What can you see in one day in Yosemite National Park? instructed Julie and me to find out. Challenge accepted!
Yosemite National Park is the third oldest in America and one of the most iconic national parks. It features towering granite cliffs and deep waterfalls. The heart of the park, Yosemite Valley, is home to many of those granite domes and waterfalls, so that was our focal point.
Julie and I stayed in Oakhurst, just 10 miles from the park’s southern entrance, to make the most of our time. The charming town offers wonderful experiences including wineries, art galleries, delicious restaurants and a train ride past the granite cliffs and fragrant forests.
Julie and I will never forget our memorable one-day adventure in Yosemite. These are the top attractions on our trip.
Mariposa Grove
Yosemite’s towering granite cliffs and plunging waterfalls draw the most attention. And that is understandable. They are breathtaking. But don’t miss Mariposa Grove, where you can stroll through a tranquil forest of more than 500 giant sequoias.
Although they are slightly shorter than redwoods, they are larger in girth. Some trees are between 700 and 1,800 years old. Plus, you can walk through the California Tunnel Tree.
Glacier point
Your drive from Mariposa Grove will take about an hour, but Glacier Point is a must. The view rewards you with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. You can enjoy the views along the edge of the viewpoint and from the Geology Hut.
Washburn point
Just 0.7 miles from Glacier Point, you’ll discover Washburn Point. The view offers a different perspective with an equally rewarding view of the granite domes. Julie and I couldn’t decide if we liked Glacier Point or Washburn Point better. Both views made our hearts swell.
Tunnel view
As a child I always enjoyed tunnels during our family holidays. To this day, they still bring me joy. Yosemite National Park has a long tunnel along the main road called Wawona Tunnel.
Immediately after passing through the tunnel, you will discover a viewpoint with breathtaking views of El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall.
Bridal veil autumn
Many of Yosemite’s signature waterfalls flow regularly in May and June, but are often dry by August. Julie and I visited the island in early September, unfortunately missing the more famous waterfalls.
The good news is that Bridalveil Fall happens all year round. An easy 0.8 km walk through a peaceful forest leads you to the beautiful 180 meter high waterfall.
Revolving bridge
A wooden walkway crosses the tranquil waters of the Merced River, providing a picnic area, a beach, and beautiful views of granite domes from across a meadow. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may catch a glimpse of Yosemite Falls from the bridge. Even when Yosemite Falls isn’t flowing, the views here are breathtaking.
Cook’s Meadow
Boardwalk trails run through the expansive meadow, rewarding you with views of Glacier Point, Sentinel Rock, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. If we weren’t up to the challenge, we could hang out here for hours, enjoying the enticing scenery.
Lower Yosemite Fall
A quiet forest walk leads to Lower Yosemite Fall. Julie and I marveled at the size and beauty of the granite cliff.
View of the valley
The Merced River turns into a mirror, perfectly reflecting Yosemite’s famous landmarks, including Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan. Valley View is so beautiful that it feels like a dream. While Julie and I enjoyed all the views and vantage points of the park, this was our favorite and our last as we left the park with satisfied smiles.
Plan your 1 day in Yosemite National Park Adventure
While we recommend three days or more to experience all of Yosemite’s offerings, you can see many of the jewels and make lifelong memories with one day in the park. Oakhurst is the perfect gateway for your adventures, offering numerous culinary, artistic and natural wonders. Plan your adventure and experience one of America’s greatest treasures.
Scott McConkey is a travel writer and founder of Miles with McConkey, where he provides travel ideas and travel guides. His wife Julie makes travel videos. They hope to inspire you to travel more.
