One Day in Yosemite National park: Itinerary+Tips

Are you planning to spend One Day in Yosemite National Park? And it feels overwhelming because there is so much to do with just one day in Yosemite. Then you’re at the right place! Keep reading this one day in Yosemite National Park Itinerary with all the best travel tips to plan it perfectly.

Yosemite is one of the greatest national parks in America. This incredibly beautiful valley offers something for everyone: amazing hiking trails, rock climbing, waterfalls, and picturesque viewpoints that require no hiking!

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We visited Yosemite during our Hawaii Trip. It was a quick stopover in California for a few days before and after exploring Hawaii. If you’re flying into San Francisco or Los Angeles, or doing a California road trip, Yosemite is a must-visit.

There are so many amazing national parks in California but nothing compares to Yosemite! The park attracts millions of people every year!

Here’s how to spend One Day in Yosemite National Park, taking in the incredible beauty of this place from sunrise to sunset, and beyond. I will also add more options to the itinerary so you can customize it if you have more than a day in Yosemite National Park. This Yosemite Itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors.

But first, let me share with you important information about Yosemite National Park to plan your one day in Yosemite perfectly!

Overview of one-day Yosemite itinerary

I have added as many activities as I think are doable in a day trip to Yosemite, considering the long daylight hours in summer! You can skip a few places if you wish it’s most important to enjoy the Park and surrounding nature rather than see more!

You can choose which viewpoints or hikes to prioritize based on what appeals to you. For me, hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls and going to Inspiration Point for sunset are the best experiences and you shouldn’t skip it!

Planning Your Visit to Yosemite National Park

Before sharing my suggested itinerary for one day in Yosemite National Park, I want to cover the basics about the Park. This will help you to plan a hiccup-free trip.

Different parts of Yosemite National Park

Since Yosemite National Park is quite large, it is divided into several different parts. These sections include the following: 

• Yosemite Valley
• Tuolumne Meadows
• Bridalveil Creek
• Mariposa Grove and Wawona
• Glacier Point area
• Hetch Hetchy

From above, you can see all the sections of the Park aren’t possible to visit with just one day in Yosemite National Park. For that reason. I will particularly focus on spending one day in Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point from my experiences.

If you would like to see more of Yosemite National Park, I highly recommend extending it to 3 days. You can easily spend more days exploring everything that this wonderful national park has to offer!

Which Entrance to Yosemite Should I Take?

Like other big national parks like Yellowstone, WY, Yosemite also has five entrances, and the road to each of them offers unique sights to see along the way. The best entrance depends on where you’re driving from.

• Hetchy Hetchy (Highway 120)
• Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120)
• Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140)
• South Entrance (Highway 41)
• Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120)

If you’re arriving from central California or Los Angeles/San Francisco, you’ll enter via Highway 120 or Highway 140 entrances.

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fees

As part of the National Park system, Yosemite operates under the same rules as other parks. You’ll either need to pay an entrance fee or use a National Parks Pass to enter.

Here are your options:

• The private vehicle entrance fee, good for 7 days, is $35. 
• You can walk or bike into the park for $20 per person, good for 7 days.
• An annual America the Beautiful Pass is $80. This gets you into every National Park in the USA for one year! Best to get it if you’re planning to visit more than two parks in a year.

Tips for Driving & Parking in Yosemite National Park

Technically, there are a few main roads that pass through Yosemite National Park. But major attractions and hikes are along the Yosemite Valley. There are two main roads in the valley: Southside Drive and Northside Drive. Together, these two make a loop that goes to the majority of your stops on this One Day Yosemite National Park itinerary. You’ll only be driving to Glacier Point Road.

One of the major challenges when visiting Yosemite National Park, especially during the Peak Summer months is Parking. Like other most popular national parks in the United States, thousands of people visit this incredibly beautiful national park every single day. Consequently, finding parking throughout the day is a hassle, so walking or taking the free Park Shuttle is best.

So, your best bet is to arrive as early as possible – ideally at 7 AM, even on weekdays to get a parking spot in one of the three parking lots in Yosemite Valley: Yosemite Village, Curry Village, and Yosemite Falls.

Just Park your car there for whole day and use the park’s free shuttle to follow this one-day Yosemite itinerary. Also, most of the viewpoints in the valley are very walkable. We almost walked everywhere except for hike to Vernal Falls.

Many times the shuttles are so full that you need to wait for the next one, so that’s another thing you need to be flexible about when planning your Yosemite one day trip.

NOTE: There are NO gas stations in the valley, so make sure to get gas outside the park. The ones close to Yosemite tend to be more expensive, such as in El Portal or Wawona.

Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite National Park?

Being an extremely popular National Park, you might need to make reservations to enter Yosemite National Park if you don’t have a campsite or accommodations inside the park.

Each vehicle will need to make payment for a $2 non-refundable reservation online via the official booking system to enter the park between 5 AM to 4 PM. You can check which months and weekends are required for reservations on the National Park Site.

When can reservations be made?

The reservation slots for the 2025 summer will be announced after February 26 and will be available until they sell out. There will be additional reservation slots released 7 days before each day as well, so better suit those who are making last-minute plans.

How many hours should you plan to spend in Yosemite?

Since summer is known to be the busiest time of the year, I suggest getting to Yosemite by 7:00 AM. This means leaving your hotel or home early in the morning AM! And trust me it’s worth waking up that early for this experience. Also, arriving early will give you crowd-free time.

Thankfully, you get long daylight hours up to around 8:30 PM in summer, and I’d encourage you to make full use of it as you’re only going to be there for a day.

How to plan a route in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is a small but incredibly scenic part of the National Park. Most of the people go to the valley for their first visit. Also, the road within Yosemite Valley follows a one-way anti-clockwise direction. Since you have only one day in Yosemite, plan to maximize your time in the valley.

I also included a drive to Glacier Point Road. It remains open during Summer months, make sure to check on the latest road conditions here. This itinerary is based on Glacier Point Road being open, if you’re visiting during the snow season you can skip this part of the itinerary.

Where to Stay for One Day in Yosemite National Park Itinerary?

You have two options while visiting Yosemite National Park: you can either stay in the park or near the park.

If you’re hoping to stay in the park, you can choose between hotels and campgrounds. Some of the most popular hotels include Yosemite Valley Lodge, Ahwahnee Hotel, and White Wolf Lodge.

But if you’d prefer to stay closer to nature, you can camp in the Park. For canvas tent options, you can choose between Curry Village, and Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (outside Yosemite Valley). For traditional campground options, there are ten different sites throughout the park for you to choose from, although there is only one in Yosemite Valley.

If you’re okay with doing a little bit of extra driving, you can stay at a hotel near the Park. I highly suggest this option if you’re driving from California.

• Tenaya at Yosemite Lodge (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
• Big Creek Inn, Fish Camp (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
• Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn(⭐️⭐️⭐️)
• Yosemite View Lodge, El Portal (⭐️⭐️⭐️)
• Yosemite South Gate Hotel,Oakhurst(⭐️⭐️⭐️)

Overview of this one-day Yosemite itinerary

I have packed in as many activities as I think is doable in a day trip to Yosemite, considering the long daylight hours in summer. You can skip few places from this itinerary, if you feel like, because it’s most important to enjoy the experience in Yosemite even if it means doing less.

You can choose which viewpoints or hikes to prioritize based on what appeals to you. For me, that would be to hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls Footbridge and go to Taft point at sunset. Also don’t miss drive to Glacier point Road.

How to Spend One Day in Yosemite National Park

Sunrise : Tunnel View

Start your day at Yosemite National Park with catching beautiful sunrise at Tunnel View. This is one of the most famous viewpoint in Yosemite National Park. This scenic point allows you to see Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridal veil Fall! Between the big mountains and the bright green trees, it’s quite a sight to see the rising sun here. So take a few pictures, enjoy the landscape, sit in silence for a while before entering the Park.

Alternatively, another famous spot to catch Sunrise is Valley View. From this spot, you can see one of the most iconic views of Yosemite National Park, with El Capitan on one side at the Twin Cathedral Rocks on the other.

Early Morning: Hike Mist Trail to Vernal Falls Footbridge

As you enter the Yosemite Valley, stunning El Capitan welcomes you. The first views are really unforgettable! You can head to the roadside at El Capitan Meadow the great views of this iconic mountain.

If you look closely, you might even see some climbers on the rock. It’s an awe-inspiring cliff which has been alluring climbers for decades!

Now, let’s start your day with one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite, Mist Trail. It features the Merced River and two waterfalls – Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. Since you are on one day trip to Yosemite, hiking to Vernal Falls Footbridge gives you the taste of the incredible scenery.

It takes roughly 1.5-2 hours to hike the 1.6-mile round trip with 400 ft (120m) of elevation gain. Take your time here as the trail is mostly uphill all the way to the footbridge. Overall, it is a moderate trail that most people can do. You can also bring hiking poles to help with going downhill.

• Nearest shuttle stop: #16 Happy Isles
• Starting Point: Mist Trail head
• Restrooms: Available at Curry Village, Mist Trail head, and Vernal Falls Footbridge
• Time for the hike : 2 hours

Mid Morning: Explore Yosemite Valley

After the hike, get relax and take free shuttles or walk around the Yosemite Valley. This is one way scenic loop which you can loop back from Southside Drive to Northside Drive. It’s one way road, and you’ll make a full circle while simultaneously seeing some of the best sites in this iconic national park.

Marvel at Bridalveil Fall

make your way back down to the valley floor and continue on Southside Drive back into the valley. First stop is Bridalveil Fall. This is one of the most popular and shortest hikes in Yosemite, and its must do in your one day Yosemite national park itinerary.

To get to the base of Bridalveil Fall, you’ll take a short paved walk from the parking area. The total round trip distance is only 0.5 mile (0.8 km), and is mostly flat. And at the end, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 620-foot waterfall. Eventually, you’ll feel the refreshing mist from the waterfall on your skin as you admire it from below.

Picnic at Sentinel Beach

Yosemite Valley doesn’t offer many eating options inside the Park. But you can always pack your Lunch and plan your Picnic Lunch in the park.

Sentinel Beach is the best place to have it but this is not your typical “beach”! You are on the banks of the Merced River, with the stunning views of the Yosemite Valley around you. You can also stop at Swinging Bridge Picnic area for the same.

See Yosemite Chapel

Next stop is Yosemite Valley Chapel. This famous 1870s chapel is located in the middle of Yosemite Valley in a picturesque setting with spectacular cliffs, meadows, and beautiful views of Yosemite Falls.

Stroll along the Cook’s Meadow Loop

Continuing into the valley, head to the Cook’s Meadows loop walk near Lower Yosemite Falls. This is my favorite section of Yosemite National Park.The trail takes you on an anti-clockwise loop that ends at Cook’s Meadow Loop Trailhead. 

The trail will take you around the picturesque meadows in Yosemite and offers you the best views of the breathtaking Half Dome.

It is also a short and easy trail, covering 1-mile along a flat route. During this short walk, you will get to get the glimpse of many of Yosemite’s iconic places, including, Lower Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Sentinel rock,and more. As you loop around the meadow, you’ll experience the vastness of the surrounding landscape.

There’s a boardwalk leading to Yosemite Falls Vantage Point on Cook’s Meadow Loop Trailhead, which has Yosemite Falls in the background. Don’t forget to snap a shot here!

Pro Tip: The full loop is 2.25 miles but if you don’t want to walk that far you can access some of the best views in the meadows and Lower Yosemite Falls in less than 30 minutes. From Yosemite Valley Chapel, cross over the Superintendent’s Bridge, then walk to Yosemite Falls Vantage Point via Sentinel Bridge, and finally arrive at Yosemite valley Welcome Center.

Yosemite Valley Welcome Center & Lunch

I always stop at the visitor center when visiting a National Park! While visiting the Yosemite National Park visitor center (which is located toward the end of the valley, rather than at the entrance), you can learn everything you’d like to know about the park, from the geology of the cliffs to the patterns of the animals to the types of plants present in Yosemite Valley. Don’t forget to get your National Park Stamp here.

Yosemite doesn’t have many eating options but if you haven’t packed your lunch there are few options inside the Park. You can grab Sandwiches and Pizza at Degnan’s Kitchen in Yosemite Village in beautiful settings. They also have outside dining options.

The other options include, Base Camp Eatery, and Mountain Room restaurant in Yosemite Valley lodge. There is also a Starbucks here to fix your caffeine for evening!

Early Afternoon: Lower Yosemite Falls

After lunch, take a walk to Lower Yosemite Falls, which is one of the most iconic and famous part of Yosemite Falls.

Walking along the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, you’ll see both Upper and Lower Falls in the distance. This 1-mile easy trail takes you to the base of the waterfall, where you’ll see water gushing down during summer. The trail is flat and takes 30 minutes to reach the base.

If you’re visiting in early fall, note that the waterfalls might not be as impressive. That’s also why Spring and summer is the most crowded time of year as waterfall will be in full force.

• Nearest shuttle stop: #6
• Starting point: Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead

Evening: Drive to Glacier point Road

After Yosemite Falls, get back to your parking to pick up your car. Buckle up, because you’re going to drive up Glacier Point Road to the cliffs that overlook Yosemite Valley.

It is 30 miles one way from Yosemite Valley.Drive out of the valley on Northside Drive, turn left onto Southside Drive, then take Wawona Road to Glacier Point Road. There are plenty of scenic spots along the way, so take your time to drive and admire the beauty!

Glacier point Road is at higher elevation, is only open during the warmer months after the snow clears.So, check the road conditions before planning your One day in Yosemite National Park.

Before reaching the Glacier point, make a quick stop at Washburn Point. I felt that Washburn Point felt less crowded and I enjoyed having whole place to myself to take ample photos here. Next, stop is Glacier Point. After parking your car at Glacier point Parking, there is a short 0.5-mile walk to the Glacier Point Viewpoint.

This view looks directly out to Half Dome and the whole panorama is one you won’t forget ever. You can also see the watefalls from here. The whole valley from above looks jawdropping.

Pro Tip for Photos: There is clearly No bad views here from any angle but make sure to stop before you access the car park for Glacier Point. The curvy road with Half Dome directly behind it is breathtaking. It is best photo spot in Yosemite.

Sunset: Hike to Sentinel Dome & Taft point for Sunset

I know this is very action packed day for you in Yosemite! But trust me, this one is literally the best of the day! Head first to Taft Point for that jaw dropping view and another of our favourite photography spots in the park. The angles make it look a lot scarier than it actually is, but you will still want to be careful on that cliff edge.

After that walk along the Roosevelt trail to Sentinel Dome. This route is less busy and you’ll finishes sunset at Sentinel Dome. Sentinel Dome is the best sunset spot in Yosemite and famous for the reason!

The dome offers 360 views to both El Capitan and Half Dome and gives you the feeling of sitting on top of the world. Isn’t it the perfect way to end your Yosemite trip?

The whole loop trail is 6.8-mile long, and fairly easy with some elevation gain. It will take 3 hours for whole loop with some time for photos!

Pro Tip: If this sounds too much you can choose either Taft Point(2.2 miles RT) or Sentinel Dome(1.8 miles RT) for sunset, both of which are just over two miles return and have some elevation gain.

Similar to all other parts of Yosemite in summer, parking can be hard to come by so I recommend arriving at the parking lot 2.5 hours before sunset. That way, you’ll have ample time to make the hike to Sentinel Dome after waiting for parking.

• Parking and restrooms: Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Trailhead
• Time to spend here: 2-3 hours

OPTION-2 for Sunset : Glacier point

If you don’t want to hike to Taft Point, Glacier Point is probably the best place to watch the sunset in Yosemite. It provides you an excellent views of the the Yosemite Valley at dusk. The sunset from Glacier Point, offers breathtaking the valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.

Option 3 for Sunset : Inspiration Point

If Glacier point Road isn’t open or you’re not driving the road, your best bet to watch sunset is in Yosemite Vally. You can catch the sunset from Tunnel View but it will be crowded a lot ! Instead, I suggest walking behine the Tunnel View Parking Area, on the south side of Wawona Tunnel to reach the inspiration point trailhead.

The hike 2.5 miles RT with some elevation gain. You will see absolutely no one else here, making it the quietest Yosemite sunset spot toend your one day in Yosemite. You’ll get a wonderful view of the valley including both Half Dome and El Capitan from here and it’s one of those truly iconic Yosemite vistas.

Have More than One Day in Yosemite National Park?

• Hike the Mirror Lake: This 2.4 miles hiking trail through forest will give you awe inspiring views of Half Dome perfectly.
• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: If you aren’t Visiting Sequoia National Park, this is your chance to visit the Giant Sequoia trees in Yosemite. Walk the Big trees loop and Grizly Giant loop to admire the ancient sequoia trees.
• Drive Tioga Pass Road: This is the highest mountain pass of california on highway 120 that climbs above the valley and gives you breathtaking views. It remains open for certain months only as it remains inaccessible during winter with heavy snow. If you’re visiting in summer, drive this amazing route and stop at Tuolumne meadows, cathedral lake, Tenaya Lake,Soda Spring, Siesta Lake, and olmsted point along with valley and waterfall views. There are many hiking trail options along the Tioga Road.
• Longer day hikes in Yosemite NP: There are so many hiking options in Yosemite Valley to chosse from with varying difficulty levels. I highly recommend Nevada Falls via Mist trail/John Muir trail, top of Vernal falls, Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point, and Half Dome trail.

Important travel Tips for One Day Yosemite National Park Itinerary

• Start your day as early as possible, you’ll need full day to make most of the day from sunrise to sunset. You can skip few things if you aren’t planning to hike!
• Yosemite can get incredibly busy during summer and holidays. So when you visit makes a huge difference! I recommend avoiding weekends and school holidays. During this time parking can be difficult to find or you can face long waiting for the shuttles.
• For a day trip, it is easier to bring your own food. You can enjoy picnic lunch and it saves your time. This is our favorite hack for the National Park Roadtrips.
• Cell signal in Yosemite NP is almost non-existent except by the Visitor Centre. I highly recommend downloading offline map to get around.

Final Thoughts on one day in yosemite National Park

This One Day Trip to Yosemite offers a glimpse into the Park’s stunning beauty, even if don’t get to see it all. You can explore iconic yosemite valley from sunrise to sunset. I hope this One Day Yosemite National Park Itinerary helps you to experience the park’s top highlights, including waterfalls and stunning Valley views. If you’re planning a California road trip, don’t skip this stunning National Park from your list.

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