Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. California (CA)
  4. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite 4 days in july 2025

Hello all,

Seeking forum wisdom to make best use of 4 days time.

Staying in El Portal 5 nights. Have timed entry reservations, have park pass.

Day 1. First day. Valley area. Tunnel view, bridal veil, Yosemite falls and all the stops in the valley.

Day 2. El Portal to Mariposa area hike. Glacier point hike to Sentinel, Taft point, sunset and return to El Portal. Stay for night skies at Glacier point if weather is cooperative.

Day 3. Valley. John Muir to Vernal, Nevada Falls. Mist trail if open too, might be under repair.

Day 4. last day. Valley. Yosemite Falls trail to Columbia Rock.

Other:

Substitute if hot weather rafting in the Merced.

Bike rentals on the valley floor, they have a 12 mile loop.

I'm also trying to figure out a way to hike 4 mile trail down from Glacier point to the valley but I can't figure the drop off and pick up.

Or substitute panorama trail but again can't figure the drop off and pick up.

2 adult travelers

Thank you.

alef

Your 4-day Yosemite itinerary looks well planned and ambitious, especially with your base in El Portal. Given the July timing, weather will likely be warm in the valley and cooler at higher elevations, so it’s smart to consider alternative activities like Merced River rafting if temperatures spike.

Here’s a detailed review and suggestions for optimizing your days:

  • Day 1 – Yosemite Valley: Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls are classic first-day stops. Renting bikes for the 12-mile valley loop is a great idea—it allows you to see multiple landmarks efficiently. Consider:
    • Arriving early at popular spots like Yosemite Falls and Tunnel View to avoid crowds.
    • Stopping at Mirror Lake if time permits; a short walk is refreshing and scenic.
  • Day 2 – Glacier Point Area: Hiking Sentinel Dome and Taft Point is excellent. Watching the sunset at Glacier Point is ideal for photography and stargazing. Notes:
    • If you want to stay for night skies, check sunset and twilight times for July and bring warm clothing, as temperatures drop at elevation.
    • For hiking down from Glacier Point to the valley (Panorama Trail), note that this is about 8.5 miles and 3,200 feet descent. Shuttle logistics are required, as you cannot leave a car at the valley and hike down without arranging transportation. Options include:
      • Use the Yosemite Shuttle (YARTS) if available, or arrange a private shuttle to pick you up at the valley floor.
      • Alternatively, start from Glacier Point early and hike down, arranging a ride back from Yosemite Village or Happy Isles.
    • If Panorama Trail seems too long, the Glacier Point to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point loop can be done as an out-and-back for a shorter hike.
  • Day 3 – Mist Trail / Vernal & Nevada Falls: This is one of the best hikes, but check trail conditions. July usually means good access. Tips:
    • Start early to avoid heat and crowds.
    • Carry plenty of water and snacks; the Mist Trail can be slippery near the waterfalls.
    • Consider hiking partway if your goal is 4–5 miles daily; you can reach Vernal Fall footbridge or Nevada Fall base as shorter options.
  • Day 4 – Yosemite Falls Trail to Columbia Rock: This is a reasonable shorter hike for your last day. Columbia Rock provides great valley views without requiring the full Yosemite Falls summit climb, which can be strenuous.

Other tips and considerations:

  • If it’s hot, rafting or tubing on the Merced River is a refreshing alternative. The valley floor rental companies make this easy.
  • Bike rentals are ideal for July and help minimize walking long distances while covering many sites.
  • For Glacier Point to valley hikes, the key challenge is transportation logistics—many first-time visitors underestimate this. Pre-arranged shuttles or using the YARTS bus system for pick-up are your best options.
  • Start early for popular hikes to avoid crowds and afternoon heat, particularly Mist Trail and Glacier Point areas.

Summary: Your itinerary is realistic for two adults, especially if you pace Glacier Point hikes and Mist Trail carefully. Early mornings, shuttle planning for Panorama Trail, and backup options like river activities will keep the trip flexible and enjoyable.

More Yosemite National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Mirror Lake
waterfalls
Happy

Popular Destinations

Dawu Santianmen Waterfall
Tianzi Mountain Cableway
Jilin Century Plaza
Weizhou Island

Popular Travel Questions