Itinerary Review

Question

My husband (34M) and I (33F) will be visiting for the first time the first week of May. We have campsites reserved and a tentative itinerary. Would someone please look it over and provide feedback?

Day 1: Arrival in Fresno, Travel to Yosemite & Explore Mariposa Grove

• 12:00 PM: Arrive in Fresno.

o Pick up any last-minute supplies or snacks.

o Grab lunch or pack a picnic for the road.

• 1:00 PM: Depart Fresno and drive to Yosemite National Park (approximately 1.5 hours).

o Arrive in Yosemite National Park and head directly to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (about 1-hour drive from Yosemite Valley).

• 2:30 PM: Arrive at Mariposa Grove.

o Hike the Grizzly Giant Loop (2 miles) or the more challenging Mariposa Grove Trail (6 miles) to see the iconic Grizzly Giant and other famous sequoias.

• 5:30 PM: Depart Mariposa Grove and drive to Upper Pines Campground (about 1 hour).

o Stop at Tunnel View. (Best at sunset 7:30pm)

• Evening:

o Check-in, set up your campsite

________________________________________

Day 2: Yosemite Valley - Waterfalls & Iconic Hikes

• Morning:

o Breakfast at campsite.

o Mist Trail: Head to the Mist Trail early to avoid crowds. Start the hike to Vernal Fall (3 miles round trip). If you're feeling adventurous, continue to Nevada Fall (6 miles round trip). This trail offers incredible views of the waterfalls and a misty atmosphere, especially in spring.

• Afternoon:

o After your hike, head back to Yosemite Valley and enjoy lunch at Yosemite Lodge

o Spend the afternoon exploring Mirror Lake (2 miles round trip) for peaceful lake reflections or head to Inspiration Point for panoramic views of the valley.

• Evening:

o Return to Upper Pines Campground for dinner.

o Relax with some stargazing

________________________________________

Day 3: Upper Yosemite Falls & Glacier Point

• Morning:

o Breakfast at your campsite.

o Upper Yosemite Falls Trail: Start the day with the strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Trail (7.2 miles round trip). This hike provides stunning views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Half Dome from the top.

• Afternoon:

o After your hike, grab lunch and relax at your campsite or visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.

o pick up bikes to go to El Capitan meadow, Swinging Bridge and Cook Meadow, the return your bikes before dinner at the Mountain Inn

• Evening:

o relax by your campsite.

________________________________________

Day 4: Yosemite Valley & Departure

• Morning:

o Breakfast at your campsite. Pack up campsite.

o Before leaving, take a short walk to Bridalveil Fall (0.5 miles).

• 12:00 PM: Depart Yosemite and head back to Fresno (about 2.5–3 hours).

• 3:00 PM: Arrive in Fresno, giving yourself some time before your departure.

• Departure 5:15pm Fresno

Answer

Your itinerary is well-structured and covers many highlights of Yosemite, especially for a first-time visit in May. Here’s a detailed review and some suggestions to optimize your trip:

Day 1: Arrival & Mariposa Grove

Driving from Fresno and stopping at Mariposa Grove is a good plan, but keep in mind that the road from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove is about 1–1.5 hours. Traffic can sometimes add extra time, especially in spring weekends.
Consider checking the shuttle schedule at Mariposa Grove. Some of the parking is limited, and using the free shuttle can save time and walking before your hike.
Tunnel View is spectacular at sunset, but arriving around 7:30 PM in May may be tight depending on traffic. If time is limited, you could consider stopping at Tunnel View on the drive from Mariposa Grove to Upper Pines Campground instead of waiting until sunset.
Grizzly Giant Loop (2 miles) is perfect for a short, first-day hike. If you have energy, the longer Mariposa Grove Trail (6 miles) is rewarding but may be a lot after a day of driving.

Day 2: Waterfalls & Valley Highlights

Mist Trail to Vernal Fall is ideal in the morning to avoid crowds. Keep in mind the trail can be slippery due to mist—hiking poles and good footwear are recommended.
If your group is fit, continuing to Nevada Fall is a fantastic experience, but it can take 4–6 hours round trip, so plan for an early start and bring snacks and water.
Mirror Lake or Inspiration Point in the afternoon is a nice balance after a strenuous hike.
Lunch at Yosemite Lodge is convenient, but consider packing a picnic if you want flexibility in timing and to enjoy the valley views.
Evening stargazing at Upper Pines is great; skies are often very clear in May.

Day 3: Yosemite Falls & Glacier Point

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is a challenging 7.2-mile hike. Depending on your energy from previous days, consider starting very early. It typically takes 5–7 hours for most hikers.
Alternatively, if you prefer a slightly less strenuous day, consider Lower Yosemite Falls Trail combined with Glacier Point for stunning views without the full upper falls climb.
Biking around El Capitan Meadow, Swinging Bridge, and Cook’s Meadow is a fantastic way to see the valley in a relaxed manner.
Booking dinner at Mountain Inn is good. Make sure to confirm availability or make a reservation in advance, as it can get busy in May.

Day 4: Short Hike & Departure

Bridalveil Fall is a perfect short walk before departing and won’t take much time.
Leaving by noon gives you ample time to drive back to Fresno without rushing, accounting for possible traffic delays.
Ensure your campsite is fully packed and leave no trace behind. Carry extra water and snacks for the drive.

Additional Tips:

Check Yosemite road conditions and parking for Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point ahead of time. Some roads may still have snow patches in early May.
Bring layers: mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially at higher elevations.
Spring means waterfalls are at peak flow—Mist Trail can get wet, and areas near falls may be slippery.
Start hikes early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially for Mist Trail and Upper Yosemite Falls Trail.
Carry a refillable water bottle and snacks for longer hikes, as options in the park can be limited and crowded.

Overall, your plan is realistic for a first-time Yosemite visit, with a good mix of hikes, scenic views, and relaxation. Minor adjustments for timing at Tunnel View and Glacier Point can make the days less rushed and more enjoyable.

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