Rock Your World: Ultimate Yosemite 2-Day Itinerary
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el capitan
Yosemite National Park is the most breathtaking of all nine national parks in California and one of the most popular in North America. Located about 4 hours east of San Francisco in a remote, untouched area of Sierra Nevada, it is full of history and diverse wildlife, welcoming over 4 million visitors yearly. Yosemite spreads over nearly 1200 square miles, showcasing spectacular deep valleys and granite cliffs. With this 2-Day Yosemite Itinerary, we’ll explore waterfalls, peaceful meadows, and rich wilderness.
A trip to Yosemite works for a longer trip around San Francisco or Las Vegas or even a short, weekend getaway from those cities. We’re certain you’re going to love this stunning piece of nature and will want to go back again and again to see all its wonders. Read on...or rather rock on and let’s get climbing!
Disclaimer: The website uses affiliate links, meaning at no added cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. We only feature products that we believe in and use ourselves. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps us to host this website. Thank You!How to Get To And Around Yosemite
Since Yosemite National Park is a very remote location, getting there might sound a bit challenging, especially when coming from far away. However, there are ways of flying there and getting around, either by car or shuttle, so don’t worry.
By Air
There are a few nearby airports, although still a minimum of 1.5 hours away from the park. The closest airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). This airport is the best option when flying on a major airline like Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or American Airlines.
The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is another great option if coming on a direct flight from major cities in the US. It’s also great for international passengers coming from abroad. However, keep in mind that this airport is a 4-hour drive away from the park. Still, it might be great if staying in San Francisco for a while before moving on to Yosemite.
See our article covering the closest airport to Yosemite National Park from a complete list, so you can decide which one is best for your trip.
By Land
Even though Yosemite National Park is far from major airports, it’s still a great place to see after visiting a major nearby city, like, for example, San Francisco or Las Vegas. It would be great to rent a car and go on a road trip to the park. If you’re taking a road trip, check out our article on how to take an amazing cross country road trip cheaply.
As the park is enormous and most attractions and sites are in Yosemite Valley, make sure you search for Yosemite Valley, and not Yosemite National Park if you plan on staying in the Village or nearby. The only downside of driving to Yosemite National Park is that parking spaces are limited, part of Yosemite’s conservation efforts to help reduce carbon emissions around and inside the park.
Also, bear in mind that driving through the park will leave you searching for a parking lot at the busiest viewpoints. The best times to snatch a parking place in the park are before 9.00 A.M., but there is a high chance they will be already taken during the full season.
By Yosemite Shuttle Service
During the peak season, consider using Yosemite’s free shuttle service instead of renting a car (a win-win situation, as you save on car rentals, gas, and time searching for parking lots, as well as help cut down emissions). The shuttle serves all major attractions and viewpoints, so you can just exit at the closest station and enjoy the views.
Weather Conditions in Yosemite
Most of the year’s precipitation (95%) in Yosemite National Park falls between October and May, making all 3 seasons extremely wet. The park is mostly under snow from November through May, and snowstorms can occur at any time. That said, let’s take a closer look at which each season brings:
Spring
As spring comes, rain may slow down, although occasional showers may still occur. Temperatures are really pleasant and comfortable, reaching around 50 – 60 degrees. Nature coming back to life, waterfalls at their peak, and all flowers in bloom make this the best season for visiting Yosemite National Park. However, night temperatures are still chilly (around 30 degrees), so bring some warm clothing.
Summer
Being the hottest season, it is also the driest, with only 5% of all yearly precipitation occurring during this time. Temperatures reach between 80 – 90 degrees during the day, so bring at least 1 – 2 liters of water depending on how much time you will be spending outdoors. Also, don’t forget sunscreen, light clothing, and a hat or headwrap.
Fall
Don’t be disappointed by the lack of spectacular fall foliage colors. Most trees here are evergreen, so they remain the same throughout the year. Otherwise, fall is also a good time to visit the park, however, be prepared for very variable weather and occasional snowfall. Temperatures range from 35 to 54 degrees. Most areas of the park usually remain open through October, with occasional closings due to snow. Wawona and Yosemite Valley usually remain open all year round, but sometimes tire chains may be required for extra safety. Fall is also fire season, with accidental or arson fires now and then. This can also cause the air quality and visibility to drop considerably.
Winter
Expect a lot of snow from November to March, as about 70% of all yearly precipitation usually falls during these months. This time of year in the Sierra is cold and wet, so if you plan on visiting during this time, pack warm clothing, hats, and gloves. January is the coldest month here, with temperatures reaching as low as 29 degrees. This season is great with so many amazing views, as there are no bears and no crowds in sight, but most sites are closed, as well as all hiking trails. Also, about half of the roads are closed in winter.
2-Day Itinerary in Yosemite National Park
As the park is truly enormous, it’s hard to get to see all of it during just a 2-day trip. In this itinerary, we thought we’d covering the major and most breathtaking attractions for a first-time visitor. If you already know the park and are coming for a new experience, feel free to focus on just a few sites, or hike along your favorite trails.
To make the most of your trip to Yosemite, we recommend you get there the night before the 2 days begin, so you get both full days in the park. However, if you can stretch your vacation a little more, stay 3-4 days to take advantage of all the hikes and get to know the park better.
Day 1 – Yosemite Valley
Good Morning! We recommend you stay in the Yosemite Valley during your first day and walk to Yosemite Village and get some coffee to get your day started. The walk is just 15 minutes long following a dream-like trail through the woods. Between 7-8 a.m is also the best time to spot bears, as they come out to forage for food, so make sure you bring your camera.
NEVER feed any wildlife, as this will desensitize them to humans, as well as be bad for the ecosystem. Let the wild stay that way and just enjoy the view.
Bike enthusiasts will be happy to learn that you can grab a free bike at Yosemite Valley Lodge and explore the valley faster! If you don’t feel like biking, just walk to the Cooks Meadow Loop to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Rock, and Glacier Point. Take your time around the boardwalk wrapping over bridges, through the meadow and creeks, and enjoy nature waking up. This 1-mile easy hike is just perfect to kickstart your day! Alternatively, you can start your day watching the sunrise at Valley View, one of the most popular viewpoints in the park. Here, you will also have a great view of the Twin Cathedral Rocks and Spires, as well as El Capitan.
From here, head to the most famous viewpoint in Yosemite: The Tunnel View scenic pullout. You will have a new perspective over El Capitan, as well as a great spot for amazing views of the giant Bridalveil Fall (most spectacular in spring, right after the snow melts) and the Half Dome. Here, you’ll have 2 options: either hop in a car and take a scenic drive along Southside Drive and loop back into Northside Drive to admire the park’s most iconic sites or venture on the short and spectacular Bridalveil Fall Hike to get the best views of this impressive waterfall.
Guess what? It’s already time for lunch! We know…time flies when staring at waterfalls! Stop by the Sentinel Beach or the Swinging Bridge picnic areas for a relaxing lunch spot before more hiking. If you already hiked through Cook’s Meadow Loop in the morning, head over to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center to learn more about the park, its history, and wildlife, and ask any questions. If you only wish to hike or go sightseeing, you can skip it, but it’s an interesting spot to learn more about the park, or at least grab some leaflets to read later. You also might just appreciate the air conditioning, shade and water stations.
Next, let’s gather up any energy we have left for the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point! You can also drive there if you get short on time, or you just don’t feel like hiking anymore. This is a great way to enjoy the sunset in Yosemite National Park and do a little stargazing afterward. Another great viewpoint for watching the sunset is Taft Point, however, it’s a bit further away from the Visitor Center than Glacier Point Road.
Congratulations on completing Day 1! It’s time to head back to your lodging for a well deserved rest before starting Day 2.
Best Things To Do On Day 1:
Valley View
Tunnel View
Half Dome
Bridalveil Fall
Cook Meadow
Glacier Point
Our favorite day tour experience is Viator as you will get to see all the highlights with a professional guide. All from the comfort of an air-conditioned shuttle and all in a single day. It is a great option if you are short on time or you want to see the sites without the hikes.
Day 2 – Wawona, Tenaya Lake & Tioga Pass
For Day 2, we will be exploring the Wawona area in Mariposa County. After your breakfast and caffeine, find your morning inspiration by visiting the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia, the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite, holding over 500 mature sequoia trees. These spectacular trees are the most massive on Earth and are naturally only occurring on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. They grow between 50–85 m (164–279 ft) tall and the oldest sequoia tree (called the Grizzly Giant) is between 3200–3266 years old. As the species is now listed as endangered, don’t miss the grove while visiting the park!
For another perspective of these monumental trees, go on a 2-mile hike on the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail. This trail is built around the most impressive sequoia in the world, as well as walking you through the most memorable areas in the grove, like the California Tree Tunnel. Now it’s time to head over to Wawona for a short history lesson.
Originally an American Indian settlement, it soon grew to be an important hub for people visiting Yosemite National Park during the 19th century. An early 20th-century visitor described Wawona as “a bright green emerald set between the sparkling diamonds of Yosemite Valley’s waterfalls and the red rubies of the Sequoias in the Mariposa Grove.”
While in Wawona, don’t miss the Wawona Visitor Center and Yosemite History Center, two places packed full of history where you can learn everything about the first settlers, as well as visit a collection of historical buildings like the Acting Superintendent’s Office or the Chinese Laundry, or experience horse-drawn wagon rides and live iron tools hand forging.
The Swinging Bridge Trail is one of the most beautiful and diverse places to explore the nature of Wawona. The trail will help you discover and admire vivid cascading rivers, blooming flowers, and iconic trees, as well as a few fun and refreshing natural swimming holes. The 1.5-mile trail ends at the historic Wawona Swinging Bridge over the Merced River. If you don’t trust crossing a swinging bridge, you can just swim in the river.
After having a well earned picnic lunch and catching your breath, it’s time to lose it again by taking a breathtaking 2 hour hour afternoon drive on the scenic Tioga Pass, the highest-elevation road in California, crossing Yosemite National Park, and going right through the Sierra Nevada mountains. But don’t just jump into the car and take a snooze. On your way, stop by the deep, blue Tenaya Lake for a break. If you didn’t feel like eating before leaving Wawona, you can have a picnic lunch in the Tenaya Lake Picnic Area. Don’t miss the beautiful views from Olmsted Point, and make sure you take some pictures before you leave.
However, if you don’t feel like driving far and you still want some more hiking, the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead is just the perfect one to end your trip. If you just wanted to take a short break and a snack, get back on the road. The Tioga Pass welcomes visitors with its spectacular landscapes and lush vegetation views. It’s full of bright colors that turn to pastel with the sunset. We can’t think of a more fitting end to your time in Yosemite than a sunset drive along the Tioga Pass.
Best things to do on Day 2
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia
Grizzly Giant Loop Trail
Wawona
Yosemite History Center
Swinging Bridge Trail
Tenaya Lake
Tioga Pass Road
Wondering what to eat while on the road? Check out our Healthy Road Trip Meal Planning Guide
Yosemite Valley
Accommodations
Madera County has lots of options when it comes to staying near Yosemite National Park. Most communities of California’s gateway to Yosemite are home to numerous full-service resorts, campgrounds, RV parks, vacation rentals, and other accommodations. Let’s take a look at your best options:
Campgrounds and RV parks
Camping is easy and affordable with so many campgrounds around. Bass Lake Camping, Calvin Crest Conferences, and Sierra National Forest Campgrounds are located in the beautiful Sierra National Forest, with some campsites located around Bass Lake, offering amazing views, as well as relaxing picnic areas and varied accommodations. The peaceful Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst is a relaxing Christian mountain retreat offering a variety of recreational activities. The fun Wagner’s Mammoth Pool Resort is just about to open this summer (2023), while the spectacular Nelder Sequoia Grove still remains closed for restoration throughout 2023.
Nine RV parks are ready to welcome you near Yosemite National Park, around Bass Lake, Oakhurst, Coarsegold, Chowchilla, and North Fork. Some of the campgrounds above offer RV campsites, like Bass Lake Camping and Wagner’s Mammoth Pool Resort, while others have dedicated grounds, like the Yosemite RV Resort in Coarsegold, or the Oakhurst Yosemite RV. Check this page for an extensive list of RV parks and the facilities they offer.
Find Your Yosemite Hotel At Agoda
Hotels and Lodges
Countless hotels, lodges, and inns are available if you wish to visit this popular national park. However, they are selling like crazy, so begin searching and book your stay a few months before your visit.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is a magnificent Sierra resort just outside Yosemite’s south gate. The lodge features full concierge services, all-season recreation activities like biking, hiking, skating, skiing, and swimming. You can relax at the award-winning Ascent Spa, and choose between various dining options, from casual to intimate under candlelight. This is a pet-friendly lodge, so your best friend will be more than happy to join you. Tenaya Lodge is also a beautiful and popular wedding venue for nature enthusiasts.
The Oakhurst Inn at Yosemite is a great stop for those coming in from Fresno International Airport, located 75 km away from it. Environment-conscious travelers will be happy to know that this is a sustainable location, rated as Travel Sustainable Level 1 on Booking.com. The property features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and a beautiful terrace. Rooms at the Oakhurst Inn feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and coffee makers for full comfort. They also feature disability-accessible rooms, making it an amazing location.
Holiday Haus is your to-go place in the busiest area of Mammoth Lakes. Just 5 minutes away from all the nightlife area, shops, and restaurants. The perfect place to party after hours of hiking, or for having a delicious dinner. The property features a hot tub, free parking and Wi-Fi, and facilities for disabled guests. You can choose between rooms with beautiful mountain views, or quiet street views. Each room is provided with a flat-screen TV and cable channels, a small refrigerator, and some feature fireplaces.
Individuals also offer lots of cabins, cottages, rentals, or Airbnb’s, so there are plenty of accommodations for every taste and budget near Yosemite National Park.
When To Book Your Stay
As a general rule of thumb, earlier is always better, especially if you are visiting from spring to fall. Reservations are usually open about 1 year in advance. We recommend booking a hotel room at least 4 – 6 months in advance. For a visit during the high season, many lodges are often booked one year in advance.
Cabins also tend to sell out almost instantly, so NEVER wait till the last minute if you plan on staying inside the park. For the high season, booking 10 to 12 months in advance in spots like Curry Village is the best option. Campsites also sell out fast and can be booked up to 5 months in advance on the 15th of each month. Make sure you make your reservation as soon as possible.
Towering Cliffs in Yosemite
Other Tips And Tricks
Always check the road closures on the official page before leaving, especially from October to May. While some roads remain closed for the winter, others are subject to temporary closures.
It’s always a good idea to carry snow chains during winter.
Never venture on a trail that looks too difficult for your experience level.
Always hike with at least one partner who can help in case of any emergency.
Never feed or get too close to wildlife
Always carry water with you when hiking
Wear loose clothing and sun protection
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees can be paid in advance, upon arrival, or on your way out if the entrance is not staffed when you arrive. The park accepts all major credit cards and mobile payment services but does not accept cash. Most passes are valid for 7 days, although you can also get yearly or lifetime passes:
Weekly Passes:
Non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats - $35.00
Motorcycle - $30.00 (cost is per motorcycle, not per person)
Foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus or van with more than 15 passenger seats - $20.00 (free under 15 years old)
Commercial Tour (sedan up to six seats) - $25.00 + $20.00 per person – not to exceed $105
Commercial Tour (van, 7-15 seats, regardless of occupancy) - $125.00
Commercial Tour (minibus, 16-25 seats, regardless of occupancy) - $200.00
Commercial Tour (motor coach, 26 or more seats, regardless of occupancy) - $300.00
Annual and Lifetime Pass
Yosemite Annual Pass - $70.00
Lifetime Senior Pass - $80.00 ($20.00 annual pass)
The America the Beautiful Pass grants you access to all National Parks, together with over 2000 federal recreation areas across the U.S. Its price is 80$ (children under 15 are admitted free) for one year, and totally worth it if you plan on visiting at least 2 national parks during the year.
Free Access:
US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities
Active US military personnel and their dependents
Gold Star Families and US military veterans
Beautiful Waters Of Yosemite
Yosemite Packing List
Clothing and Shoes: With all the exciting steep hikes, streams, waterfalls, pools, and rain around the corner, bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots and water-resistant clothing to keep warm and safe. Especially in spring and fall, pack an extra layer, as the weather can shift a lot during the day.
Camera! Don’t. Come. Without. One. Make sure your camera or phone is fully charged, as Yosemite National Park is packed full of picturesque spots and wildlife you’ll love to see forever. Always keep them at hand to capture all the unique moments. Just in case, also pack a portable charger so you don’t lose battery during the day.
Snacks and water: When staying away for a full day, make sure you pack some highly nutritious snacks, like energy bars, sandwiches, jerky, or any snacks that won’t spoil easily. Stay away from junk food as it drains energy away. Also, make sure you stay hydrated, carrying at least 1.5 liters of water/person/4 hours, or more in summer.
Bear spray: it’s wise to have one at hand if hiking on remote trails, as bears tend to roam around, especially during the morning. Even if bears usually hibernate in winter, keep a spray nearby just in case.
Start your journey at Booking.com!
Conclusion
Yosemite National Park is a spectacular United States landmark that will leave you wanting to see more after just 2 days spent there. Ideally, try to stretch your vacation to at least 3 – 4 days so you can get to know the park better. If this isn’t possible, come back later to visit new places, or see the ones you know in a different season. Remember never to feed any wildlife to help them stay wild and equally exciting. You don’t want a bear tapping on your shoulder for a soda or some chips, do you? All in all, have a great time on your 2-day escape in Yosemite National Park.
Other Essential Reading
Best Airports To Yosemite National Park: Complete Guide
13 Best Day Trips From San Francisco
Healthy Road Trip Meal Planning Guide
10 Best National Parks To Elope: Epic How-To Guide
