Yosemite National Park captured our hearts on a short but unforgettable trip. This recap covers where we stayed, what we ate, and the hikes and experiences that made our 48 hours worthwhile. Mark joins the recap to describe several hikes in more detail and share firsthand impressions.
Yosemite was the second stop on our Tour de California and we were reluctant to leave. Visiting Yosemite was a last-minute decision between Hermosa Beach and San Francisco. A wildfire in nearby Mariposa, CA raised concerns before our trip, so we tracked park updates closely. Fortunately, smoke cleared for the most part and only affected our first day.
WHERE WE STAYED
Thanks to recommendations and a last-minute cancellation, we secured accommodations at Half Dome Village. This property books quickly, but cancellations due to the nearby fire opened availability. Half Dome Village offers a comfortable, convenient base in Yosemite Valley with options ranging from glamping yurts to more hotel-like rooms, and on-site dining and a market.
We stayed in a yurt that accommodated four people with two single beds and one double. The yurt included linens, towels, and electricity, while bathrooms were shared and campground-style. Since we weren’t bringing full camping gear, the yurt provided a comfortable balance between outdoors and convenience. A white-noise machine helped with sleeping in a busy campground environment.
WHAT WE ATE
Half Dome Village is convenient for meals: a dining hall, a pizza restaurant, and a small market are all on-site. Food prices are higher due to the remote location, so we stocked up at the store before reaching the park and packed trail essentials for our hikes:
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- Trail mix
- Beef jerky
- Energy bars
- Mini bottles of wine
- Electrolyte drinks
On-property dining was serviceable overall. The dining hall was hit-or-miss but convenient. The pizza restaurant exceeded expectations with good local beer on tap—highly recommended after a long day on the trail.
WHAT WE DID
Mark (@dafunkshow) makes a cameo here to summarize the hikes. For context, he started as a friend, became a frequently featured companion on the blog, and is now introduced by name.
We entered Yosemite through the Tioga Pass entrance from the east, which had recently opened after a heavy snow season. Tioga Road is worth driving if it’s accessible; it climbs to nearly 10,000 feet in the High Sierra and descends into Yosemite Valley with spectacular views. Our first hike was near Tenaya Lake, just off Tioga Road.
Tips for avoiding crowds in Yosemite:
- Do longer hikes — many visitors stick close to the valley and roads.
- Wake up early — mornings are cooler, quieter, and less likely to produce afternoon storms.
- Explore the High Sierra — areas beyond the valley are less crowded and equally scenic.
Tenaya Lake
Distance: 3.4 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 259 feet (trail starts around 8,100 ft)
Difficulty: Easy
Time: About 2 hours
The Tenaya Lake trail can be an easy lakeside walk, though spring snowmelt can swell streams and create challenging crossings. We turned a straightforward route into a slightly longer loop after fording a waist-deep stream — an adventurous detour rewarded with broad glacial-lake views and granite backdrops. Tenaya Lake is a great place to pack a lunch or spend extra time on the many beaches and campsites.
4 Mile Trail
Distance: 4.6 miles point to point
Elevation Gain: 3,389 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: About 3 hours to climb
The 4 Mile Trail climbs steadily from the valley floor to Glacier Point, offering increasingly dramatic views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and the valley as you ascend. Many hikers pair the 4 Mile Trail with the Panorama Trail for a longer loop that hits multiple waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. We parked near Camp 4 and used the valley shuttle to manage logistics. Glacier Point is the payoff: a sweeping outlook over Yosemite Valley that feels earned after the climb.
Bring plenty of water and be prepared for steep sections. We carried several liters between the two of us and refilled at trail sources where available.
Panorama Trail
Distance: 9.5 miles point to point
Elevation Loss: 3,200 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: About 5 hours
The Panorama Trail descends from Glacier Point into quieter wilderness, with spectacular vantage points and a memorable, exposed viewpoint called Panorama Point (reach with caution — there are no guardrails). The route continues past Nevada and Vernal Falls, connecting with the Mist Trail. Panorama offers long stretches of solitude punctuated by the crowds near the popular waterfall viewpoints. Expect mist near the falls in high snowmelt years and slippery conditions on the steep sections.
After this hike we returned to Half Dome Village for a large pizza and a local beer—perfect after a long day on the trail.
Cathedral Lakes
Distance: 7 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
We left the valley to visit Lower Cathedral Lake in the High Sierra. The trail begins near Tioga Road at high elevation and is mostly shaded and wooded. This route saw far fewer visitors than valley hikes. Wildlife sightings included marmots and deer. Trail conditions were affected by high water levels and lingering snow, but the reward was a granite-walled alpine lake with peaceful beaches—an ideal spot for lunch and rest before returning.
Star Gazing at Glacier Point
At roughly 10,000 feet and with minimal light pollution, Glacier Point is an exceptional place for stargazing. We attended a ranger-led session and saw the Milky Way clearly for the first time in a long while. The ranger used a laser pointer to highlight constellations, making it an informative and awe-inspiring experience. The setting is quiet, cold, and unforgettable—bring warm layers.
Yosemite gave us remarkable views, rugged hikes, and a deep appreciation for the High Sierra. We plan to return to explore more trails and spend extra time in the quieter backcountry.
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Lee here again. That’s our detailed guide for spending 48 hours in Yosemite. If you’ve visited, we’d love to hear what you did and which trails or spots you recommend for a future trip.