with over 500 mature giant sequoias.
To visit the Mariposa Grove you’ll have to take the free shuttle that leaves from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center. You can also hike to the grove or ride your bike on the road (both about 2 miles one way), but be warned it will be a steep climb back.
Once in the grove, there are a few hiking options:
- Grizzly Giant Loop (2 miles), which is what we did!
- Guardians Loop Trail (6.5 miles) This AllTrails map does not include the distance you need to hike to get to this loop. To get here, follow the Mariposa Grove Trail.
- Mariposa Grove Trail (6.7 miles), which we want to do next time!
Explore along Glacier Point Road
Make the one hour drive to Glacier Point Road for the rest of the day! If you arrived in Mariposa Grove early, you should have plenty of daylight left to explore this area. And you have a handful of options of things to do, including visiting Glacier Point itself or hiking Taft Point or Sentinel Dome (or both!).
We suggest enjoying the sunset at one of these three spots. Here is what to expect for sunset at each, to help you decide!:
- Glacier Point is a great option if you don’t want to hike in the dark. While you won’t see the sun actually set, you get to see a beautiful alpenglow on Half Dome and the surrounding mountains. It’s a magical experience!
- Taft Point is one of the best sunset spots in the park to see the actual sunset. You will have to hike down in the dark, though.
- Sentinel Dome is a great option to escape some of the crowds of Glacier Point, but with a similar view. You will also have 360 degree views, unlike Glacier Point, so you can not only see Half Dome, but watch the actual sun set as well. You will also have to hike down in the dark for this one.
Day 3
Today you’ll explore Tioga Road, the highest highway pass in California at 9,945 feet. To see our recommendations for what to do along the road, view our 2 day itinerary above!
4 days in Yosemite National Park itinerary
In this 4 day Yosemite National Park itinerary you’ll be able to experience all of the major areas of the park, including Hetch Hetchy, which we think is the park’s hidden gem!
Days 1-3
Follow the 3 day Yosemite National Park itinerary above!
Day 4
Spend part of the day exploring Hetch Hetchy. This is a less visited part of Yosemite National Park and in our opinion, is a hidden gem! Located in the park’s northwest corner, Hetch Hetchy is open year round, making it a great stop no matter the time of year.
Here you’ll find massive granite domes and cliffs and waterfalls, plus a reservoir filling what was once a valley.
IMPORTANT for RVers: Vehicles over 25 feet long and 8 feet wide (mirror to mirror) are not allowed at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Our 140 WB Sprinter Van was within these measurements and was able to drive down the road.
Hike the Wapama Falls Trail
While here, make sure to hike the Wapama Falls Trail. If you love the Mist Trail, you’ll especially love this hike, as it offers a similar experience, but with less people. You’ll walk across the Hetch Hetchy Dam, go through a tunnel, and then wander along the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, before ending on bridges that go over Wapama Falls. And if it’s raging (like it was for us), you WILL get wet!
Grab a milkshake at the Camp Mather General Store
After hiking the Wapama Falls Trail, head to the Camp Mather General Store for a cold treat! We LOVED their milkshakes (get the huckleberry!) and smoothies here. It was the perfect little pick-me-up after a fun hike.
Relax for the rest of the day
This Yosemite National Park itinerary has been a bit jam packed, so take it easy for the rest of your final day in the park.
5 days in Yosemite National Park itinerary
With 5 days in Yosemite National Park you can slow down a bit or add on some harder hikes, depending on your interests!
Day 1
Watch the sunrise at Tunnel View
Tunnel View is one of the most breathtaking views in the park! And for most visitors, it’ll be one of the first views you see (talk about a first impression)
We love starting our day in the park with sunrise here. The sun rises behind the valley, giving you a front row seat to watch it pop over the mountains.
See Lower Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in North America at 2,425 feet! And the paved Lower Yosemite Falls Trail takes you to a viewpoint of the lower falls, which fall 320 feet, a crazy impressive height on its own!to see Yosemite Falls. This is an easy, paved hike (that is dog friendly!) and is a must-see in the park. It can be very busy though, so we suggest going early!
Hike Upper Yosemite Falls
Looking for a challenge? Hike the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail! This hike is a DOOZY, as you climb from the valley floor up to the top of Yosemite Falls. Along the way you’ll pass Oh My Gosh Point (a good turn around spot if you don’t want to go the whole way) and once at the end, you can add on Yosemite Point for even better views!
If this is too intense for you, another option is to hike the Bridalveil Fall Trail or to Mirror Lake! The paved route to Mirror Lake is dog friendly too!
Explore the valley
After hiking your trail of choice, spend the rest of the day exploring more of Yosemite Valley! There is a lot to see and do across the valley, which can be enjoyed by walking or riding a bike (the park has bike rentals and free short term bike shares!).
Depending on how much time you have, check out some of these viewpoints and short walks:
- The Swinging Bridge is an idyllic bridge that passes over the Merced River with views of Yosemite Falls.
- Sentinel Beach is a great spot for a picnic lunch or to dip your toes if the water is calm.
- The Village Store has cold drinks, snacks, plus most importantly, pints of ice cream! You can also explore the Yosemite Museum and Ansel Adams Gallery along the way.
- Visit El Capitan Meadows to see the park’s famous climbing wall. If you have binoculars you’ll easily be able to see climbers on the wall. There is lots of roadside parking here. Just make sure to only enter the meadow where there are already established paths, to protect the terrain.
- Valley View is another gorgeous, quick viewpoint of the Yosemite Valley that you can drive to.
Watch the sunset from Artist Point (or Tunnel View)
For sunset either hike up to Artist Point or revisit Tunnel View. While you won’t see the actual sun set at either of these spots, you will get to see a beautiful alpenglow on the valley walls and Half Dome. We personally like Artist Point better than Tunnel View. Although it requires a hike, it isn’t too long or hard and you’ll have higher up views. Plus way less people! We had it all to ourselves, which is something that never happens at Tunnel View.
Day 2
Follow the day 2 itinerary from the 3 day Yosemite itinerary above, which includes both Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point!
Day 3
Spend your third day in the park hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls! We suggest starting this hike early, as parking fills up. And it gets VERY busy. Like conga line busy. Which is the opposite of how we personally like our nature experiences.
After you finish your hike, relax in the valley the rest of the day and visit any spots you missed on day 1!
Day 4
For your fourth day, head to Hetch Hetchy! You can see our suggestions for Hetch Hetchy in the 4 day itinerary above.
Day 5
Spend your fifth day in Yosemite National Park driving the stunning Tioga Road. To see our recommendations for what to do along the way, view our 2 day itinerary above!
6 days in Yosemite National Park itinerary
This 6 days in Yosemite National Park itinerary is what we consider the ultimate trip! You’ll explore all regions of the park, plus have more time for longer, challenging hikes!
Days 1-5
Follow the 5 day Yosemite National Park itinerary above!
Day 6
For your sixth day in Yosemite National Park, go for a longer hike along Tioga Road! There are a handful of options, but we suggest one of the following:
- Cathedral Lakes (9.5 miles, 1,663 feet of gain): We LOVED this hike! It takes you to both Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes, with the striking Cathedral Peak behind them.
- North Dome (9.2 miles, 2,017 feet of gain): This hike will take you to the top of North Dome, which overlooks Yosemite Valley and Half Dome!
- Clouds Rest (13.5 miles, 3,152 feet of gain): This is one of the top hikes we want to do next time at Yosemite. We hear it’s one of the most epic in the park!
Where to stay for these Yosemite National Park itineraries
Figuring out where to stay in Yosemite National Park can be a tough decision. While the park itself has many lodging options, they sell out faster than Taylor Swift concert tickets, leaving most visitors to find lodging outside of the park. And there are quite a few neighboring towns and communities to choose from!
How many days you have in the park and what areas you plan to explore will play a big factor in choosing where to stay. In our where to stay in Yosemite National Park guide we break down all of the options (for all budgets!), there distances from different areas of the park, plus things to consider when choosing which spot is right for you.
Tips for your time in Yosemite National Park
Be aware of reservations
Since the park is so popular, you’ll need to get a reservation to enter the park between 5 AM and 4 PM on certain days between April 13-October 27, 2024. This reservation costs $2 on top of your entry pass.
However, there are some exceptions to these reservations. If you have an in-park camping, lodging, or vacation reservation, Half Dome permit, or wilderness permit you do not need this reservation. Also, if you’re visiting with a tour or by regional transit, you do not need a reservation.
Reservations do sell out, so buy them as soon as possible. If you do not get a reservation, you can enter the park before 5 AM or after 4 PM without one.
Follow Leave No Trace principles
Before embarking on your Yosemite adventure, please review the Leave No Trace principles to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come!
Many areas and trails close in the winter
While Yosemite Valley, Mariposa Grove (by foot only in the winter), and Hetch Hetchy are open year round, some other parts of the park like Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road will close in the winter. Some roads both in and outside the park may require snow chains during the winter as well.
You can see all current conditions for the park here.
Dogs are NOT allowed everywhere
If you’re bringing your pet with you to the park, there isn’t a ton for them to do, but there are some options.
Pets are allowed in developed areas, on fully paved roads, paved overlooks, sidewalks, and bike paths, unless there is a “no dogs” sign, and in all campgrounds except walk-in campgrounds. They can also hike on a couple trails, but must be on a 6 foot leash.
- Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
- Cook’s Meadow Loop
- Paved pathway to Mirror Lake
- Tuolumne Grove Trail (only on paved parts)
- Wawona Meadow Loop Trail
Curious what we do with Kona when she cannot join us on a hike? Read this guide about how we travel full time with a dog.
Download offline maps
In many areas of the park there is little to no cell service. We recommend downloading Google Maps for offline use. You’ll want to have the area of the park downloaded so that you can get between places, even if you don’t have cell service. While the park has good signage, there are some kind of confusing one way roads, so it’s nice to have Google Maps to direct you.
We also suggest downloading offline AllTrails maps so that you navigate on hikes even without cell service.
Want to get 30% off an AllTrails Plus membership? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)!
We use AllTrails Plus on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.
Traffic and parking
Our biggest tip to avoid overcrowding, traffic, and congested trails is to get into the park as early as possible, preferably, just after sunrise, but ideally, no later than 9 AM. After that there will likely be long delays at the entrance, traffic congestion on the roads, difficult parking, and busy trails and overlooks.
When in Yosemite Valley, we suggest parking in one spot and either biking, taking the free shuttle, or walking around the valley for the day. For other areas of the park, you will need to move spots, as there are no shuttles (minus tours you can book).
Toilets
While there are plenty of toilets around the park, not all trailheads and parking lots have bathrooms. For example, Tunnel View, a popular viewpoint, does not have toilets. Other hikes, like the Mist Trail, do not have one directly at the trailhead, but rather a short walk away. Make sure to plan ahead!
Be careful in and around water
The rivers in Yosemite can be very swift and every year, people die from being washed over waterfalls or swept down rivers in the park. If you choose to get in or near the water, make sure it is extremely calm.
Respect wildlife & be bear aware
Yosemite is home to a wide variety of animals, including black bears. Make sure you are bear aware while hiking (bear spray is NOT allowed), know what to do if you see one, plus practice proper food storage. When bears get access to human food they often get aggressive. This can lead to the bear being killed in order to protect humans.
Even for less threatening animals, like deer and squirrels, PLEASE do not approach, pet, or feed them. And make sure to drive the speed limit while in the park! Animals can dart out into the road quickly and unfortunately many bears and deer are killed yearly from cars.
Check out all of our Yosemite National Park resources
- The 33+ BEST things to do in Yosemite National Park
- Where to stay in Yosemite National Park
- How to spend ONE day in Yosemite National Park
- The PERFECT 2 Day Yosemite National Park itinerary
- The 22 BEST hikes in Yosemite National Park
- The Best Day Hike in Yosemite: Four Mile, Panorama, & Mist Trail
- See more California National Park guides
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