What Can You Really See in Yosemite in Just 3 Days?

Three Days of Adventure in Yosemite National Park

Author

Ark
May 16, 2025

Day 1: The Mist Trail and Foggy Beginnings

It’s late April, the perfect time to explore one of the most iconic parks in the U.S.—Yosemite National Park. The waterfalls are voluminous, the crowds are picking up, and it’s time for a hardcore three-day adventure. My name is Trey, and my fiancée, Jessica, and I have been living on the road for over a year. This weekend is special because our friends, Vivian and Evan, flew from Charlotte, North Carolina, to San Francisco, rented a car, and drove three hours to join us.

Vivian and Evan landed at 4 a.m., drove to meet us by 7 a.m., and after nearly 24 hours awake, they were ready for coffee, breakfast, and a big hike. Their journey was an “expedition, a path of warriors,” as Evan put it. Props to them for hitting the trail first thing after traveling all night.

First, we stopped at the Thousand Trails Yosemite General Store, the only store and gas station on the west side of the park’s entrance. It’s a mini-market with Yosemite merch like stickers and magnets, but gas is pricey—nearly $6 a gallon. The weather forecast was concerning: after a week of 70°F days and bluebird skies, a late-season snowstorm was expected for the next three days. Undeterred, we snapped selfies by the park sign, celebrating Vivian’s first-ever national park visit. Yosemite as a first is wild!

Fog at 6,000 feet obscured the iconic waterfalls and granite cliffs, but as we descended into the valley, the riverside views emerged. We chose the Mist Trail, a perfect introduction to Yosemite, winding through valley walls along the Merced River with mini waterfalls cascading down granite cliffs. The trail’s first highlight was a river crossing with a stunning view of Vernal Falls, its waters fueled by snowmelt.

The Mist Trail earned its name as we scaled 600 steps through windblown spray from the 317-foot Vernal Falls. Even at 45°F, the chilly mist was intense but exhilarating. Vivian and Evan’s expectations? “Have fun” and “not dying.” We made it through the “dryer mistro,” as Evan called it, and continued up the cliffside for a view from the top of Vernal Falls. Half the day-hikers stopped here, but the trail offered more waterfalls upstream for the adventurous.

By 5:20 p.m., with sunset approaching, we turned back, taking about an hour and 15 minutes to descend. Soaked but happy, we ended the day with a plan for pizza in Groveland, California, at a place open until 10 p.m. After great food, we showered and crashed, recharging for day two.

Day 2: Snowy Trails and El Capitan Views

Saturday morning brought no relief from the weather—it was raining at the campground and snowing in the park. At 36°F, Jessica whipped up breakfast tacos and pancakes by the fire to fuel our adventure. Snow in late April was unexpected, but we were excited to explore Yosemite’s snowy scenery.

The fog lifted slightly in the valley, revealing El Capitan. We stopped to gawk and guess how long it would take to climb (hours, not days, right?). Using the AllTrails guide, we picked a trail with panoramic views, hoping to see Half Dome and Glacier Point. The road to Glacier Point was closed until June, so hiking was our only option.

The trail was a relentless incline, offering gorgeous views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls and El Capitan—perfect for photographers. However, a trail closure 2.8 miles into the 4-mile hike due to potential rockslides stopped us short of Glacier Point and Half Dome. At the closure, clouds parted briefly, revealing snow-covered ponderosas and the frost line. The trail was a solid “six out of ten,” as Vivian noted, compared to the Mist Trail’s excitement, but the views were undeniable.

It took two hours to ascend and an hour and a half to descend. Back at the truck, we reflected on the trail’s beauty but lamented the closure. That night, we cozied up, hoping for better weather for our final day.

Day 3: Whitewater Rafting in Snowmelt Waters

Sunday morning, I walked the dogs, who’d been cooped up in the RV. The big adventure? Whitewater rafting with Zephyr Whitewater. We’d expected 70°F weather, but at 50–55°F with snow still forecast, it was going to be cold. Thankfully, Zephyr provided wetsuits, life vests, helmets, and loaner shoes (since someone brought Crocs). My wetsuit looked like “the first iteration of Barney,” but it was bright enough to spot if I fell in.

Evan wanted “level 10” rapids, like a “tsunami, but survivable.” After a 30-minute ride to the launch point, nerves kicked in—this was my first time rafting. Our squad split into two rafts, with Jessica, Evan, Vivian, and me in the lead. The trek was front-loaded with class 3 and one class 4 rapids. The snowmelt-fed water was frigid, sending shivers with every splash, but we screamed through every fall, laughing the whole way.

It was one of the coldest, most fun experiences of my life. Afterward, we warmed up with burgers at the Lucky Buck Cafe. Sadly, Vivian and Evan had to fly out that night. We said our goodbyes, already planning their future RV adventure with us.

Reflections and What’s Next

Monday morning, as we packed up, the weather was—you guessed it—beautiful, 60°F with clear skies. Ironic, after three days of rain and snow. Jessica and I reflected on how much fun it was to have friends join us for the first time. We’re already planning a longer group trip in a few years.

Our next stop is Bakersfield, California, for a week at Orange Grove RV Park, just 235 miles away. After that, we’ll return to Yosemite for two weeks to explore more hidden gems. This weekend was a blast, and we can’t wait to debate desert vs. forest climates next week. Peace out, much love, and see you soon!

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