3 night 4 day itinerary

Question

Hi , after searching through posts and doing some research I have drafted an itinerary for 3 nights 4 days trip in mid June this year. I am travelling to and from San Francisco and staying in Yosemite west. Any suggestions and improvement welcome.

Day 1

drive from SF. Enter park at Arch rock entrance, stop at Bridalveil falls and Tunnel view en route to accom in Yosemite West.

Day 2

Morning :Drive Glacier Point road and see/ walk Sentinal Dome and Taft point

Afternoon: Drive to Yosemite Valley, stop El capitano Picnic area and Yosemite Falls

Day 3

drive to Tuolumne meadows : Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, Lembert Dome, Tioga Pass. Stop at Merced Or Tuolumne Grove on return

Day 4

drive to Mariposa Grove

Exit via south entrance and drive to SF and get back onto HWY 140 via 41 and 49

I was wondering if we see the Redwoods on Day 3 at Merced or Tuolumne groves, we could miss Mariposa grove and visit something in Yosemite valley on our way home on day 4.

All advice much appreciated

Thanks You

Answer

Your draft itinerary for 3 nights and 4 days in Yosemite is well structured and allows you to see a lot of the park's highlights. Here are some detailed suggestions and considerations to help you optimize your trip and make the most of your time.

Day 1:

Driving from San Francisco and entering via Arch Rock is a good choice. Stopping at Bridalveil Fall and Tunnel View on the way to Yosemite West provides iconic views and photo opportunities. Depending on your arrival time, you might also consider a short walk around Lower Yosemite Fall or Cook’s Meadow Loop for an easy introduction to Yosemite Valley.

Day 2:

Heading to Glacier Point Road in the morning is excellent. Sentinel Dome and Taft Point are both moderately easy hikes and provide stunning panoramic views. Be aware that Glacier Point Road is seasonal, but mid-June is usually open. In the afternoon, visiting Yosemite Valley with stops at El Capitan Picnic Area and Yosemite Falls is perfect. If time allows, you could also fit in a short walk in Cook’s Meadow or the Mist Trail (partial) for additional views without strenuous hiking.

Day 3:

Driving up to Tuolumne Meadows is a highlight and offers high-elevation scenery. Stops at Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, and Lembert Dome are excellent choices. Keep in mind Tioga Pass can be chilly and windy even in June. On the return, you mentioned visiting either Merced Grove or Tuolumne Grove. Both have beautiful sequoias, but Merced Grove is slightly closer to Yosemite West. If you choose one of these groves, it’s feasible to skip Mariposa Grove and instead explore some remaining Yosemite Valley sights on your way out on Day 4.

Merced Grove: About a 3-mile round trip hike, quieter and less crowded than Mariposa Grove.
Tuolumne Grove: About 2.5-mile round trip hike, features impressive sequoias.

Day 4:

If you have already visited a sequoia grove on Day 3, you can spend Day 4 focusing on any remaining Yosemite Valley highlights before exiting via the south entrance. Consider easy spots such as Mirror Lake, Lower Yosemite Fall trail, or a short walk in the meadows near El Capitan. This way, you still experience some valley magic without feeling rushed.

Additional suggestions:

Start early each day to maximize your time and avoid midday crowds, especially at Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Valley.
Pack picnic lunches to save time and enjoy scenic spots.
Check for road conditions, especially Glacier Point and Tioga Pass, as snow or maintenance could impact access.
If you are interested in photography, consider sunrise at Tunnel View or sunset at Glacier Point.

Overall, your itinerary is ambitious but doable. The main adjustment would be deciding whether to see the Redwoods on Day 3 (Merced or Tuolumne Grove) or Mariposa Grove on Day 4. Both options work, and prioritizing based on your energy levels and interest in sequoias versus more valley exploration will help you make the most of your trip.