Exploring the Yosemite Valley in One Day: Yosemite National Park Guide- This Guide to the Yosemite Valley will take you through the National Park’s Valley in one day. This will include all of the famous stops, waterfalls, and more. The Yosemite Valley is breathtaking, it can be explored for many days, but we dedicated one day to see as many sights as we could. We were able to see so much in our one day in the Yosemite Valley.
Overview
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
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When To Go
The best time to visit Yosemite Valley National Park is June through October. We went at the very end of September and a few weeks later there was a snowstorm that closed Tioga Road.
Tioga road can get snow before the valley and can close to visitors before the Yosemite Valley does.
Going in the shoulder seasons provides cooler weather and less crowds but you will need to keep an eye on storms, both snow and rain.
Going early such as May or June you will see a lot of the waterfalls at full force. But going in the fall you will avoid a lot more of the crowds. We had no trouble with parking and felt like we had a lot of areas to ourselves.
Where To Stay
We booked this trip just a few months out and had a hard time finding affordable accommodations. We ended up in Mariposa, California. We enjoyed our time there and there were many options for restaurants. It was about a 1 hour drive to the Yosemite National Park entrance.
We stayed at the Gateway to Yosemite AirBnB.
The Route
Most of the roads in the Yosemite Valley are one way. It is best to plan out your stops before traveling as if you miss an area then you might be circling all the way for a missed stop.
This route is coming from the Yosemite Valley Central Entrance, as we were staying in Mariposa, California. But this route can be changed depending on which direction you are coming from.
If coming in to the park to the Yosemite Valley Central Entrance there are a few stops to pull over at before you even get the the main gates. The best views are to come, but still worth seeing. Especially if you are just sitting in traffic waiting to enter. We went at the end of September and did not have this issue.
Entrance Gates
Once at the entrance you will need to pay your park fees or show your America the Beautiful Pass.
Just a tenth of a mile from the entrance you will drive under a cool tunnel to get into the park.
Head straight on the El Portal Road, you will pass the Big Oak Flat Road on the left, this is to take you to Tioga Road, where some great hikes are such as Mt. Watkins and Cloud’s Rest. You will be following the Merced River to the right of you.
About 5.5 miles from the entrance gates you will turn right Southside Drive. Most of the road from here on out is in one direction. You will pass Wawona Road to the right which takes you up to some great sights such as, Centennial Dome, Taft’s Point, and more.
Bridalview
Some visitors first stop is to see the Bridalveil Falls, but they were closed for trail maintenance, and they were dry when we went. The Bridalview Falls Trail is only a half a mile round trip hike.
Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
About 15 minutes from the entrance gates right pass Wawona Road was our first stop on the left called Cathedral Beach Picnic Area. This was a great stop to get out and stretch our legs from our drive. We walked out to the beach area along the Merced River and get a great view of the El Captian rock face.
Sentinel Beach Picnic Area
Our next stop was just about 5 minutes down the road called Sentinel Beach Picnic Area. This stop was on the left as well. It was a quick stop, if coming at the right time this would be a peaceful spot for lunch.
Swinging Bridge Picnic Area
About 3 minutes on Southside Road will be the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. This stop has restrooms and is a bit more walking around than the last two stops. There is a walking bridge to cross over as you get better and better views of the Yosemite Valley. You can walk on a trail towards the Yosemite Valley Lodge area, which will take about 10-15 minutes one way.
Just up the road there is more parking if this is too crowded. And even more walking trails to wander around on. We did both as it was not crowded when we went.
Yosemite Valley Chapel
Yosemite Valley Chapel will be on the right. This was a quick stop, I just got out of the car to take a photograph.
Mirror Lake Hike
From here we wanted to get a good hike in and drove to the Curry Village Parking Lots to hike to Mirror Lake. This hike is 3.4 miles one way. You can even bike to it if you have access to a bike. We went during the dry season and it was not much of a lake. But it was cool to walk where the lake would have been. And you can even look up and see Half Dome.
Lower Yosemite Falls
From the Mirror Hike our next stop was the Yosemite Valley Lodge area. You will now be starting to drive on the other side of the loop, on the Northside Drive.
This area could be very crowded as there are lodges, the Visitors Center bike rentals, restaurants and more in this area. We found parking on the side of the road and walked to the Lower Yosemite Fall Vista Point. This hike was just about half a mile, and only should take about 15-20 minutes to hike there and back.
El Capitan
Again going during the dry season to Yosemite Valley we missed the crowds and also the flowing waterfalls. But we did see a bobcat!
Our next stop was at the famous El Capitan to see the famous El Capitan rock face. There is a huge grassy area with lots of parking. We walked by the river to see if from a distance and then also walked a short walk to The Base of the Nose. Here you can see it from the base and how quickly the rock face goes straight up.
It was fun to stop and watch climbers on this famous wall.
Yosemite Valley View
Our last stop along the Yosemite Valley Loop was the Yosemite Valley View. This was a quick stop but this was one of my favorites.
Tunnel Point
We had a little extra time to spare before heading back to our AirBnB so we stopped at the famous Tunnel View to see it one more time. Even though we saw it a few days before at sunrise.
Tips
Leave No Trace
Make sure you practice Leave No Trace 7 principles to leave minimal impact on the trails.
Be Bear Aware
Make sure you are Bear Aware while in any part in Yosemite. We did not carry bear spray while on any hikes in Yosemite. We did not see any moose or bear along these hikes. Stay alert, make noise, and seal food in containers. I also used a bear bell since we are usually pretty quiet hikers.
Watch For Weather
Make sure you keep in eye on the weather before heading out on any of these hikes.
Go Early
Going early will help you beat the crowds and the heat. And maybe even give you a better chance at seeing some wildlife if you are interested in that. Going early also helps you secure a parking space as well.
What To Bring
Water– we each carried 2 liters of water in our hydration bladders with an additional collapsible water bottle on most longer hikes but for this a waterbottle or two in you car should work.
Layers– You never know what the weather and high elevation hikes may bring you. Dress in thin layers and make sure you bring a raincoat as well.
Sunscreen– Sunscreen is essential, being on the rock face with not much shade can be a bad combo on a sunny day.
Bear Spray– We did not bring any during this trip but some people like to, and I had attached a bear bell on to my backpack.
Bug Spray– Although we didn’t seem to get bitten by bugs much during this time of year it is always smart to carry some with you.
Hiking Shoes– Good sturdy hiking shoes are a must. I love my Ahnu’s.
Snacks/Food– This is a long hike, we packed many snacks such as granola bars, jerky sticks, fruits strips and more. We also packed a sandwich to eat at the top.
Sunglasses/Hat– Again it is very bright at the top of some wide open areas. I would pack sunglasses and maybe even a hat if you are sensitive to the sun.
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
Cloud’s Rest Hike– One of the more difficult hikes in Yosemite, but some of the best views. If looking for a more difficult, all day trek check out Cloud’s Rest. This is a great alternative if you were not able to hike Half Dome.
Mt. Watkins Hike– This was one of my favorite easy hikes in Yosemite Valley National Park. This hike brings you to sweep overhead views of the Yosemite Valley. And plus it is not super difficult as well, mostly a flat trail.
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The Cloud’s Rest Hike in Yosemite National Park
