Are you planning for a Yosemite itinerary 2 days and want to cover the most famous vistas and trails in Yosemite National Park? Then let’s check out how to spend 2 days in Yosemite National Park!
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Yosemite lies in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, and therefore, it is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from majestic waterfalls to ancient sequoias and stunning granite cliffs. So it would be great to spend 2 days in Yosemite for a beautiful nature tour in the Golden State of California.
Yosemite Itinerary 2 Days – Yosemite In 2 Days
This Yosemite 2 days itinerary guide planner will help you make the most of your visit with selected activities, must-see sights, and an ideal overnight stay.
Entrance Routes To Yosemite National Park – 2 Days In Yosemite
Let’s check on routes to Yosemite National Park, along with their Highway numbers.
- Big Oak Flat Entrance – Highway 120
- Arch Rock Entrance – Highway 140
- South Entrance – Highway 41
- Tioga Pass Entrance – Highway 120 (East)
Yosemite National Park Drive From Tioga Pass - Hetch Hetchy Entrance – Evergreen Road off Highway 120
👉🏼One Day in Yosemite – Yosemite 1 Day Itinerary
2 Days In Yosemite National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and Scenic Beauty
Your day one of Yosemite itinerary 2 days comprises of famous Yosemite landmark points and scenic tour.
Let’s start your first day from Tunnel View & Bridalveil Fall.
Tunnel View: Start your adventure with a visit to Tunnel View, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Yosemite. Located just outside the Wawona Tunnel, this spot offers breathtaking panoramas of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. The morning light creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for photography.
Why it’s worth it: Tunnel View provides a quintessential first impression of Yosemite, encapsulating the grandeur of its landscapes in one sweeping vista.
Bridalveil Fall: A short drive from Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall is a 620-foot waterfall that flows year-round. A quick, easy hike on a paved trail will bring you to its base, where you can feel the mist and appreciate the roaring water.
Why it’s worth it: Bridalveil Fall’s sheer power and beauty make it a must-see. It’s Yosemite’s famous and most photographed waterfalls.
After visiting two of Yosemite’s most stunning and visited attractions, proceed to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center for more information and a quick lunch.
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center: Visit the visitor center in the heart of Yosemite Valley to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history. The center offers exhibits, films, and information about hiking trails and park activities. This stop provides valuable context about Yosemite’s geology, ecology, and history, enhancing your overall experience.
Grab a quick Lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court: Conveniently located near the visitor center, the Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court offers a variety of fast and tasty meal options, perfect for refueling before your afternoon adventures. There are also many vegetarian and vegan lunch options.
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After lunch, start your trip to view the famous Yosemite Falls & El Capitan Meadow.
Yosemite Falls: After lunch, take the easy walk to Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. The trail to the lower falls is relatively short and offers spectacular views of the lower and upper falls.
Why it’s worth it: Experience the power and beauty of Yosemite Falls and admire the stunning beauty surrounding it. The trail is accessible, making it an excellent choice for visitors of all ages.
El Capitan Meadow: Spend your afternoon at El Capitan Meadow, where you can marvel at the imposing El Capitan, a favorite spot for rock climbers. Bring binoculars to spot climbers scaling the sheer granite face.
Why it’s worth it: El Capitan is one of the most famous rock formations in the world. Observing climbers from the meadow provides a sense of the scale and challenge of this iconic landmark.
As you have 2 days in Yosemite and covering many famous attractions on day one of the Yosemite itinerary 2 days, check in at Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Book your stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge: After a day of exploration, relax at Yosemite Valley Lodge, which is close to Yosemite Falls. This stay offers comfortable accommodations with stunning views and an on-site restaurant, which is also located inside Yosemite National Park. Staying at Yosemite Valley Lodge allows you to remain close to major attractions and activities.
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Other options for staying inside Yosemite National Park are campgrounds and RV parks, which must be booked before your visit. Most of the stays inside the park are fully booked months before.
Other options to stay are booking hotels in nearby mountain towns of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
Day 2: Hiking and Giant Sequoias
Day 2 of your Yosemite 2-day itinerary highlights hiking and a Giant Sequoias tour.
Start your day two of 2 days in Yosemite from Glacier Point
Glacier Point: Begin your second day with a drive to Glacier Point for one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park. You’ll get sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra from here.
Why it’s worth it: The vistas from Glacier Point are unparalleled, offering a bird’s-eye view of Yosemite’s most famous features. If you wake up early, do not miss the stunning sunrise from this point. Sunrise and early morning light add a special glow to the scenery.
Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall: One of Yosemite’s signature hikes, the Mist Trail, takes you up close to Vernal Fall. This moderately strenuous hike rewards you with exhilarating views and the refreshing fall mist.
Why it’s worth it: The Mist Trail offers an immersive experience. You can feel the power of the falls and enjoy stunning views along the way. It’s a memorable hike that showcases the park’s dynamic natural beauty.
Your second spot of day 2 is the famous Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Mariposa Grove: In the afternoon, drive to Mariposa Grove, famous and home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. You can stroll around or take a small hike on ancient giants on the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, which includes highlights like the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree.
Why it’s worth it: Walking among the giant sequoias is a humbling experience. These trees are some of Earth’s largest and oldest living things, offering a profound connection to nature’s grandeur.
Drive back to Yosemite Valley: After visiting Mariposa Grove, you can either head back to Yosemite Valley for one last glimpse of its beauty or begin your journey home, filled with unforgettable memories.
Useful Tips To Plan Yosemite Itinerary 2 Days
Let’s check some helpful tips and information that help you plan a beautiful Yosemite itinerary 2 days guide.
Best Time To Visit Yosemite National Park—The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is in late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October). During these periods, the weather is mild, waterfalls are flowing, and the park is less crowded than during the peak summer months. Also, most of the park’s attractions and trails are accessible, offering optimal conditions for hiking and sightseeing.
How To Reach Yosemite National Park From the Nearest Big Cities?
Yosemite National Park is accessible via following highways.
- From San Francisco: Take Highway 580 East to Highway 205 East, then Highway 120 East.
- From Los Angeles: Take Interstate 5 North to Highway 99 North, then Highway 41 North.
- From Las Vegas: Take Highway 95 North to Highway 266 West, then Highway 120 West (Tioga Pass, seasonal).
Nearest International Airports From Yosemite
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Approximately 170 miles (4 hours by car) to Yosemite.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): About 280 miles (5-6 hours by car) to Yosemite.
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT): Roughly 95 miles (2.5 hours by car) to Yosemite and the closest major airport.
- Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is approximately 218 miles (4.5 hours by car) from Yosemite, accessible via Tioga Pass (seasonal – closed in winter months).
From the airport, you can rent a car to reach Yosemite Park.
You can also book and board the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS), which offers bus services from nearby cities like Merced, Fresno, Mammoth Lakes, and Sonora to Yosemite.
Famous Vista Points In Yosemite National Park
Check below the list of famous vista points in Yosemite National Park.
- Tunnel View
- Glacier Point
- Washburn Point
- Taft Point
- Sentinel Dome
- Olmsted Point
- Valley View
- El Capitan Meadow
- Inspiration Point
- Half Dome View from Mirror Lake
- Bridalveil Fall Viewpoint
- Yosemite Falls Viewpoint
Famous Hiking Trails In Yosemite National Park
Here’s a list of famous hiking trails in Yosemite National Park for first-timers:
- Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
- Mirror Lake Trail
- Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
- Bridalveil Fall Trail
- Sentinel Dome Trail
- Glacier Point Trail
- Taft Point and The Fissures Trail
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Trail
- Four Mile Trail
- Valley Loop Trail
Helpful Tips – Yosemite 2 Days Itinerary
- Weather and Gear: Yosemite’s weather can vary, so pack layers and be prepared for changing conditions. Good hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential.
- Reservations: Make lodging reservations well in advance, especially for peak seasons.
- Leave No Trace: Respect the park by following Leave No Trace principles. Stay on designated trails, dispose of waste properly, and be mindful of wildlife.
This Yosemite 2 days itinerary perfectly blends Yosemite’s most iconic sights, exhilarating hikes, and serene moments. Whether your first visit or a return trip, Yosemite’s awe-inspiring landscapes and natural wonders will leave a memorable experience in your life.
So save and share this Yosemite itinerary 2 days to plan your beautiful 2 days in Yosemite National Park.
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