Itinerary Review

Question

My husband (34M) and I (33F) will be visiting for the first time the first week of May. We have campsites reserved and a tentative itinerary. Would someone please look it over and provide feedback?

Day 1: Arrival in Fresno, Travel to Yosemite & Explore Mariposa Grove

• 12:00 PM: Arrive in Fresno.

o Pick up any last-minute supplies or snacks.

o Grab lunch or pack a picnic for the road.

• 1:00 PM: Depart Fresno and drive to Yosemite National Park (approximately 1.5 hours).

o Arrive in Yosemite National Park and head directly to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (about 1-hour drive from Yosemite Valley).

• 2:30 PM: Arrive at Mariposa Grove.

o Hike the Grizzly Giant Loop (2 miles) or the more challenging Mariposa Grove Trail (6 miles) to see the iconic Grizzly Giant and other famous sequoias.

• 5:30 PM: Depart Mariposa Grove and drive to Upper Pines Campground (about 1 hour).

o Stop at Tunnel View. (Best at sunset 7:30pm)

• Evening:

o Check-in, set up your campsite

________________________________________

Day 2: Yosemite Valley - Waterfalls & Iconic Hikes

• Morning:

o Breakfast at campsite.

o Mist Trail: Head to the Mist Trail early to avoid crowds. Start the hike to Vernal Fall (3 miles round trip). If you're feeling adventurous, continue to Nevada Fall (6 miles round trip). This trail offers incredible views of the waterfalls and a misty atmosphere, especially in spring.

• Afternoon:

o After your hike, head back to Yosemite Valley and enjoy lunch at Yosemite Lodge

o Spend the afternoon exploring Mirror Lake (2 miles round trip) for peaceful lake reflections or head to Inspiration Point for panoramic views of the valley.

• Evening:

o Return to Upper Pines Campground for dinner.

o Relax with some stargazing

________________________________________

Day 3: Upper Yosemite Falls & Glacier Point

• Morning:

o Breakfast at your campsite.

o Upper Yosemite Falls Trail: Start the day with the strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Trail (7.2 miles round trip). This hike provides stunning views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Half Dome from the top.

• Afternoon:

o After your hike, grab lunch and relax at your campsite or visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.

o pick up bikes to go to El Capitan meadow, Swinging Bridge and Cook Meadow, the return your bikes before dinner at the Mountain Inn

• Evening:

o relax by your campsite.

________________________________________

Day 4: Yosemite Valley & Departure

• Morning:

o Breakfast at your campsite. Pack up campsite.

o Before leaving, take a short walk to Bridalveil Fall (0.5 miles).

• 12:00 PM: Depart Yosemite and head back to Fresno (about 2.5–3 hours).

• 3:00 PM: Arrive in Fresno, giving yourself some time before your departure.

• Departure 5:15pm Fresno

Answer

Your Yosemite itinerary for early May is very well thought out and covers the park’s highlights while balancing hiking, sightseeing, and camping. Here’s a detailed review with suggestions to make the most of your trip and account for spring conditions.

Day 1: Arrival & Mariposa Grove

Your plan to stop at Mariposa Grove after arriving in Yosemite works well. In early May, the Grove should be accessible and not too crowded. The Grizzly Giant Loop (2 miles) is ideal if you want a shorter walk after traveling. The longer Mariposa Grove Trail (6 miles) is great if you’re feeling energetic, but consider your travel fatigue. Tunnel View is best at sunset, but note that sunset in early May is around 7:45 PM, so if you’re coming from Mariposa Grove, you might be cutting it close—plan extra time for driving and photo stops.

Suggestion: Consider visiting Tunnel View on the way to your campsite rather than after Mariposa Grove, depending on timing.
Tip: Bring water and snacks for the Mariposa Grove hike, especially if you do the longer trail.

Day 2: Mist Trail & Yosemite Valley

Starting early on the Mist Trail is perfect. Vernal Fall is very popular, so early arrival will help avoid crowds. The round-trip to Nevada Fall is strenuous (6–7 miles) but doable for fit hikers. Spring water flow is strong, so waterproof layers or ponchos can be helpful.

Suggestion: Wear sturdy hiking shoes; the trail can be slippery near Vernal Fall.
Optional: If you prefer a less crowded hike, consider the John Muir Trail as an alternative route to Nevada Fall.

Mirror Lake is a nice afternoon activity for a more relaxed pace, and Inspiration Point offers panoramic views without a long hike.

Day 3: Upper Yosemite Falls & Glacier Point

The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is very strenuous (7.2 miles round trip with steep elevation gain). Starting early is critical to avoid heat and crowds. For first-time visitors, reaching Columbia Rock or Eagle Peak offers rewarding views even if you don’t summit the entire trail.

Suggestion: Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks; this trail is exposed in many sections.
Tip: Glacier Point Road is often open by May, but check road conditions before planning the visit. If open, Glacier Point is a stunning viewpoint without strenuous hiking.
Using bikes in Yosemite Valley is a great way to cover sites like El Capitan Meadow, Swinging Bridge, and Cook’s Meadow efficiently and enjoyably.

Day 4: Bridalveil Fall & Departure

A short morning walk to Bridalveil Fall is a perfect way to end your trip. Packing up and allowing 2.5–3 hours to drive back to Fresno is realistic. Make sure to check any potential traffic or road delays, especially if heading out on a holiday weekend.

Additional Suggestions & Tips:

Check current trail conditions before your trip, especially for Mist Trail and Upper Yosemite Falls; snow or ice may still be present in early May at higher elevations.
Bring layers—spring weather can be unpredictable, with chilly mornings and warmer afternoons.
Consider starting hikes early each day to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid crowds.
Carry a reusable water bottle or hydration pack; Yosemite Valley water sources are available for refills.
If Glacier Point Road is closed, consider alternatives like Taft Point or Sentinel Dome for spectacular views without as much climbing.

Overall, your itinerary is ambitious but balanced, giving a good mix of iconic sights, waterfall hikes, sequoia groves, and time to enjoy the valley by bike. With early starts and awareness of May conditions, this should be an excellent first Yosemite experience.

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