Many of you have asked me how to best organize a trip to Yosemite National Park with your parents, so this blog is for anyone who wants to visit Yosemite National Park with parents. The best part about visiting Yosemite right now is that the park has not implemented reservations yet so you can even plan to visit Yosemite last minute and not worry about needing a reservation to drive into the park. That’s the good news. Now that you’ve decided you want to visit Yosemite with parents the next part is to figure out how many days, what days of the week, where to stay, and what to see. This blog will show you how to visit Yosemite in 1-2 days with parents, including valuable tips to help make your visit productive, and enjoyable. For a detailed guide to Yosemite, not specifically related to parents, read my blog here.
Directions to Yosemite National Park
Airports
The closest airport to visit Yosemite National Park is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). Other airports are Oakland International, Sacramento International, San Jose International, San Francisco International, Los Angeles International and Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Travelers that fly to California can rent a car in San Francisco (3.5 hours away) or Sacramento (3 hours away) or Los Angeles (6.5 hours away).
Road Closures
The public roads are maintained year-round—except for the eastern entrance on Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park). As of June 10, 2023, Highway 120 is now open. As of August 9, 2023, Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road are open (after being closed for the past two years). But be sure to call the National Park Service information line at 209.372.0200 or visit the National Park Service road conditions page for the latest updates before you visit Yosemite, so you don’t run into any surprises.
Driving from SF or Sacramento
If you visit Yosemite National Park from San Francisco or Sacramento you’ll want to take Highway 120 into the park. This route passes through the lovely towns of Oakdale (good for groceries and gas), Buck Meadows and Groveland (you can grab food/gas/water here and check out the oldest saloon in California). Highway 120 is mostly straight or gently curving, except for the 8 mile Priest Grade ascent which will gain over 1,000 feet of elevation in 8.5 miles. Just drive slow if you’re nervous.
Typically if the higher elevations roads like Highway 41 and 120 are closed, you can take 140 into the park. 140 also takes you through the historic town of Mariposa and is also known as the All-Weather Highway, since it’s at a lower elevation and remains snow-free more often. However, from San Francisco, 140 is slightly longer and 120 is your better route.
From San Jose, you would take 152E and 140E and enter through El Portal into the Yosemite Valley.
Driving from LA and SD
If you visit Yosemite from LA or SD, you would take CA-99 and CA-41 to Yosemite National Park.
How to Plan Your Trip to Yosemite
Getting inside the park
All of Yosemite National Park’s entrances are open 24 hours a day and do NOT require any reservations currently. The cost to enter per vehicle is $35 (valid for 7 consecutive days) or $80 for an annual pass. I purchased my National Parks Pass for the year so I can enter any national park this year across the country. This cost me $80 and is worth it even if you are only visiting 3 national parks in one year. If you’re entering the park early morning or late evening, and the kiosks at the entrances are unstaffed, please pay on your way out, or pay in advance.
There are five main entrances to the park: Hetch Hetchy (takes you to another side of the park and to the Wapama Falls), Big Oak Flat entrance (on Highway 120 entering from the SF Bay Area), Arch Rock entrance (Hwy 580 – 205 – 140 from SF through El Portal Road), Highway 41 (South Entrance, when you come from LA/SD) and Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120 from Mammoth Lakes). NOTE: Glacier Point road is open 7 days a week, 24 hours per day starting July 15. As of early August there is some slight traffic (10-20 minute delays) due to a fallen tree and what appears to be some construction.
Yosemite – One Day Itinerary
This means you’re either spending the previous night near, or in Yosemite and exploring the park the next day before heading out late the same evening OR you are driving into Yosemite in the morning for just the day and driving back in the evening.
If you visit Yosemite before October, then expect crowds as summer is peak season for this national park. Here’s how to organize your one day in the park.
MORNING
Tunnel View
If you want to avoid the crowds, and have the best chance of getting parking, then my recommendation is to catch sunrise and be inside Yosemite National Park by 6am. One of the best places to do so is at Tunnel View. Drive into the park and be at Tunnel View by 6-6:15 am just in time for sunrise. Check sunrise times and plan accordingly. There are two parking lots at Tunnel View and they won’t be crowded so you can find a spot fairly easily at this time.
Park and sit on the parapet and enjoy nature at its finest. You will see El Capitan, the iconic Half Dome and breathtaking Bridalveil Falls to the right. If you’re lucky you might even see fog hanging around in the valley floor which makes for an unforgettable scene. Tip: Have a couple of light camping chairs in your car, so you can use it if needed along with your morning cup of coffee (I love this thermos because it keeps my coffee hot for 24 hours, is BPA Free and it has a collapsible handle easy for travel).
Bridalveil Falls
Next drive over to the Bridalveil Falls, about 5 minutes away. This will be the first thing you see on the right as you enter the valley and if you’re in before 8am, you can park on the left side on the road right opposite the falls and gaze at these falls or even walk a little closer to it (as the official trail is closed right now). Next you’ll want to drive over to the Cathedral Beach parking lot, about 5 minutes away (assuming it’s still around 9am, you should get parking here). Tip: Download the entire map of Yosemite region on your phone maps for offline use because cell connection in this park is not the best.
Cathedral Beach & Breakfast
There are fantastic reflections here of El Capitan and then the Three Brothers to the East. Because the waters have receded enough, you can now hang out ON the beach and enjoy the reflections. Bring your beach/camping chairs, a book, a picnic blanket or a hammock. You will want to stay a while. The water is still cold but don’t let it stop you from dipping your feet. Beware of currents if you’re going to swim, last week I saw a kid get caught in it and was hanging on to a tree trunk while his dad tried to get him.
Depending on what time it is, you may want to leave your car at Cathedral Beach and then just walk to Swinging Bridge, which is the next parking lot just about 5 minutes way. Tip: Cathedral Beach is the perfect spot to have some homemade breakfast. However if you want to buy breakfast inside the park, after Cathedral Beach, head to Curry Village parking lot by car.
The buffet breakfast closes by 10am, although you should be able to get oatmeal, pastries and coffee at Peet’s at the Coffee Corner next door (in the same building) from 6am-2pm. You can either drive back to Cathedral Beach and hope that there’s still parking available or drive and park by the road on Southside drive and hope you can get parking. Otherwise take a shuttle from Curry Village for the remainder of the day to the stops you want to visit or be prepared to walk a lot 🙂 Tip: Grab to-go food for lunch from the restaurants at Curry Village if you don’t have a way of making your own lunch. The breakfast buffet has some great burritos you can eat for lunch later!
Swinging Bridge
If you already have breakfast on you, and you don’t need to go to Curry Village, then after Cathedral Beach, take your car and drive to the Swinging Bridge parking lot which is about 5 minutes down the road. This parking lot is smaller and tends to fill up by 9-10am so you will have to try your luck here OR go a little bit farther and park on the left on Southside drive (street parking) which is free and then walk back to Swinging Bridge area.
There’s an actual bridge you can go explore (no it’s not swinging anymore) and you will see more reflections of Yosemite Falls on your right. Once you’ve enjoyed the views here head towards your car if it’s parked on Southside drive, till you reach the chapel. If you are parked at Swinging Bridge parking lot then just walk on the pavement toward the chapel. You’ll see more breathtaking views of Yosemite Falls to your left on this stroll, a boardwalk, and then the chapel to your right. These areas were the best spots to get reflection photos of the Yosemite Falls but the water has dried up and the meadows are back as of early August. The falls however still have water!
AFTERNOON
Hikes & Lunch
If you had breakfast at 6am and you are in need of lunch, now is the time to head to Curry Village. Parking might be tough, so you could take a shuttle from the Lower Yosemite Falls shuttle stop (which is right across the street from the chapel). If you’re facing the chapel, turn around and cross the street and walk across to the other side (cross the meadows) to the Lower Yosemite falls shuttle stop. Or just nav your walk to lower yosemite falls on your phone gps if you need directions or use AllTrails.
Either eat at Curry Village or grab food to go and then choose one of the three options below for the afternoon. Alternatively, you can also go back to Cathedral Beach or Swinging Bridge and just find a shady spot to take a nap and beat the heat before attempting one of these options below a little later, before you head back home.
1. Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
From Curry Village, take the shuttle to stop #6 to the Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead.
Hiking Lower Yosemite Falls is an easy hike with parents and amongst the best things to do when you visit Yosemite National Park right now. This trail is a 1 mi round trip loop with a 50 ft elevation gain and is one of the best trails to experience in the park right now. This is the lower half of North America’s tallest waterfall loop. Begin at the lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (view map for nearest shuttle stop). Lower Yosemite Fall is the final 320-foot drop of the Yosemite Falls. Deafening in spring and early summer (till mid-July) when the waterfall peaks in volume, you can expect to get sprayed with water when standing on the footbridge near its base. Tip: Take a water resistant jacket or just a small towel that your parents can use to wipe off, but I don’t expect too much mist now in August.
If walking from the Valley Visitor center, follow the bicycle path to Lower Yosemite Fall shuttle stop and begin the trail. Consider walking the loop in a clockwise direction for best views of Yosemite Falls. If you found parking near the Chapel/Southside drive street parking, then walk across the street, cross the bridge and over to the falls. You can use AllTrails (Download trail maps offline) to get started on this trail.
Parking is not available at the trailhead. Parking is available at the Yosemite Village and Yosemite Falls parking areas.
2. Mist Trail
Add this to the list of things to do in Yosemite National Park because this might be the BEST hike to do right now because of how full these falls are. Depending on how far you hike on this trail, it can be from 1.6mi to 8mi round trip. Elevation gain is 400ft to 2000ft. I took the shuttle to stop #16 and walked over to the Mist Trail trailhead. From here I walked over to the Vernal Falls footbridge at 0.8mi with an elevation gain of 400ft. You don’t get sprayed here and you’ll get a good view of Vernal falls flowing downhill as seen in the pic below. You could easily turn back here if you’re visiting with parents, depending on their fitness levels. If you want to continue farther to see the falls closer OR to the top of the falls or farther to Nevada falls, read my Yosemite blog here that gives an extensive review of this full hike.
3. Mirror Lake Trail
The trailhead to Mirror Lake is right by the Mist Trail trailhead for Vernal/Nevada Falls so get down at shuttle stop #17. This trail is about 2 miles round trip to the lake. It’s not totally flat as there is some elevation on the way to the lake. This might be difficult for some parents and if that’s the case, skip this hike. Once you get to Mirror Lake, there are several shady areas to chill/eat a snack, as well as dip your feet (or more) in the cold lake, which is shallow in many areas for those parents who want to dip their feet. Tip: Take a small towel to wipe off feet, wear decent shoes with some tread so parents don’t slip on the way back which is slightly downhill. A walking stick may be helpful for them in case of knee problems.
EVENING
If you’re tired, then now is the time to head home out of the park. You can stop for dinner once you get outside Yosemite National Park. Getting dinner at Curry Village could take time, especially at the Pizza Deck, which is pretty popular for good reason as hungry park goers like to end their night here, especially if they are staying at the cabin tents in Curry Village. The wait for pizza could be 1+ hour after ordering and the ordering line can be long.
If you still want to watch sunset however, or if you took an afternoon nap and don’t want to hike then:
Glacier Point Road Viewpoint
About 13 miles south of the Valley (Swinging Bridge, Cathedral Beach areas), lies the Glacier Point road. If you have the energy then get to Glacier Point by 5ish to ensure parking and then wait for sunset before heading back home or save this viewpoint for when you have more than one day!
Taft Point Hike
If you relaxed all afternoon, then you can head 13 miles out of the Valley to Glacier Point toward the Taft Point trailhead. Use AllTrails offline maps to navigate yourself to this trailhead. There are two parking lots, park in any of them and use the AllTrails maps to help get yourself on the trail. From the start of the trailhead, the trail is only 1.1 mi to the point from where you can catch sunset. Elevation change is roughly 200ft. The trail is relatively flat and will initially start off exposed (no shade) then take you through a wooded area before opening back out into the open in a slight downhill decline. Tip: Take a hat, plenty of water and snacks if needed. The way back will be uphill so be prepared, take a walking stick for parents if needed or skip this hike based on their fitness levels. Flashlight/headlamps are a must as it gets dark quickly once the sun sets and remember this is bear country so be noisy on your way back to the parking lot.
You have plenty of areas on this hike where you can actually view the sunset. There’s a spot at the end of the 1.1mi route to your right with a railing where you can safely stand and look out over the spectacular views. And just a few minutes farther is this spot below with a series of wide ledges from which you can observe the view. Photographers tend to love these ledges as the scale shots are best from this vantage point. For parents I would recommend the railing spot or any of the spots you come across earlier.
Yosemite – 2 Day Itinerary
If you have two days in Yosemite, then you have a little more room to play with in terms of activities.
Day 1
MORNING
Hike Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
Start your day off with driving into the park by 7am to beat the crowds and ensure parking. Park at Curry Village and help Yosemite with their conservation efforts by taking their free shuttle! Most of the parking areas once you are inside the park are very small. This is mainly due to Yosemite’s conservation efforts to reduce carbon emissions inside the park.
By taking the free shuttle, you are reducing your own carbon footprint (especially in a place with SO much natural beauty), and you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot at all the famous hikes / viewpoints. Click here for all the information about Yosemite’s free shuttle! I’ve listed all the popular shuttle stops here under the Yosemite Attractions section in my Things to do in Yosemite comprehensive blog.
Take the shuttle to stop #16 for your hike. From here I walked over to the Vernal Falls footbridge at 0.8mi with an elevation gain of 400ft. You don’t get sprayed here and you’ll get a good view of Vernal falls flowing downhill as seen in the pic below. You could easily turn back here if you’re visiting with parents, depending on their fitness levels. Or you can continue farther to see the falls from a closer vantage point. This portion will involve a little bit of incline and some steps. The photo in the second pic below was taken from the 5th or 6th step. If you make it this far, and your mom or dad want to go farther to the top then you’re looking at a total 2.4mi round trip and more steps which are steep. Tip: A walking stick may be helpful. A water resistant jacket might be good except this late in August/September I doubt the mist will still be powerful enough to soak anyone. But at least carry a small towel, just in case.
Hike Lower Yosemite Falls
The previous hike should have taken about 2-3 hours depending on how far you go and the pace. If your parents still have the energy and want to do another easy hike, then opt for the lower yosemite falls. Take the shuttle to stop #6. From here follow a mostly flat trail to the footbridge to see the lower falls. It’s a 1mi round trip loop and a 50 ft in elevation gain.
AFTERNOON
If you’re staying inside the valley in an airbnb or at the Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge, or Curry Village, you could potentially head back to your accommodations for lunch and a nap. You can either cook lunch at your airbnb or buy lunch at your hotel/nap or grab lunch at Curry Village and head back to your airbnb for that nap. I know my parents enjoy an afternoon nap!
Alternatively if you have a van and are planning to cook lunch you could cook in the parking lot and walk over to Swinging Bridge or Cathedral Beach picnic area and just have your lunch there along with a nap! Afternoons are too hot to really hike and with parents, I wouldn’t recommend any major hiking in the heat.
EVENING
After your afternoon rest, head out to Tunnel View for sunset!
This viewpoint is only a 15 minute drive from the valley, and is not a hike. You just park the car and walk to the viewing area. Get here a little early so you can be assured of parking. This parking lot is not huge, so it might fill up fast as many photographers enjoy filming this area for sunset.
At this viewpoint, you get to see the entire Yosemite Valley including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Falls!
Day 2
MORNING
Cathedral Beach/Valley View Scenic Viewpoints
Head into the valley by 8am and park directly at Cathedral Beach parking lot. Alternatively if you want to catch sunrise, come in by 6am and head to Valley View. Feel free to bring your camp chairs and settle down for a show. Bridalveil falls will be flowing to your right while the sun flare will hit El Cap on the left. The Merced river flows merrily along in front of you providing a spectacular scenery worthy of any morning. Once you’re done with Valley View, drive over to Cathedral Beach and park in the parking lot. Enjoy the morning here, bring your swimsuit if you want a cold dip, beware of currents.
Swinging Bridge/Chapel
From Cathedral make your way to Swinging Bridge. If the parking lot is full, then drive 5 minutes down and park on Southside Drive where there’s street parking. Check out Swinging Bridge and then stroll toward the chapel. You’ll see views of Upper Yosemite Falls to your left.
After strolling head to lunch at Curry Village. You can grab a shuttle at the shuttle stop #6 (which is across the boardwalk from the chapel) by the lower Yosemite falls and get to curry village. Enjoy a delicious pizza at the Pizza Deck or other foods at the Meadow Grill.
AFTERNOON
Wawona Meadows
When you visit Yosemite, Wawona meadows is a good option if you have time and want to relax in the meadows. You’ll have to pick up your car to drive to this meadow. It’s a mostly flat loop around the edge of one of Yosemite’s largest meadows. It’s also one of the best places in the park to go for a run, and one of the few trails in Yosemite where dogs and bicycles are allowed. From the Yosemite south entrance, turn left and drive 4.6 miles (7.4 km) to the Wawona Hotel. From Yosemite Valley, take Highway 41 for 21 miles (34 km) to the same location. The anticlockwise trailhead is directly across the road from the entrance to the Wawona Hotel parking lot. You can find parking at this parking lot.
EVENING
Relax and take the shuttle back to Cathedral Beach (stop #10) picnic area to get your car and head back home if you decide to skip Wawona meadows. Alternatively, you can go to Glacier Point (no hike) for sunset before driving back home.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in the park for one day or for multiple days, there are plenty of things to do to enjoy the magnificence of this national park. For a more detailed look at what to do in Yosemite, please visit my blog here. Let me know if you found this blog helpful! Have a great time when you visit Yosemite!
