Labor Day Weekend

Question

Girlfriend and I, late 50s and fit, are planning to see Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Joshua Tree from August 31 to Sept 5. (I know, late planning but I hope to make the best of it.) We will probably only do short hikes of an hour or two.

Initial plan is to visit Yosemite Sunday, August 31st and September 1st. Coming from Fresno and plan to stay in Mariposa two nights.

I don't have a timed entry pass so I assume my best plan of action is to pick up YARTS in Mariposa and travel to Yosemite Valley. From there pick up the free shuttle to see the valley?

From what I can see, the YARTS fee includes the park entry fee; meaning my America the Beautiful pass would not be utilized?

For our second day I think we should be able to drive from Mariposa to the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center before 6am; again, I do not have a timed entry pass so I will have to be there before 6am, correct?

Will we have time for a 3rd day in Yosemite? If so, what should we plan to see?

Thanks for any input.

Answer

Your plan to visit Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Joshua Tree over Labor Day weekend is ambitious, but focusing on short hikes and highlights makes it manageable. Here's a detailed approach for Yosemite, given your late August/early September schedule.

Regarding YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) from Mariposa:

Yes, YARTS is a convenient way to get into Yosemite Valley if you don’t have a timed entry reservation. It allows you to relax and avoid parking hassles in the Valley, which can be very limited during busy holiday weekends.
The YARTS fee generally includes the park entrance fee, so in this case, your America the Beautiful pass would not be used for that specific day.
Once in the Valley, the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle stops at all major points of interest including Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome viewpoints, and trailheads for shorter hikes. This makes it easy to see the highlights without driving.

For your second day at Mariposa Grove:

Yes, arriving early is critical since there is no timed entry without a reservation. Arriving at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Center before 6am is recommended to secure parking and access, especially on a holiday weekend.
The early arrival allows you to enjoy the Giant Sequoias with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Regarding a potential third day in Yosemite:

If you are willing to get an early start and limit yourself to short hikes or scenic stops, a third day is possible. You could focus on areas not heavily visited by first-timers:
Glacier Point (if open) provides a spectacular overview of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra.
Mirror Lake is an easy, flat walk with great reflections of the cliffs.
Bridalveil Fall and Tunnel View are quick stops that capture iconic views.

Tips to make the most of your visit:

Check current road conditions, shuttle schedules, and any closures online before you go.
Pack snacks, water, and sunscreen; holiday weekends mean limited availability at Valley stores.
Arrive at major trailheads or viewpoints early to avoid peak crowds, especially for short hikes.

In summary, YARTS from Mariposa is a good alternative to driving, early arrival at Mariposa Grove is necessary, and a third day in Yosemite is feasible if you focus on accessible scenic areas and short hikes. Planning strategically around shuttle schedules and early starts will help you maximize your visit over the holiday weekend.