5-Day Yosemite National Park Adventure from ORD Airport

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Chicago, IL to Yosemite National Park, CA on July 2, 2025

6:00am

Depart ORD Airport

Catch an early morning flight from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Flights typically take around 4 hours with a possible connection.

USD250-450, 4h

11:00am

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Pick up a rental car at Fresno Airport and drive approximately 2.5 hours north to Yosemite. The route goes via CA-41 N offering scenic views along the way.

USD70/day for rental, 2h30m

2:00pm

Check-in & Lunch

Check into accommodation in or near Yosemite Valley. Enjoy lunch at the nearby Degnan's Kitchen, offering sandwiches and salads in a casual setting.

USD15-25, 1h

3:30pm

Yosemite Visitor Center

Visit the Yosemite Visitor Center to gather maps, learn about the park's geology and wildlife, and plan upcoming hikes or tours. Open daily 8am-5pm.

USD35 per car for park entrance, 1h

5:00pm

Yosemite Valley Walk

Take a gentle walk along the Valley Loop Trail to admire El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall from accessible viewpoints before sunset.

Included in park entrance, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yosemite Valley Lodge Dining

Dine at the Mountain Room Restaurant for American cuisine with granite cliff views. Reservations recommended as it is popular.

USD40-60, 1h30m

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Day 2: Yosemite Highlights

Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park on July 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Base Camp Eatery

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Base Camp Eatery specializing in breakfast burritos, coffee, and pastries to fuel your day.

USD10-15, 1h

8:45am

Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Hike

Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and continue to Nevada Fall if energetic. This iconic trail offers spectacular waterfall views and is about 7 miles round-trip. Prepare for a 5-7 hour hike and bring water.

Included in park entrance, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch Picnic in Yosemite Valley

Have a packed picnic lunch at Cook’s Meadow or Sentinel Meadow, enjoying stunning views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

Self-prepared or USD10-15 at park stores, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Yosemite Falls

Visit the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, an easy 1-mile loop ideal for all ages to admire North America’s tallest waterfall. The trail is open daily.

Included in park entrance, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Curry Village Pavilion

Experience casual dining with pizza, pasta, and salads at Curry Village Pavilion, which is open for dinner until 8pm.

USD20-30, 1h

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Day 3: Glacier Point & Local Trails

Glacier Point - Yosemite National Park on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Treat yourself to a refined breakfast at The Ahwahnee Dining Room, a historic hotel with elegant ambiance and hearty American breakfast options.

USD25-35, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Glacier Point

Drive approximately 1 hour to Glacier Point, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Yosemite offering panoramic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. The Glacier Point Road is open July through October.

Included in park entrance, 1h

9:30am

Explore and Photography at Glacier Point

Spend time walking the short trails around Glacier Point, enjoying viewpoints and photo opportunities of Yosemite’s iconic landmarks.

Included in park entrance, 2h

11:30am

Sentinel Dome Hike

Take the moderate 2.2-mile round-trip hike to Sentinel Dome for incredible 360-degree views of the park’s granite cliffs and valleys.

Included in park entrance, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Wawona Hotel Dining Room

Drive to Wawona and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the historic Wawona Hotel Dining Room, known for its classic American fare and beautiful gardens.

USD25-40, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Explore Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 mature giant sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. The grove is open daily from 8am to 7pm during July.

Included in park entrance, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant 1833 in Wawona

Enjoy a charming dinner at Restaurant 1833, offering locally sourced dishes in a rustic setting, perfect to unwind after the day's explorations.

USD30-50, 1h30m

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Day 4: Leisure & Optional Activities

Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a local café

Have a relaxed breakfast at a local Yosemite Valley café such as The Village Grill, known for its classic breakfast options and cozy atmosphere.

USD10-15, 1h

9:30am

Optional Rock Climbing Lesson or Horseback Riding

Try a beginner rock climbing lesson with Yosemite Mountaineering School or enjoy a guided horseback ride through Yosemite Valley. Both activities require advance booking and last 3-4 hours.

USD100-150, 3-4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Degnan's Kitchen

Return for lunch at Degnan’s Kitchen offering fresh, locally sourced dishes perfect after a half-day adventure.

USD15-25, 1h

3:00pm

Relax by the Merced River

Spend a leisurely afternoon near the Merced River, ideal for light walking, photography, or just soaking in the natural surroundings.

Included in park entrance, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel Dining Room

Celebrate your last evening with dinner at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel Dining Room, enjoying elegant dishes and refined ambiance. Advance reservations strongly advised.

USD50-70, 1h30m

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