TOP MUST-SEE SPOTS IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Yosemite is one of my favorite national parks to date. There are so many incredible hikes and breathtaking views!
It is also one of the most crowded parks I have ever visited. We spent a lot of time waiting in line to enter the park each day, searching for parking, and waiting for shuttles to access various trails.
Since my visit in 2023, the park has implemented a reservation system for certain days and times of the year. You can check these dates here.
If you have a lodging reservation within the park, a Half Dome permit, or a vacation rental in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta, you don’t need a reservation to enter the park. Also, if you arrive before 5am or after 4pm, you won’t need a reservation.
Side note: February is an extremely busy time to visit the park, as Horsetail Fall is illuminated, giving its fiery glow.
We drove up from San Diego on Friday evening to allow more time in the park on Saturday.
Day 1: Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point
Our trip was during the last week of June, and there were still some road closures due to the heavy winter that year. Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road were closed.
We planned our entire trip around the Half Dome permits we won for the second day of our visit.
FOUR MILE TRAIL
Length: 9.7-miles
Elevation Gain: 3,418 ft
Estimated Time: 6 hours
Route: Out & Back
*Shuttle Stop #11
The steep inclines on this hike made tackling Half Dome the next day more challenging for me, but the view was absolutely worth it. It might even be my favorite of the trip, with its panoramic views of Yosemite.
During the busy summer months, you may need to take a shuttle from Yosemite Ski Resort (Badger Pass). The drive will take 30-40 minutes one way, and even longer if you have to take the shuttle.
On my next trip to Yosemite, I would drive to Glacier Point and then hike to Washburn Point and Taft Point, which has incredible views of Yosemite Valley and El Capitan.
Day 2: Half Dome
Getting all the way to Half Dome requires some advance planning. Only those with a permit can get to the subdome and then climb the cables to Half Dome. We had a very large group and were lucky to score several permits to cover all of us.
This was one of the most challenging hikes I’ve experienced, but also the most rewarding. Along the trail, you’ll see both Vernal and Nevada Falls.
HALF DOME TRAIL
Length: 17-miles
Elevation Gain: 5,457 ft
Estimated Time: 10-14 hours
Route: Out & Back
*Shuttle Stop #16
The hike begins at the Mist Trail. We parked at the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking around 6:00am. From this parking lot, it’s a half-mile walk to the Happy Isles Bridge and the start of the hike.
About 20-30 minutes into the hike you’ll reach the Vernal Falls foot bridge. This is the only place that has drinking water and bathrooms. From the trailhead to the top of Vernal Falls is 1.5-miles.
Past the footbridge, the trail is a steady climb to Vernal Falls. You’ll quickly see how Mist Trail earns its name. We were drenched by the time we reached the top.
The next stop is Nevada Falls, which is 2 miles from Vernal Falls.
The trail splits at the top of Nevada Falls. Stay left to continue to Half Dome. You can go right for an optional detour to the top of Nevada Falls but you could pass this on your way down via the Join Muir Trail instead.
The trail flattens out briefly once you reach Nevada Falls. After passing Little Yosemite Valley, there will be a steady slow climb through the Sequoia trees.
Finally, you will reach the base of the subdome, where park rangers check permits and give a brief pep talk.
Climbing up the subdome is difficult and a little nerve wracking.
From the top of the subdome, you’ll get your first up close view of the Half Dome. I was way more intimated than I thought I would be. It was also pretty crowded by this time.
When climbing up, you are supposed to stay on the right side of the trail to allow room for passing hikers and those descending on the left. This is a 400ft steep climb up smooth, slippery granite.
As a group, we decided not to climb the cables. It looked far more challenging than I was prepared for after hiking 4+ hours uphill. Our biggest concern was the number of people on the cables and how long it would take to go up and down.
From here, you’ll retrace your steps back to Nevada Falls. You can either hike back down the Mist Trail or the Muir Trail. The Muir Trail adds 1.5 miles to the hike, but it’s less steep and less wet.
We attempted to take the Muir Trail, but just past the top of Nevada Falls, we found it was closed. We had to backtrack to the Mist Trail for a very steep, wet, and crowded descent down to Yosemite Valley. My knees were screaming at this point, and a very kind stranger offered me one of their hiking poles. (I highly recommend poles for this hike.)
Day 3: Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Mirror Lake, El Capitan
After two strenuous days, we decided to visit the easy to access scenic areas of the park.
Tunnel View is beautiful and easily accessible from the parking lot just off the main road.
You can reach the base of Bridalveil Falls with a short walk from the road.
There is an easy, flat 5.0-mile loop trail around Mirror Lake. We walked about halfway and found a spot to sit and enjoy the afternoon.
*Shuttle Stop #17
El Capitan is best seen from the El Capitan Meadow. There are some nice short trails here as well.
Day 4: Yosemite Falls
The views of Yosemite Falls from this trail are amazing. You even get close enough to feel the spray.
Yosemite Falls
Length: 7-miles
Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
Route: Out & Back
*Shuttle Stop #7
This hike is quite strenuous, but the stunning views make it worthwhile.
For even more breathtaking scenery, you can continue to Yosemite Point.
Day 5: Mariposa & Grove of Giant Sequoias
This was our last day in Yosemite. Since we were heading towards Paso Robles afterward, we decided to drive through Mariposa.
Grizzly Loop Trail
Length: 2-miles
Elevation Gain: 383ft
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Route: Loop
We enjoyed a charming, touristy train ride through the redwood forest. This would be a fun activity for kids, but I wouldn’t consider it a must-do.
We reserved a ‘muscle rejuvenation soak’ at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort. It was incredibly relaxing and peaceful after all our hiking. The property was nestled in a very secluded area, which added to the relaxation. We also ate dinner at their onsite restaurant and it was DECADENT!
We ended the night in Mariposa at the adorable 5th Street Inn.
We had a great breakfast the following morning at Sticks Coffee.
Before making our way towards Paso Robles, we stopped at Mariposa Coffee Company.
This place wasan experience. We loved chatting with the owner while he brewed us a cup of coffee from inside his (attached) house. The shop is very rustic and quaint in the best way. To be honest, the coffee wasn’t my absolute favorite but I still think it’s worth a stop.
That concludes our trip to Yosemite! Next time, I’d love to hike Clouds Rest and explore Tioga Road. Stay tuned for my post on Paso Robles!