One Day in Yosemite National Park: Best Things to Do + Itinerary

If you only have one day to visit Yosemite National Park, you might be wondering how to make the most of your time. The good news is that with a solid plan, you can see many of the park’s most iconic sights.

I’ve been to Yosemite five times, and I was last in the park for 4 days with my wife Tonya, two of my daughters, and my son-in-law in the summer of 2025. It’s easily my favorite of the 25 national parks I’ve visited. Here’s exactly what I would do if I only had one day in the park. Remember, one day in Yosemite is better than no days in Yosemite.

In this post, I’m going to share a simple Yosemite itinerary, along with the best things to do while in the park, so you can experience the highlights and start planning your next trip back.

We also covered 5 round trip flights and 2 hotel rooms for 5 nights using credit card points and miles, saving us $4,575 on this exact trip. I’ll link to the full breakdown of how we did it once that post is live.

Suggested One Day Yosemite Itinerary (Timeline)

• Morning: Mariposa Grove + Glacier Point

• Midday: Tunnel View + Bridalveil Fall + Lunch

• Afternoon: Yosemite Valley + Lower Falls + Cook’s Meadow

• Late Afternoon/Evening: Mist Trail (or shorter hike)

Map of This One Day Yosemite Itinerary

Use the map below to see every stop on this itinerary in one place. The pins follow the order of the day, so you can get a feel for the route before you head out.

Best Things to Do in One Day at Yosemite National Park

Start Your Day at Mariposa Grove

• Approximate Time: 1.25 hours 
• Drive Time: 2 minutes from south entrance

The Mariposa Grove is the largest group of sequoia trees in the park and is located just in the south entrance of the park. The Mariposa Grove was the first grove of sequoia trees that I ever saw at the age of 5. Because of that, it has always had a special place in my heart and I love visiting.

There is a two tiered parking lot at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center with around 300 parking spots. On our family trip to the grove, it was around 8:30 in the morning and there were plenty of spaces. During the summer season, the lot has been known to fill up by 10:00 AM.

A wonderful hike to do is to go to the Grizzly Giant and Tunnel Tree and then return the same way that you came. This hike is 1.5 miles long and is classified as easy. As you travel on this trail, you will pass the famous Bachelor and Three Graces. The trees are located right near the path and make for a great photo op.

The Grizzly Giant is the largest sequoia in the park. It had been years since I’d made it back to see it, and I’d forgotten how majestic it is. Just down the trail from the Grizzly Giant is the California Tunnel Tree. As you probably have guessed, the California Tunnel Tree has a hole in the tree that you can walk through. It is definitely worth the short walk to see it.

If you want to add another half a mile to your hike for a total of 2 miles, you can do the full loop of the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail which branches off at the Tunnel Tree. We did the full loop and it was a nice easy trail with wonderful views of the forest.

Pro Tips

• If you get to Mariposa Grove at 7:00 am or earlier, you can drive back to the parking area at the trailhead. This can save you valuable time since you only have one day in the park. Otherwise, you’ll need to park at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center, and take the shuttle back to the trailhead which runs about every 15 minutes.
• The shuttle service doesn’t operate from December 1 to March 15. You’ll need to drive or walk back to the grove during this time depending on weather conditions.
• The Mariposa Grove Welcome Center has restrooms, places to fill your water bottle, a gift shop, and park rangers to answer any questions you may have.
• A quicker hike in the grove is the Big Trees Loop Trail. It’s only .3 of a mile long. It’s flat and has a nice boardwalk to hike on. The boardwalk is stroller and wheelchair accessbile. You can still feel the majesty of the grove on this short hike.
• There are nice restrooms and a place to fill up your water bottle at the trailhead.

Take in the Views from Glacier Point

• Approximate Time: 45 minutes
• Drive Time: 1 hour

It may take you an hour to get from Mariposa Grove to Glacier Point but the payoff is more than worth it. There are so many fantastic views in Yosemite and I think the views at Glacier Point are my favorite. Once you get to Glacier Point, it’s only a short walk from the parking lot to get to the views.

At the Glacier Point viewing area, you can see views of Yosemite Valley, which is 3,200 feet below you, Half Dome, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, Nevada and Vernal Falls, and the High Sierra Peaks.

You will find many different places at Glacier Point to get some great photos. One of my favorite places to get a great shot is on top of a rock that bloggers call Cornerstone Rock. This rock is not to be confused with Overhanging Rock which people aren’t allowed to take a photo on.

The rock is the last reminant of the Glacier Point Hotel that burned down in the 1960s. It is located just off the path near the amphitheater. You can stand on the top of it, which is 5 feet above the ground, and when the picture is taken from behind it looks like you are hanging over a terrifying cliff.

This is a really popular area in the park, so you’ll find restrooms, a gift shop, and snack bar at Glacier Point.

Pro Tips:

• Just before you get to Glacier Point is Washburn Point. It’s a less busy stop than Glacier Point. You can’t see as much from this stop but it may be worth your time before getting to Glacier Point.
• Parking at Glacier Point can be an issue. During late mornings into early afternoons, it can be difficult to find a parking spot. You may have to make a pass or two to find a spot.
• Glacier Point is a popular area for seeing the sunrise or sunset. If you plan on seeing one or the other, you can expect to see crowds.
• Glacier Point Road usually closes from November until early May. During these months, you can reach the point by hiking or by cross country skiing. Traveling there and back is a 21 mile adventure from Badger Pass.

Stop at Tunnel View

• Approximate Time: 20 minutes
• Drive Time: 35 minutes

Tunnel View is the most iconic viewpoint in the park. I’m sure that you have seen this view in pictures but pictures don’t do it justice. If you are traveling north on SR 41 towards Yosemite Valley, you will go through the 4,233 foot Wawona Tunnel, which is the longest highway tunnel in California. That fact is totally free!

If it is a bright sunny day, it can be difficult to see Tunnel View until you get totally out of the tunnel. It takes a second or two for your eyes to adjust but when they do it is something spectacular to see. From Tunnel View, you can see down the valley including Bridalveil Fall as well as Half Dome. 

When we arrived, the center of the granite platform was packed with people. Walk all the way to the far edges of the stone wall. The view of the valley is just as spectacular, and you won’t have to fight anyone for a spot to take your photos.

There are two small parking lots to park at. The main and larger lot is directly to the left as you come out of the tunnel. The other lot is a smaller overflow lot that is on right side of the road.

Tonya and I visited Yosemite 8 years prior with our daughter Makenzie. Tonya thought that Tunnel View was more spectacular than she remembered and I had to agree.

Pro Tips:

• You won’t find any restrooms or drinking fountains at this stop.
• If your one day itinerary runs late and you are still in the park around sunset, make a second stop here! Watching the golden hour light hit the granite cliffs is a completely different experience than seeing it during the day.

Visit Bridalveil Fall

• Approximate Time: 45 minutes
• Drive Time: 5 minutes

You can see Bridalveil Fall from Tunnel View but the 620 foot waterfall is worth stopping to see. There is a parking area but since this is a popular stop, you may have to park along the road leading back to the fall or on Wawona Road. We had to park along Wawona Road when we stopped at the falls.

The hike is .5 miles round trip if you park in the Wawona Road parking lot. It will be longer if you park along the road leading back to the falls or on Wawona Road, itself. The trail leading back to the fall is mostly flat, wide and paved. The last stretch leading up to the observation deck is considerably steeper than the rest of the hike.

The waterfall flows all year round but the water flow is going to be the greatest during the spring melt. You are going to get up close and personal when you reach the observation deck and you are going to get soaked April through June. This can feel really good when it is a hot day. During July and August, you will get wet and September through November you will be mostly dry.

Tips:

• There are restrooms and a water filling station at the fall.
• There is a wheelchair accessible viewing area about halfway up the path to the fall. From that point on, the path is not wheelchair accessible.
• This is one of the few trails in the park where pets are allowed on a leash.

Explore Yosemite Valley and Grab Lunch

• Approximate Time: 1 hour
• Drive Time: 15 minutes

If you are visiting Yosemite during peak season, then it may take some time to find a parking spot. A good place to find parking is in the Yosemite Valley Lodge parking lot. You don’t have to be staying at the lodge to park in their lot. There are other parking areas in the valley. 

My recommendation would be to pack some sandwiches and snacks to eat while in the park. You’ll save money and time if you do this. If you can’t or don’t want to there are numerous places that you can grab a bite to eat in the valley. Two places that we enjoyed included Base Camp Eatery and Degnan’s Kitchen. 

Base Camp Eatery is a stand alone restaurant that is a short 1 to 2 minute walk from the parking lot of Yosemite Valley Lodge. At the Base Camp Eatery, you order at a kiosk and then you pick up your food when they call your number.

There are places inside and outside to sit down to eat. I wasn’t expecting much since the reviews weren’t the greatest but we were all pleasantly surprised by how good the food was. I had a pulled pork sandwich, fries, and a drink.

Degnan’s Kitchen was another place that Tonya and I ate at and we both enjoyed the food and service. I got a turkey sandwich, chili, and a pop. For all the people not from the Midwest, it is soda instead of pop. You can expect to pay $10 to $20 per person for either place.

Walk to Lower Yosemite Fall

Approximate Time: 30 minutes

The hike back to Lower Yosemite Fall is flat and is 1 mile in length. At the trailhead, you can see Upper Yosemite falls as well as Lower Yosemite Falls. At the observation area, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the 320 foot lower falls, which is quite impressive.

There are large boulders at the base of the falls, and you’ll see people climbing on them constantly. I’d skip it. These rocks are polished smooth by the water and the park’s own rescue team has documented repeated injuries here, including head injuries, from people slipping. It’s not worth it for the photo.

On the other side of the bridge, you can walk downstream and sit on some rocks or on the side of the bank to enjoy the flowing water from the falls.

I believe this is the place that my dad put me and my sister in the water when I was 5. I remember that the water was so cold and I cried. Don’t worry I have gotten over the traumatic experience.

Tips:

• If you park at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, it’s only a 5 minute walk to the trailhead. You should get off at stop 6 if you take the shuttle. 
• The best time to see the falls is in the late spring and early summer. The melt water is the greatest at those times. If you wait to see them in July or late summer, the water flow will be much less or no flow at all.

Stroll Cook’s Meadow Loop

Approximate Time: 30 minutes

The trailhead to the Cook’s Meadow Loop is about a 3 minute walk from Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead. To get from Lower Yosemite Fall to Cook’s Meadow Loop, head south toward Shuttle Stop #6 (Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead), cross Northside Drive, and step directly onto the paved and boardwalk paths of the meadow.

The one mile loop is flat with paved walkways and raised wooden boardwalk. The one thing that I enjoy about this hike is that you get a much different perspective of major landmarks, such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Sentinel Dome, and Glacier Point from the valley floor.

Make sure that you stop on Sentinel Bridge. You get a wonderful view of the Merced River with Half Dome in the background.

As you make the loop, you’ll also see the Yosemite Valley Chapel. The chapel is simple inside but is worth going inside to see. They do hold services in the church on Sundays at 9:15 AM and 11:00 AM during the summer, which is from Memorial Day to Labor Day and at 9:15 AM in the winter.

Pro Tip:

There are also other trails that you can explore as you do this route. Just walking through the valley and seeing the waterfalls and sheer cliffs all around is just spectacular and therapeutic. 

Hike Vernal and Nevada Falls (Mist Trail)

Approximate Time 1 hour to 4.5 hours

The great thing about this hike is that you can tailor it to how you’re feeling and how far you want to go. The first major landmark is the Vernal Falls Footbridge, which is 1.6 miles round trip if you turn around there. This section takes about an hour and offers a nice view of Vernal Falls from the footbridge.

I enjoyed hiking this section of trail since it was paved and it was nice and wide most of the way. That isn’t the case with many of the trails in the park. The one downside is that most of the trail to this point is uphill.

If you continue to the top of Vernal Falls, the total distance becomes 2.4 miles round trip, taking around two hours. The final stretch includes more than 600 stone steps. Think of it as a stair master workout with a stunning reward at the top.

For those looking for a longer adventure, hiking all the way to the top of Nevada Falls is 5 miles round trip and takes roughly 4.5 hours. You can return via the John Muir Trail, which adds a little over a mile extra to the hike but offers gentler terrain and beautiful views of both waterfalls.

 Pro Tips:

• You’ll want to have some kind of rain protection with you. They don’t call it the Mist Trail for nothing. 
• Be careful on the steps leading up to the top of Vernal Falls, since the steps can get slippery. 
• When taking the shuttle to this hike, you’ll get off at stop 16 which is the Happy Isles stop. 
• There are restrooms and water fountains on the trail leading to Vernal Falls. There are some restrooms from the top of Vernal Falls to Nevada Falls but no drinking water. The restrooms are closed in the winter.

Itinerary Adjustments for Yosemite

You can adjust the order of this itinerary depending on where you’re starting from. The order that I have this itinerary is with you entering the south entrance. If you were entering the park from the west or north, you could do Tunnel View and all of the things in the valley. You could then go to Glacier Point and then finish up with Mariposa Grove.  

If you are staying in the valley, you could reverse the order of the itinerary. This would be especially advantageous for the Vernal/Nevada Falls hike since that hike can be very busy later in the day. 

Hike Alternatives in Yosemite

There are countless hikes to choose from in Yosemite. The longer hike featured in this itinerary is the Vernal and Nevada Falls Trail. However, if you’d prefer something shorter or different, here are a few other great options to consider.

Taft Point and Sentinel Dome are located 5 minutes from Glacier Point on Glacier Point Road. Both hikes can be accessed from the same parking areas.

Taft Point and the Fissures: This hike is considered easy and is 2.3 miles round trip. It gives you fantastic views of the valley, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. This is one of my favorite hikes and views in the park. Make sure to watch your kids if you have any, since there is only one small guardrail at Taft Point.

Sentinel Dome: This hike is considered moderate and is 2.2 miles round trip. You get 360 degree views of the park if you hike to the top of the dome. Our family did this hike and I was blown away by the views.

Mirror Lake Trail: This hike is in Yosemite Valley. It is the one of the flattest and easiest hikes to do in the park. If you ride the shuttle, get off at stop 17.

Tips for Visiting Yosemite National Park in One Day

Starting Your Day

It doesn’t matter if you’re staying in or out of the park. The earlier you start your day, the better off you’ll be. This is especially true during the high season, which is June through August. Plus, Yosemite dropped their reservation system making for more congestion getting into the park.

If you are staying outside the park, I would suggest being at the gate by 6:30 to 7:00 AM. I know that’s early, but hey, you only have one day in the park. During the high season, if you get to the south entrance at 8:00 am or later, you more than likely will be waiting to get in the park. For example, we were at the south gate just before 8:00 AM and the line to get in the park was 1.5 miles long.

The way I look at it, if you only have one day to see the park, you need to get up as early as possible and get inside. The major upside to this is that you are going to beat the crowds for your first few stops. If you’re staying inside the park, you skip the gate entirely, just get moving as early as you can.

 Where to Stay in and Near Yosemite National Park

Ideally, the best place to stay if you only have one day is in the park. There are numerous campgrounds and hotels to stay at inside Yosemite.

The hotels in the park are going to be pricey and depending on what time of year you’re looking to stay can be hard to book. The upside is if you stay in the park you don’t have to worry about reservations getting in the park. 

Hotels to Stay at Inside Yosemite National Park

• Yosemite Valley Lodge: Located in the Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Falls.
• The Awahnee: An iconic and pricey hotel located in Yosemite Valley with fantastic views.
• Wawona Hotel: Currently closed.

Tent Cabins and Campgrounds in the Park

• Curry Village: Tent cabins with views of Half Dome and Glacier Point.
• Housekeeping Camp: Three sided structures with canvas roofs overlooking Half Dome.
• White Wolf Lodge: Tent cabins and rustic lodge located 30 miles from Yosemite Valley. 
• Tuolumne Meadows:  Tent cabins located 60 miles from the Yosemite Valley.
• High Sierra Camps: Five camps along a loop trail that have tent cabins. These book through an annual lottery, not a normal reservation.
• Camps for Tents and RVs: There are 13 campgrounds located in the park.

Yosemite West, Wawona, and Foresta

Beside the above options, you can also stay at Yosemite West, Wawona, and Foresta which are all located inside of Yosemite National Park. There are all kinds of different houses and condos that you can rent in each one of these places.

Our family stayed in Yosemite West in a rental house. Yosemite West is a 30 minute drive to Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point, or the Yosemite Valley. So, it’s centrally located in the park. 

Places to Stay Outside of Yosemite National Park

The following places are good choices if you are looking to stay outside of Yosemite.

• El Portal
• Mariposa
• Oakhurst
• Fish Camp
• Bass Lake
• Groveland

Entrance Reservations

You don’t need a reservation to get into Yosemite National Park for the 2026 summer season. You still need a park pass to enter the park.

You can buy a park pass at the gate for $35 which is good for 7 days. You can also buy the America the Beautiful Pass. The pass costs $80, is good for a year, and is a great option if you plan on visiting multiple parks in a given year. 

As of January 1, 2026, Yosemite added a new $100 per person surcharge for non-U.S. residents on top of the standard fees, one of only three national parks currently charging this.

Parking in Yosemite National park

Parking in the valley can be challenging, especially during the high season. The valley has a number of parking areas including: Yosemite Village Parking, Yosemite Falls Parking, Curry Village, and Yosemite Valley Lodge to name a few.

Unless you are a glutton for punishment, you should park and then walk or shuttle between stops.  You just need to pack your patience and something will eventually open up. 

On this last trip with the family, the Yosemite Valley Lodge parking area was where we had the most luck in finding a place. It was an easy walk to all of the things that we did in the valley.

Frequently Asked Questions: One Day in Yosemite

Tours to Yosemite

If driving around Yosemite National Park doesn’t seem appealing to you, there are various tours that you can take instead. Here are a number of one day tours that you can book through Viator.  

Heads up: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a booking or purchase, I earn a small commission. This helps keep my blog running, and it costs you absolutely nothing extra!

• Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
• Semi Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup
• Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point Adaptive Tour
• Jeep 4 x 4 Yosemite Park Tour with Hotel Pickup

Final Thoughts

Yosemite has pulled me back five times now, and every single visit I find something new that stops me in my tracks. This itinerary is built around the stops I’d tell a friend not to skip if they only had one day, but the truth is you could spend a lifetime here and still not see it all.

If you only have one day, don’t let that stop you from going. Get up early, get through that gate before the crowds do, and you’ll walk away with memories that last a lot longer than the sleep you gave up to get them.

Bookmark this post before your trip. Between the hike alternatives, the lodging options, and the parking tips, you’ll want to come back to it more than once while you’re planning.

And if Yosemite ends up being just the start of your national park journey, I’ve got itineraries for other parks too, so take a look around while you’re here.