3-Day Adventure in Yosemite National Park: Hiking, Sightseeing, and Nature Exploration

Day 1: Explore Yosemite Valley

Yosemite National Park, USA on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Yosemite Valley Lodge Dining

Begin your day with breakfast at the Yosemite Valley Lodge Dining area, offering classic American breakfast options in a scenic setting. It's open from 7:00am, perfect before heading out.

USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Stop by the Visitor Center to gather maps, check trail conditions, and learn about the park's geology and history. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Free, 0h30m

9:00am

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail Hike

Enjoy a leisurely 1-mile round trip hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall for stunning views of one of North America’s tallest waterfalls.

Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Mirror Lake Trail

Walk a 2-mile round trip to Mirror Lake, a serene spot with stunning reflections of surrounding cliffs like Half Dome. Great for photos and wildlife spotting.

Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Degnan's Kitchen

Casual lunch spot in Yosemite Village offering sandwiches, pizzas, and salads, ideal for fueling up before afternoon exploration. Open 10:00am to 4:00pm.

USD20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

Bike or hike parts of this 13-mile loop to see iconic sights like El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Renting bikes nearby is possible if preferred.

Bike rental approx. USD30/day, 3h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Yosemite Village

Explore shops, galleries, and the Ansel Adams Gallery, or relax near the Merced River before dinner.

Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Dine with majestic views of Yosemite Falls, enjoying a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and regional dishes. Reservations recommended. Open until 9:00pm.

USD40, 1h30m

8:00pm

Evening star gazing

Yosemite’s dark skies make for incredible stargazing. Head to a quiet point near the valley floor to admire the stars and constellations.

Free, 1h0m

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Day 2: Glacier Point & Mariposa Grove

Yosemite National Park, USA on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Degnan's Deli

Grab a quick and filling breakfast sandwich or coffee before setting out early to Glacier Point. Open from 7:00am.

USD12, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Glacier Point

Scenic 45 min drive offering incredible views. Note that Glacier Point Road opens starting late May normally, so check for seasonal openings or choose an alternative viewpoint.

Park Entrance USD35/car (7-day pass), 1h0m

9:30am

Glacier Point Lookout

Take in panoramic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra from this famous overlook. Walk accessible, open year-round when road is open.

Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Drive to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Drive about 1 hour south to visit the famous giant sequoias – some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.

Free with park pass, 1h0m

11:30am

Mariposa Grove Trail

Enjoy a 2-mile moderate hike among ancient giant sequoias including the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree. Open from 8:00am to 7:00pm.

Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch Picnic at Mariposa Grove

Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch surrounded by giant trees. Pack food ahead or pick up sandwiches from Yosemite Village before heading out.

USD15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Yosemite Valley

Drive back to Yosemite Valley and relax or visit any missed spots from Day 1.

Included, 1h0m

4:00pm

Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall

Experience the thrilling trail with misty spray from the waterfall. The round trip to Vernal Fall footbridge is about 3 miles and usually takes 2-3 hours. Closed in winter so verify conditions.

Free, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at the Ahwahnee Dining Room

Elegant dining setting with a historic ambiance and seasonal American cuisine. Perfect for a memorable final night. Open until 9:00pm.

USD50, 1h30m

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Day 3: Tuolumne Meadows & Departure

Yosemite National Park, USA on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast in Yosemite Valley

Grab a quick breakfast at the Village Store or pack snacks for a scenic drive.

USD10, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Tuolumne Meadows

About 1.5-hour drive northeast - enjoy the high-altitude alpine meadow and river scenery. Note: Tioga Road usually opens late May to October; check current road status.

Included, 1h30m