Itinerary · 2 days · California
2 Days in Yosemite National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Yosemite National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Closest major airport: Fresno (FAT), about 1.5–2 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Take in Tunnel View.
- Evening: Drive Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Look out from Glacier Point.
- Afternoon: See the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias.
Arrive before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to beat valley traffic, and stay inside the park so you don't spend hours driving in.
When to go
The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is May–June and September–October.
Questions
How many days do you need in Yosemite National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: hike the mist trail to vernal fall and take in tunnel view on day one, then look out from glacier point on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Yosemite itinerary?
Go in May–Jun, Sep–Oct, when the park is rated at its best. September and October offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Yosemite in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss look out from glacier point. Two days is the sweet spot.