How many days do you need in Yosemite?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Yosemite, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Yosemite?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Yosemite. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

7-Day Yosemite National Park Adventure: Hiking, Waterfalls & Scenic Views

Day 1: Yosemite Valley Classics

Yosemite Valley, USA on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yosemite Village Store

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Yosemite Village Store, known for fresh pastries and coffee to fuel your exploration.

USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit El Capitan Meadow

Marvel at El Capitan, one of the largest granite monoliths in the world, popular among rock climbers and perfect for photos.

USD0, 1h0m

11:00am

Yosemite Falls Trail Hike

Hike to Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, and enjoy the breathtaking views along the trail. The trail is open year-round but check weather conditions.

USD0, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Base Camp Eatery

Enjoy a casual lunch featuring sandwiches and salads with great views of the valley.

USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Mirror Lake

Walk around Mirror Lake, a serene body of water reflecting the surrounding cliffs, ideal for a relaxing afternoon stroll.

USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Dine at this iconic spot featuring classic American cuisine with views overlooking Yosemite Falls, open until 9 PM.

USD50, 1h30m

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Day 2: Mariposa Grove Giant Sequoias

Mariposa Grove, Yosemite, USA on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Degnan's Deli

Grab a quick breakfast with fresh bakery items and coffee to prepare for a full day outdoors.

USD10, 1h0m

9:00am

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Explore the ancient giant sequoias including the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree via well-marked walking trails. The grove opens at 8 AM.

USD0 (Park Entry), 3h0m

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Wawona Meadow

Enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by nature. Bring your own lunch or pick up prepared items from nearby stores.

USD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Pioneer Yosemite History Center

Discover the rich history of Yosemite through preserved buildings and exhibits detailing the park’s pioneer past. Open until 5 PM.

USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Wawona Hotel Dining Room

Enjoy refined dining in a historic setting featuring classic American fare. Reservations recommended.

USD45, 1h30m

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Day 3: Tioga Road & Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite, USA on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Start early with a filling breakfast to get ready for the scenic drive and hikes up Tioga Road.

USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive Tioga Pass to Tuolumne Meadows

Travel the stunning Tioga Road, open seasonally from late May to October, to reach Tuolumne Meadows for alpine scenery and moderate hiking.

USD0, 2h0m

10:00am

Hike to Soda Springs and Parson's Lodge

Enjoy an easy hike to natural mineral springs and a historic lodge in the meadows, great for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

USD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tuolumne Meadows Grill

Casual lunch with burgers, sandwiches, and drinks in a comfortable meadow setting.

USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hike to Gaylor Lakes

A moderate 3-mile round trip hike to scenic alpine lakes with great photo opportunities surrounded by granite peaks.

USD0, 2h30m

5:30pm

Return Drive to Yosemite Valley

Drive back along Tioga Road to enjoy sunset views and prepare for next day’s activities.

USD0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court

Relax with a wide variety of dinner options perfect after a long day of adventure.

USD20, 1h0m

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Day 4: Glacier Point & Sentinel Dome

Glacier Point, Yosemite, USA on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Curry Village Pizza Patio

Grab a quick and tasty breakfast with pizza options and coffee before heading out.

USD12, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Glacier Point

A scenic 1-hour drive to Glacier Point for panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and waterfalls. The road is typically open by late May to early June but open if snow conditions permit.

USD0, 1h0m

9:30am

Hike Sentinel Dome

A moderate 2.2-mile round trip hike with breathtaking 360-degree views at the summit, perfect for photographers.

USD0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch Picnic at Glacier Point

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch with views over the Yosemite Valley from the Glacier Point overlook.

USD0, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Yosemite Museum and Indian Village

Learn about the native Ahwahneechee culture and Yosemite’s human history at this cultural center located in Yosemite Village. Open 8 AM - 5 PM.

USD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Enjoy an elegant dining experience with gourmet cuisine in the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, open until 9 PM. Reservation recommended.

USD70, 1h30m

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Day 5: Valley Floor & Bike Tour

Yosemite Valley, USA on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Degnan's Kitchen

Start with a wholesome breakfast featuring fresh juices and hearty bowls before your active day.

USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Rent Bikes in Yosemite Valley

Rent bikes from Yosemite Valley Lodge to explore scenic flat trails along the Merced River and to popular spots like Yosemite Falls and El Capitan Meadow.

USD30, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Base Camp Eatery

Relax with a fresh and flavorful menu featuring local ingredients and seasonal offerings.

USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Lower Yosemite Fall

See the easy to access Lower Yosemite Fall trail and capture impressive waterfall views.

USD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Cook’s Meadow

Enjoy a leisurely walk or rest with spectacular views of Half Dome, a perfect way to wind down your day.

USD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court

Choose from multiple cuisine options at this convenient spot highly rated for its location and variety.

USD20, 1h0m

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Day 6: Hetch Hetchy & Waterfall Hiking

Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite, USA on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Deli in Yosemite Valley

Quick and convenient breakfast to get an early start for the journey to Hetch Hetchy.

USD10, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Travel to Hetch Hetchy, a less crowded area featuring beautiful landscapes and waterfalls, about 1-hour drive from Yosemite Valley.

USD0, 1h0m

9:00am

Wapama Falls Trail

Hike the 5-mile round-trip trail to Wapama Falls, a spectacular waterfall known for its power and beauty. The trail is open year-round.

USD0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch Picnic near Reservoir

Enjoy your packed lunch amid tranquil reservoir views, surrounded by nature.

USD0, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore O'Shaughnessy Dam

Take in the engineering marvel and panoramic views of the reservoir from the dam area.

USD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Yosemite Valley

Head back to Yosemite Valley to rest and prepare for your final day.

USD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Savor your last dinner in Yosemite with a scenic atmosphere and delicious food.

USD50, 1h30m

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Day 7: Relax & Departure

Yosemite Valley, USA on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Curry Village Coffee Corner

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with coffee and light pastries before your departure.

USD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Leisurely Walk along Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

Take an easy 2.5-mile loop walk offering excellent views of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Sentinel Rock as a memorable last experience.

USD0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Checkout and Departure

Prepare for your trip home or next destination with fond memories of Yosemite National Park.

USD0, N/A

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day Yosemite National Park Adventure: Hiking, Waterfalls & Scenic Views

Day 1: Yosemite Valley Classics

8:00am

9:30am

11:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

Day 2: Mariposa Grove Giant Sequoias

7:30am

9:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

Day 3: Tioga Road & Tuolumne Meadows

7:00am

8:00am

10:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:30pm

7:30pm

Day 4: Glacier Point & Sentinel Dome

7:30am

8:30am

9:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

Day 5: Valley Floor & Bike Tour

8:00am

9:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

6:30pm

Day 6: Hetch Hetchy & Waterfall Hiking

7:00am

8:00am

9:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

6:00pm

Day 7: Relax & Departure

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

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