Yosemite National Park, an adventure paradise located in the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The park has a little bit of everything, from scenic views and hard-core hiking to easy strolls and deep-forest experiences. When you have only 1-2 days and don’t know what to expect the pressure aches your head.
Our 2-day Yosemite National Park itinerary will help to simplify your trip. Our guide here will make sure you can squeeze every ounce of enjoyment from your visit, making the best recommendations for spots and activities that even a two-day stay will allow. Check out the top 10 highlights of this classic southwestern park, and have an amazing adventure that is sure to be unforgettable in one of America’s most iconic parks.
How Much Time Should You Spend in Yosemite National Park?
It is a massive park with five regions, so you will spend some time getting from one to the other. In a perfect world, you would have 5-6 days to soak in each portion of the park and also do some longer hikes without getting into crowds. Nonetheless, even with just a few days you can still pack in lots of the park’s varied attractions.
When we went to Yosemite for the first time, it was only 1 and half day. We managed to pack a lot into our short visit. This 2-day Yosemite National Park itinerary post is designed to pack as much into such a short visit, showcasing the best of what this captivating destination has on offer.
About This 2-Day Yosemite National Park Itinerary
For the last two days, it is best to explore Yosemite Valley and its surrounding area together with one of most visited places in park – Glacier Point — plus a quick drive on Tioga Road. These are the areas that will give you a taste of both popular sections in the park and hidden gems, known only to locals.
A few things to keep in mind:
This is an itinerary specifically formulated for summer trips (when Glacier Point and Tioga Road are accessible).
Note: If you go in any other season than summer, substitute the second day for a drive to Hetch Hetchy. I go into more detail about that in this guide.
Now this itinerary is slightly less busy than our first go round, so we know it can be done. The itinerary has us participating in three activities on the first day, so for a more leisurely pace you could spread those over two days instead.
2 Day Yosemite National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Yosemite Valley
Start with Sunrise at Tunnel View
Tunnel View is one of the most striking sights at Yosemite. One of the most iconic vantages offers an incredible view into the valley, giving us a first peek at what we had waiting for us in this park—an unbeatable introduction.
If Yosemite is on your bucketlist you’ve probably seen and compared plenty of imagery from this exact location. It is the quintessential Yosemite tableau, and there can be no more fitting start to a park experience.
Hike the Mist Trail
Our top pick for a hike in Yosemite Valley is the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. This hike can push on the steeper side, you get up close and personal with two of their most powerful waterfalls The Mist Trail as name suggests be prepared to brush your teeth to a cool mist while hiking towards Vernal Falls.
Make sure to pack your backpack cover and a rain jacket (if you care about staying dry) as well as some grinds for picnicking at the top of Nevada Falls. For most of the hike, if the full thing is a little intimidating for you or younger hikers in your group its easy to stop at the top of Vernal Falls and get 90% (ish) or so much as what makes this trail unique. You might alternatively choose the shorter Bridalveil Fall Trail, which is just as rewarding a hike.
Explore Yosemite Valley
After conquering the Mist Trail, wind down with a more leisurely afternoon exploring Yosemite Valley. Many of the valley’s highlights can be easily reached on foot or by bike, such as Yosemite Falls, Swinging Bridge, and the Village Store. For sights like El Capitan Meadows and Valley View, a quick drive is recommended.
Here are a few of our top picks for Yosemite Valley:
- One of the most spectacular places is Lower Yosemite Falls, reachable by way on happily defined (boring) path known as the lower yosemite falls trail.
- Swinging Bridge- peaceful vistas above the Merced River, views include Yosemite Falls and famous landmarks.
- Tips: Best moment stop for a picnic, Sentinel Beach Picnic Area. Settle your feet into the soothing, cool Merced River if it’s calm.
- Visit the Village Store for cold beverages, snacks or that ice cream you are craving! While you are in the area, be sure to visit Yosemite Museum and Anselm Adams Gallery.
- Being surrounded by granite and hiking up to stare at the titanic wall El Capitan is breath taking. For an up-close look at the rock face (and prospective climbers) go to El Capitan Meadows. Stay on designated trail to preserve vulnerable meadow ecosystem.
- Valley View — a short but photogenic spot looking eastward up Yosemite Valley, perfect for that last-minute look at the sights before hitting the road again.
Catch Sunset at Glacier Point
End your first day in Yosemite by making the drive up to Glacier Point for an alpenglow display on Half Dome. Yes, the sun does not set right over here but still when it casts a glowing layer on those granite formations! For a more ol’ fashioned sunset view, take the easy hike to Taft Point or Sentinel Dome. You will not want to miss Glacier Point, whichever you go with — it’s one of our favorite spots in the park!
Again, Glacier Point is a seasonal site (accessible only in the summer) that lies about an hour drive from Yosemite Valley.
Day 2: Exploring Tioga Road
If you are tired of Yosemite Valley from the day before, take a ride on Tioga Road for something different. California’s highest highway pass at 9,945 feet and up to the Eastern Sierra from Crane Flat.
While the valley is a far busier place, Tioga Road offers an altogether more peaceful experience as you view Yosemite from a completely different vantage point: The park’s incredibly rough and rugged high country. There are beautiful mountain views, tranquil lakes and several hiking trails to choose ranging from easy half day walks (or even shorter) up until huge treks into some of the outback regions.
Tip: Tioga Road is open primarily in summer (typically June through October), with dates varying by year. Always cross-check road conditions while planning your journey.
Hike to May Lake
May Lake is a Must Do Short but oh so sweet, May lake had to be done. This trail combines a little bit of everything that belongs in Yosemite with its forested sections, smooth granite and clear lake below an impressive mountain backdrop. It provides a refreshing mix of nature in an easy trek.
Take in the Views from Olmsted Point
A unique perspective of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley is offered by Olmsted Point, an impressive vista along Tioga Road. The parking area provides a great view, but the scene broadens just across the street on the very short walk into clear space to wetland overlook.
Relax at Tenaya Lake
Tenaya Lake, one of the more than 2,000 lakes in Yosemite. Colorful granite domes make this an inviting spot for kayaking, paddleboarding or swimming. No rentals in sight but if you left your water gear at home, enjoy the scenery for a peaceful picnic next to one of Buckeye Lake’s newest.
Visit Tuolumne Meadows
The large, open meadows at Tuolumne Meadows Defines a subalpine type of mountain brush vegetation that very clearly epitomizes Sierra Nevada feeling and landscape. One of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada, and some awesome views too. Don’t forget to cross the footbridge and walk over to Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge.
Climb Lembert Dome
For an even taller view above Tuolumne Meadows, ascend the 3.8-mile roundtrip to reach the flat top of Lembert Dome. This is an amazing way to see these incredible rounded shapes of granite, as well a get some fantastic clearings with stunning sites surrounding the complex.
Explore Beyond Yosemite National Park
The journey continues as Tioga Road leaves the national park and drops down into Lee Vining. Take time to go beyond the gate by taking a short side trek at Tioga and Ellery Lakes for more picturesque views. Make sure you stop at the one-of-a-kind Whoa Nellie Deli in the Mobil gas station for a few fish tacos on your way to end of road trust us, it’s worth it.
Where to Stay for Your 2-Day Yosemite Itinerary
There are plenty of places to stay around Yosemite, but here’s what we recommend for this specific 2-day itinerary:
First Night (Before Day 1)
If you can manage to stay within Yosemite Valley, your trip will get much simpler. If you are unable to secure a place inside the park, El Portal is your next best choice. Or, you could do Groveland since that’s equally convenient for Yosemite Valley and Tioga Road.
Second Night (Before Day 2)
On your second night, consider lodging near Groveland for quick access to Tioga Road. Campgrounds/RV parks, glamping and other lodging
Third Night (After Day 2)
With the end of the day exploring Tioga Road, it’s time to head back out in search for a decent place along Highway 395 dump. Mammoth Lakes is the most preferred place to stay, but if you are heading back toward Fresno or San Francisco (naturally next stop will be Napa or Paso Robles) and have had your fiber use up at Groveland.
Helpful Tips for Your 2 Days in Yosemite National Park
Know About Reservations
Because of Yosemite’s high visitation, a reservation is needed to enter the park from 5 AM until 4 PM on specific days through October 27th. Each of these reservations is $2 plus the pricetag for your entrance pass.
But there are always exceptions. Note – The timed entry reservation does not include or replace an in-park camping, lodging, vacation reservation, a Half Dome permit (even for day hikers), nor any other wilderness permits. Additionally, you can show up without a reservation if entering with a tour or using regional transit. There are only a limited number of places on each, so do snap up your place now! Here, you can enter the park before 5 AM or after 4 PM if all reservations are filled.
Follow Leave No Trace Principles
While exploring Yosemite keep in mind the Leave No Trace Principles that you want to leave these spaces just as beautiful for future visitors from around the world. You should respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace guidelines so when you leave an area, it will be at least as clean as before if not cleaner.
Winter Closures and Restrictions
For most of the year, open areas include Yosemite Valley (access all year), Hetch Hetchy, and Wawona/Mariposa Grove; other areas like Glacier Point Road are generally closed mid November through late May or June. Remember, there are snow chains required on some roads in the winter.
Pet Guidelines
If you’re bringing a dog to Yosemite, note that there are limitations on where they can go. Pets are permitted in developed areas, on paved roads, sidewalks, bike paths, and certain campgrounds (except walk-in sites). They must remain on a 6-foot leash. A few pet-friendly trails include:
- Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
- Cook’s Meadow Loop
- The paved path to Mirror Lake
- Paved sections of Tuolumne Grove Trail
- Wawona Meadow Loop Trail
Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty in parts of Yosemite, so you might want to download Google Maps for offline use. At the very least, having downloaded a map of the park that you can pull up offline helps to get around. Park signage is generally good, but some of the one-way roads can be confusing (offline maps). We recommend downloading AllTrails maps for offline help with your walks, too.
Traffic and Parking Tips
To avoid both heavy traffic and crowded trails or psychic phenomena, we say arrive as early as the gates open to runners just after sunrise but no later than 9 AM. And then you will be hit with long lines to get in, congested roads and limited parking or full trails.
On your opening day in Yosemite Valley, moved to a position and utilized by using bicycle, the unfastened snatch or walk approximately inside valley. Between stops on Tioga Road, you will have to drive yourself here as this route is not serviced by a shuttle bus.
Toilet Availability
In addition, there are enough bathrooms throughout the park but not at every trailhead or viewpoint. Tunnel View probably comes to mind, where there are no restrooms (True) or perhaps hiking trails like the Mist Trail that have a bathroom near the trailhead. Plan accordingly.
Water Safety
Because Yosemite’s rivers run fast and deep with snow meltclear water from spring runoff, people are swept over harsh falls or down the river every year prohibing in fatalities. Avoid entering river water that is not completely calm and always be careful while walking in wet areas by the riverside or near a waterfall.
Respect Wildlife & Be Bear Aware
All the better to eat you with: Yosemite Wolf Forest is invaded by all kinds of black and brown bears. Bears that get their paws on human food are generally very aggressive and move fast, so it is good to know how you respond if your path crosses with one as well as have an idea of what to do in storing foods at the campgrounds. This can result in the bear being killed for public safety. Be aware of what safety measures you should know when bear spray is not allowed.
Avoid approaching, feeding or interacting with all animals even less threatening ones such as deer and squirrels. Also, drive the speed limit; many animals cross our roads and many bears are killed by vehicles every year.
