One Day in Yosemite: Best Views, Hikes & Travel Tips

I like to think I’m pretty well travelled. I’ve been to over 50 countries over the years and seen some truly amazing sights – from the Australian outback to the beaches of Bali and the temples of Japan. But for amazing scenery, breathtaking views and pure visual impact, I don’t think anywhere compares to Yosemite National Park in California.

During a two-week Californian road trip back in April, I had a day and half in the park – nowhere near long enough. I wish I could have stayed another few days but I had plans to meet a friend that couldn’t be pushed back. I’ll definitely be going back though!

Tunnel View

Bridalveil Falls

After dragging myself away from the view I drove the 5 minutes to the base of Bridalveil falls. It’s a gentle 20-minute round trip (1.2 miles) to the foot of the falls and back. You don’t reach the top, but you get a great view from below – especially this time of year when they’re flowing strong.

It’s a very easy walk that just about anyone could manage, even with limited mobility.

Visitor Center & Shuttle Tips

Next, I stopped at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Since it didn’t open until 9am, I grabbed breakfast at Degnan’s Café. The egg and sausage muffin was so good I had it again the next morning.

There’s also a small supermarket and gift shop nearby, but they also open at 9am — so if you’re heading out early and want trail snacks, buy them the night before.

Once the visitor center opened, I chatted with Joel, a helpful park ranger, who gave great advice on trails to fit into my tight schedule and the must-see sights. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by options (as I most definitely was), I definitely recommend stopping here first.

Joel also suggested I leave my car parked and use the shuttle bus. Parking fills up fast so it’s best not to move your car once you have a spot, especially as the shuttle runs every 15 minutes and stops at all the key trailheads and lodging areas. A brilliant way to get around.

Lower Yosemite Falls

Cook’s Meadow Loop & Shuttle Ride

After the falls, I walked the Cook’s Meadow Loop, which offers peaceful trails and spectacular valley views. It wasn’t strenuous, which was good news considering what I had still to come.

About 40 minutes later, I hopped on the shuttle again. The bus is also a great way to see sights you don’t plan to hike, like El Capitan, which looms over the valley.

Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

I got off the shuttle bus at Happy Isles (Stop 16), filled up my water, and headed for the Mist Trail. This was one of the hikes that Joel said I shouldn’t miss, although he warned me it could be a bit difficult depending on how far you go up.

Trail Options:

• Vernal Falls only: 3-mile round trip
• Extend to Nevada Falls: 7 miles total

I chose the 3-mile version (although my tracker said 4 with the walk from the shuttle stop), which was still a challenge. Don’t be fooled by the distance — the elevation gain is over 1,000 ft, and you feel every bit of it.

The first 1.3 miles climbs around 400ft, with some pretty steep sections on the walk up. I was exhausted by the time I got to the first main stop – a bridge where you can watch the rushing water head down into the valley. It’s a spectacular spot with giant granite walls all around. I sat on a rock, caught my breath, and enjoyed watching some bluejays hop around.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure I had the fitness levels to make it the rest of the way. Another 600 ft gain in under a mile felt daunting.

As I started walking again, a couple on their way down passed me. I asked how tough the next section was and the lady’s face said it all! Still, they said it was worth it, so I summoned up my energy and trekked on. 

Within 10 ten minutes I hit the reason they call this ‘The Mist Trail’, and pulled on my waterproof jacket. The spray from Vernal Falls absolutely drenches the trail — refreshing on a warm day, but prepare to get soaked.

The rest of the hike is basically stairs carved into the rock. Looking up from the bottom step at the tiny people who’d reached the top, I very nearly turned back, but up I went. 

And I’m so glad. My legs were burning when I reached the top step but the view made it all worth it. I spent the next 30 minutes lying in the sun at the top of a waterfall reading my book and it was one of the most calming moments of my life. 

The hike back down (and another waterfall shower) was much easier – I could actually enjoy the views this time. Looking back, I’d say this was by far my favourite hike from my time in the US. It was difficult but I’d say that if I can manage it, anyone with even a small level of fitness could. Just don’t rush it – I took my time, 4 hours overall, and I loved it.

Curry Village – Canvas Tent Life

I was knackered by the time I finished. Time to check in at Curry Village, where I’d booked an unheated canvas tent. I wanted to be able to get in an early morning hike the next day, so staying in the park was important, and the tents were all I could afford. 

At £130 a night, it’s no luxury – but great value compared to some other California lodging. The tents come with:

• A proper bed
• A light
• A chair

There are no charging points, so bring a power bank if you want to keep some juice in your phone. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas but not in tents — which I found refreshing.

🍕 The Great Pizza Delay

There are various food options available at Curry Village, and I made the mistake of ordering pizza. I’d heard great things about the pizza, and when I finally got it, it was pretty decent. But it took 90 minutes– which they didn’t tell me up front. There were many starving kids kicking off after waiting so long, and I couldn’t blame them. If you do opt for pizza, make sure you do it early or be prepared to wait.

Mirror Lake at Sunrise

After a surprisingly good night’s sleep, I woke up early for a sunrise walk to Mirror Lake – another one of Joel’s must-do hikes.

Since the buses don’t start until 7am, I left at 6 and walked from Curry Village to the trailhead. It was pure peace – I didn’t see another soul until I was heading back.

I accidentally took a slightly wrong path due to poor signage at the trailhead, but still made it to the lake. It looks a bit better in photos than real life, but the stillness and solitude were amazing. I loved every minute of this walk.

The Giant Trees of Mariposa Grove

After breakfast, I left the valley and drove an hour — mostly in fog — to Mariposa Grove, home to the Giant Sequoias and my last stop in the park.

From May, a shuttle runs from the visitor center to the grove. Unfortunately in April it doesn’t run so an extra 4 miles is added to the hike on a cold and wet morning. It’s worth it though.

The trees are massive. I’ve never felt so small. There are several loop options, but with a long drive ahead, I chose the shorter one. The most impressive trees are deeper in, so if you’ve got time, go for it.

I Want to Go Back

My day and a half in Yosemite was unforgettable, and it sparked something in me: a love of hiking. 

I was even tempted to change my plans and go back again during that same trip. I didn’t — but I’ve been hiking more in the UK ever since.

Yosemite gave me confidence. If I can do the Mist Trail, I can probably take on more. I’m hoping to improve my cardio and pace so that next time, I can tackle some of the park’s tougher routes.

Until then, I’ll be conquering the best hikes Greater Manchester has to offer.

If you enjoyed this post and want to hear more about my travels — the wins, the mishaps, and everything in between — feel free to hit that subscribe button. I’ve got plenty more stories to share, from epic hikes to weekend city breaks. Thanks for reading, and I hope this inspires you to lace up your boots — whether it’s for Yosemite or your local park.