Yosemite National Park
California
Options for a One Day Trip

Here are some ideas for your trip.  I am going by memory as I mention the places below, so I any times or mileages I might mention are only a estimate.  

1.  Big Trees, Mariposa Grove - Right after entering the park, via Hwy 41, you take the first right to head to this grove of Giant Sequoias.  Allow 2 hours minimum if you are forced to take the shuttle from the off-site parking area.  Allow 1 hour minimum if you get lucky and are allowed to park in the limited parking area in the grove.  The amount of visitors (and cars) determines where the rangers allow you to park

2. Go to Glacier Point.  I am assuming you will be coming up highway 41 from Fresno.  Enter the park and proceed for about a 30 - 45 minutes to the well marked road to the right that leads to Badger Pass Ski Area (1st ski downhill ski resort in CA) and Glacier Point. From this junction, it's 18 miles to Glacier Point.  Plan on at least 2 hours including time on the Glacier Point Road.

Glacier Point gives you a truly awesome, world-class view of Yosemite Valley.  You will need to take a short stroll from the parking lot to the point.  It's well worth the extra driving miles and the short walk.  This is THE must-see spot in Yosemite.  Great photographs of Half Dome and Vernal and Nevada Falls can be taken from here.  Straight below, in the valley, is Curry Village.  It's fun to look for cars, buses, bicycles and people on the valley floor over 3000 feet below.  On the far side of the valley you can spot the famous old Ahwahnee Hotel.  Presidents and Queens have stayed there. 

 

3. Yosemite Valley Overlook -  From highway 41, stop at the overlook as you exit the tunnel leading into the valley.  This is an excellent spot to photograph many of the main features of Yosemite Valley.  You will recognize this view from many postcards and calendars.  To the right, part way down the valley is the world famous Bridalveil Falls.  Make sure to take at least two pictures here.  One with just the scenery, and one with you in it and the valley as your backdrop.

 

4. Bridalveil Fall - A short walk will bring you up closer to the falls.  Depending on the flow from the falls, you may get to feel the mist spraying out as the water hits the rocks on the way down.

 

5. Curry Village & Vernal Falls - as you reach the far end of the valley you will come to Curry Village.  Curry Village is a good place to pick up a snack.  There is also a general store, buffet and pizza place.  From Curry Village, take a shuttle bus to Happy Isles.  Then take approximately 2 mile round trip walk to the Vernal Falls viewpoint.  This will be your only real "hike" of the day.  The viewpoint is located on a bridge crossing the Merced River.  On the far side of the bridge is a water fountain and restrooms.

 

6. Meadows - I suggest a short stroll through at least one meadow within the valley.  There is something peaceful about the experience.  In the summer, time permitting, you may want to find a lazy day use area along the Merced River, and take a dip in it's cool, refreshing waters.

 

7. Yosemite Falls - A short walk will take you near the base of lower Yosemite Falls.  These falls are some of the most famous in the world.  You will definitely want to take a picture of the family with the falls in the background.  The best spot for this is just as you start down the walkway to the falls.  From here you can fit all the sections of the falls into one frame of film.  Have your family stand fairly close to the camera and let Yosemite Falls show themselves off in the background.  You may want to under expose your film a little and use a fill-flash.  There is also a Indian grinding rock at the beginning of the walk that is fun to climb around on.

 

If you have time:

 

Wawona - This is an old pioneer town, covered bridge and fancy old hotel.  You will reach this attraction within about 15 - 20 minutes of entering the park via Hwy 41.  Plan on spending at least one hour here if you stop.  You will also pass by this stop on your way to Fresno if you leave the park via Hwy 41.

 

Keep your money in a down market!