Single Day Itinerary: If You Have Only One Day To Spend In Yosemite, Do This
You could spend weeks in Yosemite and still have plenty of new country to see, but such an extended trip is a luxury most visitors rarely enjoy. Indeed, you may have but a day in Yosemite: a precious few hours to soak in this park’s internationally celebrated scenery.
Well, don’t fear: Any moment in Yosemite is an unforgettable one. Here’s a sample single day itinerary based out of Scenic Wonders to suggest some possibilities. The hypothetical trip covers about 91 miles with an estimated 3 hours and 12 minutes of driving time.
The Gameplan
You can’t start your day without breakfast, so enjoy one whipped up in your own Scenic Wonders cabin kitchen as you anticipate what’s ahead. Then tool up one of Yosemite’s most magnificent routes—Glacier Point Road—to the astonishing view from Taft Point. This noble 7,500-foot perch gives you a cloudtop perspective of Yosemite Valley and world-famous El Capitan.
Then commune with Yosemite’s titans: the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove. One of the oldest and handsomest is the Grizzly Giant, a craggy behemoth that’s been soaring skyward here for several thousand years—it’s an honor to wander in the Giant’s shadow!
Returning from the Grove you won't be far from Yosemite West, so swing by Scenic Wonders for lunch refueling. (Your brain will likely be pleasantly spinning with images of El Capitan and the Grizzly Giant.)
Head toward Yosemite Valley in the afternoon and take in the spectacular Tunnel View, one of the park’s most beloved vistas. You’ll cherish the almost unbelievably beautiful prospect, which includes a different side of El Capitan.
Then it’s time to return to lofty Glacier Point for the sunset: There are few better places on the continent to be at that hour. You can check out this website to find the exact sunset schedule for any given day.
Reflecting on Your Adventure
After soaking in the sky show, return to Scenic Wonders for dinner. And don’t be surprised if your well-earned slumber includes a dreamy replay of your remarkable one-day Yosemite adventure!