I was supposed to return to Yosemite National Park with friends in mid-May, but I decided to go alone after a personal loss. I needed the kind of quiet only the mountains can offer, and Yosemite delivered. From hiking solo down from Glacier Point to an unforgettable bear encounter, this trip gave me exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Here’s my full 3-day itinerary, hiking routes, gear tips, and photo highlights.

Yosemite National Park Trip Overview

• Type of Trip: Solo Car Camping + Hiking
• Location: Yosemite National Park, California
• Dates: Mid-May
• Base Camp: Camp 4 (3 nights)
• Trip Style: Low-budget, DIY, with optional guided tours

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

If Camp 4 or other campgrounds are booked or you’re not into camping, consider these options nearby:

• Yosemite Valley Lodge – Closest to the Valley floor. Great for quick access to trailheads.
• Yosemite View Lodge – Located in El Portal, about a 30-minute drive to Yosemite Valley.
• Rush Creek Lodge – Beautiful rustic-modern stay just outside the Big Oak Flat entrance.
• AutoCamp Yosemite – Airstream glamping meets national park chic.

Tours Worth Booking (Especially If You’re New to Yosemite)

One-Way Glacier Point Bus Tour

Best for: Hikers who want to explore Glacier Point and hike back down to Yosemite Valley
I took this 90-minute bus ride up to Glacier Point — and loved it! Along the way, our driver shared fun Yosemite facts and even made a stop at El Capitan so we could watch climbers in action.
Tip: Opt for the round-trip version if you don’t want to hike back down. You’ll get a bonus stop at the iconic Tunnel View on the return drive.

5-Day Yosemite Backpacking – Amazing Sunsets!

Best for: First-time backpackers looking for a beginner-friendly backcountry trip
This five-day guided adventure was magical. The hikes were manageable, the scenery was stunning, and all the gear was provided. We camped in a small group, hiked, swam, and chilled under star-filled skies. The sunsets? Unreal.

Guided Mist Trail Hike

Best for: Visitors wanting a short, guided day hike with waterfall views
On this 4-hour hike, you’ll climb up Yosemite’s iconic Mist Trail to Vernal Fall. Expect misty granite steps, jaw-dropping views, and fun nature facts from your guide. You can loop back via the John Muir Trail for even more scenery.

Gear I Used + Recommend for Yosemite National Park

Here’s what I packed and loved for this trip.

📷 Camera Setup

• Sony A7IV
• Sony FE 24-70 mm F2.8 GM Lens
• Sony FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM Lens
• Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter
• Sturdy Tripod
• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
• Lightweight Tripod
• Peak Design Capture Clip

🥾 Hiking Gear

• Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoes (read my full review here!)
• Hyperlite Elevate 22 Backpack
• Osprey 2.5L Reservoir
• Garmin Inreach 67i
• Microspikes
• Trekking Poles

🏕️ Camp Essentials

• Mountain Hardwear Mineral King Tent
• Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
• Thermarest Z Lite Sol Pad
• Feathered Friends Lark Sleeping Bag
• Big Agnes Tent Comforter
• Black Diamond Headlamp

Need a full Yosemite packing list? Click here for my essentials checklist blog post

Day-by-Day Yosemite National Park Itinerary

Day 0: Late Arrival, Camp 4 Setup + Tunnel View

The day started a little chaotically. I slept through my alarm and didn’t leave San Diego until 11 am, about four hours later than planned. I made it to Tunnel View around 6:30 pm for a quick stop to soak in that iconic Yosemite Valley vista. The lighting wasn’t ideal, and I couldn’t stay for sunset, but it’s still one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the park.

I arrived at Camp 4 around 7:30 pm. Even though it was after hours, check-in was easy. Since the parking is now restricted to campers only, I had no trouble finding a spot. The rangers had taped a printout to the check-in booth with my assigned campsite, so I was able to set up right away.

Camp 4 is the birthplace of rock climbing in Yosemite and is now part of the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a no-frills campground with shared space and a sense of history that adds to the whole Yosemite vibe.

Day 1: Glacier Point Bus + Sunset Hike Down Via Mist Trail

I started the morning slowly, checking in with the ranger to confirm my next two nights. I had two separate reservations, but luckily they let me stay in the same campsite for all three nights; huge win!

After grabbing lunch at Base Camp Eatery (inside Yosemite Valley Lodge), I booked a last-minute 1:30 PM Glacier Point shuttle. This is a one-way ticket for hikers who want to enjoy the views up top and hike back down, highly recommended! (The other option is the 8:30 AM shuttle, which I’d suggest if you want to explore more trails from Glacier Point. A one-way ticket costs $26.)

The drive up took around 90 minutes, with the driver sharing fun facts and Yosemite history along the way. Tip: Sit on the right side of the bus for the best views; most of the highlights, like El Capitan, are on that side. We even saw climbers halfway up the wall!

• Pro Tip: Book the 8:30 a.m. bus if you want time for more trails from the top
• Cost: $26 one way
• Where to Sit: Right side of the bus for the best views!

Once at Glacier Point around 3 PM, I spent about 90 minutes taking photos and soaking in the views. I didn’t have enough time to hike Sentinel Dome, but it’s just a mile up if you start earlier.

Hiking from Glacier Point to Happy Isles

At 4:30 PM, I began the hike back down via the Panorama Trail, connecting to the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Mist Trail.

📏 Distance: 9 miles
⏱ Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate
🦌 Wildlife spotted: 2 deer on the trail!

The trail winds through epic views of Half Dome from different angles, crosses the Merced River, and links up with the JMT before descending to Clark Point, Vernal Fall, and the Mist Trail.

By the time I got to Vernal Fall, the sun was almost setting, and I had the entire waterfall and Mist Trail completely to myself. It was magical. I returned to the valley floor by 8:15 PM and only waited a few minutes before catching the green Yosemite shuttle back to Camp 4.

Day 2: Yosemite Valley Loop Hike + Bear Encounter

I hiked 15 miles around Yosemite Valley, hiking counterclockwise from Camp 4 on the Valley Loop Trail. I passed:

• El Capitan
• Horsetail Fall
• Valley View
• Bridalveil Fall
• Sentinel Bridge
• Yosemite Village

And then: a black bear! Just past Bridalveil Fall, I turned a corner and came face-to-face with one on the trail. We locked eyes for a few seconds. I didn’t reach for my camera until later; I just stood still and let the moment be.

I returned to camp, took a quick nap, and headed back out to shoot sunset near Sentinel Bridge.

Day 3: Sentinel Dome + Farewell Views

On my way out of Yosemite (en route to Joshua Tree), I drove back up to Glacier Point to finally hike Sentinel Dome.

• Trail Distance: ~2.2 miles round-trip
• Elevation: 8,127 ft
• Views: 360-degree panoramas of Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls

There was still a little snow in mid-May to reach the top of the dome, but the trail was clear and the views were unreal.

Final Thoughts on Yosemite National Park

This Yosemite trip reminded me why I keep coming back to wild places. Every mile on the trail, every granite face glowing at golden hour, every quiet moment by the river, felt like a reset. Whether hiking down from Glacier Point at sunset or crossing paths with a bear on the Valley Loop, Yosemite National Park gave me moments I’ll never forget. It’s a place that asks nothing of you but presence, and in return, offers something rare: perspective, wonder, and awe. If you’re craving open skies, long trails, and jaw-dropping views, Yosemite will show up for you, too.