Yosemite Day Trip – What to See and Do in One Day in Yosemite National Park

 If you only have one day in Yosemite National Park, here is a comprehensive itinerary for first-time visitors that shows off the best highlights in just 24 hours. Aside from highlighting the top attractions, this itinerary includes tips and tricks that will help you make the most of your Yosemite day trip.

Yosemite is one of the most renowned National Parks in America, attracting around 4 million climbers, hikers and tourists each year. And with good reason – Yosemite’s ancient forests, imposing granite rock formations, and five of the world’s tallest waterfalls make for a spectacular landscape.

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite’s exceptional natural beauty offers a great example of the effects of glacial erosion. Its geological features are unique in the world, and this has gained the park the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With around 748,000 acres of national park space and dozens of sights to see, you couldn’t possibly experience the whole of Yosemite in one day. 

However, this list contains some of the top natural wonders to be seen in this stunning National Park. And it means that you’ll just have to go back and visit some time in the near future!

Best time to visit Yosemite National Park

Yosemite can be visited all year round, but during the winter months a lot of the roads are closed due to snowfall, so planning ahead is imperative. 

The vast majority of visitors to Yosemite arrive between May and October, with July and August being the busiest.

If you’d like to enjoy the park in the best weather but you’d like to avoid big crowds, the shoulder season is the best time. That’s May, June, September and October. The roads and trails are open but it’s not too crowded.

Also, bear in mind that Yosemite has some of the best waterfalls in California, and to see them in full force, May and June are the best months to feel their full power.

How to get to Yosemite National Park

Perhaps you’re planning one day in Yosemite as part of an epic California road trip? Or maybe you’re exploring Gold Country and looking to include some of the park’s natural beauty?

Whatever the case may be, you can easily get to see Yosemite in one day and its stunning scenery.

Getting to Yosemite by car is very easy. It is located around 4 hours from San Francisco and around 6 hours from Los Angeles.

If you don’t want to drive, you can still make it to Yosemite by train and/or bus, but it takes a lot longer, so if you are tight for time, I’d recommend hiring a car.

If driving is not an option, you can take a BART train (changing in Richmond) or a Greyhound bus from San Francisco to Merced and then jump on a YARTS, the Yosemite public transport system. The YARTS from Merced will take you directly to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre.

How to get around Yosemite National Park

The best way to get to and around Yosemite is, without a doubt, by car.

If you’re driving the 170 miles from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, you should enter at the Hetch Hetchy entrance via Highway 120. For those driving up from LA or San Diego, you’ll want to enter via the South Entrance on Highway 41.

If you are not driving, there is a shuttle service that will take you to some of the top sights in Yosemite, but this is limited.

An alternative way to visit Yosemite in one day is by booking a day tour. Here are a few options you can choose from:

• Yosemite Self-Guided Audio Tour
• Yosemite Valley, Giant Sequoias and Glacier Point Tour (from El Portal)
• Yosemite National Park: Full-Day Tour from Lake Tahoe
• Yosemite National Park: Valley Orientation Tour
• Groveland: Yosemite National Park’s Giant Sequoia Trees Tour 

What to see during your Yosemite day trip

With just one day to explore the natural beauty of this park, you need to remember that you’re not going to get to see all the amazing sights. So prioritizing is important. Below, you’ll find some of the top spots to stop at during your one day in Yosemite National Park.  

Lower Yosemite Falls

Lower Yosemite Falls is part of one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. The cascading Yosemite Falls consist of not one, not two, but three waterfalls! You’ll easily spot it as you’re driving through the valley.

As with most things in life, it’s often best to enjoy the falls up close. To reach the base of the Lower Yosemite Fall, you simply have to walk the 10-minute trail from the Yosemite Village. 

If you plan on visiting the park again in the future, and are a little adventurous at heart, you should definitely consider hiking to the very top, on one of the best trails in Northern California, to appreciate Upper Yosemite Falls up close. 

In the winter, you should prepare yourself before you set off. Here are some tips that will help you plan for your winter hike.

Mirror Lake

Have you seen the numerous, spectacular images of Half Dome reflected in the still waters of Mirror Lake? Well, on this Yosemite day trip, you can see this breathtaking sight for yourself.

Before you reach the lake, you’ll get to enjoy a leisurely 1.2-mile stroll through the wooded forest. For those with more time on their hands, take an hour or two to stroll around the perimeter of the lake. 

If you are visiting in autumn, you can skip Mirror Lake as it often dries up into a small puddle by that time of the year.

Glacier Point

Be prepared for awe-inspiring views with this Yosemite pit stop. The Glacier Point viewing platform offers visitors sweeping views of the park, as well as some top sights. 

Take a short hike up to the top for a breathtaking view you will not forget easily. You’ll have a clear view of Half Dome, and on a clear day, you’ll easily spot Nevada Falls. You might even spot some adrenaline-seeking rock climbers scaling the cliff’s face while you’re here!

The road to Glacier Point normally closes in the winter due to snowfall, so if you are visiting during shoulder season, make sure you check the latest updates on road openings.  

Tunnel View

A stop at this viewpoint will offer you the most iconic image of Yosemite National Park. From the parking area, you can take in the sweeping views of Yosemite Valley. 

The valley is flanked by the towering granite masses of El Capitan and Half Dome, as well as the cascading waters of Bridalveil Fall. 

If you’re looking to capture this scenery on your camera or phone, be sure to stop here in the afternoon, so the sun isn’t shining directly in front of you. It’s the most popular view of Yosemite on Instagram, and if you need some inspiration to share your photo too, here are some great nature instagram captions.

Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Tunnel Tree

While most people who visit Yosemite think of seeing the towering Sequoias trees of Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Grove is as magical and is often less crowded. 

To find these giant redwood trees, you’ll have to park your car at the Tuolumne Grove parking lot, put on some comfortable walking shoes, and get going. The walk down to the woods is easy. It’s the 400 feet of elevation on the way back that might have you out of breath.

Once you reach the grove, you can follow the trail beneath the towering trees and, of course, walk through the spectacular tunnel tree. This is the ideal place to enjoy a peaceful moment in nature.

Hetch Hetchy

For a unique perspective of Yosemite, head to the park’s northwestern corner. Here, you’ll find Hetch Hetchy Valley and O’Shaughnessy Dam.

The construction of the dam was veiled in controversy, as Hetch Hetchy Valley had been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years. The dam was built to supply water to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Walk over the dam and through the tunnel carved in the rock. Follow the path along the edge of the reservoir and you will see Wapama Falls in the distance ahead of you.

The view is something you have to see for yourself – the dam is surrounded by great granite cliffs, gushing waterfalls and lush vegetation. Hetch Hetchy is about a one-hour drive from the Yosemite Valley, which means it’s usually less crowded too. 

Tips for one day in Yosemite

With so little time and so many things to see, you’ll need these tips and tricks to help you make the most of your day in the park. 

Book ahead

It is recommended that that you reserve your day pass in advance, particularly at weekends. The cost of one vehicle is $33 + $2 reservation fee, and it’s valid for 3 days. Remember to show your photo ID with your ticket when you arrive.

Use the National Parks website in combination with this itinerary to help you plan your visit.

Start as early as possible

Starting your day as early as possible is always a great idea, especially as Yosemite gets incredibly busier as the day goes on. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have in the park without the crowds. Day use hours are 5am to 11pm.

Bring your own food

While the Yosemite Village has numerous restaurants and cafes to choose from, you should consider bringing along a packed lunch as well as plenty of snacks and water for the day to avoid long waiting times.

Keep food away from wildlife

Bears have been known to break into cars when they smell food, so avoid leaving food inside. Try and store your food in bear resistant food containers, especially if you are camping. 

Download maps and documents

There is no phone signal in Yosemite, so make sure you download an offline map (or bring a paper map) and download/print all your reservations and any other documentation you may need.

Keep up to date

Check the National Parks website regularly for any updates or changes.

Stay overnight

Consider spending the night in Yosemite, so you don’t have to rush back in the dark. This will also give you the opportunity to enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Pack wisely

If you’re visiting Yosemite during the summer, be sure to bring along plenty of water and sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to wear layers – the valley is often chilly in the early morning and heats up later in the day.

Leave no trace

Make sure that you take your rubbish with you and leave no trace. Also, be respectful of nature and do not take anything from the park with you – only great memories!

What to bring to your Yosemite day trip

Here are some basic items that will help you make your day in Yosemite safer and more enjoyable.

Water – Always pack plenty of water, particularly in the summer. A hydration pack is a very convenient way to carry a couple of litres, even if you are taking short hikes. Alternatively, you can take a refillable bottle like Grayl Geopress Water Purifier, which has a powerful filtration system that filters out bacteria, viruses, and other particles such as chemicals and microplastics.

Sunscreen and sunglasses – Sunscreen is essential no matter the weather, and this one from Thinksport is non-greasy and chemical free. And don’t forget your poralized sunglasses for maximum protection!

Camera – You will not want to miss out on those spectacular views and selfie opportunities, so make sure you don’t forget your camera! I use a Sony A7III and a GoPro and I love them both!

Backpack – A backpack is a must for your hikes so you can keep everything you need in one place. This Osprey Hikelite 26 hiking backpack has a hydration compartment and is perfect for both short and long hikes.

Layers – It can get chilly first thing in the morning and in the evenings, so bring plenty of layers that you can peel off (and put back on) as the day warms up and cools down.

Hiking shoes – Make sure you wear appropriate footwear. Besides making walking more comfortable, wearing hiking shoes or boots like these Scarpa hiking boots, will offer you support when walking over uneven terrain.

Extra pair of socks – Bringing an extra pair of hiking socks is useful just in case you find yourself with wet feet after crossing a stream. It’ll make all the difference being able to walk around with dry feet. My favourite brand of hiking socks is Smartwool.

Trekking poles – On some of the trails you may want some extra support, especially going uphill and downhill. I have been using lightweight Leki trekking poles for many years and I could not recommend them enough.

Headlamp – With an early start and likely a late finish, you’ll want to be prepared to get around in the dark, especially if you are planning to enjoy the sunset from somewhere like Taft Point. Bring a lightweight headlamp like this Petzl headlamp with you to light up your way.

First aid kit – It’s always good to be prepared for any eventuality, so pack an easy-to-carry first aid kit.

Compass – I have a terrible sense of direction, so if I accidentally take a wrong turn, I know I can find my way back even if I don’t have phone service, thanks to my little compass. I always carry one with me just in case.

If you have more than one day in Yosemite

It’s impossible to see the whole of Yosemite in one day, so if you do have more time to spend in this spectacular national park here are a few suggestions to add to your itinerary:

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point

A 5-mile loop with spectacular views and a great sunset spot!

El Capitan Meadow

The best place to appreciate the imposing El Capitan and to spot rock climbers.

Cook’s Meadow and Sentinel Bridge

A 1-mile loop that offers some of the best views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock.

Bridal Veil Falls

Gorgeous and easily accessible waterfall.

Tuolumne Meadows

Beautiful meadow with Tuolumne River meandering through it.

Indian Village of Ahwahnee

Learn how the Miwok lived in this reconstructed village located in the site of the largest Indian village in Yosemite Valley.

Where to Stay in Yosemite

You can stay within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park at one of these properties:

Yosemite Valley Lodge

The Ahwahnee

Wawona Hotel

Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite

Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite

Yosemite National Park FAQS

Ready to explore Yosemite NP?

While popular and busy, this national park is certainly a unique place to visit while in California. It’s easy to see why. Lush vegetation, gigantic graphite cliffs and mountains, and bubbling waterways all contribute to Yosemite’s natural beauty. 

While you can’t possibly see all of Yosemite National Park’s scenery in just one day, this jam-packed list will ensure you see some of its most iconic views. Now it’s time for you to load up the car and explore Yosemite National Park for yourself!

Have you done a day trip to Yosemite?
Share the highlights of your journey in the comments below

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