What to do in Yosemite in One Day

If you are visiting Yosemite National Park but are limited on time, you’ll want to check out this guide to what to do in Yosemite in one day.

Can you imagine how excited and relieved I felt arriving in Yosemite National Park after a L-O-N-G ride through Death Valley National Park, Nevada? Let me break it down for you: refreshing greenery versus miles of sand dunes, soothing breeze on my face versus 122 degrees Fahrenheit.. You get my point.

The Yosemite National Park is a convenient 4-hour drive from San Francisco, so it is completely possible to visit Yosemite in one day (of course, including a very early morning and a very late night).

Additionally, there are a lot of tour companies operating day tours to Yosemite, mostly from San Fransisco. Below you can have a look at some of the top rated ones!

What to do in Yosemite in one day

Of course, if you have the opportunity, staying inside the park for a night or two is a beautiful experience, as there are lots of great things to do in Yosemite. However, if you’ve only got the one day, here are some of the top things to do with your time!

Day hike

There are a lot of options if you are looking for a hike that can be done in just a few hours. The Mirror Lake trail (1.2 mile) is one of them, which will lead you to, well, the Mirror Lake! If you are camping at the backpackers campsite, the trail head starts at the very end of the campsite.

Side note: It is a seasonal lake, meaning that the lake will dry up during the height of Summer.

Picnic

I personally ABSOLUTELY love picnicking. Although I must warn you that you should follow all the rules in order NOT to attract bears! Only eat at picnic tables prepared in the park and never ever leave food or food remnants unattended! You can bring your own food and get a Bear Container at the Wilderness Permit Center.

Self-guided tour

Driving is undoubtedly the most flexible way to see Yosemite National Park. Maps are available in the Visitor Center, so do pick up one before you start exploring on your own!

Tours

If you are not up for the stress of driving around yourself in a National Park, opt for a guided bus tour instead! These popular tours are available year-round, and there are several options depending on how much time you’d like to spend. A short tour lasts approximately 2 hours while longer ones take up a whole day.

Biking

Yes, biking! There is an awesome 12 mile paved bike path in Yosemite Valley for you roam through. What a way to take in the grandeur of Yosemite!

Backpacking

If you are going to spend a night in the wilderness, a Wilderness Permit is required. In order to obtain one you have to apply online first, then go to the Wilderness Permit Station to pick it up. Also, if you are bringing food and snacks, rent a bear canister to prevent bears from getting its share of your food.

Related: Camping in bear country—What to do and what to avoid!

Mule/ Horseback Riding

One very rewarding tour is to the above-mentioned seasonal Mirror Lake. There are a lot of interesting bird species to see on the way, such as the great gray owl, the spotted owl, the peregrine falcon, the pleated woodpecker, the northern goshawk, and many more.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is loads of fun, and there are a lot of climbs to attempt, depending on your skill level! If you’re visiting Yosemite for the climbing alone, I suggest you go for a multi-day climb.

Ranger and Interpretive Programs

You can join a ranger program and learn about Yosemite National Park in-depth while walking around appreciating the pristine nature, which is perfect if you are looking to learn more than you would during a regular visit.

Photography Bonanza!

There are endless photo opportunities along the way, no matter which route of discovery you choose. One of my favorite shots is a photo of the Yosemite Falls taken from the open field.

Swimming, boating, rafting

Fancy a dip in the water after a tiring hike? There are a few water holes by the road where you can do just that!