Three Day Itinerary - Yosemite National Park

We spent three days in Yosemite and felt like it was the perfect amount of time to take in all the major spots that the park is known for. Some things you might want to consider when visiting are the time of week as well as the time of year that you visit. We chose to visit in mid-May before the summer crowds begin and while the snow is still melting from the mountains, providing the best time to see the waterfalls. We also visited mid-week to eliminate crowds.

We visited with out three year old son so we were not able to include the Half Dome in our itinerary. If you are an experienced hiker, this hike should be at the top of your list. The hike continues from the Mist Trail so you could do this hike in place of Mirror Lake on Day 2. You have to apply in advance to hike the Half Dome and it is by lottery.

One thing to note about driving through Yosemite Valley is that it has many areas where traffic can only drive one-way. Mapping out your plan before driving through the valley is a good idea during high traffic times since you cannot turn around.

DAY 1: Drive from Tunnel View to Glacier Point, stopping to hike Taft Point and Sentinel Dome

We chose to do all things on Wawona Road in one day so we would only travel that direction one time. It is a 45 minute drive from the main part of the park to Glacier Point. Please note also that there are not any options for food in this area so pack a lunch and snacks.

1. Take Wawona Drive to Tunnel View - Stop here at this iconic viewpoint for pictures of the park. You can also stop on the way back through.

2. Next drive through Wawona tunnel to Glacier Point. (30-45 min drive).

3. Stop at Glacier Point and walk the short path to the viewpoints of Glacier Point. Spend some time here enjoying the views. Depending upon what time you started, this could be a good spot for lunch.

4. Drive back the way you came and stop to hike Taft Point and/or Sentinal Dome. Both trails start from the same spot but head in different directions.

4. Drive through park and stop at Bridevail falls for quick walk and pictures

5. Last, stop in the meadow and walk around meadow for sunset.

Day 2: Hike the Mist Trail and Mirror Lake Trail

1. Drive to Curry Village and park one of the lots near the village.

2. Hike the Mist Trail - Vernal and Nevada Falls. You can hike to vernal falls and back which is 3 miles round trip or do the whole loop for 7 miles. 

3. Grab lunch in Curry Village.

4. Hike to Mirror Lake and enjoy the afternoon on the beach enjoying the views.

5. Stop by The Ahwahnee for dinner.

Day 3: Bike ride through Yosemite Valley. Hike Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls

1. Rent bikes from Curry Village and ride through the valley.

2. Do the short hike to Lower Yosemite Falls (leaving bikes at trailhead)

3. Continue on to hike Upper Yosemite Falls. The hike to Upper Falls is a strenuoius 7 mile hike. If you do not want to take on this type of hike, you can hike 3 miles to Columbia Rock.

4. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the park, checking out Sentinel Beach or other spots you might have missed.

It’s an epic trip. You’ll love it no matter what you do. The park is beautiful every direction.