The Park
With iconic waterfalls, giant sequoias and awe-inspiring cliffs, Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the country. No matter the time of year, there’s something to see, like the blooming wildflowers in the spring or the Horsetail Firefall in the winter. And no matter the type of traveler you are, there’s something to do–from enjoying an old-fashioned campfire under the stars to staying at a historic hotel while you tour the local wineries.
Getting There
When you take the Amtrak San Joaquins train, your Yosemite Area Regional Transit System YARTS ticket is included! You can get to Yosemite by getting off the train at the Merced station and taking Route 15 a Thruway Bus serviced by YARTS directly into Yosemite Valley.
Even without a car, you can still get around once in the Park! Just take the free Valley Shuttle, offering 19 stops throughout the Park. Shuttles run daily every 10 to 20 minutes, and they’re a great way to save on gas, meet other travelers and conveniently navigate the Park without having to worry about limited parking.
Things to do
Stops
- Merced Airport
- Merced Transpo
- Merced Amtrak
- Cathey’s Valley
- Mariposa Fairgrounds
- Midtown Mariposa
- Mariposa Park & Ride
- Highway 140 Autocamp
- Midpines County Park
- Midpines Post Office
- Yosemite Bug Resort
- Cedar Lodge
- NPS Maintenance
- Barium Mine Road
- El Portal Post Office
- Yosemite View Lodge
- Curry Village
- Yosemite Valley Vistor’s Center
- Yosemite Valley Lodge / Laurel Cottage
Itinerary Ideas
- Drinks at the Partisan
- Merced Multicultural Arts Center
- Applegate Park Zoo
- Biking trails
- Wildflowers (in spring)
- Historic Plaza Bar in Hornitos
- Yosemite Ziplines & Adventure Ranch
- Horseback riding
- California State Mining and Mineral Museum
- Butterfly Creek Winery & Vineyards
- Horsetail Falls
- Poppy Hill Bed & Breakfast
- Airstream, luxury tents & cabins
- Spa and yoga at Yosemite Bug Resort
- June Bug Cafe
- Outdoor recreation, hiking, picnic areas
- Scenic swimming holes
- Stay at Cedar Lodge
- Stay at Yosemite View Lodge (Pools/Spas, Cocktail Lounge)
- Ice skating at Curry Village (in winter)
- Cabins, lodging
- Visitor’s Center: Nature exhibits, theater, bookstore
- Meadow Grill
- Pizza Deck
- Coffee Corner
- Seven Tents Pavillion
- Bar 1899
STOP #1
YOSEMITE VILLAGE PARKING
STOP #2
YOSEMITE VILLAGE
- Tour the Ansel Adams Gallery
- Stock up on snacks at the bookstore
STOP #3
AHWAHNEE HOTEL
- Grab a beer or cocktail and explore the world famous hotel’s different historic rooms with views of the valley
STOP #4
DEGNAN’S KITCHEN
- Grab Deg’s famous breakfast bagel sandwiches to help fuel you up for all day hikes
STOP #5
LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS
- Hike with ADA/stroller accessibility and a great view of the falls, especially during spring when it is flowing!
STOP #6
CAMP 4 / YOSEMITE FALLS PARKING
STOP #7
YOSEMITE VALLEY LODGE
- Historic campground for backpackers/climbers
- Swimming pool for people staying at the Lodge
- Easy walk across the street to Lower Yosemite Falls
STOP #8
SENTINEL BRIDGE
- Views of Half Dome with the Merced River below
- Explore the Chapel
STOP #9
YOSEMITE CONSERVATION HERITAGE CENTER
- Tour the Heritage Center—a national historic landmark
STOP #10
CURRY VILLAGE
- Closest lodging to Half Dome trail and Happy Isles
- Amphitheater with nightly educational talks/entertainment for kids
- Dining, restaurants
STOP #11
CURRY VILLAGE PARKING
STOP #12
UPPER PINES CAMPGROUND / TRAILHEAD PARKING
- Campground for tents and RVs
- Parking for Mist Trail and Half Dome
STOP #13
HAPPY ISLES / MIST TRAIL
- One of the most popular trails in the Park
- Views of Vernal and Nevada Falls
- Museum with natural history
STOP #14
MIRROR LAKE TRAILHEAD
- Easy trail that puts you right at the bottom of Half Dome
- Bike friendly trail
STOP #15
NORTH PINES CAMPGROUND
- Easy access to Mirror Lake
STOP #16
EL CAPITAN PICNIC AREA
- Good staging area for climbing El Capitan
STOP #17
EL CAPITAN CROSSOVER
- Clear and open views of El Capitan up close
STOP #18
CATHEDRAL BEACH PICNIC AREA
- Great place for a picnic
STOP #19
FOUR MILE TRAILHEAD
- One of the most difficult hikes in the Park
- Takes you all the way up to Glacier Point
- Start your day at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center with a 3-mile self-guided walking tour down to Lower Yosemite Falls
- For lunch, head to one of the many dining options in Curry Village with a magnificent view of Half Dome in the background
- Take the shuttle to Happy Isles / Mist Trail and explore the trails with gorgeous views of Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls
- End your day with dinner and drinks back at the Ahwahnee Hotel and take in the awe inspiring sights and architecture
DAY 1
- Check in at your campgrounds and head to Yosemite Falls for a family friendly hike
- Pack lunch and picnic at Mirror Lake
- Head back to the Ahwahnee Hotel for a relaxing spa treatment
- Finish the night with a sunset hike to Happy Isles / Mist Trail
DAY 2
- Grab breakfast at Degnan’s Kitchen to fuel up for the day’s hikes
- Take the shuttle to Sentinel Bridge for a hike and views of Half Dome
- Head to Cathedral Beach for a lakeside picnic
- Take the shuttle back to Curry Village for dinner at one of the many dining options available, then check out the nightly show at the amphitheater
