Yosemite National Park Guide for First Timers

Planning a perfect vacation can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In this guide, you will find a Yosemite Valley Guide for First Timers that meets all the must-see spots in this park. Yosemite National Park is huge, and it could take weeks to fully explore it. In this guide, you’ll find the must-see spots and some hidden gems. Click here to check out the map of the itinerary. 

Yosemite when to go: the best time to visit Yosemite Park would be during the summer months (June to September). In the wintertime, many roads aren't accessible to cars, as well as hiking trails. 

Keep in mind: entering this park requires you to pay 35$ per car (unless you have the annual pass, which tends to be more convenient if you are visiting multiple parks). Additionally, in the high season, you need an entrance ticket where you book your spot in advance, which usually are sold out for the summer months. You find detailed information on the official website. This rule applies also to some (very famous and popular) hikes, such as Half Dome: the park runs “lotteries”, where you have the chance to reserve your spot for a specific date. There is the preseason one which runs a couple of months prior to the summer. If you don’t book your spot during this slot, you will have a second chance to compete in the second lottery, which runs daily for the next day.

There are 5 entrances to the Yosemite National Park, and the most popular part is the Yosemite Valley. You can enter by car and go around the park. Alternatively, you can use the public transportation offered by the park (included in the entrance ticket). You find the map here.

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Yosemite Valley

1- Taft point

To reach this viewpoint you'll have to hike 2.2 miles (roundtrip). The trail starts here, driving through Glacier Point Road. This hike is only accessible when Glacier Point Road is open, which is in the summer. The trailhead starts at the Sentinal Dome/Taft Point stop on the shuttle, and there is limited parking if you drive yourself to the trailhead. During the summer, they require you to take the shuttle from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, but you can usually drive yourself if you go before or after. 

2- Glacier point

Glacier Point is another great viewpoint and is a must-see spot in the Yosemite National Park. It is reachable by car via Glacier Point Road (like Taft Point), and you can park here. 

3 – Tunnel view

This viewpoint is a must in Yosemite National Park, very easy to reach. Find it just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41. No hiking is required.

4- Bridalveil Falls Viewpoint

I highly suggest reaching the Bridalveil Falls viewpoint, where there are these huge waterfalls. It is very easy to reach (you have to walk 10 minutes more or less). Located here. 

5 - El Capitan Viewpoint and Meadow

A unique outlook of El Capitan is possible to see from the El Capitan viewpoint (located here).  

I also suggest exploring the El Capitan Meadow, to enjoy a distinctive view of the waterfall. There is a wooden platform that crosses the meadow.

6 - Sentinel Meadow Cook's Meadow Loop Trail

This short, easy walk offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock. It's 3,2 km (2 miles) long, it takes an average of 40 min to complete. You find the map here. I enjoyed this short walk, as it doesn't take too much time and is easy to be squeezed in the tour. 

7- Yosemite Valley View

Another viewpoint that is worth a stop is the Yosemite Valley view, which is reachable by car.

Outside Yosemite Valley

1- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

If you want to see the Sequoia trees, there is the possibility to see them in Yosemite Park. A free shuttle provides service from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, near the South Entrance, to the Mariposa Grove. Once you arrive, there are multiple hikes:

• Big Trees Loop Trail (easy)
  0.3 mile (0.5 km) loop from trailhead, 30 to 45 minutes. Winding through a forest with many giant sequoias, this trail features the Fallen Monarch. This loop is relatively flat.
• Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (moderate)
  2 miles (3.2 km) loop from trailhead, 1.5 to 2 hours. Start along the Mariposa Grove Trail at the Big Trees Loop and hike past notable trees such as the Bachelor and Three Graces, the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant, and California Tunnel Tree. It includes 300 feet (91 m) of elevation gain.
• Guardians Loop Trail (strenuous)
  6.5 miles (10.5 km) round trip from trailhead, 4 to 6 hours. After hiking to the tranquil upper portion of the grove, a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop takes hikers past many famous features including the fallen Wawona Tunnel Tree, the Telescope Tree, and the Mariposa Grove Cabin.
• Mariposa Grove Trail (strenuous)
  7 miles (11.3 km) round trip from trailhead to Wawona Point, 4 to 6 hours. You will see famous sequoias such as the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Faithful Couple, and the Clothespin Tree along this somewhat strenuous route to the upper reaches of the grove. Continue to historic Wawona Point, an overlook with panoramic views. Total elevation gain is 1,200 feet (366 m). 

I decided to follow the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail, which allows you to see the most famous trees. Keep in mind that these are suggested routes, you can take any path you'd like.

2 - Tioga Road

Tioga Road (Highway 120) spans Yosemite National Park from the west to east gates. The seasonal road is normally open to vehicles from late May or June until sometime in November depending on snow levels. This road is absolutely stunning during the summertime, as at every turn there is a unique outlook over the mountains. I suggest stopping by Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows (we did a short walk to the Soda Springs to enjoy a bit of the place).

Planning a perfect day trip doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and considering your preferences, you can create an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, choose your destination, and get ready for an adventure!