Yosemite Summer Weekend

Day 1—Friday: Arrival + Sequoia Grove Exploration

🕐 Morning–Afternoon:

  • Leave early from the Bay Area or LA (around 7–8 AM)

  • Arrive in Yosemite around 1–2 PM, settle into your Airbnb or campsite

🌲 Afternoon Activity:

  • Visit Mariposa Grove

    • Mariposa Grove is larger with more famous giants (Grizzly Giant, Tunnel Tree)

    • Easy 2–4 mile roundtrip hikes available in both

🍽️ Dinner Suggestion:

  • Dinner at the Airbnb

  • Grocery pickup tip: Groveland has small stores

Day 2 – Saturday: Glacier Point, Taft Point Hike & Stargazing

☀️ Morning:

  • Breakfast early

  • Head up to Glacier Point Road (opens late May or early June – check ahead)

  • Park at Taft Point trailhead around 9 AM

  • Hike to Taft Point – 2.2 miles roundtrip, moderate

    • Amazing views from the cliffs, best morning lighting

🧺 Afternoon:

  • visit Glacier Point

🌌 Night – Stargazing:

  • Best time: 10:00 PM–12:30 AM (New Moon is ideal – check the lunar calendar)

  • Location:

    • Glacier Point: One of the best stargazing spots in California

    • Or use Tunnel View or El Cap Meadow for accessible dark skies

  • Bring blankets, warm layers, star apps (SkyView or Star Walk), and maybe hot cocoa

Day 3 – Sunday: Yosemite Falls and

☀️ Morning:

  • Early breakfast, pack up

Yosemite Falls Trail

Lower Yosemite Falls—Easy, quick, family-friendly

Bridalveil Fall

🕐 Afternoon:

  • Grab lunch in the Valley or eat on the way out

  • Leave Yosemite by 2–3 PM to avoid late traffic

  • Back to SF/LA by 8–9 PM

What’s Included in the Trip:
Accommodations: 2 nights in a cozy Airbnb near Yosemite
Transportation: Car rental for the entire weekend
Trip Planning: Full itinerary & planning support
Park Entry: Yosemite National Park entry fee
Experience: Guided stargazing session on Saturday night

❌ Not Included: Flights (if applicable), meals, and gas.

Important Notice:
Please note that this trip is not 100% guaranteed as planned. While we do our best to follow the published itinerary, changes may occur due to weather conditions, trail or road closures, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control.

We ask all participants to remain flexible and understanding, and to be prepared for adjustments to the schedule, locations, or accommodations if necessary. By booking, you agree to accept such changes as part of the group travel experience.

Packing Essentials for Yosemite:

  • Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with grip

  • Weather-appropriate layers (temperatures can drop quickly)

  • Reusable water bottle or hydration pack

  • Snacks or trail food

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat

  • Small backpack or daypack

  • Flashlight or headlamp

What to Bring for Stargazing:

  • Warm layers

  • Phone with a star app (like SkyView or Stellarium)

  • Optional: binoculars or camera with tripod

  • Optional: Thermos with hot drink