Yosemite itinerary help - Aug 11-14

Question

Ok, been working on this, so maybe now it’s time to ask for feedback from ye experts. We are an active family of four with two 15-year olds. We are day hikers. First time to Yosemite Natl Park. Super excited! We are staying at The Ahwahnee. We are bookending the trip with SEKI (so we will have the big trees covered) and Lake Tahoe.

Day 1: Late afternoon/evening drive into Yosemite Village from points south (through Fish Camp) and check into the Ahwahnee. Leaving this evening/night open for lay of the land exploring near lodge and Yosemite Village. Dinner also open. First night suggestions?

Day 2: Up early to stay ahead of the crowds and hit a trail. Thinking Mirror Lake. Can walk there from Ahwahnee and maybe a good trail to ease the kids into it. Back by mid/late morning. Lunch at Curry Village or back at Lodge. Back out to hike in the afternoon. Thinking Mist Lake Trail/Vernal Falls. Maybe try to time it so after detouring on the John Muir Trail, we are able to return on closed portion of Mist Trail (post 3:30pm). Dinner at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Evening/night open.

Day 3: More day hiking, but where? My first thought is pack a picnic lunch and head to the full Yosemite Falls Trail, if the family is up for it. If they aren’t, maybe partial Yosemite Falls in the morning. Or perhaps Four Mile Trail? Glacier Point? Also thinking we work some swimming into this afternoon – whether it’s back at the Ahwahnee pool or maybe better, the Merced River. 6:30pm dinner reservations at The Ahwahnee. Night open.

Day 4: Sleep in. Maybe a short hike nearby for those not sleeping in. Then check out, and drive the Tioga Pass toward Lake Tahoe. Lunch along the way.

I’ve seen the sound advice here to maybe keep some things open, soak in the surroundings, and see what inspires you. So I have to say, this is maybe less mapped out than most of my trips.

Thoughts? Advice? Looking for ideas as well as help on anything big I’m missing, but also on logistics of how to best make some of this work. Always hard to envision if you haven’t been there. Feels a bit like a once in a lifetime Yosemite trip. So I want to do it as right as we can given the limited time. Please hit me with your ideas and advice. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH in advance. (Sorry this is so long.)

Answer

Your Yosemite itinerary is already well thought out, and you’re taking a smart approach by keeping some flexibility. Staying at The Ahwahnee is fantastic—it’s centrally located, historic, and gives you easy access to many Yosemite Valley highlights. Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions for your days:

Day 1 – Arrival & Evening:

Since you’ll arrive in the late afternoon/evening, use this time for a light walk near Yosemite Village and along the valley floor. Consider checking out Yosemite Falls from the base—an easy 10–15 minute walk and very dramatic at this time of year.
For dinner, if you want convenience, dine at The Ahwahnee dining room or the nearby Yosemite Valley Lodge Dining Room. Both offer excellent food and views without needing to drive.
Evening option: Take a short sunset stroll to Cook’s Meadow or swing by Sentinel Bridge for classic views of Half Dome.

Day 2 – Easy morning & Mist Trail Adventure:

Mirror Lake is perfect for a morning warm-up and offers a flat, kid-friendly hike with great views of Half Dome reflected in the water.
Lunch options: Curry Village is casual and quick; The Ahwahnee offers a more relaxed experience if you prefer sitting down.
Afternoon hike: Mist Trail to Vernal Falls is iconic but strenuous. Timing it after 3:30pm to avoid crowds is smart. Be aware that the trail can be slippery near the falls, so proper footwear is essential. If your kids enjoy it, consider extending slightly to Nevada Falls, though that adds time and effort.
Evening: Yosemite Valley Lodge dining works well; you can also explore the village shops or relax near the river after dinner.

Day 3 – Full day hiking / optional scenic drives:

Yosemite Falls Trail is a classic strenuous hike. For a family with 15-year-olds who are active, consider doing the lower falls portion (to Columbia Rock) for a rewarding view without full exertion. Full summit takes several hours and is very steep.
Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point is another challenging option. You can do a portion for great views of Yosemite Valley without committing to the full hike. Alternatively, drive to Glacier Point for the views, then do a shorter hike near there.
Swimming: The Ahwahnee pool is convenient and supervised, but if you prefer a natural experience, the Merced River (near Swinging Bridge) has shallow areas for safe swimming and wading.
Picnic lunch: Pack sandwiches and enjoy in a meadow or near the river; it maximizes time outside and avoids long waits at dining facilities.
Dinner at The Ahwahnee is perfect for a more formal and memorable evening.

Day 4 – Departure & Tioga Pass Drive:

Sleep in as planned. Consider a short stroll along Bridalveil Fall or Cook’s Meadow for final morning photos.
Tioga Pass drive: Stops at Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, and Tuolumne Meadows are highly scenic. Plan lunch along the way, possibly at Tuolumne Meadows picnic areas.
Ensure you check Tioga Pass road conditions in advance; late summer is usually open, but unexpected closures can occur.

Additional Tips & Considerations:

Start hikes early each day to beat crowds and afternoon heat. Yosemite can be very busy in August.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and snacks. Even day hikes in the valley can be hot.
Parking at trailheads fills quickly; staying at The Ahwahnee is convenient because you can walk to many locations.
Leave some unstructured time for photography, wildlife spotting, and relaxing at meadows or riverbanks. Sometimes these spontaneous moments are most memorable.
Check shuttle schedules; some trails may be easier to reach using the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle rather than driving.

In summary, your plan is strong. For Day 2, focus on Mist Trail but remain flexible; Day 3 could be a mix of partial Yosemite Falls or scenic drives/hikes depending on energy levels. Keeping some buffer time for rest and exploration is wise, as it allows the family to soak in the iconic scenery without feeling rushed.

Yosemite itinerary help - Aug 11-14

More Yosemite National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions