The Most Outstanding 3 Day Yosemite National Park Itinerary

Heading to Yosemite anytime soon? Or looking for some hiking inspiration? Boy do I have the itinerary for you!

Yosemite is absolutely incredible. The park has some of the most intense but beautiful hikes I have ever come across.

In 2 days my friends and I hiked around 24 miles… I couldn’t feel my legs after but it was so worth it.

And I want to share that experience with you! I split it into 3 days so you don’t have to go through the leg pain like I did😅

So let’s get into it!

Here is the Most Outstanding 3 Day Yosemite National Park Itinerary!

Day 1

Starting off with a bang!

Today is the wonderful Half Dome Trail.

Many people visit Yosemite just for this trail. It’s one that will challenge you to the absolute max because of its elevation, cables, and mileage.

Half Dome will take you about 10-12 hours to complete, so yup, you’re gettin’ up early.

And I’m talking early, like 4-5am.

You can park in the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking Lot which isn’t full if you get there between 5 and 6am. Then you’ll be on your way in no time!

TIPS

Tip #1 If you don’t have the best endurance or muscle, I would not attempt this hike. It’s extremely strenuous and you could end up getting hurt. Good upper body and leg strength is needed to lift yourself up onto the top of the vertical dome.

Tip #2 Wear hiking shoes with good traction. Running shoes are not recommended.

Tip #3 Make sure you bring enough food for the whole day. Eat breakfast before you go, throw a ton of protein bars in your bag, pack a sandwich, fruit and trail mix for lunch, and bring anything else you want to snack on throughout your hike. You’ll be burning a lot of calories so make sure you bring a sufficient amount!

Tip #4 Water, water, and water (4L or more). And electrolytes. This is a longggg day. Make sure you’re prepared with proper hydration.

Tip #5 Hit the trail early. You’ll beat the crowds and get back at a decent time in the late afternoon. Keep in mind if you start around 4-5am you’ll need a headlamp until about 6:30am.

Tip #6 If you’re afraid of heights, this is probably a no-go for you. Unless you’re actively trying to get over your fear and want to challenge it, then go right ahead!

Tip #7 If you plan on taking the Mist Trail subhike, keep in mind it’s closed from 6:30am-4pm Monday-Thursday.

Tip #8 And finally, black bears are quite active in this area. They will smell your food and might get a little too close for comfort. Make noise, get big, and they’ll carry on their way.

HAVE FUN and get ready for some of the most incredible views, mental and physical challenges, and one of your biggest physical accomplishments. You’re going to be so proud of yourself after!

Day 2

After yesterday’s hike, I imagine you’ll collapse and rest for the remainder of the night. Good. Cause you’re getting up early again today for a 7 mile hike!

Today is Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail. Compared to Half Dome Trail, this will be a breeze. Of course it will still be challenging, but it’s not as difficult as the day before.

Sleep in if you need to, but I recommend waking up early again for the same reason as before. Make some coffee, throw on your hiking gear, and get after it! Power through the pain😊 (easier said than done lol).

What to expect:

• I said it’s easier than half dome trail but that doesn’t mean it isn’t strenuous/difficult. You’ll be put to the test again today, but look at it as strengthening your mental and physical health!
• 7 miles roundtrip. Will take you approximately 4-6 hours depending on how many stops you take.
• As always, be prepared with water and food. You’ll find out really quickly that you need to be prepared for anything and everything before any Yosemite hike.
• Make sure to stop at Emerald Pool near the top of the falls. It’s a great pit stop and photo opportunity, and of course absolutely stunning!
• You will see some of the most incredible views along the way and at the top. Be prepared to be ~ mind blown ~

Day 3

Time to end with a bang too!

If you’re not exhausted by now, you are a superhuman. But if you only have 3 days in Yosemite you have to make the most of it right? Time to push your body and mind! But also remember you came here to have FUN! So by all means take as many breaks as you want and make sure these hikes don’t turn into a chore. Take in the beautiful views and just enjoy everything the mountains have to offer you.

It’s happened to me before, I’m so exhausted I just want to quit and turn back down. I then think to myself, “Take an extra rest, fricken look around you… you are in the mountains. You’re in your safe place, your home.” And I feel so much better and empowered.

Anyways… today is the 4 Mile Trail!

SIKE it’s actually 9.2 miles. I was definitely confused when I started this hike… I thought it was actually 4 miles until I got hit with a reality check from my friends. 4.6 miles there and back.

Of course, this hike is strenuous as well. Steep inclines right from the get-go have you immediately feeling worn down (especially after your last two days of hiking millions of miles). Again, give your body rest when it needs it, hydrate, and refuel when needed.

The 4 mile trail will take you 4-5 hours to complete. If you start early you could finish by lunch time! Then you can spend the rest of your day relaxing.

I recommend stopping at El Capitan after this hike and viewing the famous rock formation. People actually bring chairs and just stare at it. They’re trying to visualize the route Alex Honnold took from the movie Free Solo. It’s super awesome being in the exact spot where climbing history was made!

And to end this trip with another bang… head to Glacier Point for sunset. Don’t worry, it’s not another hike. You can drive to the point and then walk a short distance to the view of Half Dome!

Honestly this was the highlight of my trip. This sunset was everything. One of the most incredible views and nights after hiking I’ve ever had.

Just a heads up there will be a lot of people here. I recommend getting there early to get a parking spot and a great viewing spot.

Yosemite is absolutely unbelievable. It’s a trip I keep very close to my heart, and I hope you have a similar experience when you go.

Thanks so much for reading the Most Outstanding 3 Day Yosemite National Park Itinerary!

If you want any other recommendations or have any questions always feel free to reach out!

Email: kirstenhaus@kirthetraveler.com

Insta: @kirthetraveler_

Can’t wait to chat with you!😊