Perfect 2-Day Summer Itinerary for Yosemite National Park
Hi friends! One of the most common questions I recieve from my adventure-seeking audience is if I have a 2-day itinerary for a weekend in Yosemite National Park. So this week I’m thrilled to partner with HORIZON by Yosemite to share a perfect trip schedule for an unforgettable 2 days in this magnificent park. Join me below for a step-by-step itinerary, detailing some of the most incredible hiking and breathtaking views in all of Yosemite.
Yosemite views from Roosevelt Point along Pohono Loop Trail
Picking a Home Base
When planning any Yosemite adventure, your desired destinations should be a consideration in determining where you stay and what park entrance you’ll be using, especially if you’re limited to a 2-day or weekend itinerary. This is extremely important to optimize your schedule and reduce the amount of time spent in your car.
If you’re spending the majority of your time in the Yosemite Valley, there are only a few hotels and campgrounds in the valley (which are great), but they usually fill up very quickly and can be quite expensive. When staying outside the park, El Portal and Midpines are great spots to find a hotel or rental property, since they provide the quickest access to Yosemite Valley.
For the itinerary I’m sharing today, we’re staying at HORIZON by Yosemite, a beautiful property in Midpines that is only 25 miles from the Arch Rock Entrance just west of Yosemite Valley. This property boasts a luxurious villa with 5 suites, unique amenities and daily breakfast options making it a wonderful homebase for any Yosemite Valley adventure.
Yosemite is a wonderful park to explore year round and this week’s itinerary is best enjoyed from late Spring though late Fall (as Glacier Point Road closes in the Winter due to snow and shorter days limit your daylight hour exploring time...so this Summer is the perfect time to enjoy this schedule.
Nevada Fall seen from Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park
Day 1: Roaring Waterfalls & Valley Vistas
After getting checked into the beautiful property at HORIZON by Yosemite the night before, we start our first day bright and early, heading into Yosemite National Park via the Arch Rock Entrance near El Portal along Highway 140.
Sunrise at Valley View (late August) in Yosemite National Park
Sunrise at Valley View (late July) in Yosemite National Park
6:00am - 7:00am
Sunrise at Valley View
We kick off our adventure with a breathtaking sunrise at Valley View in Yosemite Valley (also known as “Gates of the Valley”). As the first light of day touches the towering granite cliffs, the Merced River reflects the serene beauty of El Capitan, the Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall, offering a picture-perfect start to our journey. In late July, the position of the sunrise lines up perfectly in between the granite formations above the Merced...and keep an eye out for deer along the riverbanks who frequently graze here in the early morning hours.
Hiking: No hiking is needed here since the viewpoint is right next to the parking area, but you can hop on the Valley Loop Trail just across the street from the parking lot for 12 miles of wonderful valley hiking.
For more info on this spot, check out my full Valley View Visitor’s Guide.
Vernal Fall along the Mist Trail in Yosemite
Brink of Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park
7:00am-2:00pm
Hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls
Next, we drive along the scenic Southside Drive through the valley towards Happy Isles, where we’ll embark on the Mist Trail, one of Yosemite's most popular hikes. Our path leads us across the Vernal Fall Footbridge and to the base of the roaring Vernal Fall, where the misty spray refreshes us as we ascend the staircase carved into the granite gorge often adorned with rainbows this time of year. We'll enjoy the sights from the brink of the waterfall before taking a lunch break in the shade by the peaceful Emerald Pool. From here we’ll stroll beside the rushing waters sliding down the Silver Apron, and continue up the switchbacks beside Nevada Fall until we finally reach the brink. The panoramic views from the top are worth every step of the 2000 feet in ascent. The good news is it’s almost all downhill back to the valley floor.
The full Mist Trail hike to Nevada Fall is generally considered a challenging hike, so depending on your skill level you may only want to hike to the top of Vernal Fall (which is still a wonderful adventure).
Hiking to top of Vernal Fall: 3.5 miles RT, 1000 feet elevation, Moderate
Hiking to top of Nevada Fall: 7+ miles, 2000 feet elevation, Strenuous
For more on this epic Yosemite hike, check out my full Mist Trail blog post.
Lower Yosemite Falls seen from footbridge
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Easy Hike to Lower Yosemite Falls
After our exhilarating hike, we'll take a short drive across the valley to the Yosemite Falls area. Here, we'll head out on a gentle stroll to the footbridge at the base of Lower Yosemite Falls as we take in the sheer grandeur of North America's tallest waterfall. The short, easy trail is a perfect way to relax after our morning adventure.
Hiking: 1 mile loop, 50 feet elevation, Easy
For more info on this easy hike, check out my full Lower Yosemite Falls blog post.
Galen Clark headstone & sequoia trees at the Yosemite Cemetery
Indian Village at Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Exploring & Dining at Yosemite Village
Next on our agenda, we’ll stroll through the nearby Yosemite Village to learn more about this park’s rich history. Here we’ll find the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center, the Ansel Adams Gallery, the Yosemite Museum, the Yosemite Cemetery (which is home to a few giant sequoia trees), and the Indian Village of Ahwahnee, a wonderful place to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the native Ahwahneechee people that called this valley home for centuries. Afterward, we'll grab an early supper at Degnan's Kitchen, a cozy spot offering a variety of yummy options (grab a bag of Yosemite’s Cookies to go — the Lavender Nibbles are my favorite).
Other nearby spots to enjoy dinner are:
• Curry Village: Taqueria @ The Meadow Grill, Pizza Deck
• Ahwahnee Hotel: Dining Room, Bar
• Yosemite Valley Lodge: Base Camp Eatery, The Mountain Room Lounge
Sunset spenglow on Half Dome seen from Tunnel View
Tunnel View sunset in Yosemite National Park
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunset at Tunnel View
As the day winds down, we’ll drive over to Tunnel View for a magical sunset. This iconic scene of Half Dome framed by El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall bathing in warm sunset hues is truly a sight to behold. With the sun setting behind us, we get to enjoy the aspenglow creep up the granite features towering over the valley...and if there are clouds in the sky, we’ll be treated to a rich spectrum of golds and pinks slowly burn above this majestic landscape (this is also a wonderful spot for stargazing in the park).
Hiking: No hiking is needed here since the viewpoint is right next to the parking area, but if you’d like to hike and enjoy similar views without the crowds, you can hike from Tunnel View to either Artist Point or Inspiration Point.
For more info on this top Yosemite viewpoint, check out my full Tunnel View Visitor’s Guide.
Stargazing from Tunnel View with the Milky Way & Jupiter
Milky Way over HORIZON by Yosemite and the Glacier Room Stargazing Bubble
Stargazing at HORIZON by Yosemite
Whether it’s in the park at Tunnel View or back at your hotel, I highly recommend spending some time soaking in the night sky. The dark skies of the Sierra Nevada offer a perfect opportunity for stargazing. For me, I’m opting to return to HORIZON by Yosemite where the luxury of our suite awaits. From the Stargazing Bubble of the Glacier Room’s patio, we’ll unwind and watch the Milky Way stretch across the heavens, reflecting on the day's adventures and the ones that await us on Day 2.
For more info on this luxurious villa, check out my full HORIZON by Yosemite property review.
Complimentary breakfast at HORIZON by Yosemite
Day 2: Panoramic Overlooks & Clifftop Trails
After a peaceful night’s rest in our suite, we start our second day with a delightful complimentary breakfast at HORIZON by Yosemite — provided juices, coffee, tea, fresh fruit, pastries and breakfast sandwiches are the perfect fuel for another epic day of exploration. Jumping back in our car and entering the park via the Arch Rock Entrance, Day 2 starts by heading up Glacier Point Road.
Half Dome, Mist Trail & High Sierra seen from Glacier Point
Yosemite Falls seen from Glacier Point
9:00am - 10:30am
Morning Views from Glacier Point
Our first destination is found at the very end of the 16-mile Glacier Point Road. Shortly after driving around the famous horseshoe bend we’ll arrive at Glacier Point. Perched high above the Yosemite Valley, this area is known for its unparalleled panoramic views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the sprawling High Sierra. You also get a great bird’s eye view of Vernal and Nevada Falls along the Mist Trail we embarked on the previous morning.
Hiking: 0.5 mile RT, 20 feet elevation, Easy
For more info on this epic Yosemite destination, check out my full Glacier Point Visitor’s Guide.
Half Dome profile view from Washburn Point
Illilouette Falls & Panorama Trail seen from Washburn Point
10:30am - 11:00am
Quick Stop at Washburn Point
Just a mile from Glacier Point we’ll find Washburn Point. This overlook makes for a great quick stop to soak in more views of the Mist Trail below, as well as Illiluoette Falls off to the right. This viewpoint also provides a perfect profile perspective of Half Dome towering above the valley below.
Hiking: No hiking is needed here since the viewpoint is right next to the parking area.
Panoramic Yosemite views with Half Dome seen from Sentinel Dome
El Capitan & Yosemite Valley seen from Roosevelt Point
Taft Point with El Capitan across the valley in Yosemite National Park
11:00am - 5:00pm
Pohono Loop Trail to Sentinel Dome, Roosevelt Point & Taft Point
A few miles down the road we’ll find the parking area and trailhead for Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. Most visitors head to one or the other, but few guests realize you can combine both of these destinations into one epic loop with a section of the historic Pohono Trail. From the trailhead, we first head to the right, hiking up to Sentinel Dome, where a full 360º view awaits, showcasing the vastness of Yosemite in every direction. It’s one of the few spots in the park where you can grab views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome, the 3 most iconic and famous landmarks in Yosemite. We'll then follow the Pohono Trail along the southern rim of the valley to Roosevelt Point, one of the most underrated and unknown viewpoints in the park. Gazing down the valley at El Capitan and the Cathedral Rocks, this makes for a perfect spot to pause for a picnic lunch with some of the best views in all of Yosemite. Continuing on, we reach Taft Point, known for its dramatic clifftop ledges, massive granite fissures, and spectacular Yosemite views. Then, it’s just one mile back to the trailhead.
The Pohono Loop Trail is generally considered a moderate Yosemite hike, so depending on your endurance and skill level you can pick just the hike to Taft Point or Sentinel Dome for an easier option.
Hiking to Sentinel Dome: 2.25 miles, 500 feet, Easy
Hiking to Taft Point: 2.5 miles RT, 200 feet elevation, Easy
Hiking Pohono Loop: 5 miles RT, 1000 feet elevation, Moderate
For more info on this epic Yosemite hike, check out my full Pohono Loop Trail blog post.
Summit Meadow wildflowers along Glacier Point Road in Yosemite
5:00pm - 5:30pm
Wildflowers at Summit Meadow
After completing our hike, we'll continue to drive back down Glacier Point Road, stopping to enjoy the wildflowers at Summit Meadow right off the road, which is also a great spot to watch for wildlife strolling through the meadow. If time allows and you still have gas left in the tank, you can hike the McGurk Meadow Trail, which provides incredible wildflower views in early Summer on your way to an old sheepherder’s cabin. The vibrant blooms provide a colorful contrast to the rugged landscape we’ve experienced all day.
Hiking to McGurk Meadow: 3.5 miles RT, 460 feet elevation change, Easy to Moderate
Swim spa pool at sunset at HORIZON by Yosemite
Firepit & patio at HORIZON by Yosemite
Return to HORIZON by Yosemite
As our Yosemite adventure concludes, many visitors will start their drive back down the mountain towards home. However, I’m heading back to HORIZON by Yosemite for supper and one more night of luxury. The comforts of my suite offer the perfect ending to the weekend, the villa is a perfect place to relax and savor the memories of our incredible journey. We can enjoy a sunset dip in the swimspa or a soak in our room with a view of the stars sparkling.
A journey you’ll treasure forever, this 2-day itinerary through Yosemite National Park promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, natural beauty, and luxurious relaxation.
Yosemite Falls seen from atop Sentinel Dome
Know Before You Go
• Please note that the times listed above are just a starting point. Prior to your trip, make sure to check sunrise & sunset times, trail & road conditions, and make adjustments accordingly.
• Please remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. Pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Wildlife is abundant in Yosemite. Never leave food unattended, especially in your vehicle, as this is black bear territory.
• Always check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit, as well as information on park reservations requirements, which are often needed in the busy summer months.
• Glacier Point Road closes to vehicles during the winter months, typically around November to June, depending on weather and snow levels.
• Don’t rely on phone service here for GPS or to reach anyone. Cell coverage is spotty in the valley, and nearly non-existent in other areas of the park, no matter what carrier you use.
Brink of Vernal Fall along Mist Trail
Vernal Fall & Mist Trail seen from Washburn Point
In Summary & Post Sponsor
A journey you’ll treasure forever, this 2-day itinerary through Yosemite National Park promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, natural beauty, and luxurious relaxation. I’d like to give a special thank you to the sponsor of this post, HORIZON by Yosemite. Make sure to visit their official website, HorizonByYosemite.com, for more property details and to book a stay.
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of this epic 2-day itinerary, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Yosemite Falls seen from Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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What is the best 2-day itinerary for Yosemite National Park? Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel guide for the perfect weekend in Yosemite, optimizing your Summer road trip schedule, taking you to some of the best viewpoints and hiking trails in the park, offering you views of iconic landmarks like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls & El Capitan. Experience the best sunrise & sunset spots in Yosemite.