Yosemite Day Trip Planner – Having a Perfect Day in Yosemite

Yosemite is a magical place, and one everyone should experience at least once.  It would be incredible to have a couple weeks to explore the park, getting to know some of the nooks and crannies.  There is so much to see and do!  But what if you only have one day in Yosemite?  Is it even worthwhile to visit Yosemite for a day?  I say any amount of time in Yosemite is time well spent, and you can have an incredible Yosemite day trip.  To make sure that happens, you need a plan, so I have put together a Yosemite one day itinerary for every entrance, to help.  

A one day trip to Yosemite is not ideal, but sometimes it may be the only option.  Whether it is for financial reasons, or you are on a business trip, or you are just passing through, you still deserve an amazing day in Yosemite!  Now, if you have the option to stay longer, I encourage you to do so.  But if you absolutely can’t, with our one day Yosemite itinerary you will have a great time.  We have helped many people with other outstanding day trip itineraries, including a one day trip to Death Valley, and a one day trip to Grand Canyon.  

It is extremely important to note that under current travel conditions, a day use reservation is required to enter Yosemite National Park, even for annual and lifetime pass holders.  You can make your reservation at Recreation.gov. When you attempt to make your reservation, you may find that the day you desire is marked NR, or not released. Make sure you have a live account, then be logged on and prepared 7 days prior to your planned visit, at exactly 08:00 Pacific Time.  All available tickets will be released for reservation at that time, and essentially you are in a race with everyone else hoping to get a reservation for that day. But you can do it!

Visiting Yosemite for a day is not perfect, but we are going to make it a perfect day!

Getting to Yosemite

If you are planning a Yosemite day trip, I assume you will already be in the area.  But, for informational purposes, here are the nearby connections.

Airports

There are several airports within a few hours drive to Yosemite. The closest are as follows:

• Fresno, which is about an hour and a half drive from the park. 
• Sacramento is about a 3 and a half hour drive.
• San Francisco is about a 4 hour drive.
• Reno is about a 3 hour drive to the park, but only during the summer months. 

Amtrak

The closest Amtrak stops are on the San Joaquins Train and the California Zephyr Train. The San Joaquins has stops in Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, Merced, Madera and Fresno.  The stops between Stockton and Madera range from 1 hours to 2 hours driving distance from the park.  The California Zephyr has stops in Reno and Sacramento, which are 3 to 3. hours away. 

YARTS

Under normal circumstances I would recommend YARTS, Yosemite Area Regional Transit System for many trips to Yosemite.  YARTS is low cost public transportation that takes visitors from several surrounding towns, including Fresno, Merced, Sonora, and Mammoth Lake, and any other towns along these routes.  If you are ever planning a longer stay in Yosemite, keep YARTS in mind.

But YARTS is not a good option for a 1 day trip to Yosemite.  The earliest route arrives in the valley at 08:30, and most routes are later than that.  Likewise the last departure on one of the routes is 4:00 p.m., with others going out at 5:30 and 6:30.  To maximize a one day Yosemite itinerary, you need to arrive as early, and depart as late, as logistically possible.  

Renting a Car

In 2021, the Yosemite shuttle service is not in operation, and at this time it is undetermined how long that will last. You must have a personal vehicle to get around in the park.  By all means you could stay in the valley and rent a bicycle to see the valley highlights, but you would miss some of Yosemite’s most beautiful locations, sites that you have plenty of time to see, even on a Yosemite day trip.  For the time being, driving is the only reasonable option of getting to the park.

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Yosemite National Park Entrances

There are 5 separate entrances to Yosemite. One of them is rather out of the way, but the other 4 sort of equate to the 4 directions.  Yosemite is a huge park, and with only one day in Yosemite, it is important to use the closest entrance, or the one in the direction from which you are coming.  The entrance used will also dictate some of the activities that you can do, and cannot do, unless you want to spend most of the day in the car racing around from site to site.  I would rather thoroughly enjoy those attractions I can get to.  

If you are coming from the south, you should use the south, or Mariposa Grove Entrance.  If you are coming from the north, use the Big Oak Flat Entrance.  From the west, Arch Rock Entrance is the most likely option, but it does tend to get backed up with traffic more, so diverting slightly north to use the Big Oak Flat entrance may be a better option.   During the summer months,  If you are coming from the east you can use the Tioga Pass Entrance for your Yosemite day trip.

Things to Pack for One Day in Yosemite

While you don’t exactly pack for a one day trip, there are definitely a few things you will be better off having during your Yosemite day trip.  

Shoes – 

If you plan to stay on the accessible trails, your regular athletic shoes will be fine.  If you are heading out on rougher, or wet trails, such as Taft, or the Mist trail, something sturdier will be better.  Our one day Yosemite itineraries include these trails, and we suggest a pair of waterproof hiking shoes.  We really like the Merrell Moab waterproof shoes for women, and can only assume the Merrell Moab’s for men are equally excellent.  

If you don’t mind your feet getting wet, and want a little more air, you will probably prefer hiking sandals for the waterfall trails.  You will definitely want an option with a very thick sole for uneven terrain. Toe protection is often a personal preference.

Clothes –

Wear regular outdoor clothes that are suited for the weather, but take along a couple extra layers.  The temperature and wind can vary greatly throughout the day, and from the valley to the higher sites.  It is always best to have a windbreaker on hand, just in case. We love the North Face Women’s Cyclone Jacket, which has unbeatable wind protection, and fits right in a pocket when not needed. They also make a Men’s Cyclone Jacket.

Be sure to wear sunscreen when hitting the trails, and you will likely be more comfortable with a good pair of sunglasses.  For those who spend a lot of time outdoors, and around water, we like the Oakley TwoFace Polarized line, but for something more economical, the Dot Dash Shizz Sunglasses will work. If you are especially sensitive to bright sunshine, a hat will afford some extra protection.

Under the current reservation system, you need to be prepared for any weather.  You do not want to waste your reservation just because of a rainy day. Take along your rain gear, and you will still make it memorable. I will tell you from experience that Yosemite is still beautiful in the rain. We like the Columbia Men’s EvaPOURation Jacket, with its moisture wicking fabric and underarm vents, and the Columbia Women’s Boundary Bay Jacket, with an adjustable hood, zip-up pockets, and drawstring hem.

Water –

I suggest taking along a gallon for each person.  While this may seem excessive, you should drink at least half that on a regular day, so you will need more when exerting yourself.  And you will have a little extra for a quick hand wash, or any other situations that arise.  You will also need a re-usable water bottle for hiking, biking, and other activities.  

Food –

Packing a picnic lunch will save you time in the park, and afford more time for exploring.  Use a sturdy cooler, and pack foods that you can easily assemble, or prepared foods that you can serve cold.  There are grills in many of the park picnic areas, but that will take up too much time on one day in Yosemite.  Be sure to take along some wet wipes for clean up. 

Things that Must Be Done on your Yosemite one day itinerary

As I already mentioned, your direction of entry will determine what is possible during one day in Yosemite.  But, there are certain places that will be available no matter which way you come into the park, and certain activities that are essential to Yosemite.   

Take at least one hike

Hiking and backpacking are one of the most popular things to do in Yosemite, and there are dozens of trails, ranging from the very short half mile trail, to those hundreds of miles long that take days to complete.  The level of difficulty spectrum begins at flat and paved, accessible trails, to the almost verticle trek up Half Dome using chains.  Although you cannot experience full gamut of these choices during a Yosemite day trip, you can hit a couple highlight trails.  We have included at least one in each of our suggested routes. 

Experience some epic views

Yosemite is known for its jaw dropping view points, and every visitor to the park should experience a few of them.  Some of these views take some work to get to.  But the Yosemite logistics are laid out well.  The roads and paved trails are laid out in a manner which incorporates some of the finest views, and in some cases you can drive right to them.  This makes some of the parks finest locations accessible to everyone. 

Get up close to a waterfall

Believe it or not, there are at least 19 named waterfalls in Yosemite, including the well known Bridal Veil Falls, and the tallest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls.  The sources of most of these falls begin with melting snow pack, and most of them have a deree of seasonality to them.  Many of them dry up during the late summer months during very hot and dry years. So if you take your Yosemite day trip in late summer or early fall, you may not get to see the waterfalls.  If you travel during the late winter, spring. or early summer, you can get so close that you get soaked by the mist.

Dip your toes in the Merced River

The Merced River flows through the center of Yosemite Valley, sourced by mountain snow melt and glacial lakes.  Eventually the Merced flows into the San Joaquin River, then into Suisun Bay, the San Francisco Bay and on into the Pacific, being dammed a couple of times along the way for irrigation water.  But in the park it is clean and clear, flowing freely, and a bit rugged in some places.  Shortly to the west of Yosemite it has been designated a Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service.  Within the park it is a centerpiece, used for rafting and swimming in the summer, and exploration all year round.  

Walk through the Miwok village

For thousands of years the Sierra Nevadas, were the homelands of the Miwok Indians, and this included the Yosemite Valley.  The gold rush bought the Euro-Americans, and then the naturalists came, determined to “protect” the natural wonders.  Most of the Miwoks were forced from their homes, with only a few villages left standing.  Many Miwok died, others were relocated, and a few tried to make their way as park staff and attractions, until the last Miwok village within the park was razed in 1969.  Finally, over the last two decades, the Miwok claims to the land have been recognized.  A reconstructed village was built on one of the original sites.  Although it is not lived in, it is used by modern Miwok for ceremonies and educating their children in the traditional ways.

Learn about the geologic history of the park

Learning history may not be on your list of must do activities for one day in Yosemite.  Understanding that I will not suggest that you go out of your way, or spend your limited time anywhere beyond the beautiful outdoors.  However, there are educational signs at many of the locations we will visit, including Tunnel View and Glacier Point.  I suggest taking the time to read these postings, or at least taking photos of the signs to read later, to have an understanding of the great geological forces that created the gorgeous landscape of the valley.  

Take lots of pictures

You are about to see some of the most beautiful places in the world.  They will be unforgettable, and you will likely remember your experience for the rest of your life.  But it will be nice to have some photos to look back with your family and friends when you share your Yosemite day trip.

Have fun

The most important part of your day in Yosemite is to have fun.  For some people, this may mean going at random and experiencing whatever you come across.  I know a lot of people who prefer to travel that way.  But I prefer an organized plan too maximize my time.  I have designed each one day Yosemite itinerary to enable experiencing the best attractions along a circular line of travel.  This enables me to have more fun.  I want you to have a lot of fun on your trip.

Suggested One Day Yosemite Itineraries

I will not even suggest that I have the best possible planned itineraries.  There are far more experienced Yosemite users out there.  But based upon my experiences in the park, they are what I would do with one day in Yosemite, and what I would recommend to my friends and family. 

Each Yosemite one day itinerary is based upon being at the entrance station at 7:00 in the morning, and departing the park around 8:00 in the evening.  Adjust accordingly if either of these is not possible, but if you can get there earlier than that, you won’t regret it! I will lay out the routes first, with the maps, then give the details of all the attractions. I will not restate what has been said before, so be sure to read the first itinerary details. If an attraction is on multiple routes, I only explain it with the first route.

One Day Yosemite Itinerary from the North or West

Important Note: Glacier Point Road is closed for repairs during the 2022 season. Glacier Point and Taft Point will be inaccessible. You may wish to replace this with the Vernal Falls trail, which is detailed in the second itinerary.

Details of this route

7:00 Big Oak Flat Entrance

Big Oak Flat Entrance is the fastest entrance to use coming from the west or north.  Just before the entrance station you will find the National Park sign, if you want photos, and there is a visitor center with exhibits, restrooms and a shop.  It is a good place to stretch out and freshen up.  Make it a brief stop, as it is another 30 minutes into the Yosemite Valley, and 45 minutes on to Glacier Point.

8:30 Glacier Point 45 mins

Glacier Point is one of the highlights in a park filled with epic locations, and well worth that extra 45 minutes of driving off the top.  Arriving this early in the morning, there should still be some parking.  The paved trail out to the viewing platforms is a .7 mile round trip, leading to one of the most amazing views you will ever experience.    The Trailside Museum is along this short route, and features exhibits on the geologic history of the valley.  Spend about 45 minutes getting some good photos, and taking a quick look at the educational exhibits.

9:30 Taft Point Trail 1.5 hours –

As you head back toward the valley, you will come upon the trailhead for Taft Point.  In my mind, Taft Point is THE unmissable view, even with only a day in Yosemite, which makes this a must do trail.  The trail actually splits off shortly after heading out, with the right turn going to Sentinel Dome, and the left to Taft.  If you have children in your group, Sentinel is the better option.  Taft is a simple 2.3 mile out and back trail, through flat woodlands, but near the end there are deep fissures, and there are few guard rails at the abrupt cliff edge.  For those old enough to be cautious of these risks, it is an easy trail with a fantastic reward.  With a younger group, go the Sentinel Dome route.  There are fewer inherent risks, but there is a scramble to get to the top of the dome at the end.  Not quite as phenomenal views, but quite remarkable.

12:00 Tunnel View 15 mins

Tunnel View is where you will get those iconic Yosemite Valley pictures, with El Capitan on the left, the Bridal Veil on the right, and Half Dome in the distance.  Fortunate, no matter which way you come from, it can be part of your Yosemite day trip. It is a quick stop, but walk around in the viewing area to get some different perspectives, and be sure to read the informational signs.  It can be a bit crowded here, but most visitors come and go quickly, so be patient. 

12:30 Bridal Veil Falls 45 mins

Just down the hill from Tunnel View you will see the turn off for the Bridal Vail  Falls Trail.  There is a parking lot, with a nice view of the falls through the trees, that open up to the short trail which is just over a half a mile out and back.  If you travel in late summer, the falls may have dried up, and this location is not nearly so remarkable, but visitors still make the walk up to the falls viewing location.  In the spring, it is thundering, and you will probably get wet.  If the falls are flowing, it is possible that the lot will be full at this time of day, but there is also parking along Southside Drive at the end of the trail.  Just be aware that the trail is about twice as long from this point. 

13:30 Swinging Bridge Picnic Area 1 hour

By now, I am sure you are starving.  There are three picnic areas in a row along Southside Drive – Cathedral Beach  Picnic Area, Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, and Swinging Bridge Picnic Area.  Which one you choose really comes down to which views you like best.  Cathedral offers direct views of El Capitan, and a broad swimming area.  Sentinel offers partial views of El Capitan and Sentinel Peak, and a smaller swimming area.  Swinging Bridge is my favorite, with a direct view of Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Peak, and the Cathedral Peaks in the distance, from the bridge.  Pick one and have a relaxing lunch in the lovely scenery.  Picnic tables are very limited so you may wish to bring a blanket to sit on. 

14:45 Bike Rental at Curry Village, or *Raft Rental 2.5 hours

If you are the outdoorsy type, a bicycle ride is the ideal way to see the valley, especially while the Valley tours are not in operation.  Unfortunately you will still pay a half day’s price renting at this time, but it will be the perfect amount of time to get around.  The Valley circle, formed by Northside Drive and Southside Drive, is 12 miles long.  On average, people cover about 12 miles an hour on bike, so you likely have time to travel the whole circle, stopping for scenic views here and there.  If the entire loop is more than you are up for you can turn back at Sentinel Road, or you can ride out to Mirror Lake instead.  While you are on the bikes, I recommend making a stop at the Ahwahnee Village, next to the visitors center and museum, and making a stop to walk the short Lower Falls Trail to get a close up look at Yosemite Falls as it comes to the ground.

In the summer months, you may prefer to rent a raft, and take a ride down the Merced River.  It is a fun alternative, and offers all kinds of beautiful views of the valley, interspersed with shade from the riverside trees.  As you approach return time, you can pull the raft out of the water, and catch the shuttle at one of the bridges.  The rental staff can provide you with details about the pick up points.

17:30 Return Bikes

18:00 Dinner

There are several dining options in Yosemite.  The bicycle drop off is next to Curry Village where there are several casual dining choices. This is probably your best option at this time, unless you want a sit down dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel dining room.  Make sure you have a reservation, and get cleaned up a bit before driving to the hotel.

19:30 Valley View 15 minutes then depart

One of the most phenomenal views in Yosemite, and one that many people miss, Valley View is a must stop in my book.  Located along the Northside Drive heading toward the exit, many people drive right past.  It is a lovely view, making for outstanding photographs at any time of day, but just before sunset as the golden light shines long on the cliffs, it is at it’s best.  If you are visiting when the days are shorter you may want to come here earlier in the day, then drive back around the circle to get to your the next site on your Yosemite one day itinerary.

One Day Yosemite Itinerary from the West or Southwest

Details of this route

07:00  Arch Rock Entrance

This entrance sometimes gets backed up with traffic, as it brings visitors from three different directions.  We used Arch Rock, along California 140, on our first trip to Yosemite.  There are restrooms and facilities just past the entrance station.  Right after than, have your camera ready, as you will be driving through the Arch Rock.  It is actually pretty small, but it still a wow moment the first time you come to Yosemite.  

7:45 Tunnel View 15 minutes

8:15 Bridal Veil Falls 45 minutes

9:30  Mirror Lake Trail, or Vernal Falls Bridge via the Mist Trail 3 hours

It is a tough choice between two of the iconic trails in the park, but a good one day Yosemite itinerary should include at least one of them.  Mirror Lake, which is the cover picture for this route, is an easy trail, and one that those without a lot of hiking experience can do. A significant portion of it is accessible, so it is also suitable for those with mobility issues, and small children.  It is 2 miles round trip to get out to the lake and back, and 5 miles to go out, circle the lake, and come back.  Once at the lake you can get some of those beautiful, reflective pictures.  But, during very dry years the lake can dry up in August, so be mindful of this.  The trail is open all year round, and easily done on a Yosemite day trip.

The Mist Trail leads to what I believe is one of the most beautiful locations in the park, Vernal Falls.  Because of this, it is also one of the most popular trails.  If the water flow is good, you may have quite a number of fellow hikers hitting the trails at 09:30.  From the trailhead it is 3 miles out and back, however, if you leave from the Curry village lot, it will be about 4.5 miles.  As you approach the falls, mist dances through the air when the flow is heavy, so you will likely get wet.  To get to the top of the falls requires climbing over 600 steps that are carved into the granite near the approach.  An alternative approach is to come to falls via the John Muir Trail, which you can turn onto at the viewing bridge, and take a more gradual woodland ascent to the top of the falls, then return via the Mist Trail. 

You could try to get both trails in, even when visiting Yosemite for a day, if you only go to the Vernal Falls Footbridge.  You won’t get up close, but you will still get a good view of the falls, in about 1.5 hours.  Don’t let your haste make you careless though.  The trail can be slippery near the river, and more than one person has fallen into the river and drowned.  Upon returning, do not cross the Happy Isles Bridge near the nature center, but stay on the right side of the River.  The Mirror Lake Trailhead is only a short distance beyond the bridge.

12:30 Lunch 1 hour

After the trails, the best lunch options would be a picnic in Stoneman Meadow, across from Curry Village, or one of the Curry Village food court options.  There is a grassy area, and a direct view of Half Dome. It will work out equally as well to move on over to the Yosemite Village area, and have lunch at Degan’s Kitchen, since your next stop is in that area. 

14:00 Visitor Center, Ahwane Village, and Ansel Adams 1 hour

With only one day in Yosemite, it may seem inappropriate to spend part of that time indoors.  But, there is so much to learn about the area that we think it is an excellent option for those who do not want quite as much outdoor time, or when the weather is not as agreeable as desired.   

The Yosemite Visitor Center and Museum exhibits incorporate Native American history and park history, and move easily between educational displays and artistic appreciation.  The Ansel Adams gallery is exactly what you expect, showcasing the phenomenal black and white photography of the artist, among other displays. 

I believe the Ahwahnee Village is an essential aspect of any Yosemite visit, including a one day trip to Yosemite.  This reconstructed village includes several reconstructed bark houses, which look similar to plains Indian tipis.  The village also contains a larger chief’s cabin, a sweathouse, and a ceremonial roundhouse.  The village is not lived in, but local tribes bring their youth here to learn traditional ways, and conduct important ceremonies in the village.  I had no knowledge of the Miwok culture or way of living prior to my visit to the village.

15:30 Lower Yosemite Falls 1 hour

Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall on the North American continent, and it should be part of any Yosemite one day itinerary. It is definitely worth seeing from both a distance, and up close. The lower falls trail departs from the back of the village, or from a trailhead on Northside Drive, near the shuttle stop shelter.  It is a short trail, which is entirely paved and relatively level, making it accessible for all.  Coming from Northside Drive there is a lovely view of the falls between the trees, inviting visitors.  If you visit in the spring, expect to get wet by the time you get to the viewing bridge. 

16:30 Cook’s Meadow Loop 1 hour

The Cooks Meadow Trail makes a perfect follow up to the Lower Falls Trail.  The trailhead is directly across the street from the shuttle stop.  At first glance, it may rouse wonder  why do this simple trail through a grassy meadow?  Well, besides being entirely paved and accessible to all, it offers better views of multiple Yosemite landmarks at one time than any other trail.  From the right side of the trail, you get a clear look at Half Dome, the Royal Arches, the Sentinel, and Glacier Point.  From the center portion, you can see the upper and lower tier of Yosemite Falls at one time, as well as Eagle Peak to its left.  From the left portion of the trail, you can see all the way down to the Cathedral Peaks.  You can also make a short diversion from the trail to one of the bridges to see the Merced River flowing through.  It is a great trail, especially for a Yosemite day trip!

17:30  Dinner 1.5 hours

From Cook’s Meadow the most convenient place to have dinner is at one of the Yosemite Lodge options, such as Base Camp Eatery, which is only a short distance down the road.

19:00 Valley View 30 minutes then depart

One Day Yosemite Itinerary from the South

This route inherently has more driving time, as the south entrance is an hour drive from Yosemite Valley. It is entirely possible to spend an entire one day Yosemite itinerary in the area surrounding the south entrance, and never going into the valley. This might include horseback riding with Wawona Stables, and a hike on the Chilnualna Falls Trail, after Mariposa Grove, or it might include hiking to Taft Point, and McGurk Meadow, after lunch at Glacier Point. However, I laid out each of these Yosemite one day itineraries with the assumption that you want to see the sites of the Yosemite Valley, since they are what the park is most well known for.

Important Note: Glacier Point Road is closed for repairs during the 2022 season. Glacier Point and Taft Point will be inaccessible. You may wish to replace this with the Vernal Falls trail, which is detailed in the second itinerary.

Details of this route

07:00 Mariposa Grove 3 hours

Immediately after the south entrance is the Mariposa Grove Visitor Center, where you will find facilities, ranger services, educational exhibits and gift shops.  If you stop, be brief, so you can get out to the grove.  

Mariposa Grove is one of the Yosemite’s wonders, and one that only those coming into the park by this entrance will have time to visit on a Yosemite day trip, as it is so far from the other attractions.  When the shuttles are not running, you’ll have a 2 mile walk just to get to the grove from the parking area, so the walk out and back will take a little over an hour for most people, leaving less than 2 hours to explore the grove itself.  If it takes all this work to get out to the grove you may wonder if it is actually worth it. I can only say that there is nothing like standing next to the biggest trees on the planet, so I think it is.

With your time you’ll have time to explore the Big Trees Loop, the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, and a small portion of the Mariposa Grove Trail.  This will include such show trees as the Fallen Monarch, the Bachelor and Three Graces, the California Tunnel Tree, and the Grizzly Giant, among other, less famous Sequoia trees.  If the shuttles are operating again at the time of your visit, you have time to explore much more of the trail, even when visiting Yosemite for one day.

10:15 Wawana Visitor Center and Pioneer Yosemite History Center 30 minutes

The Wawana Visitor Center is a small facility, but it has some lovely artwork inspired by Yosemite.  Directly next to it is the Pioneer Yosemite History Center, a small complex of structures from different areas of the park over the years, including a bank, a jail, a blacksmith shop, and artist’s cabin, and a covered bridge.  At different times of year there are activities events, such as offering carriage rides.  It is interesting and worth a look around.

12:00 Glacier Point and picnic lunch 1 hour 

14:00 Tunnel View 15 minutes

14:30 Bridal Veil Falls  45 minutes

15:45 Mirror Lake 1 hour

17:15 Lower Falls Trail or Cooks Meadow Loop

19:30 Dinner at Wawona Hotel

The Wawona Hotel is one of Yosemite’s historic properties, opening as a resort when the park was young.  Today it is a charming retreat in the midst of a busy park, maintaining it’s historic decor and old fashioned hospitality.  Having dinner at the hotel dining room is a treat.  In the case of a Yosemite day trip from the south entrance, I think it is a good idea to get all the driving that winds through the trees done before dark.  It will be a late dinner, but when you are done, you will be only 15 minutes from the exit.  Be sure to make a reservation.

One Day Yosemite Itinerary from the East

Like the south entrance, the Tioga Pass Entrance also involves more driving time, as the entrance itself is a 2 hour drive from Yosemite Valley. Again, it is entirely possible to spend an entire Yosemite day trip in Yosemite in the Tioga Road area without going into the valley. This might include adding the May lake Trail to your hikes, and adding in some beach time, or a kayak trek, while you are at Tenaya Lake. But, as I said before, I take this itinerary into the valley, assuming that you wish to include the valley attractions in your one day trip to Yosemite. .

Details of this route

Like coming from the south entrance determines some of what you can and cannot include in your one day Yosemite itinerary, coming from the east will do the same.  The nice aspect of that is that it opens up possibilities that other one day visitors will not have.  In this case, Lembert Dome, Tuolumne Meadows, and Tenaya Lake are your bonus. As with the south entrance, it is entirely possible to visit Yosemite for a day and spend the entire time along Tioga Pass Road, never going into the valley.

07:00 Tioga Pass Entrance

At the highest point of the pass through the Sierra Nevadas, Tioga Pass is just under a 10,000 foot altitude, so it can only be accessed in the summer months.  There are no facilities, just ticket stations, and while there are backcountry trailheads along the route, it will be 30 minutes before you come to any park attractions.  

07:30 Lembert Dome 3 hours

Lembert Dome is one of the unmistakable Yosemite landmarks, a cap of stone seemingly sitting in the midst of the forest and meadow.   You sort of come around the bend, and there it is, rising above the surroundings. As it comes into sight it rouses a sense of curiosity.  At a minimum, park in the lot to look around and get some photos, but if you are up for a challenge, try the trail to the top.  It is a 2.8 mile round trip, which might sound like a one hour hike, but you are essentially climbing a small mountain.  It will take some time, and wear you out, but the achievement and view will be worth it.

07:30 Alternative- Tuolumne Meadows Trail 1 hour

If mountain climbing is not on your agenda when you considered visiting Yosemite for a day, after you get your Lembert photos, the Tuolumne Meadows Trail gives you a look at one of the often overlooked Alpine meadows of the park.  You can follow the access road behind the parking area, and veer left at the end onto the trail, which will take you to Soda Springs, the Parsons Memorial Lodge, and the footbridge.  You can turn around here, or continue for some lovely meadow and river views.  At Tioga Road turn left for a 13 mile walk back to the car.  Or, you can drive on to the roadside parking at the trailhead, and take the short hike out to the bridge and back from there.

08:45 Alternative – Tenaya Lake 2 hours

Tenaya Lake is Yosemite’s largest, and most popular Alpine Lake.  Just 7 miles from Tuolumne Meadows you reach the beach end of the lake. If the mood suits, you could relax and sunbathe on the sand, and if you happen to have a kayak or raft, you could get out on the water.  You can also get in the water, as it is quite clean and clear, but it is rather chilly.  We recommend taking the 2.9 mile trail around the lake.  It is an easy, level trail, but one that is also ranked as one of the top scenery trails in Yosemite by many experienced backpackers.  It is almost a shame that only an east entrance Yosemite one day itinerary can fit it in. Be aware that at the far end of the lake there is a stream crossing.  It can be avoided by veering to the left at following the stone lined path to the Sunrise Lake parking area.  It will add a quarter of a mile to your overall hike.

12:15 Tunnel View 15 minutes

12:45 Bridal Veil Falls 45 minutes

13:45 Picnic at Swinging Bridge 45 minutes

14:45 Bike Rental at Curry Village 2.5 hours

17:30 Return Bikes

18:00 Dinner 1.5 hours

If you are departing Yosemite the same way you entered, on Tioga Pass Road, I recommend that you start driving in that direction right after dinner, as you have just over 2 hours of driving to get back to the entrance station.  Watching the sunset might not be the best option for this route. If you are passing through, and leaving through one of the western entrances, be sure to catch that Valley View sunset before heading out.

Do you have your day in Yosemite planned?

We hope our that you have found a Yosemite one day itinerary have shown you that you can visit Yosemite for one day, and have a remarkable trip. Whether you are traveling alone, with a family, or a group of friends, a day in Yosemite will satisfy everyone. It will busy day, but one you won’t forget!

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