Many of us dream of spending weeks gawking at the thundering waterfalls, rock climbing the towering granite walls, and hiking Half Dome or deep into the remote wilderness of Yosemite National Park, but, not everyone has the luxury of time. In fact, most visitors stay in Yosemite for 57 hours making us an anomaly if we get 72 hours, aka a long weekend, in the land of giants. So, how do you make the most of your 72 hours in Yosemite?
With 72 hours in Yosemite National Park, you need to have a strategy to do everything you hope to do, knowing you can’t do it all, and still make time to sit back and soak in the stunning views that Yosemite Valley has to offer its visitors. For most, the planning will include selecting hikes, rock climbs, photo destinations, and searching for the hidden gems based on the time of year you are visiting.
Continue reading to learn how you can make the most of your 72 hours in Yosemite National Park.
Enjoying sunrise at Glacier Point and peeking down the 2000 foot cliff. Photo by Dalton Johnson
PROS
Natural Beauty: Yosemite is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, pristine lakes, and lush meadows. Spending 72 hours allows you ample time to explore and appreciate the park's scenic wonders.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities: Yosemite offers an extensive network of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. You can embark on hikes that lead to iconic landmarks like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, or Glacier Point. Additionally, you can engage in activities like rock climbing, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Photography Opportunities: With its awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse wildlife, Yosemite presents endless photography opportunities. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur, the park offers numerous picturesque vistas and stunning subjects to capture.
Camping Experience: Yosemite has several campgrounds where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a true outdoor experience. Spending multiple days allows you to fully embrace camping, star-gazing, and enjoying campfire meals.
Wildlife and Flora: Yosemite is home to various wildlife species, including black bears, mule deer, coyotes, and many others. Exploring the park over 72 hours increases your chances of encountering these animals and observing their natural behaviors. You can also appreciate the park's diverse plant life, including its famous giant sequoias.
CONS
Time Limitations: Yosemite is vast, covering an area of over 750,000 acres, and it's impossible to explore everything in just 72 hours. You may feel rushed and unable to fully immerse yourself in the park's offerings.
Crowds and Traffic: Yosemite attracts millions of visitors each year, and during peak seasons or weekends, it can get crowded. Popular trails, viewpoints, and attractions may be congested, limiting your solitude and tranquility.
Limited Amenities: While Yosemite has facilities like visitor centers, restaurants, and lodges, they may not meet everyone's expectations. The availability of amenities can vary based on the specific areas you visit within the park.
Weather Constraints: Weather conditions in Yosemite can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. It's essential to be prepared for sudden changes in weather, which may impact your outdoor activities and visibility.
Park Regulations: Yosemite has certain regulations in place to protect the park's natural resources and ensure visitor safety. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with these rules to avoid any inadvertent violations that could result in fines or penalties.
72 HOUR HIKING ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Morning: Start your day by visiting the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center to gather information, maps, and get oriented with the park.
Mid-morning: Begin your hike to Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Take the Yosemite Falls Trail to reach the Lower Falls and continue to the Upper Falls if you're up for a strenuous climb. If you are going to the Upper Falls, this can take a full day, so come prepared with a day hiking kit.
Afternoon: If you decided to turn around at the Lower Falls, after a quick bite to eat, explore the Valley Loop Trail, a 13-mile loop that takes you through meadows, along the Merced River, and offers stunning views of El Capitan and Half Dome. The best part of the Valley Loop Trail is that it is a chose your own adventure, so pick and chose the sections you would like!
Evening: Set up your camp at one of the Yosemite Valley campgrounds and enjoy a relaxing evening amidst nature.
DAY 2:
Morning: Rise early and embark on the Mist Trail, which leads to two spectacular waterfalls: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The trail can be slippery due to mist, so prepare accordingly.
Mid-morning: If you are feeling up for a long adventure head to Glacier Point via the Four Mile Trail, a challenging but rewarding hike. Enjoy panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. If you are feeling fit, head from Glacier Point to Sentinel Dome or Taft Point for a long and gorgeous full day.
Afternoon: Descend from Glacier Point and return to Yosemite Valley finding a spot along the Merced River to soak your tired legs and enjoy a meal with friends and family.
Evening: Return to your campsite and spend the evening stargazing or relaxing by the campfire.
DAY 3:
Morning: Drive or take the park shuttle to Tuolumne Meadows, a picturesque high-country area. Begin your day with a hike to Cathedral Lakes, two stunning alpine lakes nestled beneath granite peaks.
Mid-morning: Continue to hike the John Muir Trail towards Sunrise Lakes. This trail rewards you with beautiful lakes and expansive views of the surrounding wilderness.
Afternoon: For more adventure, hike up to Clouds Rest, a prominent peak offering breathtaking views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the surrounding mountains.
Evening: After descending from Clouds Rest, head back to Tuolumne Meadows and spend your last night camping in this tranquil area.
72 HOUR ROCK CLIMBING ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Morning: Arrive at Yosemite Valley and check in at Camp 4, a renowned campground for climbers, to secure your spot.
Mid-morning: Start your climbing adventure by tackling the classic route "After Six" on Manure Pile Buttress. This is a moderate multi-pitch climb that offers beautiful views of the valley. Pro-tip: if After Six has a line at the start, do After Seven, it’s slightly harder but better.
Afternoon: Head to El Capitan Meadow and gaze up at the impressive El Capitan, one of the most iconic climbing destinations in the world. Take the opportunity to observe other climbers on their daring ascents.
Evening: Relax and unwind at Camp 4, where you can meet fellow climbers and share stories around a campfire.
DAY 2:
Morning: Rise early and make your way to Half Dome. Begin the challenging ascent via the Snake Dike route, a long and technical climb known for its stunning granite features and runout climbing. This climb requires a solid head space and willingness to push your body for 20 hours or longer if trying to climb in a single day.
Mid-morning to Afternoon: Spend the entire day conquering Half Dome and enjoying the incredible views from its summit. Take your time to savor this unforgettable experience.
Evening: Descend carefully and return to Yosemite Valley. Treat yourself to a hearty meal, if anything is still open, at one of the park's restaurants to celebrate your accomplishment.
DAY 3:
Morning: Pack up your bags and head for Tuolumne Meadows, a high-country area renowned for its granite domes and alpine scenery.
Afternoon: Venture to Cathedral Peak, an iconic granite spire in the area. Climb the Southeast Buttress route, which is considered a classic and offers an exhilarating experience. If you are feeling up for the challenge, try to tackle to Tuolumne Triple—Tioga Peak, Mathess Crest, and Cathedral Peak— in a single day.
Evening: Descend from Cathedral Peak, and if time allows, take a moment to enjoy the serene beauty of Tuolumne Meadows. Return to Yosemite Valley and reflect on your incredible rock climbing journey.
72 HOURS PHOTOGRAPHY ITINERARY
DAY 1:
Morning: Start your day at Tunnel View, a classic viewpoint that offers a stunning panoramic vista of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Capture the sunrise casting its golden light on the landscape.
Mid-morning: Head to Yosemite Valley and explore Cook's Meadow. This area provides great opportunities for photographing the iconic Yosemite Falls, with the meadow offering a beautiful foreground.
Afternoon: Visit Mirror Lake, especially during the spring and early summer when it reflects the surrounding granite cliffs. Experiment with capturing the reflections and the lush vegetation.
Evening: If you are feeling up for a drive, capture the sunset at Glacier Point, where you can witness the warm light bathing Half Dome and the valley below. Stay until twilight to photograph the stars over the horizon.
DAY 2:
Morning: Wake up early and make your way to Mariposa Grove, home to the park's giant sequoias. Capture the majestic trees in the morning light, experimenting with different compositions and capturing their grandeur.
Mid-morning: Explore the Mist Trail to photograph Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. This trail offers several vantage points to capture the power and beauty of these impressive waterfalls.
Afternoon: Now that your legs are feeling a bit sore, hop in your car and head to Olmsted Point, a unique viewpoint along Tioga Road. Capture the granite formations and the panoramic views of the high country, including Clouds Rest and Tenaya Lake. Ideally, you stay around this area until sunset for the best light.
Evening: Make your way back to Valley View, a popular spot along the Merced River that offers a stunning reflection of El Capitan. Capture the sunset hues on the granite cliffs and the serene river. If you can, make the time to create some astrophotography shots as well while you are in Yosemite National Park.
DAY 3:
Morning: Wake up early so you can finish your 72 hours in Yosemite strong by venturing to Tuolumne Meadows and photograph the serene beauty of this high-country area. Capture the meandering Tuolumne River, the granite domes, and the wildflower-filled meadows.
Mid-morning: Hike to Cathedral Lakes, photographing the pristine alpine lakes surrounded by granite peaks. Explore different angles and compositions to showcase the natural beauty.
Afternoon: Drive to Tunnel View again, this time capturing the sunset and the changing light on the valley and the iconic landmarks. Experiment with long exposures or time-lapse photography.
Evening: End your photography journey at Sentinel Bridge, capturing the tranquil reflections of Half Dome and other surrounding features in the Merced River during the twilight hours.
OPTIONS TO STAY IN AND AROUND YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
There are several options for accommodations both within Yosemite National Park and in the surrounding areas. Here are some options to consider:
Lodges and Hotels in Yosemite Valley: Yosemite Valley has a range of lodging options, including iconic lodges like The Ahwahnee (now known as The Majestic Yosemite Hotel) and Yosemite Valley Lodge. These lodges offer comfortable rooms, restaurants, and proximity to major attractions. Reservations for these accommodations should be made well in advance.
Curry Village: Located in Yosemite Valley, Curry Village offers rustic cabins, tent cabins, and canvas tent accommodations. This is a more budget-friendly option that provides a unique camping experience without having to bring your own tent.
Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley: Yosemite Valley has several campgrounds that offer tent and RV camping. Camp 4 is a popular choice for climbers, while Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines campgrounds are more general-use campgrounds. These campgrounds can fill up quickly, so reservations are recommended.
Wawona: Wawona is a historic area located south of Yosemite Valley and offers the Wawona Hotel, a Victorian-style hotel with modern amenities. The area also has campgrounds and vacation rentals.
Tuolumne Meadows: Tuolumne Meadows is a high-country area in Yosemite and offers camping options such as Tuolumne Meadows Campground. It is a beautiful location with access to hiking trails and stunning views.
El Portal and Mariposa: These towns are located just outside the western entrance of Yosemite National Park and offer a variety of lodging options, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. They provide convenient access to the park while being slightly removed from the busy Yosemite Valley.
Groveland and Oakhurst: These towns are located outside the park's western and southern entrances, respectively. They offer a range of accommodations, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals.
It's important to note that availability can vary depending on the time of year and demand, so it's advisable to make reservations well in advance, especially for popular dates. Additionally, camping in Yosemite National Park requires a camping permit, which can be obtained through the park's reservation system.
Attempting the Tuolumne Triple while out running a summer thunderstorm. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Spending 72 hours in Yosemite National Park provides a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of nature. With its towering granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, serene meadows, and abundant wildlife, Yosemite offers a diverse range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers.
While there are limitations to what can be explored in just 72 hours, careful planning and prioritizing key attractions can help maximize your time in the park. Whether it's hiking to iconic landmarks like Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, rock climbing on the granite walls of El Capitan, or capturing breathtaking landscapes through your camera lens, Yosemite never fails to leave a lasting impression.
It's important to be aware of the potential challenges, such as crowds during peak seasons and limited amenities within the park. However, with proper preparation, including checking weather conditions, trail closures, and making necessary reservations, you can navigate these obstacles and fully enjoy your time in Yosemite.
Ultimately, a 72-hour adventure in Yosemite National Park is a chance to connect with nature, witness awe-inspiring sights, and create lasting memories. So, whether you're seeking solitude amidst towering sequoias, adrenaline-pumping climbs on granite cliffs, or simply a place to recharge your spirit, Yosemite promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning to return again and again.
