Yosemite Complete - 3-Day Adventure
The ultimate Yosemite experience: Valley icons, Glacier Point vistas, Mariposa Grove giant sequoias, and optional Half Dome views from North Dome. Expert pacing for photographers and nature lovers.
Unscheduled
Tunnel View Sunrise
Watch sunrise light sweep across the valley from this iconic viewpoint.
Arrive before dawn for best light. Coffee available in the valley after.
Glacier Point Sunrise
Stunning sunrise over Half Dome from 3,200 feet above the valley floor. One of the greatest views in America.
Road opens late May typically. Check road status. Bring layers - cold at altitude!
Bridalveil Fall
Short 0.5-mile walk to the base of 617-foot Bridalveil Fall. Often creates rainbows in the mist.
Prepare to get wet in spring! Light spray year-round.
Sentinel Dome Hike
2.2-mile roundtrip to a granite dome with 360-degree views. One of the easiest summit hikes in the park.
The famous Jeffrey Pine died, but views are still spectacular.
Tenaya Lake
Crystal-clear high-country lake along Tioga Road. Perfect for photos or a quick swim (cold!).
Tioga Road open late May-October. Check status before driving.
El Capitan Meadow
Best ground-level view of the world's most famous big wall. Look for climbers!
Bring binoculars. Climbers on the Nose route are often visible.
Yosemite Falls Loop
1-mile loop to the base of North America's tallest waterfall.
Peak flow in May-June. By August, may be reduced to a trickle.
Olmsted Point
Unique view of Half Dome's back side, plus Tenaya Canyon and surrounding granite.
Marmots live in the rocks - fun to watch but don't feed them.
Taft Point
2.2-mile roundtrip to dramatic fissures and a dizzying overlook. El Capitan views.
Not for those afraid of heights! Careful near edges - no railings.
North Dome Trail (Optional)
9-mile roundtrip to the best face-on view of Half Dome. For experienced hikers.
Alternative: shorter hike to viewpoints along the trail. Bring lunch.
Valley Visitor Center & Lunch
Explore the visitor center, Ansel Adams Gallery, and museum. Grab lunch at Village Grill.
Don't miss the Ansel Adams Gallery - free admission, stunning prints for sale.
Wawona Lunch
Historic Wawona Hotel with classic dining room. Perfect stop en route to Mariposa Grove.
Try the patio for outdoor dining. Historic property worth exploring.
Cook's Meadow Loop
Easy 1-mile meadow loop with views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Sentinel Rock.
Mule deer often graze here. Keep distance from wildlife.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Over 500 mature giant sequoias including the Grizzly Giant (1,800+ years old). Multiple loop options.
Take shuttle from parking area. Grizzly Giant Loop is 2 miles; full grove is 7 miles.
Mirror Lake
5-mile loop with Half Dome reflections. Lake is best in spring.
Calm water = better reflections. Best in early morning or evening.
Tuolumne Meadows
Vast high-country meadow at 8,600 feet. Different world from the valley.
Visitor center and grill open summer only. Great wildflowers in July.
Return via Tioga Road
Stop at Glacier Point on the way back for sunset if time allows.
Allow 1.5-2 hours from Tuolumne to valley.
Valley View Sunset
El Capitan glows orange at sunset. Merced River reflections add magic.
Return to Valley for Sunset
Watch sunset paint El Capitan from the meadow.
Different sunset every night - never gets old.