Itinerary for 2 full days driving

Question

Hi there, myself and 3 teen children will be staying in Mariposa and will be driving into the park, each day, for 2 full days on this Monday and Tuesday the 11th-12th.

Could I have an iterary that involves hitting all the best spots/viewpoints, please? We obviously will be doing some hiking but we don't want any long or strenuous hikes, due to the heat.

Having never been, its so confusing/overwhelming trying to figure something out! Many thanks in advance.

Answer

With two full days in Yosemite National Park and staying in Mariposa, you can plan a mix of scenic drives and short, easy hikes to see the park’s most iconic spots without overexertion in the heat. Here’s a suggested itinerary that balances driving, viewpoints, and short walks suitable for teens.

Day 1 – Yosemite Valley Highlights

Early morning: Enter via Highway 140 from Mariposa to get an early start. Stop briefly at the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias if you’re interested in seeing the massive trees (short, easy walks available).
Bridalveil Fall: Stop at the viewpoint and take the short walk to the base of the waterfall (0.5 mile round trip, mostly flat).
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center: Quick stop to get maps, water, and ranger recommendations.
Yosemite Falls: Easy paved path to view Lower Yosemite Fall (1 mile round trip, minimal elevation change).
Lunch: Picnic in the valley or grab a quick bite at Yosemite Village.
Tunnel View: Drive to this classic viewpoint for a full panoramic view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Great photo stop.
El Capitan Meadow: Short stop to watch climbers on the rock via binoculars, flat walking area.
Optional short hike: Cook’s Meadow Loop (1 mile, easy, flat with great valley views).
Evening: Drive out of the valley and return to Mariposa.

Day 2 – Glacier Point & Wawona Area

Early morning: Drive to Glacier Point via Wawona Road/Highway 41. The view is spectacular and accessible by car, overlooking Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and Yosemite Falls.
Short walks from Glacier Point: Washburn Point and Sentinel Dome short trails (both under 2 miles round trip; Sentinel Dome has some elevation gain but moderate).
Lunch: Pack a picnic or stop at Wawona or the nearby lodge.
Mariposa Grove: If you didn’t do it on Day 1, consider a short stroll on the Big Trees Trail (1 mile loop, very flat) to see giant sequoias.
Optional: Swing by Tunnel View again on the way out for different lighting.
Afternoon: Take a scenic drive along Wawona Road or visit Bridalveil Creek for a shaded short walk if time allows.
Return: Drive back to Mariposa before evening.

Tips:

Start early to avoid heat and crowds.
Carry plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats for protection.
Parking at major viewpoints fills quickly, so arrive early where possible.
Focus on shorter hikes and viewpoints rather than trying to reach top peaks.
Consider a simple snack or lunch in the valley to maximize your time at key spots.

This plan allows you to see the best of Yosemite’s iconic landmarks and enjoy short hikes without excessive exertion, making it manageable and fun for teens and adults alike.