1 Day in Yosemite National Park With Kids

Is 1 day in Yosemite National Park (or any national park) enough? It is a common question, and honestly the answer is almost always no. But does that mean that you should skip a park because you only have one day? Also no!

When we visited California, we spent our first day exploring Yosemite National Park. We had a full schedule with a road trip along California’s Big Sur, so we only had 1 day in Yosemite National Park. We were able to see many of the highlights and do a couple short hikes, which was a great introduction to the park.

Although this trip was done without kiddos in tow, I am always looking for the best things to do with kids in national parks. I have complied a list of the top things you have to do if you have 1 day in Yosemite National Park with kids.

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About Yosemite National Park

Located in California’s Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the US, with 5 million + visitors a year. Yosemite was established as a national park in 1890 as the 3rd national park.

The park spans 750,000 acres, featuring towering granite cliffs like El Captain, waterfalls, meadows, glacial carved valleys, and giant sequoias. The park’s features were formed over millions of years by glaciers. There are a variety of ecosystems found throughout the park, including oak woodlands, meadows, and alpine wilderness.

The park also has a long history of human habitation. The park was home to Indigenous people for thousands of years, including the Ahwahneechee. In the 1850’s a growing number of non-indigenous people began coming to the area, and the park was eventually named for protection.

Today, families can visit the park to view the area’s most iconic views, go for a number of family friendly hikes, look for wildlife, and walk among ancient, giant Sequoia trees. We have created a 1 day in Yosemite National Park for families that have a limited time in the park, to help ensure you don’t miss the highlights!

Must Do Activities on Your 1 Day in Yosemite National Park

Most of your 1 day in Yosemite National Park itinerary is going to be centered around Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is the 7 mile long, 4,000 foot deep valley in the center of Yosemite National Park.

The park does offer a free shuttle from April to November, and most of the stops in this itinerary can be reached using the shuttle. We do recommend using the shuttle to reduce your own stress with traffic and trying to find parking, as well as reduce emissions and fuel use from individual cars.

Stop At a Visitor Center

To start your 1 day in Yosemite National Park, head to the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center. We recommend parking here and using the shuttle bus to explore the main highlights of Yosemite Valley.

The Yosemite Valley Welcome Center is open year round (the only visitor center to be open year round in the park). At the visitor center you can learn about the history of the park, grab a map, pick up a junior ranger book, and visit the bookstore. You can also get information on current trail conditions before starting any hikes.

You will also want to check out the Yosemite Exploration Center while here. The center offers interactive displays focusing on the park and its history. There is also a bookstore onsite offerings books, gifts, and apparel.

Lower Yosemite Falls

From the welcome center, drive or take the shuttle bus to Lower Yosemite Falls (shuttle stop 6). The Lower Yosemite Falls trail takes you to the base of the lower falls, the 320 foot drop at the base of Yosemite Falls, a 3 tier waterfall (Upper Yosemite Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Falls).

The hike is only a mile along a flat path, making it a great option when spending 1 day in Yosemite National Park with kids. While the main view on this trail is the Lower Falls, as you follow along the trail you will get some views of the Upper Falls.

The best time to visit the falls in the spring/early summer as this is when the water is at its peak. By late July, the waterfall is often dried up. Pets are allowed on the trail, as long as they are on a leash. There is no parking at the trail head, so you will want to park at Yosemite Village or the Yosemite Falls parking area if you choose to explore the park by car.

1 Day in Yosemite National Park: Cook’s Meadow Loop

From the Lower Falls Trailhead, head to Cook’s Meadow Loop. Cook’s Meadow Loop in an easy 1 mile loop trail that takes you through a large, open meadow. Along the way you will be treated to views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, and the Royal Arches.The trail is flat and mostly paved, with some boardwalks.

You should plan on spending around an hour doing this trail. Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash. There are restrooms available.

You can find parking at Yosemite Village, Curry Village, or the Yosemite Falls parking lots. The easiest way is to take the short walk from the Lower Falls (after taking the shuttle) to the start of Cook’s Meadow Loop.

Check Out the Swinging Bridge Viewpoint

The Swinging Bridge Viewpoint is one of the best viewpoints of Yosemite Falls in the park. Crossing the Merced River, the viewpoint gives you stunning views of the falls, surrounding granite cliffs, and river area. The viewpoint gets its name from the previous swinging bridge that was in the area, but was damaged and destroyed by flood waters. It was replaced with a permanent fixed bridge in 1964.

The Swinging Bridge Viewpoint area is a good place to sit and relax. It has picnic tables, grills, and walking/biking paths along the Merced River. The paved paths also connect this area to other major attractions in the park, including Cook’s Meadow, the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, and the Yosemite Valley Lodge.

The walk to the Swinging Bridge Viewpoint is about a 1 mile from Cook’s Meadows and is flat, making it an easy walk for families. After visiting Swinging Bridge, you can head back to shuttle stop 7 (Yosemite Falls Parking) to take the ride to the El Captain Meadow.

El Captain Meadow

One of the most popular views in the park is El Captain, and you won’t want to miss it. If visiting Yosemite Valley, it will be very hard to miss anyways! El Captain Meadow will give you some of the best viewpoints of El Captain (shuttle stop 9). The meadow allows you to see the Eastern and Western faces of the formation.

The meadow is a popular spot for relaxing and watching the climbers trying to ascend El Captain. From the meadow you can also get great views of the Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires. El Captain is also a popular rock climbing area, so if that is something your family is interested, that is always a great option!

1 Day in Yosemite National Park: Lunch Time at Curry Village

After spending some time in El Captain Meadow, take the shuttle back to Curry Village for lunch (shuttle stop 14). Curry Village offers accommodations, including canvas tent cabins, standard hotel rooms, and cabins. For your 1 day in Yosemite National Park, the Curry Village area also offers dining and shopping options.

You can choose from Pizza Deck, the Seven Tents Pavillion, or Taqueria at The Meadow Grill. There is also a coffee shop, bar, and ice cream shop. Gift & Grocery offers groceries and gifts/apparel. From Curry Village, you can take the shuttle to the Happy Isles stop (16) to hike the Mist Trail.

Hike Mist Trail to the Vernal Falls Footbridge

The Mist Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park, and should definitely be included on your 1 day in Yosemite National Park itinerary. The Mist Trail hike features the Merced River, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls.To reach the trail, you will want to take the shuttle to stop 16-the Happy Isles trail.

The hike to the footbridge is 1.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 400ft. If you are driving, you can park at Curry Village or the Yosemite Valley Trailhead parking area and hike to the trail start (you will add on about an extra mile of walking).

After visiting Curry Village and hiking the Mist Trail, take the shuttle back to the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center. From here, we recommend driving to see Tunnel View and hike to Bridalveil Falls.

Visit Bridalveil Falls

Bridalveil Falls is an excellent choice for families because it is easily accessible from the parking lot. The trail to the falls is only about a half mile round trip with minimal elevation gain. Bridalveil Falls is a 620 ft. waterfall that comes to life in the spring. During other times of year it is more of a slow flow.

When hiking to Bridalveil Falls, expect to get wet! The mist from the falls often sprays visitors at the base of the falls, especially in the spring time. There is a parking area at the trail head, but it tends to fill up quickly. Visiting later in the day can help avoid the crowds.

1 Day in Yosemite National Park: Tunnel View

Tunnel View is one of the most well known views in Yosemite National Park and you don’t want to miss it! It overlooks Yosemite Valley with views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome.

Reaching Tunnel View is easy and there is a big parking lot. There are also restrooms available and areas to sit. Pets are allowed in this area of the park as long as they are on a leash. Because this is one of the most iconic stops in the park, the parking lot tends to fill up. However, the turn over time is quick, so it isn’t extremely difficult to get parking here.

How To Get Around in Yosemite National Park

If you are mainly exploring Yosemite Valley, the free park shuttle is one of the best ways to get around. The shuttle takes you to the major highlights of the valley, reduces emissions and fuel use from personal vehicles, and reduces stress from dealing with traffic in the peak months.

If you plan on exploring outside of Yosemite Valley, driving is the best way to explore. For a more active way of exploring the park, you could also consider exploring by bike. Bike rentals are available at Curry Village Bike Rental.

Tips for Spending 1 Day in Yosemite National Park

• In the peak months, traffic can be heavy. Taking the shuttle helps to avoid this.
• The main road in Yosemite Valley is a one-way road going anti-clockwise.Take this into account when planning your route (Tunnel View and Bridalveil Falls are not on the one way loop).
• There are no gas stations in Yosemite Valley, but there are a couple throughout the park. Be prepared and fill up before entering the park.
• Plan on arriving early in the morning to avoid the heavy crowds and find parking.
• Make sure you bring plenty of water. Summers in Yosemite can be very hot, so you will want to make sure you stay hydrated.
• Be cautious around the Merced River and other bodies of water. They can have strong currents, so be extra careful especially if visiting with young children.
• Be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles when visiting Yosemite National Park to protect the environment and wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****