5 Days in Yosemite: The Ultimate Itinerary for Adventure & Awe

Planning Your Yosemite Adventure

Best Time to Visit

Yosemite National Park is a year-round destination, each season offering unique experiences:

Spring: Witness roaring waterfalls and blooming wildflowers
Summer: Enjoy warm weather and access to all areas of the park
Fall: Experience stunning fall colors and fewer crowds
Winter: See the park transformed into a snowy wonderland

For the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, plan your 5 days in Yosemite during late spring or early fall.

Getting to Yosemite

Most visitors arrive at Yosemite by car. The park has four main entrances:

South Entrance (Wawona)
Arch Rock Entrance (El Portal)
Big Oak Flat Entrance (Groveland)
Tioga Pass Entrance (Lee Vining, open seasonally)

For those flying in, the nearest major airports are:

Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Entrance Fees and Reservations

As of 2024, entrance fees for Yosemite National Park are as follows:

Private Vehicle: $35 (valid for 7 days)
Motorcycle: $30 (valid for 7 days)
Individual (on foot or bicycle): $20 (valid for 7 days)

Important: Reservations are required for all cars entering the park during peak seasons. Make sure to book your reservation well in advance through the official National Park Service website.

Where to Stay

Yosemite offers a range of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget:

In-Park Lodging:

The Ahwahnee (luxury)
Yosemite Valley Lodge (moderate)
Curry Village (budget-friendly)
Wawona Hotel (historic charm)

Camping:

Upper Pines Campground
North Pines Campground
Lower Pines Campground
Camp 4 (walk-in only)

Outside the Park:

El Portal
Mariposa
Groveland

For the best experience, try to secure lodging inside the park to maximize your time and immerse yourself in Yosemite's natural beauty.

Day 1: Yosemite Valley Highlights

Start your Yosemite adventure by exploring the iconic Yosemite Valley, home to some of the park's most famous landmarks.

Morning: Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall

Begin your day early at Tunnel View, one of the most photographed vistas in the world. Capture the panoramic view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.
Take a short hike to Bridalveil Fall, a 620-foot waterfall that's especially impressive in spring.

Afternoon: Yosemite Valley Loop

Embark on the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail, a mostly flat 11.5-mile trail that showcases the valley's highlights.
Stop at El Capitan Meadow to watch rock climbers scale the massive granite monolith.
Visit the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village to admire iconic photographs of the park.

Evening: Sentinel Bridge Sunset

End your day with a breathtaking sunset view of Half Dome reflected in the Merced River from Sentinel Bridge.
Enjoy dinner at the historic Ahwahnee Dining Room for a taste of Yosemite luxury.

Day 2: Mist Trail and Vernal Fall

Today, tackle one of Yosemite's most popular and rewarding hikes.

Morning: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall

Start early to beat the crowds on the Mist Trail.
Hike to the top of Vernal Fall, a strenuous but unforgettable 3-mile round trip.
Cool off in the refreshing mist as you ascend alongside the thundering 317-foot waterfall.

Afternoon: Nevada Fall and John Muir Trail

For those with extra energy, continue to Nevada Fall for even more spectacular views.
Return via the John Muir Trail for a different perspective and gentler descent.

Evening: Stargazing

Join a ranger-led stargazing program to experience Yosemite's dark skies.
If programs aren't available, head to Glacier Point Road for unobstructed views of the night sky.

Day 3: Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove

Explore Yosemite's high country and ancient sequoias on your third day.

Morning: Glacier Point

Drive or take a shuttle to Glacier Point for unparalleled views of Half Dome and the High Sierra.
Hike the Panorama Trail if you're up for a challenge, or enjoy shorter walks around the area.

Afternoon: Mariposa Grove

Head to the southern part of the park to visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Take the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail to see the most famous trees, including the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant.

Evening: Wawona

Explore the historic Wawona Hotel and the Pioneer Yosemite History Center.
Enjoy a peaceful dinner at the Wawona Hotel Dining Room.

Day 4: Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows

Venture into Yosemite's high country along the scenic Tioga Road.

Morning: Olmsted Point and Tenaya Lake

Drive along Tioga Road, stopping at Olmsted Point for a unique view of Half Dome.
Take a short hike or enjoy a picnic at Tenaya Lake, often called the "jewel of the high country".

Afternoon: Tuolumne Meadows

Explore Tuolumne Meadows, a vast subalpine meadow surrounded by granite domes.
Hike to Lembert Dome or Cathedral Lakes for stunning high-country vistas.

Evening: Sunset at Mono Lake

Continue east to Mono Lake for an otherworldly sunset experience among the tufa towers.
Return to Yosemite for a late dinner or enjoy local cuisine in Lee Vining.

Day 5: Hetch Hetchy or Free Choice

For your final day, choose between exploring the less-visited Hetch Hetchy area or revisiting your favorite spots.

Option 1: Hetch Hetchy

Drive to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a hidden gem in Yosemite's northwest corner.
Hike to Wapama Falls, a 5-mile round trip with beautiful views of the reservoir and surrounding cliffs.

Option 2: Personalized Exploration

Revisit favorite locations from earlier in the trip.
Take a photography workshop or art class with the Yosemite Conservancy.
Enjoy a final hike, such as the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point for a different perspective.

Evening: Farewell to Yosemite

Conclude your 5 days in Yosemite with a sunset viewing at Valley View or Tunnel View.
Reflect on your adventures over dinner at your chosen Yosemite dining spot.

Responsible Travel Tips

As you enjoy your 5 days in Yosemite, remember to practice responsible tourism:

Follow Leave No Trace principles
Store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife
Stay on designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems
Respect wildlife by observing from a distance
Carry out all trash and dispose of waste properly

By following these guidelines, you'll help preserve Yosemite's natural beauty for future generations.