3 Days in Yosemite National Park 🗺️ ⛰️

I spent years day dreaming about seeing Yosemite. I told myself I just need to see it once, but if I can see it more than once, amazing. Well, I finally got my butt to Yosemite…and it was incredible. It felt like being in a postcard.

I’m going to give you the itinerary of what I did and saw in this blog post. Heads up, glacier point road was closed during my visit and this itinerary would be a little different if it were open. But in case you’re visiting during the seasonal closure, here’s what to do and see instead!

I made a video on Tiktok documenting this itinerary if you prefer visual/audio version!

Day 1

Drive Through The Tunnel (& stop here if parking allows)

The tunnel is the most epic way of driving into the park, so I think it is necessary to start with that. There is a parking lot on the left as soon as you exit the tunnel, and parking fills up fast there but it is one of the best views you’ll see on the trip! This is a great view morning to sunset. After your time here, drive to the information centre in the valley and park your car to hop on a (free) shuttle.

Lower Yosemite Falls

Our first stop we got off of the shuttle for was Lower Yosemite Falls. It’s a short trail that features a spectacular waterfall. You get wet here – heads up!

Meadow Walk

Right across the road from Lower Yosemite Falls you’ll find the Meadow Walk which has scenic views, as well as historical information along the way. This is also where I noticed how many trails are accessible within the Yosemite Valley.

We got up early the next day so we called it a night fairly early and stayed at Yosemite Inn.

Day 2

Vernal Falls (via Mist Trail)

Rise n’ Shine! This is a must-experience trail in my opinion. Follow the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls. In the Spring, this waterfall has a large flow and will spray so much water! You’ll also be on a portion of the John Muir trail here which is pretty special. This is my favourite hike of the entire California road trip I went on.

El Cap Bridge

Of course I had to see this bridge as it provides stunning views of El Capitan (one of the world’s most iconic rock formations, it’s 3000ft of sheer granite).

Meadow Walk (again)

For lunch we headed back to the meadow to soak up amazing views as we ate our food that we bought at one of the restaurants in the valley. Who doesn’t want to see Half Dome while they eat? The food was amazing! I personally suggest the buffalo chicken wrap.

Bridal Veil Falls

Yosemite valley surrounds you in gorgeous waterfalls. Bridal Veil Falls was one of my favourites! You can see it from the road but the short hike to it is worth it to see it in all its glory close up.

Old Inspiration Point

This hike we found on AllTrails and it offered a variety of views. It starts at the Wawona Tunnel, then showcases a higher view of Bridal Veil Falls, the flat rock of Inspiration Point where an old structure used to be for a lookout, and then you walk back the way you came in.

Tunnel View Sunset

Since you’re already parked here for Old Inspiration, stay a while and watch the sunset! It’s such an epic spot.

Day 3

Chilnualna Falls

As you say goodbye to Yosemite (bring tissues), head over to Chilnualna Falls. It isn’t as popular as the other waterfalls mentioned in this post so you’ll be escaping the crowds a bit and it’s a short hike for a beautiful waterfall!

Mariposa Grove

Mariposa Grove is home to Yosemite’s giant Sequoia trees. There are a few trails here to choose from ranging in various lengths, and no matter your choice of trail they are all gorgeous. Be sure to check out shuttle information before arriving to Mariposa Grove, we went in early May and they didn’t have shuttles yet so we had to walk about 3KM just to get to the grove and then start a trail.