This summer a friend of mine was getting married in California so I knew I wanted to make the most of the trip by coming for more than just the wedding. The first stop was Yosemite for us because I knew if we were going to go hiking we’d have to do it at the beginning or the boyfriend would not be pleased. I am obsessed with nature so Yosemite has been very high on my list. We only had two full days at the Park so we had to make the most of our time. Also, we are not big campers so we stayed about an hour outside the park so every day we had about a 2 hour drive to get in and out of the park so that’s something to consider as well. We found a more budget friendly hotel for us in Sonora, Country Inn Sonora if that is something you are interested in as well!
Get up at the crack of dawn and go as early as the park as you can! Pack lots of snacks, waters, mini meals to have along the trails so you don’t have to waste time stopping to go to the store while there. We parked right next to Yosemite Valley Lodge across from Camp 4. It is right near a shuttle stop and bathrooms and super easy to get out of the park.
Day 1:
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail: I am so glad we started with this trail because it is TOUGH. The first part has a lot of switchbacks and very rocky and the second half to Columbia Rock is full of sand which was crazy to us! But the views at Columbia Rock so worth it. But, don’t stop and turn back there, go past Columbia rock and extra 20 minutes (yes still a little bit tough) and you’ll get great views of the falls. You can continue on further but we just stopped there for a lunch break and returned back. Total hike time: ~ 3 hours.
Mirror Lake: Everyone talked about doing this trail. It’s a little ways away from where we parked so we took the Shuttle get off at 17. It is a VERY easy trail, way easier than I thought. Also just so you are aware it isn’t a lake, they accidentally named it wrong it’s a small pond. Lots of people stopped in the shade to eat and watch the swimmers and take in the beautiful views. You can stop there or take the full circle trail around as well. Total “hike” time ~ 30-45 minutes
Lower Yosemite Falls: This mini hike is fully paved and takes you to what I think is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the valley. If you are on the shuttle get off at stop #6. Very casual stroll with beautiful scenery but lots of people at it, gives you a hard time to enjoy the beauty. If you get to the park early I would say do this first so there are less people around and you can really take in the falls! Total Time ~30 minutes
Day 2:
Glacier Point: I really wanted to hike up to this point but it is an ALL day thing so we decided to drive up to it at the beginning of our day. It’s about 45 minutes to get to from the valley but the views are STUNNING. Lots of parking and bathrooms. If I was to do it again I would go at the end of the day for the sunset! Total Time with Driving ~ 2 1/2 hours
Tunnel View: This is just a stop on the way back from Glacier Point down to the valley. Of course it is right after the tunnel and there is a super busy parking lot with lots of tourists just hoping out to take pictures. We did it super quick because yes it is a stunning view but lots of people around so hard to fully enjoy. Time ~ 10 minutes
Bridalveil Falls: On the way back down to the valley we stopped at this easy hike. It’s not a huge waterfall but there are lots of rocks around it for you to climb and explore, a great lunch stop! Time ~ about an hour or less
Valley Loop Trail: This trail is good LONG but zero elevation trail. It is way longer than we thought it would be and didn’t give a ton of stunning views but reminded me of casual trails back in Georgia. My favorite part was going to El Capitan and talking to the ranger with the microscope and him telling us about the climbers. The second half of the loop that lead back to Half Dome Village wasn’t that super exciting I would probably skip this trail the next time unless I was camping and needed a relaxing trail one day. Time ~ 3-4 hours
Goals for Next Time:
There was A LOT at Yosemite we didn’t get to do and there were some regrets that I had. I wish that we had looked earlier on taking a 1 way shuttle up (BOOK EARLY) to Glacier Point Tour to then hike down the Panoramic Trail. I wish we had stayed a little bit closer to the park, mainly I think next time I am going to camp it. Also wish maybe we explored outside the valley. I only say these things for those who want to get out MORE than what we did on our trip and for me to have something to look forward to the next time I go.
