3 Days of Spring Splendor in Yosemite

Start your adventure with the Valley Floor Tour,, a fun 2-hour open-air tram ride that takes you through Yosemite's iconic landscapes while sharing fascinating stories about the park's history, flora, and fauna. For lunch, dive into delicious options at Curry Village's Taqueria with tacos, burritos, and vegetarian delights, or head to Degnan's Kitchen for pizza, sandwiches, and Peet's Coffee. In the afternoon, join a Yosemite Ranger for an engaging Walk & Talk or explore the park's unique stories during a Naturalist Stroll, perfect for weekend visitors. As the day winds down, rent a bike from Curry Village or Yosemite Valley Lodge and cruise along the Valley's 12 miles of scenic bike paths at your own pace. End your evening at the Pizza Deck in Curry Village, savoring hand-tossed pizza, fresh salads, and a refreshing cocktail while soaking in breathtaking views of Glacier Point and Half Dome.

Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at Seven Tents Pavilion (shuttle stop #13). Indulge in hot pancakes, oatmeal, fresh fruit, and more, then grab a specialty coffee or cappuccino from the Coffee Corner to fuel your adventures. Next, channel your inner adventurer with a rock-climbing lesson at the Yosemite Mountaineering School. Perfect for all experience levels, these 7.5 to 8-hour sessions are ideal for spring, with comfortable temperatures and breathtaking granite walls. Pack a picnic to enjoy during your mountainside break! After a day of climbing, unwind at the Mountain Room Lounge for dinner, savoring specialty sandwiches, fresh salads, shareable platters, and indulgent desserts. Cap off your evening with the Yosemite After Dark tour, where you'll explore the woods and learn about nocturnal creatures like bats, owls, and bears. The easy, flat walk is the perfect way to end your adventure-filled day in Yosemite.

Start your final day in Yosemite with a hearty breakfast at Curry Pavilion (shuttle stop #13). Enjoy traditional favorites like hot pancakes, oatmeal, and fresh fruit, then grab a specialty coffee or cappuccino from the Coffee Corner to fuel your day. Next, embrace Yosemite's Spring splendor with a guided half-day hike tailored to your preferences. Explore rushing waterfalls, breathtaking vistas, and learn about the park's geology, flora, and Native American history. Prefer a self-guided trek? Choose from easy, moderate, or strenuous trails, such as the iconic Mist Trail or serene Mirror Lake Loop. (see chart below)

These are the best self-guided hiking options in Spring:

EASY:

• Lower Yosemite Fall (1 mile, 30 minutes round trip);
• Bridalveil Fall (0.5 miles, 20 minutes round trip)

MODERATE:

• Mist Trail to Vernal Fall footbridge (1.6 miles, 1-1.5 hours round trip);
• Mirror Lake Loop (2 miles, 1 hour round trip to the lake & back; 5 miles, 2-3 hours loop around the lake);
• Valley Loop Trail (6.5 miles half loop, 2.5 hours round trip; 13 miles full loop, 5-7 hours round trip)