Yosemite in two days
 

Hi,
We are a couple in our early 30's from Australia and will be visiting Yosemite in late September. We have two full days to explore the park. Can anyone suggest a rough itinerary to make the most of our two days? We are relatively fit but don't want to be totally worn out...just a nice mixture of hikes/walks etc that allows us to see a god range of things. Thanks!

I would suggest looking on their website and getting a tour book. They have a lot of detailed information on the hikes.
We had abouta day and a half at Yosemite. We took a hike to Vernal Falls which was tough (1,000 foot elevation change in about 1 mile) but beautiful. We also hiked to Lower Yosemite Falls (this was short). That night, we drove to Glacier Point at sunset- AMAZING! The next day, we took a hike around Mirror Lake and to Bridal Veil Falls.

Do you have two full days (and three nights)? Do you like to hike? Are you in good shape?

We were there last week and can offer some thoughts but it will depend on the above answers. It's a long drive to and from San Francisco.

If you will are staying overnight in the Valley, you will have lots of time in the morning and evening to enjoy its beauty during quiet times. I suggest you spend one of your full days driving out of the Valley and up into the high country at Tuolumne Meadows. You will be at 8600 feet in the largest subalpine meadow in the Sierra, with expansive views of many high peaks. You can take easy walks to the top of Lembert Dome (a trail leds you up the right path), or choose Pothole Dome which is less steep, and allows for unlimited rambling at the top. Or hike to Elizabeth Lake, a short hike to an alpine lake. Or just wander along the river and enjoy the beauty.

The drive to Tuolumne from the Valley takes about 1.5 hours (each way), and the scenery along the way is wonderful. You can stop at one of the groves of giant Sequoia trees along the way---Mercer Grove is a slight detour from the route, but I thought it more impressive than the Tuolumne Grove you pass en route.

Before you head up, check to see what services are still open up there; normally there is a grocery store and gas station, but they may close or be on limited hours in late September.

For your other day, you should definitely take the walk to Vernal Falls, which generally still has an impressive amount of water even in September. I like to go up the Mist Trail (steps carved into the granite alongside the falls), and then down via the less steep path you will meet at the top of the falls. The hike onward to Nevada Falls is well worthwhile if you have the time and energy. For the rest of the day, you could take the drive up to Glacier Point, where you can stand on (0r near) the edge of a cliff looking straght down into the Valley. And if you still have the time and energy, the short (2.5 miles roundtrip) hike to the top of Sentinal Dome from a parking area a short distance from Glacier Point is very nice.

Definitely spend one day up at Tuolumne Meadows. There are many nice hikes-the Lyell Fork hike would be good for you, since it's very scenic, relatively flat and you can go as far or short a distance as you like. But, read the trail descriptions on the park's website and see which hike looks best to you.

Yosemite is one of my favorite places I have hiked.I'm 50 something, not especially fit but like to hike some on vacation. If you would like to see alot of the park from different views i would suggest the Panorama trail which starts at glacier point(a must see viewing point)and wind its way around the park taking in Vernal and Nevada Falls.One advantage to this route is the last part of the hike is down hill(a lot of steps and rocks to negotiate)hike took about six hours but was my most memorable to date.Also did Sentinal Dome(nice and pretty easy ).Water levels might be low this time of year.Could be cold too.I'll shut up now.Ive heard a lot of great things about Tuolumne Meadows also.I can recommend lodging just outside the park if you need it. Sorry can't stop talking about this place