One Day in Yosemite

Long-time Yosemite naturalist Carl Sharsmith was once asked what he would do if he only had a day to see Yosemite. "Madam," he replied, "I'd sit by the Merced River and cry."

Certainly, one can spend a lifetime - as Ranger Sharsmith did - exploring Yosemite National Park, but if you only have a day, here are some highlights that are must-dos.

1. Make sure your camera battery is charged and that you have spare memory or film before you depart. Drive to Yosemite Valley via State Route 140 or SR 41 (depending on whether you are traveling from Mariposa or Oakhurst). Use our handy map to get oriented.

2. At the east end of the Valley, stop at Tunnel View (it's on SR 41) for the classic picture-taking location with its panoramic view of the Valley (best at sunset or when storms break).

3. Continue into the Valley, stopping at Bridalveil Fall parking area for views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. When you arrive in the heart of the Valley, park your car at the nearest available day-use parking lot and ride the free Valley Shuttle Bus to the Visitor Center.

4. After touring the Visitor Center, visit The Ansel Adams Gallery next door, then re-board the Valley Shuttle Bus for a free trip around the east end of Yosemite Valley.

5. Get off at the Yosemite Falls stop for a short walk to the base of Yosemite Falls. Stop at Photographer's Bridge for a picture of Half Dome reflected in the Merced River and at Happy Isles to visit the nature center.

6. For lunch, dine at the elegant Ahwahnee Hotel, have a more casual lunch in Yosemite Village or picnic in any of the park's many meadows or picnic areas.

7. After lunch, work off your lunch calories by walking or bicycling on the Yosemite Valley bike path (bike rentals are available at Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village). Other options include a hike to Mirror Lake from the Mirror Lake Shuttle Bus Stop or to Vernal Fall from the Happy Isles Shuttle Bus Stop. Both walks are about a mile long and moderately uphill. For a less-strenuous option, take a guided, two-hour Yosemite Valley bus tour departing from Yosemite Lodge. This narrated tour includes descriptions of the Valley's famous landmarks and history.

8. Depart Yosemite Valley with stops at El Capitan meadow to see rock climbers high up on the side of El Capitan (binoculars are helpful) and at Gates of the Valley, for a beautiful afternoon picture of El Capitan reflected in the river.