We chased the sunrise up the Mist Trail, climbed to the top of Nevada Falls, and looped back down the John Muir Trail – racking up 35,000 steps of pure Yosemite magic. Having the trail almost entirely to ourselves in the early morning made it feel like we had stumbled into a secret world. By afternoon, the crowds rolled in and it turned into a totally different place – wild, but not the good kind. If you want to feel the real Yosemite, get up with the sun and go find it. 🌄
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Itinerary
This itinerary is based on a trip on August 10, 2019.
- 🌅 5:00 AM – Early departure for Yosemite
- 🌅 6:10 AM – Arrive for sunrise (💡 Start early to avoid crowds)
- 🅿️ Park near Mist Trail head
- 🚎 Take a shuttle to trailhead (if parking lots are full or you prefer to not park onsite)
- Yosemite Valley shuttle (7 AM – 10 PM, provides service around eastern Yosemite Valley, including stops at or near all overnight accommodations, stores, and major vistas)
- El Capitan shuttle (9 AM – 5 PM, stops at El Capitan, Four Mile trailhead, and the Valley Visitor Center)
- 🥾 Hike the Mist Trail (7.3 miles, 5-6 hrs. Stunning views of Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, and Half Dome)
- 🍽️ 1:00 PM – Lunch at Curry Village Pavilion
- 📸 Snap photos from Tunnel View (💡 Very popular so go as early as possible; park along lot on either side of road. Gorgeous view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall)
- 📸 Snap photos from El Capitan Meadow
- 🥾 If time/energy allow, hike Mirror Lake (4 miles, 2 hrs)
- Other useful guides:
Pictures
For more pictures and tips on other wine region and baseball stadium visits on this trip, check out our blogs:
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