EXPLORE YOSEMITE
VISITING THE PARK
Yosemite Destinations
Yosemite National Park is truly a world class destination with unsurpassed scenic beauty, rich natural history and endless opportunities for exploration. Many of the iconic locations with stunning views can be accessed by car, but the most compelling experiences are often found walking on the trails that cover hundreds of miles throughout the park.
What follows below are example itineraries for visiting the park on your own.
During the summer months, Yosemite has enacted a reservation policy, required for entry. Details and reservations can be found here. If visiting the area and day use permits cannot be secured, it is still possible to enter the park on a commercial trip from one of the local guiding companies.
SITES TO SEE
1 Day in Yosemite
Hands down, Yosemite Valley is the most popular destination in Yosemite. In one day, you can easily see all the famous sites, as well as an added drive to Glacier Point. And if you are ambitious enough, you can even squeeze in a hike.
- Tunnel View
- Bridalveil Falls
- Merced River
- Half Dome
- Ahwahnee Hotel
- Lower Yosemite Falls
- Mirror Lake
- El Capitan
- Valley View
- Glacier Point
- Sentinel Dome (hike)
- Mist Trail (hike)
- Taft Point (hike)
SITES TO SEE
2 Days in Yosemite
Spending two days in the Park is special – You can go in any direction and see landscapes that are different from the day before. If Tioga Pass is open (Highway 120 East) we highly recommend this scenic drive. This high elevation pass reaches almost 10,000 ft (3,031 m) and is closed in the winter. Below are sites along the way, as well as trails that are accessible from Tioga Road.
- Olmsted Point
- Tenaya Lake
- Tuolumne Meadows
- May Lake (easy hike)
- North Dome (moderate hike)
- Clouds Rest (moderate-difficult hike)
- Mount Hoffman (moderate-difficult)
- Mount Dana (difficult hike)
SITES TO SEE
3 Days in Yosemite
If you have three days in Yosemite, lucky you! Consider adding a trip over Tioga Pass to the east side of the Sierra. The ghost town of Bodie is about three hours from the Ranch, but well worth the drive. Below are just a few more highlights to fill your days. Some guests have even taken advantage of a “rest” day at the Ranch!
- Mariposa Grove of Sequoia Trees (hike options)
- Tuolumne Grove of Sequoia Trees (hike)
- Merced Grove of Sequoia Trees (hike)
- Hetchy Hetchy Reservoir (hike options)
- Mono Lake (east side)
- Bodie State Park (east side)
- Gaylor Lakes Basin (hike)
- Lembert Dome (hike)