Morning: Depart early from **Sequoia National Park** and drive north on the **Foothill Road** toward Yosemite, enjoying scenic vistas of the Sierra Nevada. Stop at the **Grizzly Giant Loop Trail** near the Giant Forest; this 2.5‑mile loop takes about 2‑3 hours to complete and offers a chance to see the massive **Grizzly Giant** and **General Sherman Tree**.
Afternoon: Continue on to the **Wawona Tree Trail** in the **Wawona** area of Yosemite. The short 1‑mile loop is a 30‑minute walk that brings you up close to the historic **Wawona Tree**, a giant sequoia with a carved tunnel. Afterward, drive to the **Yosemite Valley Campground** and set up your campsite, enjoying the tranquil forest setting.
Evening: Relax at **Yosemite Valley Campground** (reserve in advance), where you can unwind by the campfire, stargaze, and prepare for the next day’s exploration. End the day with a peaceful dinner in the campsite’s dining area before retiring for the night.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, add a short hike to **Mirror Lake** in the afternoon, which adds only 1 hour of walking and no extra cost. To shorten the trip, skip the afternoon drive to the campground and instead camp at the **Wawona Campground** (if available), saving 30 minutes of driving while still enjoying the same trails.