Help for 3 full-days in YNP

Question

We are flying into Fresno and staying overnight in Oakhurst. We will then be staying at Yosemite Valley Lodge for 3 nights. Our current plan is to overnight in Oakhurst and then get up early to start our drive into YNP through the south entrance. Right now we plan to spend our 3rd day in YNP driving the Tioga Pass and seeing Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, Olmsted Point and sunset from Lembert Dome. We are having trouble figuring out days 1 and 2 (and maybe switching up day 3 too).

Since we are driving in through the south entrance early on day 1, should we stop and do the Mariposa Grove/Glacier Point sights right then or drive straight to Yosemite Valley and hit those sights first? We would like to see Mariposa Grove (grizzly loop trail), the swinging bridge, Sentinel Point, Taft Point and Glacier point at sunset. The rest of our wish list is to hike the Mist Trail, see Tunnel View, Lower Yosemite Fall (maybe depending on water), take in El Cap views, see the Ahwahnee and Wawona hotels, Washburn point and Cooks Meadow. Maybe kayak the Merced.

With the closing of part of the Mist Trail from 7am-3pm we were thinking we would do that hike very early to get past that point before 7am. Because of this, and the fact we are driving in through the south, it seems like it might make sense to save Yosemite Valley and the Mist trail for day 2 or 3?

We have never been to YNP and are afraid we are trying to fit too much into each day between the size of the park and potential crowds slowing things down. We are pretty fit, almost 60-year-olds, that like a good hike but nothing too crazy (we've done The Narrows and Angels Landing in Zion). Traveling the second week of September. We will be in the park Monday through Thursday morning. Would love some help with this. Thank you.

Answer

For a first-time visit to Yosemite National Park with three full days, it’s smart to prioritize by location and avoid cramming too much into one day. Your plan to enter through the south entrance from Oakhurst makes sense, and you can structure your days to balance hiking, scenic drives, and iconic viewpoints.

Day 1 – South Entrance, Mariposa Grove & Glacier Point

Since you’re entering via the south entrance, it’s efficient to visit Mariposa Grove first. The Grizzly Giant Loop Trail is a great introduction and will take 1–2 hours. Afterward, consider stopping at Wawona and the historic Wawona Hotel for a quick look. Drive up to Glacier Point in the afternoon for iconic views and sunset. This avoids doubling back later and uses daylight efficiently.

Mariposa Grove: Grizzly Giant & surrounding sequoias.
Wawona Hotel & nearby sites.
Glacier Point for sunset, optional Taft Point if time allows (short hike from the parking area).

Day 2 – Yosemite Valley and Mist Trail

Dedicate this day to Yosemite Valley. Start early to hike the Mist Trail before any closures—this allows you to enjoy Vernal and Nevada Falls before mid-morning crowds. After the hike, you can explore the valley floor, including El Capitan viewpoints, Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook’s Meadow, and Sentinel Bridge for the classic photos.

Mist Trail early morning: hike to Vernal/Nevada Falls.
Yosemite Valley highlights: El Capitan viewpoints, Cook’s Meadow, Sentinel Bridge.
Optional kayak on the Merced River if you want a relaxing afternoon.

Day 3 – Tioga Pass & High Country

Use this day for Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows. Stop at Tenaya Lake for photos, Olmsted Point for sweeping views, and Lembert Dome for sunset. This keeps your high country exploration separate from the valley crowds and allows a more leisurely pace.

Tioga Road highlights: Tenaya Lake, Olmsted Point, Tuolumne Meadows.
Lembert Dome for sunset views.
Washburn Point can also be included on your way out if time allows.

Additional Tips:

Traffic and parking in Yosemite Valley can slow you down; consider using the free shuttle where available.
Starting hikes very early helps avoid crowds, especially on Mist Trail.
Be flexible—if a viewpoint is crowded or timing feels tight, prioritize the iconic spots: Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan.
Bring snacks and water; some hikes can take longer than expected.

This plan balances your interests in hiking, scenic drives, and iconic viewpoints while minimizing backtracking and overloading any single day.