Planning Your Time

Yosemite in One Day

Begin at the Valley Visitor Center, where you can watch the documentary Spirit of Yosemite. A minute's stroll from there is the Native American village of the Ahwahnee, which recalls Native American life circa 1870. Take another 20 minutes to see the Yosemite Museum. Then, hop aboard the free shuttle to Yosemite Falls and hike the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail to the base of the falls. Have lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge, which you can access by shuttle or walk to from the falls in 20 minutes.

You can either leisurely explore Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village)—by swimming or ice-skating, shopping, renting a bike, or having a beer on the deck; check out family-friendly Happy Isles Art and Nature Center and the adjacent nature trail; or hike up the Mist Trail to the Vernal Fall footbridge to admire the view.

Hop back on the shuttle, then disembark at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly The Ahwahnee). The Great Lounge here has a magnificent fireplace and Native American artwork; have a meal in the Dining Room if you're up for a splurge. Or, take the shuttle to Yosemite Village where you can grab some fixings, then drive to El Capitan picnic area and enjoy an outdoor evening meal. At this time of day, "El Cap" should be sun-splashed. (You will have also gotten several good looks at world-famous Half Dome throughout the day.) If the sun hasn't set yet, drive to the base of Bridalveil Fall to take a short hike.