Day-By-Day Yosemite Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

I recently visited Yosemite National Park with my mom. Visiting Yosemite is something she’s talked about since I was a little kid, so I wanted to make sure we planned the perfect Yosemite itinerary to make the most of our time there.

After a lot of research and planning, we built the perfect itinerary for Yosemite National Park that didn’t feel rushed, yet still allowed us to see all the highlights and a few hidden gems. I’m so glad we got to see Yosemite together!

In this article I’ll share:

• Day-by-day Yosemite itinerary map
• 1 – 3 day Yosemite trip itinerary (+ alternative options)
• Where to stay & best places to eat
• Park tips & guided tour options
• Getting around + how the shuttle works

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Yosemite National Park Itinerary Overview

The best way to plan a visit to Yosemite National Park is by exploring one area of the park at a time. If you only have one day, spend it in Yosemite Valley where you’ll find the best hikes and views.

With more time, add a day in Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove and another day in Tuolumne Meadows.

The daily itineraries recommended below can be used standalone (if you’re visiting for one day, just use the one day in Yosemite itinerary) or combined (if you have 3 days, follow all 3 daily Yosemite itineraries below.)

I’ll cover where to stay in more detail later, but in general I find it’s best to stay in Yosemite Valley for your entire visit to Yosemite National Park (there are several lodges and campgrounds) vs moving around every day.

One Day Yosemite Itinerary

Yosemite Valley can be absolutely packed during the summer months. This is important to know because you’ll want to be strategic about how you move around the park so you can avoid spending unnecessary time circling for a parking spot, waiting in lines, etc.

In order to avoid crowds, this is my recommended one day Yosemite itinerary. It’s an ideal first day for visitors spending more time in Yosemite, too.

Watch Sunrise From Tunnel View

Start your day early with a sunrise at Tunnel View, one of the most famous viewpoints in the park (for good reason!) Tunnel View is approximately 20-minutes from the El Portal entrance and hotels in Yosemite Valley.

There’s no hiking required here. There are two (smallish) parking lots on either side of the road where you can park, and walk to the viewpoint.

I honestly can’t name many breathtaking sunrise views like this one that don’t require much work to get to (except maybe a few spots for sunrise in Bryce Canyon)

From Tunnel View you can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall in one beautiful panoramic shot.

If you arrive early enough, you may even see lights from rock climbers on El Capitan before dawn. This is another stunning sight to me (because I cannot imagine ever willingly climbing up a giant rock, let alone do it in the dark, so I give big kudos to anyone attempting it!)

NOTE: Depending on the time of year, sunrise can be as early as 5:00 AM or as late as 7:00 AM. I recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise so you can find a parking spot. Plus, the best colors are actually seen a few minutes before sunrise!

Easy Hike To Bridalveil Fall

After watching sunrise at Tunnel View, head down into Yosemite Valley. On the way you’ll pass Bridalveil Fall, which is about 5 minutes from Tunnel View.

This is a great opportunity to take the short hike to the base of the falls before it gets crowded. Plus, it’s on your way so you won’t have to double-back later (Yosemite Valley has a series of one-way loops, so getting around the park can be tricky if you don’t do things in order.)

The trail up to the falls is less than half a mile (one way), paved, and easy to walk with wheelchairs or strollers (although the grade may be a tad challenging, especially when the pavement is wet.)

This 620 foot waterfall flows all year, but it’s most powerful during the spring when fueled by snowmelt.

During my trip to Yosemite National Park in the spring, Bridalveil Fall was gushing. In March, the waterfall was so powerful it was throwing tons of mist onto the trail!

You may get sprayed with some mist, and parts of the path can be wet. In the winter, it’s possible for the path to be slick or icy because of the mist.

TIP: Parking fills here by late morning, but due to the shorter hike, cars are frequently leaving. You may need to circle a few times, but you should be able to find parking with relatively little frustration.

Breakfast In Yosemite Village

Next, head into Yosemite Village for a quick breakfast and stop by the Yosemite welcome center. It’s a short 15-minute drive from Bridalveil Fall.

You’ll be in Yosemite Valley for the rest of the day, so I recommend finding a parking spot and then using the free shuttle or a rental bicycle for the rest of the day.

Parking will get incredibly difficult as the day progresses and, in my opinion, it’s just not worth the hassle. Yosemite Village is easy to get around without a car – so ditch it, and actually enjoy your trip!

Personally, I think bicycles are the ideal way to get around the valley because you don’t have to wait in long lines for the shuttle.

There are several good restaurant options for breakfast in Yosemite Valley, and they all open by 7 AM:

📍Degnan’s Kitchen
📍Base Camp Eatery
📍Starbucks

My mom and I ate at Degnan’s Kitchen. I was surprised by the quality of the food, considering it’s counter-service (and to be honest, National Parks aren’t known for great food, lol.) There’s usually a line to order, but it moves really quickly.

Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised to learn there is a Starbucks in Yosemite Village! I’m addicted to their dark roast (for better, or for worse), so I popped in for a hot coffee.

Next, I recommend stoping by the visitors center. A quick trip to the visitor center is always one of the first things I do when visiting a National Park for a few reasons!

First, there’s typically a ranger on duty who you can speak with.

This is a great way to get insider tips, find the most current information on hiking trail conditions, get updates on trail postings or closures (due to wildlife activity, rock slides, etc), and ask for recommended hikes that suit your skill level and interests.

Second, I like to pick up a free park map and the park newsletter. I might be a millennial, but I’m still emotionally attached to paper maps. These are the best way to orient yourself and usually have some fun information on the park history, wildlife, geology and ranger programs.

Next, most National Parks offer really neat (and fun) ranger led activities for free. They typically include guided hikes, talks about history, wildlife, geology, etc.

The scheduling is usually posted a week in advance but the best way to get current information on what activities are available during your visit to Yosemite is to see what’s posted at the visitors center because schedules frequently change last minute due to staffing or weather.

If, like me, you travel with a dog the park rangers are a great resource for finding dog-friendly hikes (usually limited in the National Parks, but I also frequently get recommendations for things nearby, too.)

And lastly, if you collect stamps in your National Park Passport, this is also the place to do that! I’ve had my passport since 1999 and am on a mission to get a stamp from every National Park.

Hike To Yosemite Falls

Right next to the village is Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.

The easiest way to get there from Yosemite Village is by bicycle (5 minutes) or walking (15 minutes).

It’s also possible to take the shuttle from stops 2, 4 or 10 in Yosemite Village to stop 6 for Lower Yosemite Falls. Both shuttles (purple line and green line) follow this route, so you should be able to easily and quickly catch the shuttle.

The hike to Lower Yosemite Falls is one of my favorites in Yosemite! You can get so close to the falls that you feel it’s spray. The trail is a 1.2 mile loop and relatively flat.

I think it’s best to hike clockwise. By starting to the left the trail has a straight approach to the falls with stunning views. If you hike it counterclockwise the best views will be behind you.

TIP: This trail is one of a few dog-friendly hikes in Yosemite National Park!

Walk Through Cook’s Meadow

Next, head across the road to Cook’s Meadow Loop.

Cook’s Meadow is a 1 mile loop trail with views of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome and the beautiful valley.

The path is paved and flat, and dogs are allowed! We had my dog, Oscar, with us on this trip and he enjoyed this hike, too.

After, walk to Swinging Bridge for great river views. Swinging Bridge is just east of Yosemite Falls.

If you’re visiting Yosemite during the summer this is a great place to go for a dip or have a picnic lunch.

If you like the idea of a guided tour of Yosemite Valley that can offer more context for your trip, I recommend this 3-hour naturalist hiking tour.

It’s a great way to learn more about the ancient glaciers and natural wonders that carved Yosemite over millions of years, stories of indigenous people who lived/live in the area, the history of conservationists efforts and more fascinating notes.

Lunch In Yosemite Valley

There are several great options for lunch in Yosemite Valley. For faster service, check out one of these options in Yosemite Village.

📍Degnan’s Kitchen – deli sandwiches, pizza, soup
📍Village Grill – burgers, sandwiches, shakes

If you can fit it in, I highly recommend making reservations for lunch at The Ahwahnee Hotel. It’s a beautiful, iconic, and historic hotel in Yosemite Village.

Hike Mist Trail To Vernal And Nevada Falls

After lunch, hop on the Yosemite shuttle (green line) to stop #16, or bike a little over 2 miles to the Mist Trail Trailhead behind Upper Pines Campground.

There are two ways to experience Mist Trail:

• A moderate 3.1 mile hike (round-trip) to Vernal Falls, where you can see the waterfall up close.
• A longer 6.4 mile hike (round-trip) to Nevada Falls, and also includes Vernal Falls.

From the trailhead, it’s 1.5 miles to Vernal Falls. You’ll follow the Merced River for about half a mile before the trail starts to pick up elevation.

About one mile up the trail you’ll cross a footbridge over the river, and find a bathroom and water refill station.

A quarter mile after the bridge the trail forks. Stay to the left to continue the steep climb up to Vernal Falls. The elevation gain on this hike is why it’s classified as hard.

TIP: By taking this loop counterclockwise you’ll approach the falls head-on for the best views.

Right above Vernal Falls is Emerald Pool, which is fed by Silver Apron. I’d say Silver Apron is more of a waterslide than a waterfall. It’s a great place to sit and have a rest, and there are also bathrooms.

Next, it’s about 1.5 miles and 900 feet of elevation gain up to Nevada Falls. There are several series of switchbacks along this part of the trail due to how steep it is.

A quarter mile before you reach the falls the trail splits. Keep to the right (the left goes up to Half Dome). There’s also a bathroom at this fork (although I wouldn’t expect to find toilet paper, so pack your own or bring a kula cloth.)

If you don’t have enough time to hike the full 6.4 mile loop trail, you can choose to hike to Vernal Falls only. It is just over 3 miles out-and-back, and takes around 2 hours to complete.

NOTE: If you’re interested in this hike, but nervous about doing it alone then this guided hike to Nevada Falls might be a great option for you!

Dinner In Curry Village

Curry Village is at the base of Mist Trail, which is perfect because you’ll probably be hungry after your hike and Curry Village has a large variety of restaurants.

📍The Deck – oven baked pizzas
📍Taqueria Meadow Grill – Mexican dishes
📍Seven Tents – pasta & chicken
📍Bar 1899 – small plates

Sunset In Yosemite Valley

There are several fantastic spots to watch sunset in Yosemite Valley.

Some of my favorite spots include Tunnel View (if you didn’t catch sunrise here), Valley View (watch sunset over El Capitan, then see headlamps flicker on from the rock climbers) and Cook’s Meadow (where you can see Half Dome glow.)

Alternative Options For Your Yosemite Itinerary

There are several other great hikes in Yosemite Valley. Depending on your interests, one of these may suite you better:

• Columbia Rock Trail (2.2 miles) – a steep hike up to Columbia Rock with views of Yosemite Falls and the valley
• Upper Yosemite Falls (6.6 miles) – hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, includes Columbia Rock trail
• Mirror Lake Loop (4.4 miles) – loop trail around Mirror Lake at the base of Half Dome (the first 1-mile paved portion of this trail is dog-friendly)
• Half Dome Trail (16.5 miles) – permit required follows Mist Trail before diverting up to Half Dome. Plan a full day for this hike.

If you’re looking for something to do in Yosemite besides hiking — or if you only have one day and want to see more of the park — then I recommend swapping your afternoon hike with a scenic drive to Glacier Point.

I cover Glacier Point in more detail in the next section.

Two Day Yosemite Itinerary

With a second day in Yosemite National Park, head south into Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove areas.

Glacier Point offers incredible panoramic views of the valley and in Mariposa Grove you can walk among Giant Sequoia groves.

Sunrise At Glacier Point

I recommend another early start to beat the crowds and catch another gorgeous sunrise in Yosemite.

Head to Glacier Point via Glacier Point Road. From here, you can see Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra peaks. It’s one of the most breathtaking views in the park and home to some incredible hiking trails, too.

From the parking lot it’s a short, paved 0.5 mile roundtrip hike out to Glacier Point and back. The trail ends with 270° views.

This is one of the best views in the entire park. It’s also one of the easiest to access.

NOTE: There are no shuttles in this part of Yosemite, and the drive takes about an hour from the valley or El Portal entrance.

Hike Sentinel Dome To Taft Point

Also along Glacier Point Road are the trailheads for Sentinel Dome and Taft Point trails. The best way to see these two is to combine them for a total of 5.2 miles.

In my opinion, Taft Point is one of the coolest photo spots in Yosemite National Park. There’s a large rock that hangs high above the valley and creates a stunning picture. It reminds me of Pride Rock from Lion King.

If you’re short on time, you can opt for only one of the trails instead of the full loop.

Sentinel Dome is a moderate 2.2 mile out-and-back trail on one of the tallest domes in Yosemite. It’s also one of the best views you can get with a relatively easy hike in Yosemite National Park.

Taft Point is an easy 2.3 mile hike in Yosemite. It’s also an out-and-back trail and has one of the most iconic views in the park. From the summit you can see straight down into the valley.

Stop By Washburn Point

Washburn Point is a quick stop with an incredible viewpoint about a mile down the road from Glacier Point. It’s worth pulling into and spending a few minutes soaking in the scenery.

The views from here are similar to Glacier Point, but you’ll have a clearer view of Vernal and Nevada Falls below.

Lunch In Wawona

After Glacier Point, drive south towards Wawona and Mariposa Grove. It’s approximately 1-hour to drive, but I promise you won’t mind because this road is super scenic with so many great views.

I recommend stopping at Wawona Hotel Dining Room for lunch. It’s a Victorian era hotel built in 1856, and they have some delicious food!

After lunch (or while you wait for a table), walk around Wawona Meadow Loop. The entire loop trail is 3.6 miles and takes a little over an hour, or you can walk a shorter portion of it.

The meadow loop is fairly flat, and a great way to spot wildlife in Yosemite National Park during quieter times of the day.

⚠️ UPDATE: Sadly, the Wawona Hotel is currently closed indefinitely due to an unplanned maintenance project. There are no other restaurant options in this part of the park, so I recommend planning a picnic lunch for day 2 of your Yosemite itinerary. Alternatively, you can exit the park (be aware of potential long lines to re-enter) and head to Timberloft Pizzeria or Jackalope’s Bar & Grill – each are a 20-minute drive.

More Hikes In Wawona

Wawona has several short, easy hikes that take you to some fun hidden gems in Yosemite National Park:

• Swinging Bridge Trail (1.4 miles) – short hike to a bridge and popular swimming spot with granite “slides”
• Lower Chilnualna Falls (0.4 miles) – short, steep hike to the base of a waterfall and swimming hole
• Chilnualna Falls (8 miles) – a harder hike to the top of the waterfall with panoramic views

Drive To Mariposa Grove

Mariposa is a short 10-minute drive from Wawona, located at the southern end of Yosemite. It’s best known for giant sequoia groves, like the famous California Tunnel Tree which you can walk through.

To get to this part of the park, you must park at Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and take the shuttle a short drive up to the Mariposa Grove Trailhead area.

NOTE: There is no shuttle during the winter. Instead, you can walk up to the trailhead along the road (this is what we did). It’s a two mile walk in each direction.

From Mariposa Grove Trailhead there is a large network of trails you can take through the sequoia grove. Many of them loop together so it’s easy to customize the length and difficulty of your hike.

I highly recommend hiking to Giant Grizzly and California Tunnel Tree. The trail is half a mile out-and-back, and can be extended to complete the full 2 mile Grizzly Giant Loop Trail which includes Fallen Monarch and Bachelor and Three Graces sequoia trees.

If you’re up for a longer hike, consider Mariposa Grove Of Giant Sequoias which takes you past The Faithful Couple, Clothespin Tree, Columbia Tree, Telescope Tree, Fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, Galen Clark Tree and Wawona Vista Point (the highest point in Mariposa Grove).

In total the out-and-back trail is 6.7 miles and takes about 3.5 hours to complete.

Mariposa Grove is located just inside the South Entrance to Yosemite. This is perfect if you’re continuing your trip from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park. From here it’s about 2.5 hours to Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park.

TIP: If you’re heading on to Sequoia next, it’s worth staying in the Wawona area instead of driving an hour back to the valley. Options are fairly limited, so make reservations early!
Tenaya At Yosemite (mid-range resort), Narrow Gauge Inn (mid-range lodge), Wawona Hotel (currently closed indefinitely)

Three Day Yosemite Itinerary

The third day of this Yosemite itinerary is all about exploring Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows in the northern part of the park.

NOTE: This road is only open during the summer, so if you’re visiting Yosemite in the winter you’ll have to skip it. I recommend spending an extra day in Yosemite Valley, or visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.

Hike To Tunnel Tree In Tuolumne Grove

Just after you leave Yosemite Valley you’ll come to Tuolumne Grove at the entrance to Tioga Road. Well, it’s about a 45-minute drive. This is another grove of Giant Sequoia trees in Yosemite and a short, easy hike.

Tuolumne Grove Trail is just under 3 miles out-and-back. The highlight of this hike is Tunnel Tree, which you can walk through. Sadly, the tree is dead now even though its stump remains standing.

You’ll hike downhill first, so keep in mind that the hard part is on the return. It’s just over 600 feet of elevation gain, but the path is wide and fairly easy.

And, this is one of the rare dog friendly hikes in Yosemite National Park!

TIP: There is a gas station in Crane Flats when you turn onto Tioga Road, just before Tuolumne Grove. Fill up here because options are limited after this. I also recommend having lots of water with you for the day.

Scenic Drive Along Tioga Road

Next, drive along Tioga Road. It’s a beautiful, 47-mile long scenic drive that crosses the Sierra Nevada Mountains, through mountain passes nearly 10,000 feet in elevation and connects Yosemite Valley with the east side of the park.

Without stops, it takes at least 2 hours to drive out-and-back, however, I recommend spending the rest of the day exploring this area of Yosemite National Park.

One of the first notable stops you’ll come to is Olmstead Point. I recommend skipping it on the way out, and instead seeing it at sunset on the way back. It’s one of the best spots for sunset in Yosemite National Park, and has views of Half Dome, Tenaya Lake and Clouds Rest.

Relax By Tenaya Lake

One of the best stops along Tioga Road is Tenaya Lake. I recommend packing a lunch (there aren’t many food options in this part of Yosemite) and enjoying a picnic lunch here.

In warmer weather, it’s great for a swim or paddleboard on the water.

There’s an easy 2.7 mile loop hike around Tenaya Lake. It’s mostly flat and takes under an hour to complete. The last portion of the trail follows the highway, but the rest of it is very scenic.

Also nearby is May Lake. It’s a smaller lake that requires a 2.3 mile round-trip hike to reach. The access point for the trailhead is located off of a spur road, May Lake Road, just west of Tenaya Lake.

May Lake is a popular spot for backpacking in Yosemite National Park, too.

The parking at May Lake trailhead is fairly limited, and it can be tricky to find parking during the summer months. There’s an alternate trail from Tenaya Lake, but it adds 1.8 miles each way.

Hikes In Tuolumne Meadows

As you continue east on Tioga Road you’ll come to Tuolumne Meadows. This area in Yosemite is incredibly scenic and has several amazing hikes.

Cathedral Lakes is the first trailhead you’ll reach. The trail takes you to two alpine lakes at the base of Cathedral Peak and has stunning wildflower meadows.

It’s a longer, harder hike at 9.5 miles and nearly 1,700 feet in elevation gain. I would plan for at least 5 hours to complete this hike.

An equally great option is Elizabeth Lake. It’s a little bit shorter, 7-miles total, and just over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The trail takes you around the shores of Elizabeth Lake at the base of Unicorn Peak.

The trail can be harder to navigate, so I recommend downloading the AllTrails map ahead of time. A bonus for this trail is that it tends to be less crowded.

NOTE: AllTrails requires a subscription to use offline maps. The annual subscription is $36, but you can use my discount code for 30% off here. Code: everywhere30

If you’d prefer an easier hike in Tuolumne Meadows, I recommend Dog Lake and Lembert Dome. It’s just under 5 miles and 700 feet in elevation gain.

The trail loops around Lembert Dome and Dog Lake. On still days, you can see the mountains reflected in Dog Lake like a mirror. Unfortunately, that also means mosquitos can be prevalent here so pack some bug spray!

Dinner In Lee Vining

From here, it’s an hour and a half back to Yosemite Valley, or you can continue another 45-minutes into Lee Vining, where Tioga Road ends.

Again, you’ll have to exit the park to get to here, but the re-entry at this entrance doesn’t typically have much (or any) wait.

There are a few restaurant options for dinner:

📍Whoa Nellie Deli – tacos, pizza, burgers
📍The Basin Cafe – burgers, salads, sandwiches

Alt Option: Hike Half Dome

If Tioga Road is closed, or you prefer a longer day hike in the valley then I recommend spending your third day in Yosemite hiking Half Dome.

Get an early start in the morning. You will also need a permit to hike Half Dome.

Half Dome permits are based on a lottery and you can get them during the preseason lottery in March, or through daily lotteries two days before your planned hike.

TIP: Only 300 people are permitted to hike Half Dome each day, so permits are really hard to get and I highly recommend applying for one on March 1st when the preseason lottery opens.

Half Dome is an extremely challenging hike, and one I did not complete on my trip to Yosemite but plan to do on a future trip! The final push to the dome is over smooth rock, so you definitely want hiking shoes with very good traction.

Because the chain section is narrow, expect to go at a slower pace here due to the crowds.

A Full Week In Yosemite National Park

Lucky enough to spend an entire week in Yosemite National Park? I highly encourage you to explore Hetch Hetchy. It’s approximately 1.5 hours from Yosemite Valley.

Fewer than 1% of the people who visit Yosemite make it to the Hetch Hetchy area of the park, which is a shame because it’s magnificent!

The Hetch Hetchy reservoir used to be a valley, like Yosemite Valley, until San Francisco required more water and the valley was dammed to create a water reservoir which provides drinking water and electricity for the city today.

Since most visitors do not make it to Hetch Hetchy, it’s extremely peaceful and has a lot of opportunity to spot wildlife. This is one of the best spots to avoid crowds in Yosemite National Park.

Hetch Hetchy is very remote, so don’t expect many amenities. This area of Yosemite is only open during daylight hours – from sunrise to sunset – and is one of the best hidden gems in Yosemite National Park.

There are several great hikes in Hetch Hetchy, depending on how much of a challenge you’d like.

• Wapama Falls (4.7 miles), or extend to Rancheria Falls (12.8 miles)
• Lookout Point (2.7 miles)
• Beehive Meadow (9.3 miles)
• Poopenaut Valley Trail (2 miles but very steep)
• Smith Peak (12.8 miles)

Tips To Plan A Trip To Yosemite

Yosemite is like Disney World for adults. It’s massive, there are so many things to do, but it can get quite crowded in the summer.

Visiting Yosemite National Park can be a bit overwhelming, so let me break down some tips I learned on my recent trip!

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee and Reservations

The fee to enter Yosemite is $35 per vehicle, and good for 7 days.

If you plan to visit other National Parks in the same year (like Sequoia and Kings Canyon, which are right next door), you should consider getting an annual America The Beautiful National Park Pass.

I have had this pass for the last few years and love it. It’s $80 annually and gives you free access to all 63 National Parks and hundreds of recreation areas.

I’ve also found that when entrance gates get backed up, park rangers may open an “express” lane to wave through pass holders who don’t have to make a payment transaction to enter the park. This alone has saved me hours waiting in entrance lines.

Where To Eat In Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley has the most restaurant and to-go options in the entire park. Depending on your preference, you can find something here you’ll love!

📍Degnan’s Kitchen (7 AM – 6 PM) sandwiches, salads and soups
📍Base Camp Eatery (7 AM – 8 PM) food hall: Asian-style noodles, pizza, salads and burgers
📍Starbucks (7 AM – 5 PM) coffee and treats
📍Village Grill (11 AM – 6 PM) burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs
📍The Mountain Room (5 PM – 10 PM) upscale steak, seafood & pasta dishes
📍The Deck (11 AM – 10 PM) pizza
📍Taqueria (11 AM – 8 PM) Mexican dishes
📍Bar 1899 (11:30 AM – 10 PM) small plates

My mom and I ate at Degnan’s Deli, I had a delicious sandwich and she raved about the soup. There can be a bit of a line during peak hours, but it moves really quickly.

The Village Store is also located in this area. It’s a fairly large grocery store. We stopped in to pick up snacks and some easy meals to make while camping. Prices are slightly higher, but it’s very convenient and they have a huge selection.

Getting To Yosemite

There are several convenient options for getting to Yosemite National Park. The easiest way is to access the park through one of the west or south entrances.

I think the east entrance (towards Tahoe) is not as convenient because it’s farther away from most of the infrastructure in the park, is closed in the winter, and has fewer airports to fly into.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many efficient or affordable public transportation options to get to Yosemite.

If you’re staying outside the park, YARTS is a decent option for public transit, but keep in mind their schedule is limited, especially for accessing areas deeper in the park, like Tuolumne Meadows or Mariposa Grove.

In addition to the free valley shuttle, there are also tour buses you can book to see other areas of the park. A few options include routes from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows, and Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point.

TIP: The Glacier Point tour is a great option if you’re looking for a one-way ticket up to Glacier Point so you can hike down Four-Mile Trail back to the valley.

If your budget allows, a rental car is a much better way to see Yosemite. It allows you to move around on your own schedule so you won’t be constrained to limited public transit times and routes.

DiscoverCars is my favorite way to book rental vehicles – they have a huge selection and are able to negotiate better rates, and they offer one of the most generous free cancellation policies I’ve found.

Best Airport For Yosemite

Fresno is the closest airport to Yosemite National Park, so if you’re short on time this may be your best option.

However, San Francisco tends to have more flight options and better pricing, so if you can swing an additional 1.5-2 hours in the car (each way) you can likely save some money.

Our trip started in LAX (I was already in the area traveling in my campervan). My mom flew in and I scooped her up then drove from Los Angeles to Sequoia and Kings Canyon, before making our way up to Yosemite.

Finally, we completed our road trip by driving from Yosemite to San Francisco for her return flight.

Getting Around Yosemite

There are a few options for getting around Yosemite, including driving and taking the free park shuttle.

While in Yosemite Valley, you can also bike. The valley is flat and easy to navigate, and biking is a convenient way to avoid crowded shuttle buses.

NOTE: there are only two gas stations in Yosemite National Park, and none are located in the Yosemite Valley area. Gas is located at Crane Flat and Wawona, or just outside the park in El Portal.

Yosemite Shuttle

Yosemite offers a free shuttle that services the Yosemite Valley area of the park.

There are two shuttle routes in Yosemite Valley – Valleywide Shuttle (green route) and East Valley Shuttle (purple route).

The green route covers more of the valley, whereas the purple route operates within Yosemite Village and Curry Village only.

The shuttle is free, and it runs from 7 AM to 10 PM every day. Routes are easy to follow because the shuttle follows the stop numbers in numerical order.

NOTE: Most of Yosemite Valley is a one-way loop, which means the shuttle buses only go in one direction. This is important to know when you plan your Yosemite itinerary because if you want to get from stop 7 to stop 6 you’ll have to go through the entire route, 19 stops in total.

The green route shuttle comes every 20-30 minutes and takes an hour and a half to complete the loop.

The purple route shuttle comes every 20 minutes and takes just under an hour round trip.

Parking In Yosemite

Parking at Yosemite can be very tricky if you’re visiting during the busy summer months- particularly in the Yosemite Valley area.

There are three large (free) parking areas in Yosemite Valley where you can find parking easily. From there you can hop on the free park shuttle to get around the valley.

You can find ample parking at:

• Curry Village
• Yosemite Village
• Yosemite Falls

TIP: if you’re visiting during the busier season (June, July & August) I recommend finding a parking spot prior to 9 AM as the lots can be full later in the day.

No Cell Service In Yosemite

Like most National Parks, you can expect very little or no cell service. While there are pockets where you might pick up an LTE signal, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to load any data.

I recommend downloading your maps so you can use them offline, including Google Maps and Alltrails hiking maps (the pro version of AllTrails is required to do this and is about $3/month or $35/year — but you can get 30% off the annual fee here)

Keep in mind that cell signal is different than GPS signal. The GPS on your phone will still work even when the cellular signal does not. GPS uses satellites, so you’ll likely have this signal for your entire trip – this is why Google Maps and AllTrails can function without cell service if the maps are downloaded in advance.

I also recommend taking a screenshot of all your important reservation details for your Yosemite itinerary before entering the park, that way you’re able to easily reference it without service.

Best Time To Plan A Trip To Yosemite

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park depends on what you want to experience. Each season offers a unique experience, so the “best” time really depends on what you’re looking to do at Yosemite!

Best Overall Time: Late spring (May to early June) is ideal for seeing waterfalls at their peak, enjoying mild weather, and experiencing fewer crowds before summer.

Best Time for Hiking and Full Access: Summer (July to September), if you want access to all areas of the park and don’t mind the crowds.

Best for a Quiet Visit: Fall (late September to October), for fewer visitors, mild weather, and scenic fall colors.

Seasonal Closures At Yosemite

There are a few seasonal closures to keep in mind when you plan a trip to Yosemite National Park. Depending on when you visit, parts of the park may be closed seasonally (especially in winter).

Tours To Yosemite National Park

I love joining tours when I travel. It’s a great way to meet new people, and it’s much less stressful than navigating yourself.

Plus, parking in Yosemite can be a huge time-suck during the busy summer months so a tour to Yosemite National Park can save you a lot of time.

Yosemite day trip from San Francisco
2-Day Yosemite guided trip from San Francisco
3-Day Yosemite tour from San Francisco
3-Day Yosemite CAMPING tour from San Francisco

More Resources To Plan Your Trip To Yosemite

Check out these additional guides to plan your trip to Yosemite National Park!

• Best Spots For Sunset In Yosemite National Park
• Yosemite vs Sequoia National Park
• Yosemite To Sequoia National Park Road Trip
• How Many Days In Yosemite?
• Sequoia And Kings Canyon Itinerary