End of June visit from uk

Question

Hi all,

I will look through the forum for inspiration and answers to some of my questions, but always good to start a conversation and get some ideas and help!

Flying to san fran from the uk (hopefully) Tuesday 24th June. I’ve done the park early entry reservation from Wednesday 25th.

Looking for ideas and advice where to stay outside the park, and best options for commuting in/parking etc. my mum and I want to see Yosemite valley and glacier point. Where’s good to park, and any recommendations/itineraries would be very welcome!

I don’t sleep much, especially on holiday, and will be up early every day and ready to leave where ever I’m staying at or before 6am, for a full day out to make the absolute most of this holiday!

Would 3 nights/days be enough to see and hike loads? And then 2 nights in san fran before we get a late flight home Sunday night. We want to obviously see the Golden Gate Bridge, and do the Alcatraz tour. Again, any ideas or recommendations very welcome 🙂

Answer

Great plan — late June is a classic time to visit Yosemite: waterfalls are still impressive from spring melt, trails and Glacier Point Road are usually open, and the valley is lively. Below I’ll cover where to stay (outside the park), parking/transport options, Glacier Point access, recommended hikes and a 3-day sample itinerary, plus practical tips for early starters like you and your mum.

Short headlines (quick takeaways)

Vehicle reservations / timed-entry: Summer (mid-June through mid-August) typically requires a vehicle/timed-entry reservation for daytime entry — check Recreation.gov and Yosemite notices before you go and book if required for your dates.
Glacier Point Road: In 2025 Glacier Point Road opened in May and is usually drivable from late spring through fall (dates vary by snow/conditions). That makes Glacier Point very doable for a day trip in late June.
Best places to stay outside the park: El Portal (closest), Oakhurst / Fish Camp (south/Badger Pass side), Mariposa (more options), or Groveland / Big Oak Flat (if coming from the west). If you can get lodging inside Yosemite Valley it’s the most convenient.

Where to stay (outside the park) — pros & cons

El Portal — ~10–15 minutes to the Arch Rock/Big Oak Flat entrance and quickest drive into Yosemite Valley; very convenient if you want short morning drives. Limited lodging but ideal for early arrivals.
Oakhurst / Fish Camp — on the south side off Highway 41 (Wawona direction). Good restaurants and more hotel/Airbnb choices; Fish Camp is closer to Badger Pass/Glacier Point approach from the south.
Mariposa — larger town with more hotel variety and services; expect ~50–75 minute drive into Yosemite Valley (good if you want more restaurant/shops).
Groveland / Big Oak Flat — good if you’re coming via Highway 120 (northwest approach); quiet and reasonable drive time.
Inside the park (Yosemite Valley) — Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, The Ahwahnee — best for maximum time in the valley and minimal driving. If you can book this, it’s the most convenient.

Parking and getting around

Arrive early: For trailheads and popular viewpoints, aim to be inside the park and parked by ~6–7am if you want easier parking and quieter trails — you said you’ll be ready early, which is perfect.
Vehicle / timed-entry reservations: Summer daytime reservations are often required (for example, June 15–August 15 in 2025 had vehicle reservation windows) — check Recreation.gov or park notices and secure a reservation if your dates fall into a required period.
Yosemite Valley Shuttle: Once inside the valley, use the free Valley shuttle to move between trailheads, Curry Village, Yosemite Village and lodges — it runs in summer and helps avoid circling for parking. Trailhead parking (e.g., for the Mist Trail at Happy Isles/Curry area) fills fast; park at the nearest shuttle stop if lots are full.
Trailhead parking: Curry Village / Housekeeping Camp area is the common parking for Mist Trail/Happy Isles access; Glacier Point has its own lot when driving up the Glacier Point Road (park early as that lot can fill).

Is Glacier Point reachable in late June?

Yes — Glacier Point Road typically opens in May once plowing is finished and remains open through fall unless conditions force an early close. In 2025 it opened in early May, so you should be able to drive to Glacier Point in late June (drive time from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point is about 1–1.5 hours each way depending on stops). Plan to get there early or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds at the overlook parking.

Suggested hikes and how to prioritize them (for early risers)

Mist Trail to Vernal Fall (and up to Nevada Fall) — iconic, misty, steep sections (about 3–5 miles round trip depending on how far you go). A great half-day or full-day option and lovely early when waterfalls are strong.
Yosemite Falls (Lower or Upper) — short lower falls walk or the strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls hike if you want panoramic summit views. Lower Yosemite Falls is an easy, quick visit. turn1search4
Sentinel Dome + Taft Point loop — relatively short, spectacular views with fewer people if you time it right; works well as a morning or late-afternoon hike. turn1search4
Four Mile Trail (Valley to Glacier Point) or Panorama Trail — longer hikes that link valley floor and Glacier Point (Panorama Trail from Glacier Point down to the valley passes Nevada Fall). These can be full-day hikes — consider a one-way plan or shuttle to avoid repeating big climbs. turn1search4
Half Dome — if you want Half Dome, cables are typically up in summer and a permit is required. Permits are limited and allocated via lottery or day use — plan well in advance if this is a must. turn0search8

Sample 3-day itinerary (you’re an early bird — perfect!)

Drive time from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley is usually about 3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic and route (Highway 120 from the northwest or Highway 140/41 from the southwest). Given your early start habit, this itinerary assumes full days.

Day 1 — Arrival & Valley highlights
- Arrive early, enter the valley, park and ride shuttle if needed.
- Short hikes: Lower Yosemite Falls (easy), then walk to Yosemite Valley viewpoints (El Capitan Meadow, Bridalveil Fall viewpoint).
- Afternoon: Visitor Center / Ansel Adams Gallery; easy evening stroll along Merced River.
Day 2 — Mist Trail & Glacier Point
- Start very early and do Mist Trail to Vernal Fall (and up to Nevada Fall if you’re feeling energetic).
- In the afternoon drive (or shuttle/park) to Glacier Point for sunset views over Half Dome and the valley (or the next morning if you prefer sunrise). Glacier Point is excellent for panoramic photos. turn1search0turn0search15
Day 3 — Optional big hike or Scenic drive
- Options: Four Mile Trail up to Glacier Point (strenuous), Sentinel Dome + Taft Point loop (moderate), or a relaxed day visiting Mariposa Grove if you want giant sequoias (check Mariposa Grove access/parking in advance).
- Drive back toward San Francisco later that day (or spend another night near the park if you prefer a relaxed return).

Practical tips & safety

Book lodging as early as possible — June is very busy. If staying outside the park, El Portal gives you the shortest drive into the Valley. turn0search6
Reserve vehicle/timed-entry if your travel dates fall into the required window (Recreation.gov / park notices). Have your reservation confirmation ready. turn0search4turn0search12
Bring layers — mornings and evenings in the valley can be cool, daytime warm. Good hiking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water (no natural water without treatment).
Bears and food storage: store food properly (bear boxes at camps and lodges), don’t leave food in cars overnight, and follow all NPS guidance about wildlife. turn1news26
Download maps and the park shuttle schedule, and carry a paper printed hotel/reservation confirmation in case cell access is limited in parts of the park. turn1search1
Check current trail conditions and any temporary closures before each day’s hike (NPS conditions page). Trail access can change due to maintenance, rockfall, or safety work. turn0search5turn1news19

Is 3 nights/days enough?

Yes — with three full days you can see Yosemite Valley’s top sights and do a couple of substantial hikes (Mist Trail + Glacier Point + Sentinel Dome/Taft Point or part of the Upper Falls). If you want to do Half Dome or extensive backpacking, you’ll need more time and advanced permits. For your plan (Valley + Glacier Point + a few hikes), three nights is a sensible and active amount of time.

Last quick checks before you book / go

Confirm whether a vehicle/timed entry is required for your arrival date and make a reservation on Recreation.gov if so. turn0search4
Check Glacier Point Road status just before travel (it usually opens in May but confirm current year conditions). turn0search1
Confirm your chosen lodging’s cancellation policy — summer is busy and plans sometimes shift.

End of June visit from uk

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