4-Day Yosemite National Park Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Yosemite Valley

Morning: Arrive at the park entrance and stop at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center to pick up maps and learn about current conditions. Continue to the iconic Tunnel View for a classic panorama of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.

Afternoon: Hike the lower loop to Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, and enjoy the misty mist at the base. Afterwards, explore the historic Stoneman Bridge and snap photos of the Merced River.

Evening: Relax on the Valley Loop Trail as the sun sets, watching the cliffs glow pink. End the day with a dinner at the park’s lodge or a picnic under the stars.

Day 2: Glacier Point & Mariposa Grove

Morning: Drive up to Glacier Point for sweeping vistas of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. Take a short walk to the Sentinel Dome viewpoint for 360‑degree panoramas.

Afternoon: Descend to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and wander among ancient trees like the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree. A guided ranger talk adds context to the grove’s ecology.

Evening: Return to the valley and enjoy a sunset stroll around Mirror Lake, where reflections of the surrounding cliffs create perfect photo opportunities.

Day 3: High Country & Tuolumne Meadows

Morning: Take the Tioga Road westward to the alpine basin of Tuolumne Meadows. Stop at Olmsted Point for an unusual angle on Half Dome’s north face.

Afternoon: Hike the gentle Cathedral Lakes Trail, passing sparkling lakes backed by towering granite walls. Pack a lunch to enjoy on the meadow’s edge.

Evening: Drive back toward the valley, stopping at Tenaya Lake for a quick dip or shoreline walk before settling in for dinner.

Day 4: Half Dome & Departure

Morning: If you hold a permit, embark on the challenging ascent to Half Dome, beginning at the Happy Isles trailhead. For non‑permit hikers, enjoy a leisurely walk to the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail instead.

Afternoon: After the hike, unwind at the Bridalveil Fall overlook and take the short Valley Floor Loop for any missed sights. Grab a final snack at the park’s bakery.

Evening: Depart the park via the same route, stopping at the Yosemite Valley Chapel for a brief reflection before heading home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Yosemite Valley Visitor Center – 1.5 hrs – $0 (park fee included)
• Tunnel View – 0.5 hrs – $0
• Yosemite Falls – 2 hrs – $0
• Glacier Point – 2 hrs – $0
• Sentinel Dome – 1 hr – $0
• Mariposa Grove (guided talk) – 3 hrs – $10 (ranger program)
• Mirror Lake – 1 hr – $0
• Tuolumne Meadows – 2 hrs – $0
• Olmsted Point – 0.5 hrs – $0
• Cathedral Lakes Trail – 3 hrs – $0
• Tenaya Lake – 1 hr – $0
• Half Dome Permit (if obtained) – 6 hrs – $15 per person
• Happy Isles Trailhead – 0.5 hrs – $0
• Lower Yosemite Fall Trail – 1 hr – $0
• Bridalveil Fall – 0.5 hrs – $0
• Yosemite Valley Chapel – 0.25 hrs – $0
• Park Entrance Fee (vehicle) – – – $35
• Total Estimated Cost – $60 per person (including park fee, Half Dome permit, and ranger program)

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider adding a full day in the high country to explore Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and the Wapama Falls trail for quieter scenery. To shorten the trip, skip the Tuolumne Meadows segment and focus on the valley and Glacier Point, which still captures the park’s highlights in three days.