Help with my Itinerary

Question

My daughter and I will be traveling to Yosemite June 4-6 driving from South Bay in LA area, so we have really 2 days (afternoon on the 4th and morning of the 6th because we are driving to Tahoe the afternoon of the 6th).We are staying in an Airbnb in OAKHURST 2 nights - leaving LA around 5 am.-

Any suggestions? I love to walk, and want to do easy hikes and would not be afraid of a bike rental. We were thinking of the Valley Floor tour which is 1-1/2 hrs from Oakhurst to the hotel it departs from. It’s a 2 hour tour and could fit nicely into the first afternoon before we head to our Airbnb.

I have a senior park pass and we are going mid-week so we don’t need reservations to get into the park.

Thanks!

Answer

Hi! With your limited time in Yosemite and staying in Oakhurst, you can still enjoy a relaxed and scenic experience focusing on easy walks, valley views, and perhaps a bike ride. Your plan to do the Valley Floor Tour on the afternoon of June 4 is excellent, as it will give you a good overview of Yosemite Valley’s highlights without exhausting your first day.

Here’s a suggested itinerary:

June 4 – Arrival and Valley Floor Tour: Leave LA around 5 am and plan to arrive in Yosemite Valley around lunchtime or early afternoon. You can grab a quick bite before joining the 2-hour Valley Floor Tour. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors and provides narrated insight into landmarks like El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, and the meadows. After the tour, drive to your Airbnb in Oakhurst (approx. 1.5 hours from the valley) and settle in.

June 5 – Full Day in Yosemite Valley: Spend a full day exploring easy hikes and bike-friendly areas.

Start with the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail – a flat 1-mile loop with spectacular waterfall views.
Consider renting bikes from the valley rental shops and riding along the Yosemite Valley Loop, which is mostly flat and passes through meadows, along the Merced River, and near famous landmarks. You can bike to Mirror Lake for a gentle ride and scenic views.
Walk the Cook’s Meadow Loop for excellent views of Half Dome and Sentinel Rock, especially good for photography and wildlife spotting.
If you enjoy a slightly longer but still easy walk, try the Mirror Lake Trail, a 2–3 mile round trip on mostly flat terrain.
Optional short hikes include Bridalveil Fall Trail or exploring the El Capitan Meadow to watch climbers on the granite face.

June 6 – Morning before Departure: Depending on your schedule, consider a brief morning walk or drive through the valley for a last look at Yosemite’s iconic views. Options include:

Early morning at Tunnel View for sunrise shots of the valley.
Quick stroll along the Merced River or revisiting a favorite meadow.

Afterward, depart for Tahoe in the afternoon.

Additional Tips:

Bring water, snacks, and layers as temperatures can vary from cool mornings to warm afternoons.
Mid-week visits are ideal for avoiding crowds, but arrive early at popular trailheads to ensure parking and a relaxed experience.
Your senior park pass is perfect, as you won’t need reservations, but check road conditions and any temporary trail closures.
Binoculars can enhance your experience for spotting wildlife in the meadows or along the river.

This itinerary balances scenic highlights, easy walking, and the option for biking, giving you and your daughter a memorable Yosemite experience without rushing.

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