How To Spend 2 Days In Yosemite National Park

2 days in Yosemite National Park doesn’t sound like a long time and it’s not! At around 1200 square miles in size, this stunning Park is home waterfalls, valleys, Giant Sequoias, iconic wildlife, enormous rock formations, rivers and much, much more.

Created a National Park on 1 October 1890, today Yosemite receives over 3.5 million visitors annually. I visited as part of an organised hiking trip and spent 2 days in Yosemite. In that time, I managed to get a taste of what makes this Park so special.

In this post I’ll share what you can do in 2 days in Yosemite. I’ll give you some suggestions for alternative activities to include in your Yosemite itinerary and provide a general travel guide and some travel tips to help you get the most out of your 2 days in Yosemite National Park.

Visiting Yosemite National Park

If you intend to visit Yosemite independently, then it’s important to keep in mind that it may be necessary to reserve your Park entry in advance. Please check the official National Park Service website for all the up to date information concerning reservations before heading to the Park.

You should also be aware that Yosemite is bear country and also home to mountain lions. Once again, the official National Park Service website has information regarding bears and food storage along with guidelines on what to do if you see a bear. I would just add that I did not see a bear in Yosemite…I did in Mammoth though!

Getting to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is located, principally, in Mariposa County and Tuolumne County in the State of California. Directions for getting to Yosemite will, of course, depend on where you are travelling from.

As I mentioned above, I visited Yosemite as part of a group hiking tour which included vehicular transportation from San Francisco. As a result, I did not have to organise my own transportation to the Park. I am aware however that the following options are available for getting to the Park:

1. Road Trip

I love the idea of a road trip to Yosemite! Depending on which direction you are coming from (and at what time of year), you can access the park from 1 of 5 entrances:

• South Entrance – the most southern, accessible from Highway 41, open year round
• Arch Rock Entrance – on the western side of Yosemite, accessible from Highway 140, open year round
• Big Oak Flat Entrance – on the western side of Yosemite, accessible from Highway 120, open year round, south of Hetch Hetchy
• Hetch Hetchy Entrance – on the western side of Yosemite, accessible from Highway 120, open year round (in daylight hours), most northerly entrance
• Tioga Pass Entrance – on the eastern side of Yosemite, accessible from Highway 120, closed in the winter

2. Fly

There are a number of airports in the region that visitors to Yosemite can fly into. Check the official National Park Service website for details of those airports and public transport options for getting to the Park from them.

3. Public Transport

You can get to Yosemite using public transport.

Amtrack runs the San Joaquins train to Merced in California from where you take the Amtrack Thruway Bus to Yosemite. The bus route is serviced by the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS). The tickets from Amtrack include entrance into Yosemite. Alternatively, connect to Merced using Greyhound buses and then change to the YARTS bus.

4. Organised Day Trip

If you only have a short amount of time, then you may want to consider joining one of these organised day trips to Yosemite.

5. Organised Group Trip

I visited Yosemite National Park as part of a group trip operated by Intrepid Travel. The trip was 5 days long with 2 days in Yosemite. There are many other companies offering similar trips of course or you could consider shorter visits such this 2 day Yosemite guided trip option.

The benefit of any organised trip of course is that you need to do nothing other than turn up! On the downside, your time in Yosemite will understandably be limited. That said, organised trips can be a very effective way for international (or even interstate) visitors to get into the Park and experience what it has to offer.

Getting Around Yosemite

Once you’re in Yosemite, you will want to get around to different spots. Even if you come by car, you may want to consider using the free shuttle operating in the Valley. In addition, there is a Glacier Point Tour and various other shuttle options outside of the Valley.

Check the official National Park Service website for up to date information including as to routes and schedules.

Where to Stay in Yosemite

When it comes to accommodation, you can choose to stay either within Yosemite National Park or outside it. I stayed outside the Park in a cabin at the Yosemite Rustic Bug Mountain Resort. The Yosemite Arch Rock Entrance is about 41 kilometres away.

If you are interested in staying inside the Park, then in addition to camping options, there are also a number of well known, historic hotels to consider, namely:

• The Ahwahnee Hotel – opened in 1927 it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Known for its Grand Dining Room, stunning Valley views and Great Lounge
• The Wawona Hotel – built in 1876 it’s one of the oldest mountain resorts in California. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately it is currently closed.
• Yosemite Valley Lodge – its history dates back to 1914 but it has been developed and enlarged since then. Known for the Mountain Room restaurant with views of Yosemite Falls and its café/bar, the Mountain Room Lounge.

You can research all available accommodation options and book here:

6 Things to See & Do During 2 Days in Yosemite

With so many natural features and so much beauty, the list of things to see and do in the Park is long! Here though are 6 things I did during my 2 days in Yosemite and which I can definitely recommend:

1. Take in the Vista at Tunnel View

This is a must do for anyone visiting Yosemite Valley! Located outside the Wawona Tunnel on Highway 41, Tunnel View is the perfect place from which to look across the valley and see El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome. Park the car in the car park, jump out and head over to admire the view….it will be the easiest walk you take in the Park!

Travel Tip: it can get busy so consider going early if possible.

2. Hike the Mist Trail

Hiking the Mist Trail is one of the most popular activities in Yosemite and definitely something to add to your Yosemite trip itinerary. You can choose to hike up to Vernal Fall or beyond that to Nevada Fall (or further still to Half Dome) or you can hike to the Vernal Fall Footbridge not far from the trailhead.

The trailhead is at Happy Isles, close to the camping grounds comprising Curry Village. From Happy Isles it’s about 0.75 miles (1.3 kilometres) to the footbridge. There are views up to Vernal Fall from the footbridge and you will also find toilets and drinking fountains there.

From the footbridge it’s a short hike on a dirt trail before hitting the over 600 stone steps up to the Falls. It’s a hard climb but there’s a cooling mist from the Falls (hence the trail name) to make up for it! Alternatively, you can leave the footbridge and join the John Muir Trail up to the Falls. The John Muir Trail is easier but a little longer and has a few switchbacks.

You can learn more about hiking the Mist Trail in my post Hiking the Mist Trail to Beautiful Vernal Falls – What to Expect.

The Mist Trail from its junction with the John Muir Trail (above Vernal Fall footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall is closed on Mondays to Thursdays from 7 am to 3:30 pm (although these dates and times are subject to change). It’s open Fridays to Sundays and on holidays however. Please do check the official National Park Service website for up to date visitor information.

Travel Tip: The hike up to Vernal Falls is considered a hard hike. It’s about 3 miles round trip (5 kilometres) and there is a 345 metre (1130 feet) elevation gain. The stone steps can get slippery so wear hiking shoes with good traction and take your time on the climb up. Make sure to rest and enjoy the view!

3. See El Capitan

At about 3,000 feet (914 metres) tall, the granite monolith that is El Capitan has to be seen! Located in the west end of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan is the place to go for rock climbers, both those attached to ropes and those who are not!

It is possible to hike to the top of El Capitan, however it is a hard hike measuring around 20 miles (34 kilometres) with an elevation gain of over 1,500 metres. This hike is estimated to take 8-12 hours.

I saw El Capitan from El Capitan Meadow and definitely recommend including it in your own 2 day itinerary Yosemite NP.

Travel Tip: A pair of binoculars will help you spot rock climbers on El Capitan.

4. Hike the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias Trail

Located on Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat, the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is home to around 2 dozen of these magnificent trees. Leaving the parking area, you walk downhill past sugar pines and white firs along the Old Big Oak Flat Road, one of the first roads into the Yosemite Valley. It’s quite a steep downhill, dropping 500 feet (150 metres) in one mile. The Trail is well paved however.

Once in the Grove, it’s a self guided hike through the trees. The hike takes you through the Dead Giant Tunnel Tree – look out for the years old graffiti inside.

The Trail is around 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip and there’s a 500-foot (152 m) elevation gain on the way back. Expect the hike to take around 1-2 hours. Read more about the hike in my post Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias – Is the Trail worth Hiking?

Travel Tip: The return hike is steep. Wear hiking shoes with good traction and carry water. There is no water source in the Grove.

5. Have a Picnic at Tenaya Lake

A popular summer destination for visitors to Yosemite, Lake Tenaya is a perfect stop for a picnic (and a swim for those prepared to brave the chilly waters!). The lake is located on the Tioga Road about 7 miles (11 kilometres) west of Tuolumne Meadows. A nice walk along a restored path through a forested area leads to Lake Tenaya East Beach.

Travel Tip: Ensure that you leave no food or waste at the lake and dispose of any rubbish in the bear proof bins provided.

6. Hike the Pothole Dome and Tuolumne River Trail

One thing for sure about Yosemite…it has a good selection of domes! Made of granite created underground from cooling molten magma, these domes, due to the hardness of the granite, were not easily eroded by the glaciers that moved through Yosemite. As a result, the domes, although having a smoothed surface, have remained in situ.

The most famous dome in Yosemite is Half Dome, however hiking to it is quite the challenge! It’s also necessary to have a permit to summit Half Dome – check the official National Park Service website for all information regarding hiking Half Dome.

If hiking Half Dome is not on your to do list (as it wasn’t on mine!) then there are other domes available to hike up, including Pothole Dome.

Located in Tuolumne Meadows, Pothole Dome stands 8,760 feet (2,670 metres) high. There’s a small parking area on Tioga Road adjacent to Pothole Dome, from where it’s a fairly easy hike to the dome itself. The elevation gain for this hike is around 260 feet (79 metres). At the top, you are rewarded with beautiful views of Tuolumne Meadows and Cathedral Peak amongst others.

You can read more about hiking this trail in my post Pothole Dome – An Excellent Hike for all the Family.

Travel Tip: After descending Pothole Dome head through the trees toward Tuolumne River for some more stunning views.

Alternative Activities for Your 2 days in Yosemite itinerary!

It’s definitely the case that whatever your interests, there really is much to see and do in Yosemite. Here’s a selection of other activities that you could consider if you’re spending 2 days in Yosemite:

1. Views

Views are everywhere in Yosemite but a stop at Glacier Point is a favourite amongst visitors. At an elevation of 7,214 feet (2,199 metres) you’re guaranteed an incredible view.

2. Hiking

There are hiking opportunities galore in Yosemite! The hikes are all of varying difficulty however, so do check the official National Park Service website for full details and up to date visitor information.

Some popular day hikes in addition to those I’ve mentioned above include:

In Yosemite Valley

• Bridalveil Fall Trail – classified as easy
• Lower Yosemite Falls Trail – classified as easy
• Mirror Lake Loop – classifed as easy to moderate
• Valley Loop Trail – classified as moderate
• Yosemite Falls Trail (heading to Upper Yosemite Falls) – classified as moderate to strenuous
• Four Mile Trail – classified as strenuous

Along Glacier Point Road

• Sentinel Dome and Taft Point – classified as moderate
• Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley (includes the Four Mile Trail and the Panorama Trail) – classified as strenuous

In Wawona and Mariposa Grove

• Wawona Meadow Loop – classified as easy
• Big Trees Loop Trail (for giant sequoia trees) – classified as easy
• Mariposa Grove Trail to Wawona Point – classified as strenuous

This is very far from being a complete list. Do check the official National Park Service website for all information about available hikes together with advice for staying safe, transportation, facilities etc.

3. Water Activities

The drive through Yosemite Valley is punctuated with views of the beautiful Merced River. Swimming is permitted as is rafting along the Merced however this is seasonal so do check the National Park Service website for up to date information. I was in Yosemite during a heat wave so was very jealous of those floating down the Merced on an inner tube!

4. Other activities

There’s even more on offer in Yosemite including:

• fishing
• picnicking
• cycling
• art classes – check details and options on the Yosemite Conservancy website
• photography – visit the Ansel Adams Gallery
• birdwatching
• guided walks
• bus tours

I’m sure you’ll agree, the list of things to do in Yosemite is seemingly endless!

I would advise you to consult the official National Park Service website when you are ready to begin planning your activities.

Final Thoughts

Despite having only visited once (so far!), I love Yosemite National Park! The scenery is every bit as beautiful as you can imagine and the list of things to see and do is so long, it makes deciding what to fit into your 2 days in Yosemite itinerary challenging!

If you have the luxury of a slightly longer stay in Yosemite, then there is a great deal more you can enjoy and I hope some of my suggestions for further activities will fit nicely into your Yosemite itinerary.

If you are planning to visit Yosemite from San Francisco, then do read my San Francisco posts for suggested itineraries, hidden gems and unusual things to see and do. You can also obtain general assistance with planning a trip to the United States from my Resources page.

Disclaimer – Information correct at the time of writing but do check before visiting