Kasia Zielińska shared a list · 20 Jul 2025 Everyone

Yosemite Valley in three days

One big trip a year, and this was 2025's. No car in the valley — the free shuttle and your legs do it all. Early starts; the light and the parking both reward you.

1. Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall

   Start before eight. You will get soaked on the granite steps — that's the point. Bring a jacket anyway.

   Kasia did it 15 Jul

   Vernal Fall
2. Walk to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall

   Twenty minutes, flat, loudest in May.

   Kasia did it 14 Jul

3. Sunset at Tunnel View

   El Capitan, Bridalveil and Half Dome in one frame. Everyone knows. Go anyway.

   Kasia did it 14 Jul

   Tunnel View
4. Watch the climbers on El Capitan from El Cap Meadow

   Binoculars. After dark, their headlamps are the best thing in the valley.

   Kasia did it 15 Jul

5. Stars from Glacier Point

   The road opens late May. Dress for winter, whatever the valley says.

6. Mirror Lake in the morning

   In spring it's a mirror; by late summer it's a meadow. Both are worth the walk.

   Kasia did it 16 Jul

7. Cycle the valley loop

   Bikes to rent at Curry Village. Flat, and car-free for long stretches.

   Kasia did it 16 Jul

8. Sleep a night at Upper Pines

   Reservations open five months ahead and go in minutes. Bear boxes are not optional.

9. The Firefall at Horsetail Fall

   A few February evenings only, if the sky is clear. Permits on some weekends.