Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Yosemite National Park?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Yosemite National Park?

Many visitors spend three to seven days in Yosemite National Park during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This national park offers a number of attractions to explore, including the hiking and the beautiful scenery.

Yosemite National Park is an iconic national park in the state of California. It has many world-class hikes that take you by waterfalls and grand views. Within the park you'll also find many world-renowned rock climbing areas as well as groves of the giant Sequoias. Amenities and supplies can be found in Yosemite Village. This is also where you'll find the Yosemite Museum and the Ansel Adams Gallery.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Yosemite National Park? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is 3 days enough time in Yosemite National Park?

Unfortunately, three days is probably not enough time here. You might feel rushed to enjoy the scenery and nature of Yosemite National Park. Most vacationers schedule at least 3 or as many as 7 days to fully experience the popular national park. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit, which includes El Capitan.

How to spend 3 days in Yosemite National Park

When visiting Yosemite National Park, you absolutely can't miss El Capitan as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.

Yosemite National Park is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. This park has a sense of natural beauty that's hard to find anywhere else in the world. The breathtaking landscapes, surreal waterfalls, and stunning granite rock formations are unlike any other park or setting.

The public transit in Yosemite National Park is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the national park quite easily and affordably. There is a free bus service that travels around Yosemite Valley.

Known for it's hiking, Yosemite National Park sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Private Family Hike in Yosemite ($179)
  • Guided Yosemite Hiking Excursion ($205)
  • Small Group Hiking Around The Pinecrest Lake Trail ($70)

After you've explored most of Yosemite National Park, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Is 4 days enough time in Yosemite National Park?

Four days is usually not enough time to see everything in Yosemite National Park such as El Capitan and the hiking and the beautiful scenery. Because of everything to see and experience, you'll likely want more than four days, as many tourists set aside at least 3 or as many as 7 days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your adventure in this national park.

Yosemite National Park, California, USA Yosemite National Park, California, USA

How to spend 4 days in Yosemite National Park

With 4 days in Yosemite National Park, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the national park has to offer.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Yosemite National Park. Plenty of amazing options are available.

Is 5 days enough time in Yosemite National Park?

For many visitors, five days here would be just the right amount of time. In fact, lots of tourists spend roughly three to seven days in the popular national park to check out the amazing hiking and terrific beautiful scenery. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here.

Yosemite Valley Yosemite Valley

How to spend 5 days in Yosemite National Park

With 5 days in Yosemite National Park, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the national park has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this national park looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.


A few trip suggestions:

  • Guided Yosemite Hiking Excursion ($205)
  • Family Fun Private Half Day Fly Fishing Adventure ($215)
  • Small Group Hiking Around The Pinecrest Lake Trail ($70)

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Yosemite National Park, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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