If you are planning to go to Yosemite, this post is for you! Yosemite in the spring is absolutely beautiful. The waterfalls are full, and the weather is just perfect (not too hot, not too cold).

I will be recapping my trip to Yosemite.

TRIP SUMMARY:

DURATION:

We stayed in Yosemite for 2 full days, and then half days pre and post for traveling purposes.

GETTING AROUND:

We got a rental car. For us, it was the most convenient. We mostly stayed in Yosemite National Park so we didn’t have to get gas during our stay. 1 full tank got use through our days there. There is a gas station in the park though, if you do need to get gas during your stay.

STAYS:

We stayed in an Airbnb in Yosemite West. The Airbnb was part of a condo complex. Yosemite West IS inside the national park so once registration is required, you may have to look into the requirements for that.

The Airbnb we stayed in was only a 20-30 minute drive from Yosemite Valley, which was extremely nice.

I know that finding a condo or hotel stay in Yosemite gets competitive and it is not always the most affordable option. If you’re down for camping, Yosemite has many camping grounds available. Outside of the national park, there are also more affordable hotels and motels available too.

OTHER NOTES:

Be mindful and respectful of the environment.
DON’T FEED THE WILD ANIMALS.
Don’t litter. Take your trash back with you.
Check the Yosemite website for park notices & closures before you go

ITINERARY

On our first day we landed in Fresno International Airport. We got our rental and then went to grab food and groceries for the trip.

Sabaidee Thai + Lao Cuisine | Location here
I can’t find the restaurant’s website or social media but this was the restaurant we stopped by to get dinner and buy extra food for the next couple days that we were going to be in Yosemite.

Their food was delicious!

There was also a grocery store in that same shopping lot, where we also bought lunch, snacks, and drinks.

Four Mile Trail

The first trail we hiked was the Four Mile Trail. We didn’t make to Glacier Point because there was still snow and ice on the last mile. We made it to Union Point, which is 3 miles up with an elevation gain of 2000 ft.

If you stop at Union Point and then hike back down, you will hike a total of 6 miles.

Once Glacier Point Road opens again in 2023, you can hike one way up or down instead of doing the out & back.

With all that said, this trail has beautiful views! It is opposite of Yosemite Falls, and the views just get better and better as you hike higher and higher. Seriously so beautiful.

Highly recommend. I would consider it a moderate hike, just prepare for inclines and switchbacks.

Vernal Falls/Mist Trail

The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls is 2 miles. (Out and back totals 4 miles).

I do not recommend doing the Mist Trail after the Four Mile Trail. They are both inclines. The Mist Trail also has steep stairs for the last mile of the trail. If you want to do both, I recommend doing them on separate days.

The Mist Trail, while absolutely beautiful, has a lot of stairs. There is a part of the trail that is wet from the waterfall, and yes, you will get wet. It’s important you are careful during this part of the trail. The stairs are also uneven and most of it does not have railings. There are people going up and coming down, so always watch your step.

If you don’t want to take the Mist Trail, you can take the John Muir Trail. You can take one up and down the other or out and back on one of those trails. I didn’t go on the John Muir Trail, but I’ve heard it’s not as strenuous as the Mist Trail.

Once you’re at the top of Vernal Falls, bask in the majestic view. Seriously, the view is absolutely majestic.

Mariposa Grove – Grizzly Giant Trail

This grove is located at the bottom of Yosemite National Park. This is where the sequoia trees are located at the national park.

If you are not going to make it to Sequoia National Park, I recommend paying a visit to the grove!

The trail to the Grizzly Giant tree is about 2 miles. You will also see the Bachelor & the Three Grace, and the California Tunnel on this trail.

The grove has other trails you can walk to see more sequoia trees.

The trees are so huge! I can’t believe there are even bigger trees in the Sequoia National Park. It’s amazing how tall these trees continue to stand. It’s absolutely amazing and worth checking out!

Yosemite Valley/Cook Meadow

If you’re not into incline hikes, Yosemite Valley is still beautiful. You are surrounded by all the mountains. There is the river that runs through the valley. There are also meadows you can walk through.

Yosemite Valley has great trails you can walk that still gives you great views.

Highly recommend stopping somewhere to just take in all the beautiful.

Other Places to Visit:

Mirror Lake – Mirror Lake is a mostly flat trail that is family friendly and knee friendly.

That sums up the list of things I did in Yosemite. This trip was another gift to me, and it was an amazing trip.

As always, bring back out what you take in. Or throw out your garbage at the appropriate locations. It’s important to keep these places clean and beautiful so we can enjoy them for futures to come!

Yosemite is a place I would love to go back and visit one day.

See videos from my Yosemite trip here!

Yosemite | Things to do in Yosemite | 2 Days in Yosemite

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