Can you actually do Yosemite in a day? The answer is absolutely yes! But if you want to see Yosemite in one day, you’re going to need a perfectly-planned itinerary.
Over the past 30something years I’ve been lucky enough to visit Yosemite at least 20 times. I’ve learned the ins-and-outs of this incredible National Park, and put together the ultimate list of must-see stops, perfect for a 1 day trip to Yosemite.
This Yosemite one day itinerary will take you to iconic sights like Yosemite Falls, hike the epic Mist Trail, and drive Glacier Point road for an incredible sunset.
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links where I earn a small commission from any purchase – at no extra cost to you. This commission helps keep Brooke In Boots up and running. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and my own!
1 Day Yosemite Itinerary Overview
If you want to see the best of Yosemite in one day, here are my favorite must-do activities I recommend:
- Bridalveil Falls
- Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls
- Lunch Yosemite Village
- Yosemite Falls
- Tunnel View
- Glacier Point Road
- Taft Point & Sentinel Dome
- Sunset at Glacier Point
This guide covers all of these stops in tons of detail, below, plus some more suggestions for how to spend an absolutely epic one day in Yosemite National Park.
Important! This itinerary assumes that you’ll be visiting when Glacier Point and Tioga roads are open, usually late spring to late fall.
I’ve also included important things to to know about planning your trip to Yosemite , below, including where to stay, how to get there, and important tips for traveling around Yosemite.
IMPORTANT YOSEMITE UPDATE: Yosemite National Park now requires day-use and peak-hours reservations to enter Yosemite for dates in February & April – October 2024. Learn more about these new changes, here.
Can You Do Yosemite in A Day?
Yosemite National Park is huge. At over 1,160 square miles, Yosemite National Park is basically the same size as the entire state of Rhode Island, and most of it is wilderness. You won’t be able to see all of Yosemite in 1 day, and frankly you wouldn’t want to!
If you only have one day in Yosemite, I recommend picking one or two areas of the Park and exploring those areas. In this 1 day Yosemite itinerary, I suggest sticking to Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point road areas of the Park.
Have more time? Check out these 2 Day and 3 Day itineraries and spend a little more time exploring this favorite National Park.
Important Things to Know About Yosemite National Park
Before planning your 1 day Yosemite itinerary, here are a few helpful things you need to know:
IMPORTANT YOSEMITE UPDATE: Yosemite National Park now requires day-use and peak-hours reservations to enter Yosemite for dates in February & April – October 2024. Learn more about these new changes, here.
There is an entrance fee of $35 per vehicle (or $20 per person if entering by foot bike or horse) for all visitors to Yosemite National Park.
Traveling to more than 2 National Parks or National Forests this year? Purchase an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass for $80, which covers entrance fees at all National Parks and NPS managed sites.
Yosemite is huge – about 748,000 acres, or about the size of the state of Rhode Island! There are also multiple entrances to the Park, some of which close Winter to late-Spring.
Getting There. The closest major airports near Yosemite are San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento International Airports. The cities of San Francisco and San Jose, California are approximately 4 hours drive from Yosemite Valley, depending on which Yosemite entrance you use. Los Angeles is about 7 hours from Yosemite.
No Cell Service! While you’ll have spotty cell service in areas of Yosemite Valley, you will NOT have service while driving to the park. Make sure to print or download your directions, trail info, and reservations before.
Getting Around. If you are staying outside Yosemite Valley, you can park in one of the designated day-use parking lots. Parking Lots fill to capacity early during late Spring to early Fall, especially on weekends and holidays. Use this map to find day-use parking locations:
Once you’ve parked in Yosemite Valley, use the massively convenient (and free) Yosemite Valley Shuttle system. In my opinion, it’s by far the best shuttle system in any National Park!
Yosemite 1 Day Itinerary
Spending 1 day in Yosemite means making the most of your short time. This itinerary is intended as an action-packed full day, meaning sunrise to sunset.
If you’re entering or leaving the Park through Tioga Road (East Entrance), you’ll want to add in a couple of hours extra driving time. If you’re traveling through Tioga Road, I highly recommend skipping Glacier Point and exploring a few stops or short hikes near Tuolumne Meadows. Read a full Tioga Road / Tuolumne Meadows itinerary on my 3 Day Yosemite Itinerary, here.
If you only have a few hours, consider picking a few activities that don’t involve too much driving – for example spending a few hours inside Yosemite Valley, or on the Glacier Point corridor.
Warning: No Cell Service!
When driving to and around Yosemite National Park, don’t expect any cell service. WiFi may be available at some lodges inside the Park, but it’s not reliable or fast. Make sure to download your driving directions and hiking maps BEFORE you enter the Sierra Mountains.
Need a map? Don’t forget to download your map and save it to your phone or GPS device before your hike! Get AllTrails+ (the most used trail app on my phone!) to download all your trail maps for offline use. Use my promo code brookeinboots30 to get 30% off your annual AllTrails+ subscription!
If you’re looking for a place to stay overnight before or after your one day in Yosemite, I’ve included some suggestions for my favorite places to stay in Yosemite at the end of this post.
Yosemite 1 Day Itinerary Map
This map shows the must-see stops on your one day in Yosemite itinerary.
How to Use This Map: Click the Icons on the map to see more information about each location. Click the star at the top of the map to add the map to your Google Maps account.
Arriving in Yosemite Valley
If you are’t staying in Yosemite the night before, you’ll want to drive into the Park as early as possible!
IMPORTANT YOSEMITE UPDATE: Yosemite National Park now requires day-use and peak-hours reservations to enter Yosemite for dates in February & April – October 2024. Learn more about these new changes, here.
I suggest arriving at the Park entrance by 7am, or even earlier in the summer.
Don’t forget, remember that it takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach Yosemite Valley once you’ve entered the Park.
If you’re entering via the South/Wawona/Highway 41 Entrance, you’ll pass over Wawona Pass after entering the Park and descend via a windy road down to the Valley. Don’t miss stopping at the Wawona Tunnel Viewpoint, immediately after passing through the long Wawona Tunnel.
It’s impossible not to be totally awestruck by the view of Yosemite Valley below you from this spot. Park in the lot and grab a photo before continuing your drive.
For visitors entering from all other entrances – don’t worry, you’ll come back for this view later!
A Quick Stop at Bridalveil Falls
Bridalveil Falls cascades 620 feet into Yosemite Valley, and is often the first waterfall visitors encounter when entering the Park. Stop and park and walk the short 1/4 mile trail to the viewing platform. Enjoy the view – but don’t stay too long – you’ve got lots more to see!
Park Your Car & Grab Breakfast in Yosemite Village
The best parking is in the large day-use parking area, conveniently located near Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls, the Shuttle, and the Visitor Center.
If you skipped breakfast this morning, head into Yosemite Village, the commercial and social hub of the Park, and grab a breakfast sandwich at Degnan’s Deli.
Take the Shuttle to Happy Isles
From Yosemite Village, walk to Shuttle Stops #1 (located on the east side of the day-use Parking Lot) or Shuttle Stop #2 (in front of the Village Store in Yosemite Village). Board the East Valley Shuttle to stop #16, Happy Isles.
If you are grabbing breakfast at Degnan’s or visiting the Visitor Center, you can also board the Valleywide Shuttle at Stops #4 (Degnan’s) or #5 (Visitor Center), which will take you to Happy Isles, but will take a little longer.
Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal or Nevada Falls
If there is one hike I absolutely insist you must do while visiting Yosemite, it is the “Mist Trail” to Vernal and Nevada Falls. This trail is one of my favorite day hikes of all time, and while it is strenuous, the reward is worth the effort!
Depending on your fitness level, and how much time you have, this trail has an option for everyone. Expect breathtaking views, a butt-blasting climb, giant waterfalls, and soaring granite cliffs.
From the trailhead, a steep but mostly paved trail climbs just under 1 mile to a wooden footbridge with views of Vernal Falls. From here you can snap photos and take a look at just how far you have to climb to the top.
Families with young kids and anyone who doesn’t want to commit to the longer hike can turn around here. You can also sub in one of these other easy and family-friendly hikes in Yosemite.
From the footbridge, follow the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls. Along the way, you’ll climb more than 600 stone steps carved into the side of a spectacular waterfall.
When water levels are high, you’ll definitely want a rain jacket! The “mist” trail gets its name from the constant spray off Vernal Falls soaking you on the trail.
Once you reach the top of Vernal Falls, take a snack break and catch your breath. Here you have the option of returning the way you came, or taking a worthy detour to Clark Point for spectacular views of distant Nevada Falls and the granite dome of Liberty Cap.
If you have the stamina, I suggest going all the way to Nevada Falls for unrivaled views and the feeling of being a total bad-a$% for climbing 2 massive waterfalls in one day!
- Vernal Footbridge: 1.6 Miles round trip / 1 Hour / Moderate / Elevation gain 400’
- Vernal Falls Via Mist Trail: 2.4 Miles round trip / 3 Hours / Hard / Elevation gain 1,000’
- Vernal Falls via Mist Trail and Clark Point via John Muir Trail: 4.2 Miles round trip / 4 Hours / Hard / Elevation gain 1550’
- Vernal and Nevada Falls Via Mist Trail and Clark Point via John Muir Trail: 6.7 Miles round trip / 5-6 Hours / Strenuous / Elevation gain 1900′
Trail directions on All Trails. Check current conditions on NPS website, here.
Need a map? Don’t forget to download your map and save it to your phone or GPS device before your hike! Get AllTrails+ (the most used trail app on my phone!) to download all your trail maps for offline use. Use my promo code brookeinboots30 to get 30% off your annual AllTrails+ subscription!
Lunch at Yosemite Village
Your legs are probably shaking thanks to the many, many stone stairs you just conquered. Enjoy sitting on the shuttle ride back to Yosemite Village.
Since you’ve probably worked up an appetite, grab quick snack or lunch in Yosemite Village at Degnan’s Deli (sandwiches, pizza, and other to-go options), The Loft at Degnan’s (pizza, BBQ and other casual lunch and dinner), or the Village Grill (summers only).
Yosemite Falls
- Difficulty: Easy / Wheelchair Accessible
- 1.2 Miles / Loop / 50 Feet Gain / 1 Hour
- Trail directions on All Trails. NPS website information
Once you are refreshed, it’s time for an easy walk to Yosemite Falls. At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America, and an iconic sight you can’t miss if you only have 1 day in Yosemite.
To access the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, head west of the Yosemite Valley Visitor’s Center and follow signs for Yosemite Falls and the Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead. A fully paved and wheelchair-accessible path winds to the base of the falls.
The falls are actually 3 separate cascades, Upper Yosemite Falls (1,430 feet), the hidden middle cascades (625 feet), and Lower Yosemite Falls (320 feet).
Drive to Glacier Point
It’s time to leave Yosemite Valley, but don’t worry, the views only get better! Return to your car and head west, out of the Valley on Northside Drive to Glacier Point Road.
On the way, stop at El Capitan Meadow. Here, you can admire “El Cap.” the 3,000′ tall granite monolith that dominates the West-end of the Valley. If you look carefully, you may be able to spot climbers high up on the wall.
Follow Northside Drive until the junction with Southside Drive and El Portal Road. Follow signs for Wawona / Fresno / Highway 41 and continue onto Wawona Road.
If you skipped the Tunnel View on the way into the Valley this morning, don’t forget to stop here now and enjoy the view made famous by photographers like Ansel Adams.
After approximately 16 miles, turn left, following signs for Glacier Point Road. Follow Glacier Point road as it winds and ascends into the high sierras.
Drive carefully and obey all traffic signs – this road is winding with very steep drop offs and few railings. The total drive to Glacier Point takes 1.5 Hours from Yosemite Valley.
Taft Point
If you have time, consider hiking the short trail to Taft Point.
- Difficulty: Easy
- 2.3 Miles / 360′ Elevation Gain / 1 Hour
- Trail Directions on All Trails. NPS Website Information
Taft Point is a large granite promontory with simply stunning views of Yosemite Valley and vertigo-inducing drops to the Valley Floor. “The Fissures” along the way are giant cracks in the granite that drop all the way down to the Valley Floor, nearly 2,000′ feet below.
Park in the small lot for Taft Point on the left hand side of the road. This area can get pretty crowded, especially around sunset, so you may need to park along the side of the road, where permitted.
Sunset at Glacier Point
Past Taft Point, Glacier Point Road continues to wind higher and higher. Don’t miss pulling off for a few of these awesome viewpoints, like Washburn Point, where Glacier Point road makes a hairpin turn with views of Half Dome.
At the end of the road, you’ll arrive at the newly renovated Glacier Point parking area.
With breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding Sierra high country, its no wonder that Glacier Point is one of the most photographed spots in the entire Park.
While sunset here is crowded, there’s simply nothing better than watching the light glow off the granite cliffs and peaks. It’s truly a epic way to end one day in Yosemite National Park!
Restrooms, and a small gift shop are available at Glacier Point. If you are staying in the Park tonight, return to your hotel or campground and grab some dinner (and a well-earned dessert).
Dinner is available at The Loft at Degnan’s, the cafeteria-style Basecamp Eatery at the Yosemite Lodge, the Mountain Room at the Yosemite Lodge, and the Curry Village Pavilion and Pizza Deck at Curry Village.
If you are able to splurge, consider making reservations for the grand Ahwahnee Dining Room (dress code) – one of the best dining experiences in any National Park! Learn more about dining options in Yosemite, here.
Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park? The Yosemite Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Yosemite trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time planning and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
The Best Times to Visit Yosemite National Park
If this is your first visit to Yosemite, I suggest planning your trip during late-spring through late-fall. During that time most of the Park’s trails, roads, and sights are open.
Summer (June–September) is the busiest season in Yosemite, with hot days and large crowds. Park reservations may be required for anyone entering without a confirmed hotel / campground reservation. Depending on the winter snowmelt, waterfalls will peak by late spring, and falls may be nothing more than a trickle by late summer.
Glacier Point Road, Tioga Road, Mariposa Shuttle road close for winter, usually around mid-November, and dining and lodging options are limited in winter.
Check out the historic road and trail opening dates to get an idea of when roads typically close and open for the winter season.
The following is a rough approximation of winter road closures in Yosemite:
- Tioga Road: mid-November to early June
- Glacier Point Road: mid-November to mid-May
- Mariposa Grove: late November to May
Late spring is the best time to see Yosemite’s waterfalls at their peak! Most falls are strongest in May.
Where to Stay When Visiting Yosemite National Park
Yosemite has dozens of in-Park lodges, hotels, and 13 popular campgrounds, many open all year. But if you only have 2 days to spend in Yosemite, I recommend staying inside Yosemite Valley.
Most places you’ll be visiting – Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, the Mist Trail, El Capitan, Cooks Meadow – are within a small area called Yosemite Valley. You’ll maximize time in the park if you stay there.
I love the family-friendly Yosemite Lodge, which has nice rooms, plenty of good food options, and a super convenient location right next to Yosemite Falls.
Other lodging inside Yosemite Valley includes Curry Village (tent-cabins and motel-style rooms, my 2nd favorite place to stay), Houekeeping Camp (tent-cabins), and The Ahwahnee Hotel (a luxury hotel and architectural icon – don’t miss the bar or a dinner reservation!)
Outside Yosemite Valley, but still inside the Park, stay at the Wawona Hotel, a Victorian-era hotel near the South Entrance and Glacier Point road, or book a cabin rental (some are pet friendly!) at the Redwoods in Yosemite or Yosemite West Rentals.
If you want to stay outside the park check out Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite (Groveland / Big Oak Flat Entrance), Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite (South / Wawona Entrance) and Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway (Oakhurst / Wawona Entrance)
Want to compare rates? Check out this map for more suggested spots to stay near Yosemite National Park
Camping in Yosemite National Park
Camping in Yosemite? Book your campground reservations as soon as possible. Yosemite campground reservations often sell out within seconds (yes, you read that right) of going online.
Reservations are all managed through Recreation.gov. Campground reservations become available 5 months in advance, on the 15th of each month at 7AM Pacific Time. Camp 4 offers one day in advance reservations by lottery, available on Recreation.Gov.
The following campgrounds are located inside Yosemite Valley: Upper Pines (Open All Year); Lower Pines (April-October); North Pines (April-October); Camp 4 (Open All Year).
There are 9 more campgrounds located outside the Valley (but still inside the National Park).
More Yosemite Resources to Plan Your Next Trip
17 Amazing Easy & Short Hikes in Yosemite National Park
13 Iconic Yosemite Waterfalls & Waterfall Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Where to Stay in Yosemite: Best Hotels & Lodging for Every Budget
Yosemite Reservations and Permits 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Best Entrance to Yosemite National Park & Tips for Driving to Yosemite
Hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls in Yosemite
