With towering granite peaks and cascading waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is one of the most magnificent destinations in the United States. The same majestic landscapes that inspired the likes of John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt and Ansel Adams have made Yosemite one of the most popular national parks in the United States. At nearly 1,200 square miles encompassing the backcountry of the High Sierras it’s impossible to ever fully know Yosemite ,but luckily Yosemite Valley is home to some of the park’s most famous sights making it possible to see them in just a day. Discover how to see the best of Yosemite National Park in one day.
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How to Get to Yosemite Valley
Yosemite National Park is huge, encompassing nearly 1,200 square miles, and for a one day visit you’ll want to focus your time on Yosemite Valley. While there are five entrances to the park itself the Hetch Hetchy entrance to the northern most part of Yosemite is best left for another day/trip. Depending on where you’re coming from will determine the best way for you to access Yosemite Valley.
- Big Oak Flat Entrance – Highway 120 from Groveland. Best if you’re coming from San Francisco, Sacramento or San Jose.
- Arch Rock Entrance – Highway 140 from El Portal and Mariposa. Also a good choice coming from San Francisco, Sacramento or San Jose.
- South Entrance – Highway 41 from Oakhurst through the Wawona section of Yosemite. Best if coming from Fresno or King’s Canyon/Sequoia National Parks.
- Tioga Pass – coming east from Lee Vining. Best if coming from Mammoth Lakes. Due to snowfall and steep inclines this road is often closed durin the winter.
Tips for Visiting Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the country and during high season requires reservations during peak hours (between 6 am to 4 pm) to enter the park. Be sure to check the official Yosemite website for requirements prior to your visit.
- While summer is the busiest season Yosemite is beautiful all year. Waterfalls are at their most dramatic in the spring and autumn brings colorful foliage, both seasons typically have mild weather and fewer crowds. Winter brings solitude and snow, though higher elevation roads may be closed. Weather any time of year can be variable, be sure to check the weather forecast prior to your visit.
- The right gear can make your hikes more comfortable and safe. Hiking boots with good tread and ankle support are key for any hike and trekking poles can help take pressure off of your joints.
- No matter what season you visit make sure to stay properly hydrated ( a reusable water bottle is useful), bring snacks and use sun protection (in the form of sunscreen, hats and sun protective clothing).
How to See Yosemite Valley in One Day
The road through Yosemite Valley goes around in a loop and I’ve listed the sights in order going around the loop. While I visited during the spring and was able to drive around and park near each sight as I wished during high season you may wish to park and take one of the free park shuttles.
El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls
Shortly after entering the valley you’ll encounter two of Yosemite’s most famous sites. There’s no parking lot here so grab a spot along the side of the road to park. El Capitan, a towering monolith will be on your left. If you look closely you may be able to spot elite rock climbers traversing the sheer vertical cliffs. To the right you can view Bridal Veil Falls, the first of many impressive waterfalls you’ll see along Yosemite Valley. If you visit in mid to later February you may even get to see Firefall, when the sun hits Bridal Veil Falls at just the right angle turning the 620 foot tall falls a dramatic shade of orange making it look like a cascade of flames.
Vernal Falls
In my opinion the trails of Vernal Falls offer up some of the best bang for your hiking buck. This is a moderate trail that will take you 2-3 hours if you you choose to do the full portion of the Mist Trail (and if you do prepare to get wet near the final portion of the hike near the falls, which can also be quite steep) and the trail access is near the Happy Isles area of the valley. Unlike Yosemite and Bridal Veil Falls the cascades of Vernal Falls can not be viewed from the valley floor and require a bit of hiking but the views are well worth the effort. Coming back down from Vernal Falls you will also get more spectacular views of Yosemite Falls and the Valley.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is not actually a lake, but a wider part of Tenaya Creek that in the summer months is a popular swimming spot. This trail is fairly flat and offers up great views or North Dome and Half Dome. You can opt for the shorter hike to Mirror Lake (2.4 miles) or continue on to Tenaya Canyon (4 miles).
The Awahnee Hotel
While there are multiple lodging options in Yosemite ranging from tent camping to lodge the Awahnee Hotel is without a doubt the most luxurious. Prices to stay in the Awahnee are quite steep but it’s definitely worth it to visit this historic grande dame hotel to view it’s distinctive architecture, relax in the great lounge or grab a drink at the Awahnee Bar.
Yosemite Falls
In a place full of stunning waterfalls Yosemite Falls stands out. Cascading from a height of 2,425 feet above the Valley Yosemite Falls offers up up one of the most spectacular views in the entire park. The Lower Yosemite Falls Trail makes the falls accessible for just about everyone, with a flat 0.5 mile trail to the base of the falls. Crave a bit more adventure? Hike the challenging 7.6 mile out and back Upper Yosemite Falls Trail for beautiful views of the valley and Half Dome.
If you like this article be sure to take a look at some of my other posts!
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The Complete Travel Guide to Banff National Park
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