Best of Yosemite National Park
A valley floor you can circle in a day, with the high country and the big trees an hour's drive apart.
Checking live park conditions…
Waterfalls run hardest in late spring, and early autumn is clear and quiet. The high country is under snow well into June.
Day 1·The Valley Rim and a Classic View
Open in MapsSightseeing
Tunnel View
A postcard-perfect vista of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all at once.
Sightseeing
Artist Point
A short hike from Tunnel View for a slightly different perspective of the iconic valley.
Activity
Bridalveil Fall Trail
The first waterfall you meet coming into the valley, loud and misting in spring.
Day 2·Giants and a Panoramic Vista
Open in MapsSightseeing
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Walk among some of the largest and oldest living things on Earth, including the Grizzly Giant.
Sightseeing
Wawona Point
A serene overlook in Mariposa Grove offering expansive views of the surrounding forest.
Sightseeing
Glacier Point
Unparalleled panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra. Allow about an hour and a half drive from Mariposa Grove.
Activity
Sentinel Dome
A granite dome above Glacier Point Road with a full circle of valley views. Best at sunset.
Day 3·Valley Icons and Riverside Beauty
Open in MapsActivity
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
A paved walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, close enough to feel the spray in spring.
Activity
Mirror Lake
A peaceful walk to a reflective lake offering stunning views of Half Dome and the surrounding cliffs.
Activity
Sentinel Meadow Cook's Meadow Loop
A flat loop trail offering iconic views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan from the valley floor.
Make it your own
Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.