Think Yosemite is just big cliffs and waterfalls? There’s way more to explore than most visitors realize. From steep hikes with epic views to peaceful river beaches, wooden bridges, and tucked-away meadows, this 3-day itinerary gives you a little bit of everything. You’ll hit the famous landmarks, catch a few sunset photo ops, and still have time to relax by the water. If you’re planning a trip and want something more than the usual checklist, this guide covers the best stops to make the most of your time in the park.
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Planning your trip to Yosemite? Save with the Annual National Parks Pass. We visited 4+ parks for only $80 last year, saving $53! Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals:
📸 Best Tours In Yosemite National Park:
- 6-Day Yosemite Backpacking (skip the lines, crowds and permits!)
- Jeep 4×4 Yosemite Park Tour (avoid parking and sold-out tickets)
- Experience Yosemite: Beginner or Advanced Photography Lesson
- Private Full Day Fly Fishing For Beginners and Experienced Anglers
- Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour (full day with hotel pickup)
😴 Best Hotels In Yosemite:
- Curry Village (💲) (around 1 mile from Vernal Falls Trail)
- Yosemite Valley Lodge (💲💲) (13-min walk to Lower Yosemite Falls)
- The Ahwahnee (💲💲💲) (20-min walk to Yosemite Village)
🚘 Best Car Rental: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)
Yosemite Falls Trail
Start your Yosemite trip with one of the most famous hikes in the park. The trail takes you up to Columbia Rock for amazing views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Upper Yosemite Falls. You can keep going to the very top, but the Columbia Rock section is a great option if you want a solid hike without spending all day on the trail. It’s about 3 miles roundtrip and takes 3-6 hours.
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
After your hike, take it slow and head to Lower Yosemite Falls. This flat, paved trail is just 1 mile long and is easy for everyone. You’ll get a close-up view of the bottom of North America’s tallest waterfall. The trail is shady, peaceful, and takes about an hour.
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Tunnel View at Sunset
End your first day with a classic view. From Tunnel View, you can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, all glowing in the sunset. It’s one of the most famous photo spots in Yosemite.
Cathedral Beach
The next day, take things easier. Start with a stop at Cathedral Picnic Area. This riverside spot has views of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Three Brothers. The Cathedral Picnic Area is located on Southside Drive. It’s the first stop on Southside Drive and since it is one-way, make sure to stop here first before driving into Yosemite Valley. Otherwise, you would have to drive the entire loop of the valley if you can to visit the Cathedral Picnic Area later.
Sentinel Beach
The second stop on Southside Drive is the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area. Here you can get views of the Upper Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Rock, and also a very close-up view of Eagle Peak – one of the Three Brothers.
Swinging Bridge
If you’re looking for a reflection view of the Upper Yosemite Falls on the Merced River, the Swinging Bridge is the perfect spot. This Swinging Bridge is popular for swimming during the summer while gazing upon the Upper Yosemite Falls. You can also picnic at the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area.
Yosemite Chapel
When I first saw the Yosemite Chapel, it reminded me of an old schoolhouse. The building was designed with simple architecture and New England style in mind. Built in 1879, it’s the oldest building in use in the Yosemite Valley. It’s listed under the National Register of Historic Places. While it’s a place of worship, it’s also a popular wedding venue with the chapel seating 250 people.
Mirror Lake Trail
Spend your afternoon at hiking the Mirror Lake trail. You’ll see views of Tenaya Creek, Washington Column, and Half Dome on the way. Once at the trailhead, there are two trails: a paved trail on the left and an unpaved trail on the right. In spring and early summer, the lake reflects Half Dome. By late summer, it turns into a meadow. The loop is about 2 miles and takes 2 hours, with both paved and dirt trail options.
Sentinel Bridge at Sunset
The Sentinel Bridge is another perfect place to watch the sunset but with a focus on the Half Dome. The sun paints Half Dome golden and casts a beautiful reflection on the Merced River below. Arrive asap for a spot since it gets crowded.
Scenic Turnouts on Big Oak Flat Road
On your last day, explore some quick but beautiful spots (named B1, B2 and B3) as you drive into the valley. At Half Dome View, you’ll see it framed by cliffs and trees. Merced River View looks down on the river and shows off Bridalveil Fall. At Cascade Creek, walk onto the bridge to see waterfalls on both sides.
El Capitan
Next, stop at El Capitan. You can see it from the bridge or walk through the meadow below. The giant granite wall rises 3,000 feet and is popular with climbers. It’s around 3 times as high as the Empire State Building.
Hanging Valley Viewpoint
At the Hanging Valley Viewpoint, you’ll see the Bridalveil Falls below the upper valley of Bridalveil Creek. It’s called ‘Hanging Valley’ since over time as glaciers cut into the granite rocks, the upper Bridalveil creek was left hanging higher than the valley level.
Bridalveil Falls Trail
Take the short, half-mile trail to see Bridalveil Falls up close. Bridalveil Falls is a 620-foot high waterfall. In the spring or early summer, you will get wet when standing near it! It flows all year, and in spring, it’s especially powerful.
Valley View
End your trip with one of the best views in the park. Yosemite Valley View is a beautiful view that gives you another perspective of the views from Tunnel View but the ground level. You’ll see El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, and the Merced River all in one place.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
39 Yosemite Viewpoints That Will Leave You Speechless
Yosemite vs. Sequoia: Which Is Better from a Hiker
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