YNP itinerary

Question

Planning on visit yo YNP in September this is my plan up to now.

I was looking at driving from groveland early stopping at tunnel view for a bit.

Drive to bridaveil falls before drive to el capitan picnic area parking the car.

Take shuttle to mirror lake trail.

Then onto yosemite village before stopping at lower falls.

Take shuttle back to meadow for the car.

Come back next day to cross off anything else I missed before driving to glacier point.

Any further advice would be greatly appreciated. Especially the Parking aspect.

Thanks in advance

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Answer

Your planned itinerary for Yosemite in September looks well-structured, and it should allow you to see the main highlights without feeling overly rushed. Since September is shoulder season, the crowds are smaller than in summer, but parking can still be a challenge, so planning is important.

Here are some suggestions to optimize your visit:

Early Start: Arriving at Tunnel View early in the morning is smart. It provides the best light for photos and helps avoid parking difficulties.
Bridalveil Fall: Parking near Bridalveil Fall is limited. Consider arriving early or parking a short walk away if the lot is full.
El Capitan Picnic Area: Parking is limited, especially mid-day. Try to time your visit for late morning or early afternoon. Having a picnic here is a nice break before heading to shuttle-access areas.
Shuttle to Mirror Lake: Using the shuttle reduces stress about parking. Check the current shuttle schedule online or at visitor centers; some stops may be seasonal in September.
Yosemite Village: Parking near Yosemite Village can be tricky. If you arrive mid-morning or early afternoon, plan to park in the large lot near Yosemite Village or use the shuttle from a nearby lot.
Lower Yosemite Falls: This is typically easy to access, but consider doing it right after Mirror Lake so your car is nearby.

Additional tips:

Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. September days can be warm, but mornings and evenings are cooler.
Consider using Yosemite’s shuttle system for multiple stops in the valley to minimize walking long distances with the hassle of parking repeatedly.
For Glacier Point, parking is usually available, but arriving early gives you the best views without the stress of finding a spot.
If you are open to flexibility, keeping a backup plan for each location is helpful in case parking lots are full or a hike is busier than expected.

Overall, your plan to see the valley first and return the next day for anything missed before heading to Glacier Point is a solid approach. Prioritizing early arrivals at popular spots and using shuttles where possible will maximize your experience and minimize parking headaches.

YNP itinerary

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