A Weekend in Yosemite National Park
Last September, I had to attend a week-long conference in Los Angeles for work. So, Sam and I decided to seize the opportunity of me having to be out west and tack on a weekend trip to Yosemite while I was out there! On a Friday afternoon, we flew cross-country from Philadelphia to LA, met up with my in-laws, drove the six hours straight to Yosemite, and made it to our cabin in the pitch dark after midnight (aka. 3am EST). Despite being exhausted from our travels and the jetlag, we were up and moving by 6am the next morning to beat the crowds to the trails and make the most out of our day. By Sunday afternoon, we were back in the car and on our return trip to LA. Although Yosemite deserves so much more than a day and a half trip, you really can see and do a lot in just a weekend!
Read below for How to Spend a Weekend in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park (NP) was established in 1890 as the third National Park in the United States. Located in east-central California, Yosemite isn’t a far drive from some of California’s most populous cities, including Sacramento (3.5 hours), San Francisco (4 hours), and Los Angeles (5.5 hours).
Yosemite NP is best known for its waterfalls, granite cliffs, mountains, giant sequoias, lakes, and streams. Of the nearly 1,200 square miles that make up Yosemite National Park, the most well-known area is the 7.5-mile-long Yosemite Valley, which is over 3,000 feet deep, and is home to many of the waterfalls and granite cliffs that make Yosemite famous. Other popular areas in the park are Glacier Point Road, Mariposa Grove, and Tuolumne Meadows.
Day 1: Arrive to Yosemite National Park
Arrive at Yosemite National Park and get settled in at your campground, cabin, or hotel. Either make dinner at your campsite or grab a meal at one of the numerous restaurants in Yosemite Valley. More information on the different dining options in Yosemite Valley can be found here on the NPS website.
Day 2: Full Day Exploring Yosemite
With only one full day in Yosemite, we were determined to hike at a few different areas in the park so that we could experience as much as we could within our limited time frame. We split up our day with a waterfall hike in the morning, a stop at Tunnel View midday, and then continued on to the Glacier Point Road area in the afternoon. After a full day of exploring, we made it back to our cabin around 5pm, which gave us the evening to grab a shower and enjoy dinner.
↠ Stop 1: Vernal and Nevada Falls Hike via Mist Trail & John Muir Trail Loop
Vernal & Nevada Falls Trailhead
Start the day off strong with hiking one of the most popular day-hikes in Yosemite! Combine the Mist and John Muir Trails to make a loop and pass by two of Yosemite’s most impressive waterfalls; Vernal and Nevada Falls. This loop hike is rated as strenuous; it is approximately 6.0-miles roundtrip starting from the Happy Isles Shuttle Stop with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain. I highly recommend hiking up the Mist Trail and down the John Muir Trail. Even though the steep climb up the Mist Trail is not an easy feat, the more gradual descent down the John Muir trail is easier on your joints (your knees will thank me!) Both trails offer up-close views of both waterfalls, stunning scenery, and unique views of Yosemite Valley.
Vernal Falls from Mist Trail
Nevada Falls from John Muir Trail
Due to their popularity, these trails can get very crowded. The earlier in the day you start this hike, the better. We made it to the trailhead around 7am and it was pretty quiet. However, by the time we finished our hike and made it back to the trailhead around 12pm, the crowds were pretty unbearable. We were so happy we got our butts out of bed and to the trailhead early in the morning.
Hiker’s Bridge on Mist Trail
How to get there: Either take the Valley Shuttle Bus to Stop #16 (Happy Isles) or walk from Curry Village (adding an extra 1.5 miles roundtrip). The trailhead isn’t too far from the bus stop. Currently, the shuttle is not operating due to COVID-19.
↠ Stop 2: Tunnel View
In the afternoon after the Vernal & Nevada Falls hike, hop into your car and drive over to Tunnel View, the most iconic viewpoint of Yosemite Valley. Tunnel View rewards visitors with sweeping views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome in the distance. When I think of Yosemite this is the image that comes to mind. A trip to Yosemite isn’t complete without a stop here; the scene is truly second to none.
How to get there: This Tunnel View parking lot is located at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel along Wawona Road (Highway 41), approximately a 20-minute drive from Curry Village. Because this spot is so popular, it does get very crowded, so be prepared for parking to be tricky.
↠ Stop 3: Taft point
From Tunnel View, continue in the car to Glacier Point Road. There are several different trails and viewpoints stemming off from the Glacier Point Road area. We opted to hike to Taft Point because of its dramatic cliffs and impressive view of El Capitan across the valley. The trail itself is a short and flat 2.2-mile round trip walk through the woods. The trail ends at Taft Point on the south rim of Yosemite Valley, which is suspended more than 3,000 feet above the valley floor.
How to get there: A small parking is available off of Glacier Point Road, which leads to the Taft Point trailhead.
Day 3: Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
In the southernmost area of the park is Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. This is a perfect place to stop for a few hours on the morning of your last day before exiting the park. After breakfast, pack up the car and drive south to Mariposa Grove. There’s a few different trail options, including the relatively flat 2-mile round trip Grizzly Giant Loop Trail. This trail starts at the Big Trees Loop and passes by many notable trees such as “The Bachelor and Three Graces”, the “California Tunnel Tree”, and the 3,000 year old “Grizzly Giant”.
How to get there: A parking lot is available at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza. A free shuttle brings visitors from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza to the Mariposa Grove (approximately 2.2-miles) from mid-March through November, weather dependent. Currently, the shuttle is not operating due to COVID-19.
Other Useful Information
↠ WHERE TO STAY
Within the park:
There are several different lodging options throughout the park. We opted to stay in a rustic canvas tent in Curry Village because of the central location and affordability. The tent was comfortable and everything we needed for a weekend stay (bed with blankets and pillows, towels, bear box, and nearby bathhouse).
Curry Village Canvas Tent
Outside the park:
If you can’t snag a campsite or lodging within the park, there are other private accommodations options within and outside the park boundaries.
↠ TRANSPORTATION
Yosemite National Park usually offers a free shuttle system throughout the park, including the eastern portion of Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove. However, due to COVID-19, all shuttles within Yosemite are not currently in operation.
From Yosemite NP, we made our way back to Los Angeles. Despite our limited time in Yosemite, we really made the most of it. In just a day and a half we were able to enjoy Yosemite Valley, hike through some of the most dramatic scenery in the United States, and see some of the largest trees on earth! I hope this guide on A Weekend in Yosemite NP inspires you to visit!
