The Best One Day Itinerary for Yosemite
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We started our day with a sunrise hike to Sentinel Dome
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This is the sign is at the Big Oat Flat Entrance
If you’re looking for a perfect one-day itinerary for Yosemite National Park with kids (or without), you’re in the right place. I’ve put together a day trip to Yosemite that will show visitors the dramatic views, a chance to experience the famous Yosemite Valley, and even experience a 360-degree view of Yosemite from above. I recommend spending several days to fully explore this park, but you can definitely do the highlights with one perfect day in Yosemite.
This Yosemite itinerary can be broken down into two days if you want more time for each activity. Since it is only 3 hours away, it is definitely possible to explore Yosemite in one day from San Francisco if you’re on a short visit!
This majestic park was established by an Act of Congress on October 1, 1890. It is America’s third National Park. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll fall in love with the unreal landscape and breathtaking views. Yosemite National Park is visited by over 5 million people annually and is about is 761,747 acres. It is the 16th largest National Park of the 62 in the United States.
The Views from Glacier Point are unreal
Every visitor to Yosemite National Park should make a stop at one of the 4 visitor centers to get a park map, get a weather update, and info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. You can also visit HERE to see up-to-date closures and weather. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots.
The Valley Visitor Center, located in Yosemite Valley, is the most popular visitor center and is open year-round. Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, Big Oak Flat Information Station, and Wawona Information Station are open seasonally, so be sure to check operating hours.
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Table of Contents
Click to Skip to:
Sunrise Hike to Sentinal Dome (closed 2022)
Glacier Point (Closed 2022)
Washburn Point Overlook
Alternative: Tunnel View
READ NEXT: WHAT TO DO IN YOSEMITE IN WINTER
1 Day Itinerary for Yosemite National Park
Sunrise Hike to Sentinal Dome
**NOTE: Glacier Point Road will be closed to all traffic in 2022 to rehabilitate and improve the road. The only access to Glacier Point will be via the Four Mile, Panorama, and Pohono Trails, all of which are strenuous hikes.
Click to skip to Alternative: Sunrise Hike Columbia Rock
Sentinal Dome trail is an easy 2.2-mile hike and absolutely perfect for any age. The Sentinal Dome hike offers 360-degree views of Yosemite National Park and rewards hikers with dramatic views of both Half Dome and El Capitan. From the top of Sentinel Dome, you’ll also be able to look down into Yosemite Valley.
This hike starts at the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead where there is a small parking lot and a restroom. From there, you’ll follow the path a little way to a T in the trail. If you go left, you’ll head to Taft Point and if you head right, you’ll head to Sentinel Dome. Both are clearly marked by a wooden sign. From the parking lot to the top of Sentinel Dome is 1.1 miles, so it is 2.2 miles total.
The trail is fairly flat all the way to the bottom of Sentinel Dome where it gets moderately strenuous to the top, but my 3 and 5-year-old had no issues at all. We did this hike at sunrise on a Tuesday and we did not see another person until we made it back to the parking lot.
This is the best family hike in Yosemite in my opinion. It is one of the easy hikes in Yosemite with a huge payoff. Don’t miss this!
Sentinel Dome offers views of both Half Dome and this epic view of El Capitan
Sentinel Dome offers views of both Half Dome and this epic view of El Capitan
Glacier Point Overlook
Click to skip to alternative: Tunnel View
a look down the valley from glacier point
After your hike to the top of Sentinel Dome, start heading toward Glacier Point. Along the drive, you will come to Washburn Overlook. This is a great stop for a photo op or just to take in the breathtaking views.
The views of Vernal and Nevada Falls are also more direct from this overlook than at Glacier Point. I loved this spot because even with a constant flow of visitors, it isn’t crowded. Most people pop out for a photo and leave, so this is a good spot to take in the views of Half Dome.
Once you’ve taken a few (tons of) photos, hop back in the car and head toward Glacier Point. Here you will find a large parking lot, restrooms, and the Glacier Point Gift Shop & Snack Stand.
Glacier Point Overlook is one of the most famous and iconic spots in all of Yosemite National Park. The commanding views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite's high country are unmatched from any other point in the park. Be sure to bring your camera.
After exploring the Glacier point area, hop in the car and head back toward Yosemite Valley. The drive from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley is approximately one hour, so it’s a perfect amount of time for the kids to take a quick nap.
The views from washburn point are worth the stop
Glacier Point OVerlook
Yosemite Valley Shuttle
THis is the yosemite valley shuttle map courtesty of nps.gov
Parking can be crazy in Yosemite, so I highly recommend taking the free Yosemite Shuttle. Park your car when you arrive and enjoy the free Yosemite buses. These eco-friendly shuttles will take you throughout Yosemite Valley. The shuttles run fully in the summer and have a more limited route in the winter. There are buses available for trips to Tuolumne Meadows or Glacier Point. Click for the Yosemite Valley Shuttle Bus Route Map.
If you choose to drive, you may want to consider; How long does it take to drive through Yosemite? Why? Because while this park does not have long roads, it does have a lot of traffic. Don’t spend your whole time driving instead of getting out and exploring! The drive from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point is at least 45 minutes one way without any additional traffic! Plan ahead!
Sunrise Hike to Columbia Rock Trail
Our family with the incredible views from columbia rock in the background
In order to maximize your 1 day Yosemite itinerary, start the morning with a sunrise hike in Yosemite! Columbia Rock is the best sunrise hike in Yosemite Valley!
Columbia Rock Trail is a 2-mile out-and-back trail that takes hikers along one of Yosemite's oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877). It starts at the Yosemite Falls Trailhead and climbs over 1,000 feet in elevation. There are 3-5 dozen switchbacks. Once at Columbia Rock, hikers are rewarded with great views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock. This is one of the best family-friendly hikes in Yosemite Valley.
I highly recommend doing this as a sunrise hike in Yosemite Valley. We hiked up for sunrise and saw only 2 other people. We had Columbia Rock to ourselves for almost an hour. On the hike down, we ran into over 20 people headed up! The early bird gets the worm in Yosemite.
from columbia rock you will get 180* views of yosemite valley
Photos at Tunnel View
When you’re deciding what to do in Yosemite in one day, Tunnel View is at the top of the list! Tunnel View is the best place in Yosemite to get photos without having to hike!
Tunnel view is an overlook, so you can drive or take the shuttle over and have a clear view of El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and Bridalveil Falls. This is actually one of the best views you can get of Bridalveil falls since construction is still ongoing and the trail to the falls is closed.
tunnel view at sunrise
This is the absolute most popular spot in Yosemite, but don’t let the crowds deter you! Seriously! Wait for a parking spot and then head over to the viewing area. The way the wall is built, you can easily and quickly get one of the best photos of Yosemite National Park without anyone else in it! It will look like you had the park to yourself!
We have visited Yosemite several times and we still always go to Tunnel View on each visit because it is the most iconic spot in Yosemite. If you’re on a one day trip to Yosemite from San Francisco or a day trip to Yosemite from Sacramento a stop at Tunnel view must be on your list!
Don’t forget to check out my guide on What to do in Yosemite in Winter if you’re visiting in the winter months!
My kids and i at tunnel view on a busy day in march 2021! You can’t event ell anyone else is around, but if you look very closely you can see a tiny shadow of someone in the far right corner of the photo!
Rent Bikes in Yosemite Valley
Bike riding through Yosemite Valley is really convenient
Parking in Yosemite Valley can be a challenge, so riding bikes from place to place is truly the best way to experience the Valley, especially on a Yosemite day trip. I suggest either bringing your own bikes or renting bikes from either the Curry Village Bike Rental Kiosk or the Yosemite Lodge Bike Stand.
Bicycles, tag-along bikes for children, trailers, and helmets are available for all ages and abilities. Yosemite also offers a select number of tandem bikes and hand-crank bikes for guests with physical limitations.
HOURS: Both rental kiosks are open from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. (Peak Season)
RATES:
Standard Bikes
$30.00 for a half-day
$40.00 by the day
Bikes with Attached Trailer (or tag-a-long): They offer 2-seater trailers with an 80lb weight limit.
$45.00 for a half-day
$75.00 by the day
NOTE: Bike rentals do sell out and can not be booked in advance. I recommend heading straight to rent bikes before grabbing lunch to ensure you get your bikes. We arrived at 11:30 A.M. to find them sold out of kid trailers and tag-a-longs. The next day we arrived at 0800 (when the bike rental kiosk opens) and had no issue, so the earlier, the better. I rented a bike trailer for my 3-year-old (50lbs) and a tag-a-long for my 5-year-old.
If you have questions, go HERE or call the Yosemite Valley Lodge Bike Rental Stand at 209.372.1208
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This is the Bike Rental Kiosk in Curry Village - We were here at 7:55 and they open at 08:00.
Lunch at Meadow Grill
Meadow Grill is conveniently located in Curry Village where you will likely be renting your bike. If you rent from Yosemite Village swap your dinner and lunch locations.
Meadow Grill offers breakfast and lunch with a lot of delicious choices. I had the breakfast burrito one morning; its huge and so good. I also had the Lemongrass Banh Mi sandwich for lunch one day and it’s also very flavorful. I would recommend both. One of my friends has a severe peanut allergy, so she went with the cheeseburger. It was huge & looked so good. The kids shared the nugget basket (not listed on the menu) and there was so much food they couldn’t finish it all.
If you’re visiting Yosemite on a budget - you can skip purchasing lunch all together and pack a picnic. There are so many unreal spots to stop and have lunch with a view in the meadows of the Yosemite Valley floor.
Lemongrass Banh Mi sandwich
Bike Ride in Yosemite Valley
You can see my daughter on the tag a long and my son is being pulled in the trailer! Helmets are required for anyone under 18 years old.
Bikes are the perfect way to explore with only one day at Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Valley is flat, which makes for easy riding along the 12 miles of designated paths. All rental bikes are available first-come, first-served (as mentioned above) – reservations are only available for ADA bicycles.
Every bike renter will be given a map of the bike trails, but if you bring your own bikes you can download the map HERE before you go.
We started our bike journey in Curry Village and headed toward the Yosemite Chapel. From there we crossed over the Yosemite Valley floor via Swinging Bridge. This is the perfect time to leave the bikes at the trailhead and do the short hike to Lower Yosemite Falls!
Lower Yosemite Falls is a very easy 1-mile trail that only gains 50 feet total in elevation. Hikers will be rewarded with direct views of the final drop of North America’s tallest waterfall. Lower Yosemite Falls in winter will be flowing, but its peak flow is in Spring. You can hike this as a loop trail or an out and back. Don’t miss a stop at the “Lower Falls View” spur for gorgeous views of snowy Lower Yosemite Falls. A day in Yosemite won’t be complete without a stop at Lower Yosemite falls!
yosemite chapel is a cute quick stop!
After visiting Lower Yosemite Falls, get back on the bike and head toward Yosemite Village. This is where we stopped for a coffee break at Starbucks. (yes, there is a Starbucks in Yosemite!!)
After a quick recharge, we headed out toward Mirror Lake. Our visit was in August and we learned that Mirror Lake was almost dried up, so we decided to stop at the first bridge that crosses the Merced River on the way to Mirror Lake. Here the kids put on their swimsuits and enjoyed the cold crisp water for a couple of hours.
In March 2021, we visited Yosemite and Mirror Lake was full! The hike out to Mirror Lake isn’t long and if you’re biking to Mirror Lake it’s even faster. The kids had the best time swimming with Half Dome as the backdrop!
It seems like every spot in Yosemite is picture perfect.
The kids had a great time cooling off in the cold waters of the merced river
swimming in mirror lake in march - half dome towering overhead
yosemite falls is the tallest waterfall in north america!
Dinner at Basecamp Eatery
We ended up eating dinner back at our cabin since we stayed outside of Yosemite National Park, however if you’re wanting to get dinner before you leave or are staying in the park - Basecamp Eatery is a great option for families. The entire menu is a la carte and offers something for all taste buds. Their menu includes meatloaf, fish, eggplant and tofu, pizza, and cheeseburgers. You can see the full menu and hours HERE.
What to Pack for Yosemite National Park
The average annual weather for reference COURTESY of https://www.weather-us.com/
It’s important to pack the best gear for hiking Yosemite. The weather in Yosemite National Park changes drastically by season. Be sure to come prepared for the appropriate weather conditions.
A printed map of the park and trails. Each visitor center has maps for free or print one HERE.
Pack plenty of water. While you can find water fountains in the Valley, there aren’t always water stations at the trailheads.
Extra Batteries
Multi-Tool (or pocket knife)
Small umbrella in case you’re presented with unexpected rain
Camera (This is the camera I use and LOVE)
Tripod (this is the tripod I use)
Lotion (I swear by this lotion, especially in the desert or high altitude locations)
Lightweight Hiking Bag (this can fold up into other bags when not in use)
Small First Aid Kit (an absolute MUST for the rock climbing and trails)
Hydration Pack
Sunglasses
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How Much Does it Cost to Get into Yosemite National Park?
Weekly Passes
We drove by the famous tunnel view on our way to our sunrise hike
Seven-day pass if entering via:
Non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats
$35 per vehicle (no per-person fee)
Motorcycle
$30 per motorcycle (no per-person fee
Foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus or van with more than 15 passenger seats
$20 per person aged 16 or older
*****Due to current health guidelines, Yosemite National Park reservations are required for all entry into Yosemite National Park. Go to recreation.gov to make a day-use reservation. There, you can purchase a pass, or use your existing Yosemite Pass or other federal lands pass. A $2 reservation fee is required.******
Or you can buy an Annual Pass to all of the U.S. National Parks HERE.
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Yosemite National Park is one of the most iconic places in all of the United States and with this guide, you’ll have the perfect day in Yosemite. There is so much amazing wildlife, incredible morning weather, and some of the most unique and commanding mountain views in the world. Spending one day in Yosemite National Park is enough for the best highlights of the park. If you only have one day in Yosemite in Winter, check out my guide to Yosemite in Winter. A day trip to Yosemite is a trip you won’t soon forget!
Don’t forget to check out all of my other California National Park Guides
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