Yosemite Itinerary: 2 Epic Days of Hiking & Views

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 2-day Yosemite National Park itinerary, with hiking routes, camping advice, gear tips, and photo highlights for anyone planning their adventure in the Sierra.

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

Yosemite announced all campgrounds are expected to reopen for Summer 2025, so there should be plenty of options. Watch for cancellations a few days before your trip; that’s usually how I land my campsites.

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

• Yosemite Valley Lodge: Located on the Valley floor. Great for quick access to trailheads. I stayed there in January and loved it!
• 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. Check out my curated outdoor gear shop for more info on each item!

🥾 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

📷 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

Yosemite National Park 2-Day Itinerary

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

My 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 arrived at Tunnel View around 6:30 pm for a quick stop to take 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, Sentinel Dome, and Hike Down Via Mist Trail

Take the 8:30 AM Glacier Point shuttle from outside Yosemite Valley Lodge. It’s a great option if you want to soak up Glacier Point’s views and then hike back to the Valley, highly recommended.

👉 Book your one-way Glacier Point tour online here, or at the lodge’s front desk

The drive takes about 90 minutes, with the driver sharing fun Yosemite facts and 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 spotted climbers halfway up the wall!

Once at Glacier Point, take your time exploring the stunning views, then hike up to Sentinel Dome to really feel on top of Yosemite.

Head back to Glacier Point, grab lunch at the store, and enjoy a scenic meal with Half Dome as your backdrop.

After lunch, take the Panorama Trail down, link up with the John Muir Trail, then finish via the Mist Trail back to the valley at Happy Isles. Once at Happy Isles, you can take the free shuttle to wherever you’re staying.

Sentinel Dome Hike from Glacier Point

Click the map below for the full map and latest details on AllTrails.

The official trailhead is on Glacier Point Road, but you can actually hike up to Sentinel Dome from the Glacier Point parking lot, where the shuttle drops you off.

• Trail Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 900 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.

Panorama Trail Hike from Glacier Point to Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley

Click the map below for the full details on AllTrails.

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. Upon my return to the valley floor, I only waited a few minutes before catching the green Yosemite shuttle back to Camp 4.

Day 2: Yosemite Valley Loop Hike + Bear Encounter

Click the map below for the full details on AllTrails.

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.

FAQ about Yosemite National Park

How many days do you need in Yosemite National Park?

While you could spend a week exploring Yosemite, a well-planned 2-day itinerary can cover major highlights like Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, Mist Trail, and the Yosemite Valley Loop, which also includes several waterfalls.

Is it safe to hike alone in Yosemite?

Yes, solo hiking in Yosemite is generally safe if you’re prepared and stick to well-traveled trails. Always let someone know your plan and carry essentials like a Garmin or a map.

Can I visit Yosemite without a reservation?

Yosemite often requires reservations during peak season, especially for entrance and for campgrounds. Check out the latest entrance requirements here. Even if you didn’t plan your Yosemite trip several weeks or months ahead, last-minute cancellations happen frequently. Check Recreation.gov a few days before your trip.

When is the best time to hike in Yosemite?

Late spring (May–June) and fall (September–October) offer ideal conditions, cooler temps, flowing waterfalls, and fewer crowds compared to summer.

What’s the best hike in Yosemite for beginners?

The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall is a popular choice for new hikers. It’s short but scenic, with waterfalls, granite steps, and epic views. It can be quite strenuous, though, and it may not be recommended for younger kids.

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.

Post originally published on June 3, 2025, and last updated on September 25, 2025.