Next week (apr14-18 2025)

Question

Hello all, thanks for the wealth of information here.

We are visiting Yosemite next week and while we have figured and planned most of the activities, there are some questions and guidance required on how to sequence some of the activities (factoring in the “must-do” and distance from curry village where we will be staying..). This is the planned itinerary so far (family of four - 2 kids 14 and 8 years)

Day 1 - we are driving from San Diego. Leaving sunday 13th evening , stopping overnight halfway and then heading into yosemite 14th monday morning to reach curry village before noon. Plan to take 41 and south entrance as suggested by many folks. Wondering what sort of traffic to expect Monday morning.

We have reserved the yosemite conservancy walk at 1 pm so definitely hope to make it in time for that.

Still planning what small hikes/trails we can take after that. Check into curry village.

Day 2 (tue) - yosemite valley floor tour at 10 AM and other hikes post lunch

Day 3 (Wed) - still planning. Maybe take the bike rental or the shuttle around the park.

Day 4 (Thu) - medium hikes through the day. Conservancy sunset walk tour at 6 pm.

Day 5 (fri) - check out of curry village, quick stop by ahwanee lodge, and drive to a reserved merced river guided family rafting trip in afternoon (1 hour drive from curry village) before driving back to SD.

For the gaps above, I know we want to cover the below classic points but are unsure how to fit it or sequence it during our stay at curry village. And which to keep for the bike tour vs just taking the shuttle around the park vs drive (if even possible due to traffic). The times we have to fit the below are day1 (mon) after the 1 pm conservancy walk, day2( after the valley floor tour) and whole of day3 and 4.

- Scenic Drive around the Valley

- Yosemite Falls

- El Capitan Meadow

- Bridal Veil Falls

- Tunnel View

- Stoneman Meadow -

- Mirror Lake

- Mariposa Grove

- any others

Answer

Your Yosemite itinerary looks well thought out, and with a family of four including kids aged 14 and 8, focusing on a mix of iconic viewpoints, short hikes, and shuttle/bike options is a great strategy. Here’s a detailed suggestion for sequencing your activities, factoring in traffic, distances from Curry Village, and your existing bookings.

Day 1 – Monday (Apr 14)

Arriving via Highway 41 and the South Entrance, traffic on Monday morning is typically light to moderate. Early morning departures from your overnight stop should get you to Curry Village before noon without major delays, but allow a 15–30 minute buffer for the last stretch, especially near Wawona Road junctions.

After your 1 PM Yosemite Conservancy walk, you can fit in some nearby highlights that are within easy walking distance or a short shuttle ride from Curry Village:

Yosemite Falls: The Lower Yosemite Falls trail is a short, family-friendly loop (~1 mile roundtrip) and a perfect post-walk hike.
Cook’s Meadow Loop: Scenic and flat, with views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls – easy for kids.
El Capitan Meadow: A short drive or shuttle stop; great for viewing climbers if anyone is on the wall.

Optional evening stroll near Curry Village or along the Merced River for sunset.

Day 2 – Tuesday (Apr 15)

After your 10 AM Valley Floor Tour, you can explore several spots via bike, shuttle, or short walks:

Bridalveil Fall: Short walk from parking; can be accessed via shuttle.
Tunnel View: Drive or shuttle to this iconic viewpoint; early afternoon may be less crowded than morning.
Mirror Lake: Easy walk from parking; consider this in the afternoon after the Valley Floor Tour.
Bike Rentals: Renting bikes for 2–3 hours in the afternoon is a fun way to cover Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadow, and other nearby spots.

Day 3 – Wednesday (Apr 16)

Full day for flexible activities. Options include:

Use the shuttle or drive along the Scenic Drive around the Valley floor, stopping at viewpoints and meadows: El Capitan Meadow, Cathedral Spires, and Swinging Bridge.
Optional moderate hike: Four-Mile Trail (only bottom portion if kids want some hiking), or Upper Yosemite Fall trail partial hike.
Bike ride again if desired for fun and covering more ground.

Day 4 – Thursday (Apr 17)

Medium hikes and more exploration. Consider a day trip or shuttle/bike combination:

Mariposa Grove: Giant Sequoias, about a 45-minute drive from Curry Village. Shuttle available from parking; easy walks among the big trees are excellent for families.
Combine with some other scenic spots if you return early: Wawona Meadow, or a short walk to Chilnualna Falls (~2–3 miles total for kids).
Conservancy Sunset Walk at 6 PM: position yourself back in the Valley for this tour; plan lunch near Glacier Point or in Yosemite Village for timing.

Day 5 – Friday (Apr 18)

Check out from Curry Village and drive by Ahwahnee Lodge – short stops for photos.
Drive to Merced River for guided rafting trip in the afternoon (approx. 1-hour drive).
Return to San Diego in the evening, factoring in rest stops and traffic.

General Tips and Sequencing:

Use bikes for easier access to Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadow, and nearby shuttle stops – kids enjoy this more than walking long distances.
Shuttles are great for Bridalveil Fall, Tunnel View, and Valley viewpoints.
Driving is best for Mariposa Grove, El Capitan Meadow, and spots that are slightly outside the Valley floor.
Traffic can build near Tunnel View and Wawona Road in the afternoon, so try to hit these spots early or late morning.
Pack snacks, water, and layered clothing – weather can be variable in mid-April.

This sequencing balances iconic sights, manageable walking for kids, and the use of bikes, shuttles, and short drives. You should comfortably fit the “must-see” points while keeping a relaxed pace for the family.