3 Days in Yosemite Itinerary: A Must See Park

Jenn is standing in front of the Merced River in Yosemite.

One would think I would have a ‘3 Days in Yosemite Itinerary’ post ready for my readers since I’m a SoCal native. However, believe it or not I went to Yosemite for the first time this Spring! I had never been but now I’m ready to share all I learned from my trip to this picturesque national park! 

LA to Yosemite National Park 

Weekend trips from Los Angeles are always a hit or miss during a long holiday weekend because it feels like everyone from LA will meet you there. That was not the case during this memorial day weekend. We left at 6am to get a head start on a Saturday morning and it only took us 3.5 hours. If you don’t mind the early wakeup call then you can make the 280 mile drive with no traffic and enjoy brunch on Bass Lake. 

Leaving at a later time will guarantee a 5-6 hour drive which will leave you exhausted by the time you get there. Pack the car the night before and leave early the next morning to get a head start on your adventure! 

Glacier Point Yosemite

Views of Yosemite Falls during sunrise at Glacier Point.

Glacier Point wasn’t much of a hike, but rather a viewpoint. It was the first point we visited while there, and what made it more beautiful was that we got there before sunrise. From Glacier Point one can see Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Yosemite Valley! 

A cement trail leading you to the Glacier Point Viewpoint with pine trees surrounding the trail.
A map displaying the different mountains and valleys in Yosemite with a fall in the background.

The drive up to Glacier Point is scenic, as you ascend you will notice signs warning of bear crossings (so keep that in mind). The point sits above Yosemite Valley at a little over 3, 200 ft. This viewpoint is perfect for children, the elderly, people who may be on wheelchairs and is stroller friendly. A must-see even for avid hikers! 

Yosemite Falls 

Blue skies and Yosemite falls with views of Yosemite Valley.

Driving into Yosemite Valley, through the green large trees and paved roads, you are welcomed by Yosemite Falls. The highest waterfall in North America and the sixth largest in the world. You can most certainly see it from anywhere if you’re in Yosemite Valley. The height of the falls are 2425 ft. from top to bottom. 

Jenn standing in front of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley.

You can also hike Yosemite Falls, it’s a 6-8 hour round trip hike and it’s quite strenuous. I would recommend doing it if you are an avid hiker with lots of experience. The Yosemite Falls Trail is open year-round, however it’s recommended you hike in the Spring when the weather is just right. 

Live view of Yosemite Falls: Click Here!

Lower Yosemite Falls 

People standing on boulders at Lower Yosemite Falls while the water rushes through.

This is an easy 1-mile trail which is a great place to bring kids or those who want to experience the falls without the strenuous hikes. The trail has views of both falls (including Yosemite falls). It takes about 24 mins to complete and is usually congested with families. 

A viewpoint of both falls, Yosemite and Lower Yosemite Falls while a stream of water flows through rocks.

The trail begins at the shuttle stop #6, you will see everyone entering and starting their hike. Yosemite doesn’t have specific starting points, therefore when you are near just ask someone who’s around for directions.  

Cook’s Meadow & Merced River 

A vibrant sky illuminates Cook's Meadow in Yosemite Valley with surrounding pine trees.

The Merced River was one of my favorite places! We don’t see many rivers in Los Angeles so this scenic view was a treat! Part of the Merced River is in Cook’s Meadow and sits across from the falls. 

You’ll see painters painting the views under a tree, beautiful dragonflies along the river beds, families going on bike rides, photographers and people about to start their adventure. I recommend adding this to your 3 Days in Yosemite Itinerary! You will feel like you are in a desktop backdrop haha. 

Waters rushing through the Merced river in Meadow's Cook.

You can visit all the above points by parking in the meadow lot. You’ll have access to both falls, Cook’s Meadow as well as the Merced River. A perfect way to spend the day if you want to have a stroll through the park. 

Tunnel View 

The Tunnel Viewpoint in Yosemite with views of Galcier Point, Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall.

This iconic viewpoint is where you can see all the well known Yosemite spots, like Glacier Point, Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall. You’ll drive down state highway 41 and right outside the Wawona Tunnel you will be welcomed with scenery that will make your mouth drop. 

As you go through the tunnel, be prepared to slow down and turn right into the parking lot. (If you miss it; don’t worry, drive back and there’s another parking lot)  If you’re not expecting it, you’ll miss the narrow entrance. It’s a small parking lot so my advice is to get there before sunrise to enjoy the views. 

Mist Trail & Vernal Fall 

Vernall Falls with force onto Mist Trail.
Jenn standing in front of Vernal Falls in Mist trail as the falls drench her.
A rainbow over Mist trail in Yosemite peaks through Vernal Falls.

A favorite among hikers and not too strenuous, Mist trail is a beautiful wet trail where you come close and personal with Vernall Fall. You’ll see a bright rainbow from the granite stairs as people get drenched from the fall. If you decide to continue the hike, the 600 step staircase will lead you to the top of Vernal Fall. I do not recommend bringing kids to this trail as it is quite wet and slippery with not many safety guards set in place. 

The trail starts at ‘Happy Isles Trailhead’ and begins to ascend with the mist of the falls coming to an end. I recommend wearing a waterproof hooded light jacket to wear while you go up to not be soaked. You’ll see search and rescue teams here as many slip and fall or have injured ankles and wrists, etc. 

Pro-Tip: Wear hiking boots and don’t carry anything so that your hands are free incase you need to hold your grip while going up the stairs. 

Nevada Falls 

A viewpoint of Nevada Falls and the mountains in Yosemite overlooking the valley.
A stream of water getting ready to go down Nevada Falls.

This hike is the most strenuous hike I have ever done. Most of the hike is unpaved and you’re climbing up rocks while others are coming down. It can be very dangerous, yet rewarding if you are careful. You will be 1279 ft. up in elevation while you take in views of Liberty Cap and Nevada Falls. If it weren’t for my friends, I don’t think this hike would make it to the 3 Days in Yosemite Itinerary!

If you make it to the top of Nevada Falls then hats off to you! Make sure to bring snacks because you’ll be starving and thirsty if you didn’t take water breaks. My friend brought Nuun tablets because you’ll be hiking 6-8 hrs roundtrip. This will help with swollen hands and replenish energy and minerals lost during the hike.  

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

A brown sign leading everyone to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite.
Large standing sequoias with views of the green leafs and sky.

A ‘3 Days in Yosemite Itinerary’ would be incomplete without visiting the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. The estimated 500 Sequoias trees are believed to be more than 3,000 years old, which is definitely a sight to see! The journey began at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza by hopping onto the free shuttle (passes by every 15 mins) that will drop you off in front of the trail entrance. My friends and I strolled through the grove but we had two hikes in mind.

The first hike is an easy one and it’s the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail. The 2-mile trail takes about an hour to complete. The second hike is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias trail and it’s a strenuous almost 7-mile hike that takes a little over 3 hours to complete.

Note: Dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Roundup

Yosemite was definitely one of my favorite California trips! There are so many scenic parks in Los Angeles but none compare to Yosemite. You can make your 3 Days in Yosemite Itinerary as easy and chill as you want due to the many hike options they have. You can also challenge yourself and see what your body can accomplish by choosing a more taxing hike. Yosemite is ideal and will fit anyone’s vacation vision!

Yosemite National Park FAQ 

  1. Are dogs allowed in Yosemite? 
    Yes. More specific details here!
  2. Are there bathrooms at Yosemite National Parks? 
    Yes. 
  3. Is Yosemite free?
    Yes & No. If you decide to go during peak seasons/hours, weekends and holidays then a reservation will be required from 5:00am-4:00pm ($2 per/person). If you decide to go between 4:01pm-4:59am then you can drive right in. Reserve here! 
  4. Where to stay in Yosemite 
    4a. Airbnb in the Oakhurst neighborhood (city center and a 30 min drive to the Yosemite entrance) 
    4b. Cabin inside Yosemite Park
    4c. Hotels: Yosemite Valley Lodge (Affordable) + Ahwahnee Hotel (Luxury)
    4d. Camping
  5. When is the Best Time to Visit Yosemite
    May – September (I went in May and the weather was perfect!)
  1. What to Pack for Yosemite 
    Make sure you pack hiking boots (you’ll need a good grip), light activewear, waterproof lightweight jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, backpack and /or a camelback to be consistently hydrated. Packing these essentials is key to to having everything you need!

* Gift: To have a year round, all season travel checklist: Just click here to receive my custom one for free 🙂  

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