Yosemite National Park in 3 days

Granite cliffs, giant sequoias, waterfalls and alpine meadows in the Sierra Nevada. Best time to visit: May-June and September-October. Average daily budget: $150 to $350 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Yosemite Valley, The heart of the park with El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and the main lodges.

Morning: Tunnel View. Classic overlook framing El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome; best at sunrise or late afternoon.

Afternoon: Explore Yosemite Valley, The heart of the park with El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and the main lodges.

Evening: Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The park's most popular waterfall hike, steep, wet and unforgettable in spring.

Eat: A picnic lunch from the Yosemite Valley Village Store

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Wawona / Mariposa Grove, Quiet southern area with the largest sequoia grove and the historic Wawona Hotel.

Morning: Mariposa Grove. Giant sequoia forest with the Grizzly Giant and the Fallen Monarch; a boardwalk loop is accessible.

Afternoon: Explore Wawona / Mariposa Grove, Quiet southern area with the largest sequoia grove and the historic Wawona Hotel.

Evening: Glacier Point. Cliff-top viewpoint with the most dramatic aerial view of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.

Eat: Breakfast at the Ahwahnee before a full day of hiking

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Glacier Point Road, Scenic overlook area with panoramic views down into Yosemite Valley; access seasonal.

Morning: El Capitan Meadow. Open meadow directly below El Capitan, perfect for watching climbers and photographers.

Afternoon: Explore Glacier Point Road, Scenic overlook area with panoramic views down into Yosemite Valley; access seasonal.

Evening: Mirror Lake in spring, when it reflects Half Dome and the valley walls before drying up in late summer.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Pizza and beer at a casual spot in Curry Village

Hidden gems

Mirror Lake in spring, when it reflects Half Dome and the valley walls before drying up in late summer.
The May Lake trail, a shorter high-country hike with a backcountry lodge and fewer crowds than the valley.
Swimming holes along the Merced River, such as Cathedral Beach and the sandy stretch at Swinging Bridge.
Badger Pass in winter, a small ski area with snowshoeing and cross-country trails in the park.

Getting around

A car is the most flexible way to reach Yosemite, but parking in the valley is limited. From spring through fall, use the free shuttle buses to connect valley trailheads, lodges and viewpoints. The Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are seasonal and close in winter. YARTS buses run from Merced, Mammoth Lakes and Sonora into the park. Biking on the valley's flat paths is a great way to avoid shuttle waits. Entry reservations are required for peak season day visits; check the park website before you go.

Safety

Yosemite is wild, not a theme park. Stay on trails, carry water and bear canisters, and never feed wildlife. Black bears are active; store food and scented items properly. Waterfalls are dangerous: rocks are slippery, currents are strong, and people die at Vernal Fall every year. Altitude and heat can cause exhaustion; start early, carry more water than you think, and know your limits. Winter brings snow and ice; tire chains may be required. Check trail and road conditions before driving remote roads.

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