Is one day enough at Yosemite?

Question

Hi everyone, I am visiting SF with my partner for the first time and since we might only visit once (or more depends on future), we decided we have to cover Yosemite during our trip. We are at crossroads on deciding the number of days to spend at Yosemite. We are visiting in August and since we will be remote, we decided to spend remote working days in SF and 3 vacation days in National Parks,

Tentative Itinerary:

Arrive SFO on Friday night

Day 1 (Saturday) - Cover highlight spots in Yosemite and stay at a hotel near to Sequoia National Park

Day 2 (Sunday) - Cover highlight spots in Sequoia National Park and stay at a hotel near to Big Sur

Day 3 (Monday) - Visit Big Surr and travel back to SF to spend the night

Rest of the days are for exploring the city.

We are at Crossroads of deciding whether to stay 2 days at Yosemite and 3rd at Sequoia National Park and head back to SF and skip Big Sur or go with the aboe tentative itinerary.

Any tips would be really helpful in helping us decide what should we do.

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting trip ahead! Yosemite National Park is a fantastic destination, and given your schedule and the number of days you're planning to spend, I’ll try to help you decide how to make the most of your time.

Is One Day Enough for Yosemite?

Yosemite is a large park with a lot to offer, so while one day might give you a glimpse of its highlights, it's generally recommended to spend at least 2 days if you can, especially if it’s your first visit and you want to fully experience the park.

On a typical one-day visit, you’ll likely be able to visit some of Yosemite’s most iconic spots, but you won’t have time to explore much beyond the valley. It’s possible to do a whirlwind tour, but it might feel rushed. Here’s a breakdown:

One Day Itinerary: You can cover the Yosemite Valley floor in one day, which includes visiting the main highlights like:
- Yosemite Falls
- El Capitan
- Bridalveil Fall
- Glacier Point (if the road is open)
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (if you're okay with driving a little further)
Two Days: If you have two days, you can explore more in-depth:
- Spend one day in the Yosemite Valley, seeing the major sights and taking in short hikes like the Lower Yosemite Falls or Mirror Lake.
- On the second day, consider a scenic drive up to Glacier Point for panoramic views, or explore more remote areas of the park like Tuolumne Meadows or the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias if time allows.

For a one-day visit, you’ll be doing quite a bit of driving between sights, and it can feel rushed. Yosemite has so much to offer, and many of its trails or vistas are worth taking a bit of extra time to appreciate.

Tips for Your Itinerary

If you are trying to decide between spending one or two days in Yosemite and keeping the rest of your trip as planned, here are some things to consider:

Distance & Time Consideration: Yosemite is about 4 hours from San Francisco, and traveling to Sequoia National Park from Yosemite adds another 4-5 hours of driving. If you are considering doing both Sequoia and Yosemite in one day, you may find yourself spending a significant amount of time on the road. This could be tiring, especially when you factor in needing to drive after exploring Yosemite and Sequoia.
Sequoia National Park: If you’re really keen on seeing Sequoia’s giant trees and the General Sherman tree, then staying overnight there and spending a day at the park is a good idea. However, the long drive might cut into your time to enjoy Yosemite. Sequoia is best visited on a day when you have enough time to explore at leisure, rather than rushing through.
Big Sur: Big Sur is absolutely beautiful, but it requires a lot of travel time from Sequoia, especially with the long drive up the coast. If you love coastal views, it's worth the effort, but it may leave you with less time in San Francisco. If you choose to skip Big Sur and focus on Yosemite and Sequoia, you'll have a bit more time to explore each park at a slower pace.

Option 1: Stick to the Original Itinerary

If you’re determined to visit both Sequoia and Big Sur, your original itinerary can work, but be prepared for a lot of driving. If you like the idea of covering diverse landscapes (from giant sequoias to the rugged Pacific coastline), this could be a great option for you. However, it might feel rushed, especially on the second day when you're hopping from Sequoia to Big Sur.

Highlights of Yosemite and Sequoia in one day
Coastal Big Sur views and a full day in the park
Time in San Francisco to explore

Option 2: Spend 2 Days at Yosemite

If your priority is to truly enjoy Yosemite, I recommend sticking to two days there. The park is massive, and two days will allow you to experience Yosemite’s beauty without feeling like you have to rush. Afterward, you could head to Sequoia, but make sure you have enough time to enjoy the natural wonders there before heading back to San Francisco.

Spend more time exploring Yosemite’s trails and views
Shorten the driving time between parks
Focus more on Yosemite and Sequoia separately, rather than combining both in a rushed day

Conclusion: While one day can give you a taste of Yosemite, it’s highly recommended to spend two days there if possible, especially considering that you may not return for a while. If you choose to stick with your original itinerary, just be prepared for a bit of a rushed experience, especially with so many hours spent in the car.

Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities: if you want to explore Yosemite at a leisurely pace, 2 days is ideal. If you’re eager to experience a wider variety of landscapes, your original itinerary will still work, but just be mindful of the travel time involved. Either way, you’re in for an amazing adventure!

Is one day enough at Yosemite?

More Yosemite National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions