3 Days in Yosemite National ParkYosemite National Park is a breathtaking place in California , renowned for its towering granite cliffs, ancient sequoias, cascading waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems. In this guide, we have listed the best hikes, viewpoints, campgrounds, insider tips, and more to help you plan your next trip!Authorsthetravelingdans
DestinationsYosemite National ParkItinerary

Day 1 - Exploring the Valley

Trip Highlight
Welcome to Yosemite National Park! Before we dive in, here are a few important things to know about visiting the park: 1.) Timed entry permits are enforced starting on Memorial Day weekend. Check the NPS website to see if one is needed when you visit. 2.) Free shuttles run through the valley, these can be great to use as parking can be difficult to get during the busy months. 3.) There are bike rentals available in the valley, this is a great option to get around the park. 4.) It takes an hour to drive into the park from the entrance. The roads are very windy, take it slow! 5.) Pack bear spray and be bear aware.
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Tunnel View
The most iconic view of the park! On your way into Yosemite Valley, pull off in the parking lot right past the tunnel to get your first views of the park.
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Bridalveil Fall
As you drive into the valley, this is the first waterfall you will pass by. Park in the lot and take the short, paved trail to some of the viewpoints. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
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Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
This is a great spot to relax, have lunch, and find some solitude in the busy valley area. The parking area is shortly after Bridal Veil Falls.
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Yosemite Falls
Next, visit the most iconic waterfall in the park and one of the tallest waterfalls in the USA. Dogs are allowed on this short, paved trail.
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Cook's Meadow Loop
This walk leaves from Yosemite Falls and takes you along a winding boardwalk through a meadow. This walk is about 1 mile and dogs are allowed.
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Yosemite Valley Lodge
For accommodations there are a few options. There are a few lodges in the park, this being one of them. They book out months in advance and can be spendy.
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Lower Pines Campground
Inside the park in the valley, there are three campgrounds. Lower, upper, and north pines! These book out months in advance too but are a lot more affordable than the lodges. PRO TIP: refresh recreation.gov multiple times a day during the days leading up to your trip and you will likely be able to score a last minute spot. People cancel their reservations all the time and this is how we scored last minute spots in the park.
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Day 2 - A Day of Adventures

Mist Trail
This is one of the most iconic hikes in the park! This trail takes you from the valley, past Vernal and Nevada falls, to an incredible view of Half Dome and Liberty Cap. This hike is challenging, it is 6.5 miles with 2,400 feet of elevation gain so this can take people 4-6 hours. Take your time and soak in the views! Pro tip: Parking is a bit more than a half mile from the trailhead. You can also park in Curry Village and walk a mile to the trailhead. No dogs allowed on this trail.
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Curry Village
Curry Village is such a gem in the park! It is rare in a national park to have glamping tents, multiple restaurant options, and a grocer. This is a great spot to come after your hike to refuel and relax.
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Merced River
One popular summer activity is to float down Merced River! This is a great thing to do after your strenuous hike - people opt for kayaks or innertubes and launch from Stoneman Bridge and take out at Sentinel Beach.
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Day 3 - Glacier Point Road

Sentinel Dome
Today, you will explore the stops along the scenic Glacier Point Road. This is open seasonally so check road conditions before going. First up, hike 1 mile to Sentinel Dome. This gives you an incredible view of the valley below and Half Dome.
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Taft Point
To get to Taft Point, you can continue on from Sentinel Dome to make a 5.5 mile loop. You can also do it as an out and back from the parking lot which is 2.3 miles total.
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Washburn Point
As you drive past the above spots, you will come to a few viewpoints. Washburn Point is arguably better than Glacier Point. Stop here and take in the views
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Glacier Point
At the end of the road is Glacier Point. This is a beautiful stop with multiple viewpoints and a store with food and souvenirs.
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