California · September 2015
Yosemite is one of the oldest and most iconic national parks in the United States.
Even if you're not familiar with much of the American landscape, chances are you've seen a picture of Half Dome from Glacier Point or a snapshot of Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View.
Yosemite encompasses an immense area, and it can feel completely different depending on the time of year you visit.
It is best enjoyed if you can spend more than a day here, and if you can, stay overnight at different areas to minimize on driving back and forth between destinations.
My favorite places in Yosemite are in the Valley and along the high-elevation Tioga Road.
There are plenty of amazing trails in both areas.
Having very limited vacation time, I decided to drive up to Yosemite from Los Angeles this Labor Day weekend.
I'll just say that it wasn't the best time to visit Yosemite, as there were heavy crowds, grinding traffic, and scarce parking.
With the waterfalls at the park only flowing at a fraction of their spring release, I also couldn't help but feel a little sad about the arid California landscape.
Despite all that, it was amazing to finally experience this place, and I look forward to exploring more of the park.
Yosemite Valley
Entering from the south, you should stop at Tunnel View, where you can take in your first sights of Yosemite Valley.
Tunnel View Parking Area: 37.715581, -119.677101
On the first day of this trip, I took it easy with a walk around the flat sections of the valley. El Capitan is one of the most iconic features of the park.
El Capitan from the Cathedral Beach Picnic Area: 37.722715, -119.625095
I rented a bike and took it towards Mirror Lake. Along the way is Half Dome.
Mirror Lake is seasonal, and at this point in the year, it is completely dried up.
The trailhead for Mirror Lake is also called the Snow Creek Trail: 37.739443, -119.560171
Glacier Point
Outside the valley, Glacier Point is a popular spot to watch the sun set in Yosemite. There are great views of the valley, Half Dome, and beyond from this vantage point.
Tioga Pass Road
A drive along the Tioga Pass road and an exhausting hike to Cathedral Lakes took up the entire second day at Yosemite.
Tenaya Lake, along Tioga Pass Road: 37.827067, -119.468774
After hiking Cathedral Lakes, I continued driving past Tuolumne Meadows and reached Lembert Dome before heading back for the night.
Lembert Dome from Tuolumne Meadows: 37.871896, -119.374039
Directions
The Yosemite Valley Vistor Center is approximately 300 miles north of Los Angeles, 200 miles east of San Francisco, and 250 miles south of Reno. In warmer months, you can fly into the Mammoth-Yosemite airport and drive through the Tioga Pass east entrance.
1
Tunnel View: 37.715581, -119.677101
2
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center: 37.749184, -119.587209
3
Mirror Lake: 37.739863, -119.564249
4
Glacier Point: 37.727574, -119.574373
5
Cathedral Lakes Trailhead: 37.873327, -119.382855
6
Lembert Dome Picnic Area: 37.877421, -119.353453
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