Morning: Fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and pick up a rental 4‑wheel‑drive SUV for mountain roads. Drive 2 hrs (≈70 mi) to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center for orientation.
Afternoon: Set up camp at Upper Pines Campground (open seasonally). After pitching, take a short stroll to Yosemite Falls for a quick photo stop.
Evening: Relax with a campfire dinner and enjoy a starlit walk along the Mermer River, where you can dip your toes in the cool water.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall (≈3 mi round‑trip). Expect a 2‑hour hike with spectacular waterfall views.
Afternoon: Picnic at Cook’s Meadow and then explore the iconic Half Dome viewpoint.
Evening: Return to Upper Pines for a cozy campfire; optional night sky photography from Sentinel Meadow.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive 30 mi to Glacier Point for sunrise over the valley (30‑minute hike from parking).
Afternoon: Head to Lake Tenaya for kayaking (rentals at Tenaya Lake Rentals), a cost‑friendly paddle for an hour.
Evening: Return to camp; enjoy a simple dinner and a brief walk to Mirror Lake for a sunset dip.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (≈30 mi). Hike the Wapama Falls trail (2 mi round‑trip).
Afternoon: Safe cliff‑diving spot at Lake Eleanor (check water depth). Follow with a relaxed picnic by the water.
Evening: Return to Upper Pines for a restful night.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack up and drive 3 hrs (≈150 mi) to Sequoia National Park, checking in at Lodgepole Campground (open in spring).
Afternoon: Stroll through the Giant Forest to see the towering General Sherman Tree, the world’s largest tree by volume.
Evening: Evening hike to Crescent Meadow for a peaceful sunset and campfire stories.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike the Congress Trail (2 mi loop) with views of the General Grant Tree and historic sequoia groves.
Afternoon: Kayak on Hume Lake (rentals available at the campground). Paddle for 1‑2 hours.
Evening: Relax at camp; optional night hike to see the glow of the forest and starlight.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack up and drive 1 hr (≈40 mi) along the scenic Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Check‑in at Sentinel Campground (open in April).
Afternoon: Hike the Zumwalt Meadow loop (1 mi) for views of the **Kings River** and surrounding cliffs.
Evening: Swim in the clear waters of Kings River, then enjoy a simple camp dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike the Rim Trail to Cedar Grove (3 mi round‑trip), passing towering cliffs and a chance to spot wildlife.
Afternoon: Visit Giant Forest again for a different perspective; optional low‑impact cliff diving at Horsetail Falls (check depth).
Evening: Return to camp for a leisurely night.
Find HotelsMorning: Rest day – enjoy a leisurely breakfast and stroll around Grant Grove, home to the **President Tree**.
Afternoon: Optional short hike to Crystal Cave (guided tours; check seasonal closures).
Evening: Campfire with marshmallows, reflect on the adventure.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack up and drive back 4 hrs (≈200 mi) to Yosemite, checking into North Pines Campground (if still available) or a nearby campground near the park entrance.
Afternoon: Quick hike to Taft Point (1‑hour hike) for stunning vistas.
Evening: Final evening dinner at camp; optional stargazing at Cathedral Peak.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack up, return rental SUV at Fresno Airport, and fly out from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).
Afternoon: Review trip photos, enjoy a light lunch at the airport.
Evening: Safe travels home!
Find HotelsFor a more relaxed pace, add an extra night at each park’s campsite to reduce daily travel time and allow longer hikes, such as a full-day trek to Half Dome (requires permit). If you need to shorten the trip, combine the Yosemite and Sequoia hikes into one day each by focusing on the main highlights (Mist Trail, Giant Forest, and Kings Canyon Rim Trail). Booking campsites early and checking the NPS closures page before each day ensures you avoid unexpected trail or campsite closures.