3 night 4 day itinerary

Question

Hi , after searching through posts and doing some research I have drafted an itinerary for 3 nights 4 days trip in mid June this year. I am travelling to and from San Francisco and staying in Yosemite west. Any suggestions and improvement welcome.

Day 1

drive from SF. Enter park at Arch rock entrance, stop at Bridalveil falls and Tunnel view en route to accom in Yosemite West.

Day 2

Morning :Drive Glacier Point road and see/ walk Sentinal Dome and Taft point

Afternoon: Drive to Yosemite Valley, stop El capitano Picnic area and Yosemite Falls

Day 3

drive to Tuolumne meadows : Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, Lembert Dome, Tioga Pass. Stop at Merced Or Tuolumne Grove on return

Day 4

drive to Mariposa Grove

Exit via south entrance and drive to SF and get back onto HWY 140 via 41 and 49

I was wondering if we see the Redwoods on Day 3 at Merced or Tuolumne groves, we could miss Mariposa grove and visit something in Yosemite valley on our way home on day 4.

All advice much appreciated

Thanks You

Answer

Your 3-night, 4-day Yosemite itinerary is well-structured and covers many of the park's highlights. Here’s a detailed review and some suggestions to optimize your trip:

Day 1: Driving from San Francisco via the Arch Rock entrance and stopping at Bridalveil Fall and Tunnel View is a great introduction to Yosemite. Yosemite West is conveniently located for evening access to the valley. You might also consider a short stop at Valley View for classic photo opportunities.

Day 2: Glacier Point Road with walks to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point is excellent. Both hikes are moderate and provide panoramic views. In the afternoon, visiting Yosemite Valley, stopping at El Capitan Picnic Area, and Yosemite Falls is perfect. Consider allowing some time for short walks to Lower Yosemite Fall or Cook’s Meadow for easy access to the valley floor and classic views.

Day 3: Your plan to drive to Tuolumne Meadows and stop at Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, Lembert Dome, and Tioga Pass is great for high-country scenery. However, note that Tioga Road may still have some late snow patches in mid-June, so check conditions. On the return, stopping at either Merced Grove or Tuolumne Grove is reasonable. Both groves have giant sequoias, but they are smaller and less famous than Mariposa Grove. If you prioritize seeing giant redwoods, this will satisfy that interest, though they are more spread out and require a short hike.

Day 4: If you visit a grove on Day 3, you can replace Mariposa Grove with a last look at Yosemite Valley. Consider these options:

Valley Loop Trail or short hikes to Mirror Lake for reflections and views of Half Dome.
Bridalveil Fall again if you want a final iconic waterfall photo.
Lower Yosemite Falls or Sentinel Bridge for a quick scenic stop before heading south.

Other suggestions and tips:

Traffic and parking: Arrive early at popular spots like Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley to avoid crowds and limited parking.
Hiking flexibility: If you prefer less hiking on Day 2, you could swap one of the valley stops for a leisurely bike ride along the valley floor.
Mariposa Grove vs Day 3 groves: Mariposa Grove is larger and more famous, but if your group is short on time, seeing a grove on Day 3 can work; then Day 4 can be focused on quick scenic stops in the valley.
Timing: Keep an eye on daylight hours; June has long days, so you have some flexibility to adjust stops or spend more time in areas you enjoy most.

Overall, your itinerary balances iconic sights, hiking, and scenic drives nicely. The main decision is whether to see Mariposa Grove on the last day or visit a smaller grove on Day 3—both approaches work, just depends on your preference for seeing the largest sequoias versus maximizing valley time on departure day.