Yosemite is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. From the gorgeous Half Dome to the Giant Sequoias, the natural beauty of this park is really special. Spending two days in Yosemite is a great way to see some of the best places in this park.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit several (okay, over 15 and still counting) national parks, and I must say, Yosemite does not disappoint! After visiting recently, I’m excited to share with you how to spend an incredible two days in Yosemite.
Table of Contents
Getting There
Yosemite is located in central California and there are really only a few ways to get there from major cities across the state making traffic often congested entering the park, but navigating how to get there easy!
Flying to Yosemite
The closest airport is the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT), which is about 65 miles south of the park (about a 1½-hour drive to the entrance). I’d recommend flying in and out of this.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) are also within driving distance of park.
Driving from Major Cities
Below are driving directions from a few different major cities you may be coming from! We drove to Yosemite from Los Angeles, and one thing I will say about all the driving directions below is that they are to the entrance, so be aware that Yosemite Valley and other areas are about another hour away.
You also need to factor in that the entrance is likely to have a line and this does add to the time you will spend in the car. Even when there are mandatory timed entry passes (more on that later!).
- Fresno: At just 65 miles, Fresno is the closest city to Yosemite. The drive takes about 1 1/2 hours from Fresno to the entrance. Take Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park.
- San Francisco: Yosemite is 167 miles from San Francisco. Driving your own vehicle to Yosemite from San Francisco takes 3-4 hours in favorable traffic. Take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.
- Los Angeles: 280 miles from Yosemite and the furthest of the major California cities, Los Angeles takes about 5 hours to get from LA to Yosemite, depending on traffic. Take I-5 north (or I-405 north to I-5) to Highway 99 north to Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park.
Public Transit from San Fransisco
You can get to Yosemite from San Francisco by bus or train. Below is a quick outline of both options.
To get to Yosemite via public bus, you will need a combination of Greyhound and the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS). You will also have to walk (or book a rideshare) about a mile through Merced (and wait almost 2 hours) to transfer between the two.
Where to Stay
Several different areas near Yosemite are easy to stay in when visiting! This has been a popular area since the 1800s. Below, I’ll provide a few options depending on your budget and how far in advance you plan.
In Yosemite National Park
There are several options for places to stay inside Yosemite National Park, and I recommend doing this if you can! We stayed in Curry Village, right in the heart of Yosemite Valley, and I think it was such a fun choice.
Yosemite Valley is one of the areas you’ll spend an entire day exploring, and there’s lots to do there. It makes a great home base for your trip!
Staying in the park is the best option, but you should plan to book far in advance, especially in summer! This is a popular national park, and places sell out months in advance. Similar to other parks like Glacier and Shenandoah where it can be difficult to find even nearby losing at busy times of year.
Neary Yosemite National Park
For this itinerary, I recommend staying along I-40, which leads into Yosemite. It’s most convenient if you’re coming from the south, but part of the park you have to see is on this side, and with distances between places, it makes a great location to stay.
The Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn in Oakhurst or Tenaya at Yosemite is just two miles from the park’s entrance.
If you are coming from the north or west and want to stay closer to that side, Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort is a cozy spot to keep up that is along the way.
Entry Fees and Passes
Like many other national parks, Yosemite has mandated timed entry passes. In the spring and fall, timed entry is on weekends and holidays for those driving into the park between 5 am and 3 pm. During summer, it is seven days per week, and the end time was previously 4 pm (see all the rules here).
Peak-Hours Reservations
Most reservations for all dates from April 13 through October 27, 2024, were released on Recreation.gov on January 5, 2024. Many dates sold out quickly. They also release reservations one week in advance.
Reservations are available each day at 8 am Pacific time. Reservations sell out almost immediately. Be sure to have a Recreation.gov account, log in, and be ready to make a reservation promptly at 8 am Pacific time. Even if you’re logged on by 8 am, there is no guarantee you can get a reservation.
The non-refundable reservation fee is $2 (this does not include the $35-per-car park entrance fee).
Each user can make two reservations for each of the three days. For example, suppose a user makes a reservation for a Friday arrival (valid Friday through Sunday). In that case, the user won’t be able to make a third reservation for an arrival that Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The reservation holder must be in the arriving vehicle and show a photo ID at the entrance station.
Peak-hours reservations are valid for three consecutive days (including arrival date).
They are still deciding about timed entry for 2025, but I will update this post with the latest decisions!
What If I Don’t Get a Reservation?
Luckily, there are some other ways that you can enter Yosemite during peak hours without winning the lottery. Below are a few options:
- You do not need an additional reservation or permit if you enter the park on a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) bus or with an authorized tour group.
- Arrive at an entrance station (other than Hetch Hetchy) before 5 am or after 3 pm. If you are planning to visit after peak hours, please do not arrive before 3 pm; vehicles blocking roads will be cited.
- Reservation for a Yosemite National Park campground (Reservations for campgrounds outside the park do not provide access to Yosemite during peak hours.)
- Reservation for Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, or Wawona Hotel (this is how we were able to enter)
- Private lodging or vacation rental in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta
(Reservations for lodging or vacation rentals outside the park and in communities other than these three do not provide access to Yosemite during peak hours.) - Yosemite wilderness permit reservation
- A Half Dome permit
Tips for Visiting Yosemite National Park
Before we jump into the itinerary, here are a few tips for visiting Yosemite that I wish I had known before visiting.
- Make reservations in advance: As you can probably already tell, Yosemite is a very popular national park, and you’ll want to plan ahead to make the most of your trip.
- Start hikes early: This is especially true if it is a popular hike, but even if it’s not, start hikes early as the heat in Yosemite can sneak up on you, and the cool air in the early morning is the nicest for hiking!
- Bring layers: Mornings in Yosemite can be pretty chilly, but by mid-day (even in September/October), the weather gets to above 80 degrees. Wear layers and plan ahead when packing!
- Carry plenty of water: When hiking or spending the day around the park, make sure you bring plenty of water with you. The mountain air can easily dry you out, and you can forget to drink enough water.
- Restaurants and bars: Yosemite has many food options, especially in Curry Village and Yosemite Village, both located in Yosemite Valley. These areas also have bars. Just be prepared to wait in long lines! Instead, you could consider bringing food with you and ensuring you stay bear-aware.
- Bear safety is critical: If you spot a bear while in the park, it is a black bear-not a brown or grizzly bear. If you see a black bear in an undeveloped area, remain at least 50 yards away. If you see a bear in developed areas, stand your ground and scare the bear away by raising their arms and making very loud noises.
- What to bring: In addition to the layers I mentioned, I recommend bringing along plenty of sun protection, a reusable water bottle, a hat, and excellent hiking boots. Collapsable hiking poles are also a great addition!
- Shuttle service around the park: Yosemite has a robust shuttle service system that runs consistently on schedule. Although you are not allowed to drive to certain areas without a handicap permit, taking the shuttle is by far easier than driving! Here are more details on the shuttle service.
- Prepare for traffic and parking: Even with the timed entry, Yosemite does get crowded, especially at the entrance. Anticipate some traffic in areas and challenges with parking. There were a few viewpoints along Glacier Point that we had to wait for someone to pull out before we could grab a spot.
- Consider a guided tour: If you’re uncomfortable hiking alone, you can book a guide to hike with you or have someone pick you up outside the park and show you around for the day.
Day 1 of 2 Days in Yosemite
On your first day in Yosemite, you’re going to explore some of the most special places in the park! You’ll see the world’s largest living organisms (sequoias) and some of the most gorgeous views. This itinerary has two options for the morning, depending on whether you stayed in the park before starting day 1, and assumes you have a full day.
Morning: Mariposa Grove of the Giant Sequoias
Start your day in the early morning, arriving at the park around 8 am. If you were lucky enough to spend the night in the park your first night of the trip instead of coming in, consider saving this part of the itinerary for the afternoon of day 2 when you leave!
About Mariposa Grove of the Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove of the Giant Sequoias is famous for the incredible trees that have called it home for thousands of years – some of those trees are still alive today, meaning they are over 2000 years old! It is wild to think that trees can live for that long; these trees are gorgeous and giants.
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park was protected by the Yosemite Grant Act of 1864, the first legislation in the United States to focus on preserving public lands. Thanks to the efforts of Galen Clark (he’ll come up later), President Abraham Lincoln signed the act during the Civil War.
This predates the first national park, Yellowstone, by eight years. Many people often choose between visiting Yosemite vs Yellowstone because both parks are such iconic national parks in the US.
Not only do you see incredible, huge, awe-inspiring trees here, but you also get a little piece of history!
Getting There
This area is just after the south entrance to Yosemite, making it a great first (or last) stop on your two-day trip. After you’ve parked, you’ll take a shuttle from the parking area to Mariposa Grove. If visiting in winter, you don’t have to take the shuttle. The shuttles run every 10-15 minutes, and the ride takes just 7 minutes to get to the trails.
There is handicap-accessible parking just off the trail start, but general parking must be done in the main parking lot before you take the trail. Parking next to the trail is available for handicapped parking only, and you will see the National Park Service stopping vehicles and blocking off upper areas of the parking lot.
The shuttle does not run in winter, and guests must hike two miles from the lower parking area to the grove entrance.
Trails and What to See
The area was restored in 2018 and was slightly affected by forest fires in 2022. There are several different trails you can take in this area, many of which are wide, easy walking paths. There are a few different handicap-accessible trails here, too. We saw people with wheelchairs, strollers, and the like here.
There are also more serious hiking trails that you can take here. We opted for the Grizzly Giant Loop trail, which was 2 miles and took about 2 hours to complete. This trail allowed us to see all of the most famous giant sequoias, including the oldest tree in Yosemite—the Grizzly Giant. The Grizzly Giant is believed to be 1900-2400 years old.
The hike was not difficult, but the heat is what you have to watch out for! While we were hiking, a woman fainted, and thankfully, people moved quickly to get her assistance right away. Bring water and prepare!
Despite there being many trees, they don’t provide as much shade as you’d think! There are, however, amazing trees to see, and you’ll get plenty of chances to stop and admire the different trees while hiking. We easily could have done the trail faster, but where is the fun in that?
If pictures had smells.. the fresh air, beautiful trees, and unique history would make this a spot you could not miss. There are unique trees, informational signs, and places to stop all along the way. This area is not a remote trail but does have a more educational, outdoor feel.
Lunch
Since you’ll be on this side of the park for the rest of the day, I recommend bringing your own lunch on your first day. Wawona Hotel has a dining room and general store nearby, but I wouldn’t recommend relying on it for lunch when you’ve got places to be!
If you do want to eat there, budget yourself an extra hour or two for wait time. It can take a long time to get a table there, and it is a sit-down restaurant.
Afternoon on Glacier Point
Glacier Point Road is one of the prettiest areas of Yosemite National Park and the perfect way to spend an afternoon! This is the area of Yosemite where you can see clear views of Half Dome and take some beautiful hikes with stunning views of Yosemite Valley. In winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding in this area.
Getting There
Glacier Point Road is open to cars from approximately late May through October or November, depending on conditions. (View a list of opening and closing dates since 1995 to plan.) At the end of the road is Glacier Point, and the whole drive in one direction from Mariposa Grove (or Yosemite Valley) will take about an hour.
To get to Glacier Point, you can take Wawona Road (Highway 41 within the park) either north from Mariposa Grove or south from Yosemite Valley, depending on which way you drove in. After traveling about 13 miles, turn on to the Glacier Point Road at the Chinquapin intersection.
There are no shuttles to this area, so if you take public transit, consider a Glacier Point Tour or hiking to the top and back. Tours are available in summer; reservations are required.
Stop 1: Hike Taft Point and the Fissures
You’ve probably seen the photos of this 2.3-mile, easy trail in this area! The trail is well-marked and offers fantastic views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.
Near Taft Point, you’ll see The Fissures-narrow fractures in the granite called joints. Watch out for drops of up to 2,000 feet at these fractures! There is no railing surrounding Taft Point, so be extremely careful here, especially with children or in icy or slippery conditions.
If you’re not up for another hike or don’t have time, you can skip this first stop. Don’t worry—there are still tons of great views to come!
Stop 2: Washburn Point
Washburn Point is just south of Glacier Point toward the end of the road and offers excellent views of Yosemite Valley, especially of Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls (which we’ll talk about later).
The point is named after the Washburn brothers, who built the first road from Wawona to Yosemite Valley. There are plenty of different angles to enjoy here, and you’ll love taking in this gorgeous view!
Stop 3: Glacier Point
The last stop and the highlight of this drive is Glacier Point. The expansive stone overlook includes interpretive maps and displays, a visitor center, restrooms, and bear-proof metal lockers.
The walk to the actual point only takes about 15 minutes and is worth it! The path is paved the entire way, making it accessible for all visitors. The trail takes you to an exhilarating (some might say unnerving) point 3,214 feet above Curry Village on the floor of Yosemite Valley.
By the time you walk to the end of Glacier Point, you’ll have almost 360-degree views. It was definitely my favorite view of the trip! This area is really popular for sunset, so you could consider staying here until sunset, but I’ve got another plan for you!
Evening: Drive Tunnel View into Yosemite Valley (or head to your hotel)
Now that you’ve explored for a full day, it’s time to head to your lodging. If you’re staying in Yosemite Valley in Curry Village or at Yosemite Lodge, you’ll drive the 30 miles into the Valley with one final stop for sunset: Tunnel View.
If you are staying outside the park, head to your hotel from here for the night!
Tunnel View is another iconic view in Yosemite, mostly because it is your first look as you come through the Tunnel and enter Yosemite Valley. It’s amazing for sunsets when the stones reflect the stunning sunset hues on the rocks.
There are two parking lots on either side of the road, and people take quick stops or set up a camera and stay for the entire hour here as the sunsets. If all parking is taken, be patient; spots constantly open up!
Dinner in Yosemite Valley
After you’ve finished your day with amazing views, it’s time to grab your dinner. Curry Village is a great place to go! There are multiple restaurants here, including a pizza spot, grill, dining hall, general store to buy goods and make your own fast meal, and a sit-down bar and restaurant.
Curry Village is a historic area of Yosemite Valley that feels very quaint. Although renovations have been made, the area still retains some of its historic feel.
The pizza spot is by far the most popular, and you can expect a very long wait. We ate in the dining hall because we were hungry and didn’t want to wait two hours for pizza. The food was just fine, and we bought a bunch of snacks from the general store, too!
If you want a sit-down spot or special experience, dining reservations are available 366 days in advance for The Ahwahnee Dining Room, the Mountain Room, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and White Wolf Lodge and are recommended, especially from spring through fall and during holidays.
Stargazing in Yosemite Valley
If you still have energy, end your day with some stargazing in Yosemite Valley! Yosemite is known for its beautiful stars at night, and there’s something exceptional about a night sky full of stars! Head to one of the meadows around the valley for the best views.
Here are some spots to consider:
- El Capitan Meadow
- Cook’s Meadow
- Swinging Bridge
- Tunnel View
Day 2 of 2 Days in Yosemite
Coffee at Peet’s Coffee
Start your morning in Curry Village with coffee from Peet’s Coffee. Get in line before it opens to ensure you get something quick, and don’t spend hours waiting (literally). If you don’t want to get up that early or are coming from elsewhere, bring instant coffee or energy drinks—however, you want your caffeine and breakfast!
Morning Hike in Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley has so many great hiking options. I recommend taking the shuttle to either of these hike options. Parking is limited and some times of year, not allowed at all in these areas.
Morning is a great time to hike a trail here for a few different reasons:
- You’ll avoid the crowds. This is the most popular part of Yosemite to visit and popular hikes can get crowded.
- You’ll enjoy cooler weather. It can get very hot in the middle of the day.
- You get the hard hike out of the way and can relax the rest of your day!
Reminder: If you’re not comfortable hiking alone, you can book a guide to hike with you or have someone pick you up outside the park and show you around for the day.
Photo by Daniel Cabanas on Unsplash
Hike Option 1: Lower or Upper Yosemite Falls
One of the most incredible hikes in Yosemite Valley is to Yosemite Falls. There are two different parts of these falls, with the Lower Falls being less challenging (at 1.2 miles, 50 ft. elevation gain) and the Upper Falls being a big challenge (6.6 miles total, 3200 ft. elevation gain) but offering stunning views.
Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in the continental US. From the top, it drops 2,425 feet to the bottom of the valley. It is one of the most visited places in Yosemite National Park. The falls consist of three sections: upper falls, middle cascade, and lower falls.
While most people only make the short trip to Lower Falls, Upper Falls is worth visiting due to its panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the opportunity to see this amazing waterfall up close.
Although Upper Yosemite Falls is challenging, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Dome while climbing alongside one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. The trail is generally open for the whole year but can be difficult to hike in winter due to snow, especially beyond Columbia Rock.
One thing to note is that while the trail is generally open year-round, the falls are not always flowing. We visited in mid-September, and the falls were completely dry. We chose not to do the entire hike for this reason, as we wanted to see the falls! Ask rangers before doing this hike if this is important to you, and consider the other option instead.
If you want something easy, Lower Yosemite Falls is a great option; just make sure the water is flowing!
Lower Yosemite Falls
Distance: 1.2 mi (2.6 km) round trip
Elevation gain: 55 ft (120 m)
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 45 min-1 hour
Upper Yosemite Falls
Distance: 6.6 mi (2.6 km) round trip
Elevation gain: 3,254 ft (120 m)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 5-6 hours
Hike Option 2: Vernal Fall and/or Nevada Fall
Your second option is to hike the John Muir Trail and Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and, if you want a challenge, on to Nevada Fall. This loop offers spectacular, up-close views of two large waterfalls, enjoyable scenery along the Merced River, and unique views across Yosemite Valley.
The first mile is the busiest and easiest portion of the trail. It is the first paved mile to the Vernal Fall Footbridge (1.6 miles roundtrip, 400 ft elevation gain).
This portion is almost entirely uphill and the easiest, so keep this in mind as you decide whether to do this entire trail! During spring, when the water levels are at their peak, you can also glimpse Illillouette Fall from this first section of the trail.
To reach the top of Vernal Fall, take Mist Trail or go around along John Muir Trail. In summer, you’ll likely face slippery conditions and be covered in mist on Mist Trail, but you’ll also get beautiful up-close views! Mist Trail is far less treacherous and still just as stunning in late summer and fall.
The second portion of this hike to Nevada Fall offers spectacular views the entire way, and the views from the top of the falls over Yosemite Valley make this trail well worth the uphill hike! I also loved hiking down John Muir Trail to Clark Point (I told you Clark would come up again later).
Overall, I really loved this hike. While tough, it was a great way to spend a half-day in Yosemite Valley! You can do a portion or all of it, depending on the level of challenge you want. Below are more details on each portion of the hike to help you decide what is best for you.
Vernal Fall Footbridge
Distance: 1.6 mi (2.6 km) round trip
Elevation gain: 400 ft (120 m)
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Top of Vernal Fall
Distance: 2.4 mi (3.9 km) round trip (via Mist Trail)
Elevation gain: 1000 ft (300 m)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 3 hours
Top of Nevada Fall
Distance: 5.4 mi (8.7 km) round trip (via Mist Trail and John Muir Trail)
Elevation gain: 2000 ft (610 m)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 5-6 hours
Early Afternoon in Yosemite Village
After spending your morning hiking to some of the fantastic waterfalls in Yosemite, head to Yosemite Village. You’ll spend the rest of the day here exploring and taking in some great views!
Yosemite Village has several lunch options, including a cafe, general store, sandwich shop, and burger spot. Lines move fairly quickly, and there’s plenty of seating around this area!
After grabbing some food, explore the history and geography of Yosemite, with stops at spots around Yosemite Village. You could easily spend a lot of time here, depending on your interest. I love getting to know a little history when traveling, so this was an interesting part of the park for me! Plus, you’ll get a rest from hiking. Here are a few stops to consider:
- Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is the heart of Yosemite Village. It offers educational exhibits about the park’s natural and cultural history.
- The Yosemite Museum highlights the area’s cultural history, including the traditions of the Ahwahnee people, who are the area’s original inhabitants.
- Ansel Adams Gallery showcases the work of renowned photographer Ansel Adams, whose iconic black-and-white photographs of Yosemite are famous worldwide. The gallery also features the work of other artists and offers photography workshops.
- Indian Village of the Alwahnee is a reconstructed village where visitors can learn more about the structures the Alwahnee people lived in and the plants they used for survival. They were here far before the colonies was even considered a settlement.
Late Afternoon Meadow Views
After a few hours of walking around Yosemite Village, walk over to Cook’s Meadow Loop. No visit to Yosemite is complete without visiting one of the beautiful meadows here!
This short, easy walk offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock. From the visitor center, walk west along the bicycle path toward Lower Yosemite Falls. At shuttle stop #6, cross the street and follow the bike path, bearing left as the path forks to take the trail and loop back.
Bridalveil Falls
Bridalveil Falls is the last stop on day two before heading out of Yosemite Valley. Since you cannot reach these falls on a shuttle, they make a great last stop before heading out at the end of your two days in Yosemite!
This is the most accessible waterfall in Yosemite. The walk to the falls takes less than ten minutes and is paved the entire way, making it easy for everyone to visit. The falls are beautiful and make an easy walk and a beautiful final view of Yosemite!
There’s a large parking lot here as well, and since it’s a quick stop, cars are constantly going in and out. There’s also a nice bathroom here to use before your long drive.
Heading Home
After you’ve made your final stop in Yosemite Valley, it’s time to head home! The drive out of Yosemite, depending on where you are headed back, takes about an hour from Yosemite Village so make sure you account for that in your travel time!
Overall, I loved visiting Yosemite. This historic national park is so beautiful and well worth a visit! It feels much more commercial than other national parks I’ve visited in California like Channel Islands or Joshua Tree (which I know has gotten more commercial in recent years), but is well worth the visit.
I hope this two day itinerary for Yosemite has helped you plan out the things you’d like to do and given you lots of options to make the most of your trip. You’ll love the natural beauty of this special place!
Yosemite is one of my favorite National Parks. I’d love to stay in one of the lodges and be able to get up early in the morning for some amazing pictures as well as to do some stargazing at night.
It was my first time staying in a national park and I hope I get to do it many more times. Staying in the park was so great!
We had a far too quick visit to Yosemite on a travel day. We loved what we saw. But your post shows we really need to plan a return longer visit. It would be good to plan this so we could stay right in the park and get the most from the time we visit. I do remember the warnings about bear safety from our first visit.
Hopefully you have a chance to go back on a future trip! There’s so much to see so a few days is great to have to explore more.