NPAD: Yosemite ItineraryThere are so many reasons that Yosemite is iconic. From its climbing, incredible waterfalls, wildlife, and views - it should be on everyone’s list! This park isn’t just beautiful, but it is full of history with the Winona Hotel, Awanhee Hotel, Ansel Adams Gallery, and lots of Indigenous history.AuthorsNPADTravel
DestinationsYosemite National ParkItinerary

Must-Do Hikes

Yosemite Valley Loop Trail
This is a 20.3-mile trail around Yosemite Valley! It is relatively flat but takes you beneath the massive granite mountains and offers beautiful scenery. Much of the trail is paved, making it an accessible option for everyone. There are also many exit points, so you can easily just do a small portion. We hopped on and off this trail to visit different points around the Valley.
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Mist Trail
This was a fun trail! We happened to visit during record-breaking flooding in Yosemite from snowmelt and got soaked—but it was so worth it. Make sure to bring a poncho for this one, as you get up close and personal with the river.
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Vernal and Nevada Falls
Enjoy a scenic hike through the beauty of Yosemite’s Vernal and Nevada Falls complete with a picnic lunch, snacks, and premium gear for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
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Mirror Lake Loop
We rode bikes to this trailhead, and it was so much fun! Mirror Lake offers a great spot to swim, and the trail provides some incredible views. This trail is relatively easy and a 5-mile round trip.
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Wapama Falls
We cannot recommend Hetch Hetchy Valley enough! This hidden treasure in the northwest corner of the park deserves more recognition, and you'll find fewer crowds here. The Wapama Falls Trail is labeled moderate and is 4.7 miles round trip, leading you to views of multiple waterfalls that make you feel like you’re in an entirely different park.
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Yosemite Day Hike from Glacier Point Including Panorama Trail
Experience a full-day guided hike through Yosemite’s iconic waterfalls—Illilouette, Nevada, and Vernal—starting from Glacier Point with breathtaking views of Half Dome. Journey 8.5 miles down the Panorama and Mist Trails with expert guides, enjoying personalized attention and fascinating insights into the park’s natural wonders.
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John Muir Trail
Alas, we haven’t done this ourselves, but we have to recommend it! You’ll need a permit to tackle this trail, so be sure to plan ahead. It's a challenging 16.5-mile round trip, so make sure you’re prepared and physically capable. This is not an easy hike!
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Activities

The Ansel Adams Gallery
Explore the rich history of photography at the Ansel Adams Gallery, located in Yosemite Valley next to the visitor center. Discover the stunning works of this legendary photographer known for his breathtaking black-and-white landscapes of the American West. You can learn more about his techniques and vision while browsing a selection of his iconic photographs, which are available for purchase. It’s a perfect way to connect with the park’s natural beauty through the lens of one of its most famous advocates!
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Curry Village
We rented bikes here and rode around the Valley, which was a fantastic way to explore! It made getting around much faster and added an extra element of fun.
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Yosemite Valley Lodge
The Yosemite Conservancy offers a really fun Paint and Sip class in the Valley. We wanted a break from hiking, so we painted, enjoyed some wine, and had a grand old time! 😊
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Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour
Take in breathtaking views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point before exploring Yosemite Valley and its iconic landmarks like Tunnel View and Bridalveil Falls. This fully accessible tour is designed for all abilities, with paved, easy trails suited for wheelchairs, scooters, canes, and walkers.
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Lodging

The Ahwahnee
This is pricey, but if you love historic hotels, it's worth checking out. If you don’t want to stay here, you can still visit the lobby, grab a meal, and explore the gift shop. It's easy to ride bikes to the hotel if you want to avoid searching for parking, as they have a very small lot.
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Camp 4 Yosemite Valley
Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley is a historic campground renowned for its significance to the climbing community. Tucked at the base of these iconic granite walls, it has been a gathering place for climbers since the 1960s.
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Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
This lodge is a luxury in the park. It sits very close to the entrance of Hetch Hetchy and offers a great location. In addition, they have guiding services to help you explore!
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