One Perfect Day in Yosemite: Nature's Majesty Unveiled

What can you see in Yosemite National Park in one day? Visit Yosemite Madera County tasked Julie and me with finding out. Challenge accepted!

Yosemite National Park is America’s third-oldest and one of its most iconic national parks. It features towering granite cliffs and plunging waterfalls. The park’s heart, Yosemite Valley, houses many of those granite domes and waterfalls, so that was our focal point.

Julie and I stayed in Oakhurst, a mere 10 miles from the park’s South Entrance, to make the most of our time. The charming town offers wonderful experiences, including wineries, art galleries, delicious restaurants, and a train ride along the granite cliffs and fragrant forest.

Julie and I will never forget our memorable one-day adventure in Yosemite. Here are the top attractions on our journey.

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Mariposa Grove

A man and woman stand next to the California Tunnel Tree in Yosemite National Park — Miles with McConkey

Yosemite’s towering granite cliffs and plunging waterfalls get most of the attention. And, understandably so. They are breathtaking. However, do not skip Mariposa Grove, where you can walk through a tranquil forest of more than 500 giant sequoias.

Although a bit shorter than coastal redwoods, sequoias are bigger in circumference. Some of the trees are between 700 and 1,800 years old. Plus, you can walk through the California Tunnel Tree.

Glacier Point

A woman sits at an overlook to enjoy the view of granite domes — Miles with McConkey

Your drive from Mariposa Grove takes about an hour, but Glacier Point is a must. The overlook rewards you with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. You can savor the views along the overlook’s edge and from the Geology Hut.

Washburn Point

Only 0.7 miles from Glacier Point, you will discover Washburn Point. The overlook provides a different perspective with equally rewarding views of the granite domes. Julie and I could not decide if we liked Glacier Point or Washburn Point more. Both views made our hearts swell.

Tunnel View

A forested valley runs between two large granite rock formations — Miles with McConkey

As a kid, I always enjoyed tunnels on our family vacations. To this day, they still bring me joy. Yosemite National Park has a lengthy tunnel along its main road called Wawona Tunnel.

Immediately upon passing through the tunnel, you will discover an overlook with a jaw-dropping vista of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.

Bridalveil Fall

Many of Yosemite’s signature waterfalls regularly gush in May and June but often run dry by August. Julie and I visited in early September, sadly missing out on the more famous waterfalls.

The good news is that Bridalveil Fall flows year-round. An easy 0.5-mile walk through a peaceful forest leads you to the stunning 620-foot waterfall.

Swinging Bridge

A man walks across a wooden footbridge in Yosemite National Park — Miles with McConkey

A wooden footbridge crosses the quiet waters of the Merced River, yielding a picnic area, a beach, and beautiful views of granite domes from across a meadow. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may glimpse Yosemite Falls from the bridge. Even if Yosemite Falls is not flowing, the views here are stunning.

Cook’s Meadow

A man walks along a boardwalk path in Yosemite — Miles with McConkey

Boardwalk paths cut through the vast meadow, rewarding you with views of Glacier Point, Sentinel Rock, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. If not for the challenge, we could hang out here for hours, basking in the alluring scenery.

Lower Yosemite Fall

A peaceful forested hike leads to Lower Yosemite Fall. Julie and I marveled at the granite cliff’s size and beauty.

Valley View

A woman stands next to the Merced River looking at mountain reflections on the water — Miles with McConkey

The Merced River transforms into a mirror, perfectly reflecting Yosemite’s famous landmarks, including Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan. Valley View is so beautiful it feels like a dream. While Julie and I enjoyed all the park’s overlooks and vantage points, this was our favorite and our last as we headed out of the park with contented smiles.

Plan Your 1 Day in Yosemite National Park Adventure

A woman sits on a fence looking across a meadow at granite cliffs — Miles with McConkey

While we suggest three days or more to experience all Yosemite offers, you can see many of its jewels and make lifelong memories with one day in the park. Oakhurst is the perfect gateway town for your adventures, offering plenty of culinary, artistic, and natural wonders of its own. Plan your Yosemite National Park adventure and experience one of America’s greatest treasures.

Scott McConkey is a travel writer and founder of Miles with McConkey, where he provides trip ideas and travel guides. His wife, Julie creates travel videos. They hope to inspire you to travel more.

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