How to Spend a Day in Yosemite

Intermediate 5 min 21 steps 48029 views Rating: 4.7/5 Published: 2026-02-04

Visit Yosemite in the spring to see the waterfalls.. Go to Yosemite in the summer to have access to the entire park.. Skip the crowds by going to Yosemite in the fall.

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Steps

1

Visit Yosemite in the spring to see the waterfalls.

Step 1

Visit Yosemite in the spring to see the waterfalls.

2

Go to Yosemite in the summer to have access to the entire park.

Step 2

Go to Yosemite in the summer to have access to the entire park.

3

Skip the crowds by going to Yosemite in the fall.

Step 3

Skip the crowds by going to Yosemite in the fall.

4

Enjoy skiing in Yosemite during the winter months.

Step 4

Enjoy skiing in Yosemite during the winter months.

5

Check the weather to make sure you're prepared for it.

Step 5

Check the weather to make sure you're prepared for it.

6

Wear clothes appropriate for the season and sturdy hiking shoes.

Step 6

Wear clothes appropriate for the season and sturdy hiking shoes.

7

Carry a light daypack to store your items.

Step 7

Carry a light daypack to store your items.

8

Pack a 1 litre (0.26 US gal) water bottle and bring plenty of snacks.

Step 8

Pack a 1 litre (0.26 US gal) water bottle and bring plenty of snacks.

9

Use a cooler to keep your food and drinks cold.

Step 9

Use a cooler to keep your food and drinks cold.

10

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and bug spray.

Step 10

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and bug spray.

11

Pack a first aid kit and flashlight if you plan on hiking a trail.

Step 11

Pack a first aid kit and flashlight if you plan on hiking a trail.

12

Catch the sunrise at Tunnel View as you enter Yosemite.

Step 12

Catch the sunrise at Tunnel View as you enter Yosemite.

13

Visit Yosemite Village to explore and learn more about Yosemite.

Step 13

Visit Yosemite Village to explore and learn more about Yosemite.

14

Walk or bike around the Valley Floor to take in the major sights.

Step 14

Walk or bike around the Valley Floor to take in the major sights.

15

Ride the Valley Floor Tour for the shortest way to see the sights.

Step 15

Ride the Valley Floor Tour for the shortest way to see the sights.

16

Catch a free shuttle bus to move around the Valley Floor.

Step 16

Catch a free shuttle bus to move around the Valley Floor.

17

Stop by the Valley Visitor Center to choose a trail you can hike for the day.

Step 17

Stop by the Valley Visitor Center to choose a trail you can hike for the day.

18

Take the Lower Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Fall trails for an easy hike.

Step 18

Take the Lower Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Fall trails for an easy hike.

19

Follow the Vernal Fall trail for multiple hiking options.

Step 19

Follow the Vernal Fall trail for multiple hiking options.

20

Walk the Merced River beach for the best views of El Capitan and Three Brothers.

Step 20

Walk the Merced River beach for the best views of El Capitan and Three Brothers.

21

Drive to Glacier Point to hike the Sentinel Dome trail.

Step 21

Drive to Glacier Point to hike the Sentinel Dome trail.

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