3 days in Yosemite National Park is ideal to get a taster of this awe-inspiring natural wonderland. The park is huge so you could spend weeks there and still not see it all, but this 3 day Yosemite itinerary covers the classic highlights as well as some less well-known sights.
How many days should I spend in Yosemite? If you only plan to do a few hikes and drive around to see the sights, three days is enough to see most everything. If you’d like to linger, you’ll have time to enjoy more ranger-led activities, attend evening programs, take tours, and hang around enjoying the scenery.
Consequently, What should I not miss in Yosemite? 4 Things not to miss in Yosemite National Park – The Wild Passage
- HALF DOME. Half Dome is a well-known rock formation famous for its distinctive shape, one side being perfectly flat whereas the other three sides are round and smooth. …
- Upper Yosemite Falls. …
- Tunnel Viewpoint. …
- Glacier Point.
Is 2 days enough for Yosemite? However, two days will be enough time for one great hike (the best way to see Yosemite) and a few other glimpses into what this 1,200 square-mile UNESCO World Heritage site and natural wonder reveals to visitors.
FAQ
Is a day trip to Yosemite worth it?
Is a day trip to Yosemite worth it? A day trip to Yosemite is definitely worth it! In just one day, you can see all the highlights of the park on a scenic drive of both Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point Road.
What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. It’s important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow.
Can you do a day trip from San Fran to Yosemite? Yosemite is at least a four-hour drive from San Francisco (and can take longer with traffic), so it is not usually recommended as a day trip. However, organized tours make it possible to visit Yosemite from San Francisco in just one day.
How long does it take to drive thru Yosemite? A drive to Yosemite is roughly 4 hours (in ideal traffic conditions) and is most convenient if you are headed to the northwestern parts of Yosemite (Groveland, Buck Meadows, etc.)
Can I drive through Yosemite without a reservation?
You can drive through the park to reach a destination on the other side of the park without a reservation. The entrance station ranger will provide a time-stamped permit valid for the time needed to travel from entrance to entrance. You must drive the most direct route to exit the park; stopping is prohibited.
Is Yosemite safe to visit now? Yosemite is open with some services limited due to COVID-19
Masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, in all public buildings, crowded outdoor spaces, and enclosed buses.
Can you hike Half Dome in May?
Most years, the cables of Half Dome go up on the Friday before Memorial Day, at the end of May. Permits are required to hike Half Dome.
Where should I stay in Yosemite for the first time? The short answer: The BEST place to stay in Yosemite is INSIDE the boundaries of the national park. The long answer: Yes, staying inside Yosemite National Park is more expensive than staying in one of the small towns just outside the park.
What is the easiest drive into Yosemite?
Highway 120 will be the best way to approach Yosemite if you are coming from the big cities of San Francisco or Sacramento and their major airports. This scenic route skirts around the Northern edge of Mariposa County and passes through the lovely towns of Buck Meadows and Groveland.
How far apart are Sequoia and Yosemite?
The drive from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to Yosemite National Park is 215 miles (346 km).
How do you get to Yosemite without a car? How To Get To Yosemite Without A Car
- Public charter buses. These comfy buses take you straight to the park. …
- Regular public transit. The good ‘ol fashioned way, by train and then bus.
Is it scary to drive to Yosemite? In general, the roads are fine – and worst thing you will find is being behind a super slow vacation recreational vehicle). If you are going to Sequoia as well this trip use 180 in and out of the park only (the road to 3 Rivers area is scary – and not worth driving.).
Can you enter Yosemite at night?
Learn more about current park operations. Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. However, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station is open only during daylight hours (approximately) and some roads are closed due to snow from around November through May or June.
Is Yosemite closing again? Yosemite is open with some services limited due to COVID-19.
How much does it cost to visit Yosemite?
Yosemite Entrance Fees
| Description | Good For: | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (on foot, horseback, or bus) | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $15 |
| Motorcycle | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $30 |
| Automobile | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $35 |
| Yosemite Pass (automobile) | 1 Year, Yosemite National Park | $70 |
Can I drink beer in Yosemite? Re: Is beer and wine OK at picnic areas within Yosemite? Beer or wine is ok.
Is Yosemite a tourist trap?
Granted, getting to Yosemite isn’t the most convenient, and for this and several other factors most people opt for summer visits. But that’s when the park becomes a tourist trap.
Can you drive through Yosemite without a day pass? Do I need a day-use reservation if I am just driving through the park? You can drive through the park to reach a destination on the other side of the park without a reservation. The entrance station ranger will provide a time-stamped permit valid for the time needed to travel from entrance to entrance.
Has anyone fallen off Half Dome?
On Thursday morning, an Arizona woman died after falling 500 feet down steep, rocky terrain on a segment of Half Dome that requires hikers to cling to cables for stability, according to Yosemite spokesman Scott Gediman. The woman was identified as 29-year old Danielle Burnett of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
Can you see Hawaii from Clouds Rest? Clouds Rest is one of the more popular hikes in Yosemite, since on a clear day, you can often see Hawaii to the west and all the way to Nebraska in the East (not literally, but the views are crazy expansive, just saying) not to mention the unforgettable views of Yosemite Valley all around you.
How far can you hike Half Dome without a permit?
If you haven’t gotten a permit, you still have a chance. You are allowed to hike all the way to the Sub Dome, about 0.5 mile before the summit, without a permit. Generally the ranger will be sitting there, checking people’s permits.
Is Yosemite closing due to fires? There are trail closures in effect. All fires may be visible from Tioga Road (Highway 120 through Yosemite National Park), Glacier Point, and high country vistas.
How should I prepare for Yosemite? What to Pack for Your Yosemite National Park Vacation
- Sturdy Water Shoes for Playing in Rivers and Waterfalls. …
- Binoculars to Watch Climbers and Bears. …
- Sturdy Boots for Hiking on Granite. …
- A Rain Jacket. …
- A Couple Water Bottles or a Hydration System. …
- A Sun Hat, Sunglasses and Sunscreen. …
- Warm and Cold Clothing Layers.
How do you drive in Yosemite?
You can drive your car into and around Yosemite, although some roads are closed from around November through May/June and tire chains may be required on open roads from around October through April (depending on conditions). You can use public transportation to get to and around Yosemite all year.
