Check Timed Entry Before You Go
Yosemite has required timed entry reservations in recent years (typically 5am–4pm window). Check recreation.gov before your trip to confirm if reservations are required. If so, book them the moment they open — they sell out within minutes. You enter via Big Oak Flat (Hwy 120) from Yosemite Pines.
Day 1 Logistics
Start: Yosemite Pines RV Resort · Depart: 7:00am (earlier if possible) · Return: ~6:00pm
Drive: Big Oak Flat Entrance is ~45 minutes from Yosemite Pines — puts you at Bridalveil Fall around 8:00am before the crowds hit. Valley day-use parking fills by 9am — getting in early is the whole game.
Route note: The Valley runs on a one-way loop — Northside Drive going east, Southside Drive going west. You will loop the valley 2–3 times across the day to hit all the stops. That's normal. Plan for it.
Food: Pack lunch for Swinging Bridge. Yosemite Village market is a backup. Bring water shoes if you want to get Charlie (or yourself) in the Merced.
Shuttle: Free park shuttles run the Valley loop. If parking is full at a specific stop, find any lot and ride the shuttle to where you need to be.
Drive: Big Oak Flat Entrance is ~45 minutes from Yosemite Pines — puts you at Bridalveil Fall around 8:00am before the crowds hit. Valley day-use parking fills by 9am — getting in early is the whole game.
Route note: The Valley runs on a one-way loop — Northside Drive going east, Southside Drive going west. You will loop the valley 2–3 times across the day to hit all the stops. That's normal. Plan for it.
Food: Pack lunch for Swinging Bridge. Yosemite Village market is a backup. Bring water shoes if you want to get Charlie (or yourself) in the Merced.
Shuttle: Free park shuttles run the Valley loop. If parking is full at a specific stop, find any lot and ride the shuttle to where you need to be.
Tunnel View — Know Before You Go
Tunnel View is not on the Big Oak Flat route in — it's at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel on the south entrance road. If you're coming from Yosemite Pines via Big Oak Flat, you won't pass it on the way in. There are tunnels on the Big Oak Flat road too, but those are not Tunnel View. Visit Tunnel View from inside the Valley — drive to the southwest corner near Valley View and take the short road up to the overlook. Best done late afternoon as a dedicated stop, or on the way out if you exit via Wawona/south entrance.
Charlie's Best Day in the Park
Today is the most Charlie-friendly day of all three. Bridalveil Fall's paved approach, El Capitan Meadow's path, Cook's Meadow Loop, and Sentinel Bridge are all leash-friendly. Charlie cannot enter the Visitor Center but waits outside in shade while you grab the stamp. Keep him on leash and off the meadow grass — posted rules. Bring water shoes so he can actually get in the Merced River at Swinging Bridge rather than just wade the edge. This is his day.
Today's Route — Expect 2–3 Valley Loops
7:00am
Depart
Depart
Leave Yosemite Pines — Earlier is Better
Big Oak Flat Entrance is about 45 minutes from the resort — a 7:00am departure puts you at Bridalveil Fall around 8:00am before the crowds arrive. Leave earlier if you can swing it. Have your pass ready at the gate. Don't stop at the roadside tunnel pullouts on Hwy 120 — those are not Tunnel View.
Crane Flat is the junction you'll pass on Hwy 120 just inside the park — it's where the road splits toward Tioga Road (Day 3) and toward the Valley. The Big Oak Flat Information Station is here (8am–5pm) with passport stamps and wilderness permits. If you're running early, it's a quick stop — but on Day 1, keep moving to beat the Valley parking rush.
Crane Flat is the junction you'll pass on Hwy 120 just inside the park — it's where the road splits toward Tioga Road (Day 3) and toward the Valley. The Big Oak Flat Information Station is here (8am–5pm) with passport stamps and wilderness permits. If you're running early, it's a quick stop — but on Day 1, keep moving to beat the Valley parking rush.
8:00am
Bridalveil Fall — First Stop Coming In
Bridalveil Fall sits at the western entrance to the Valley floor and is your first natural stop coming in from Big Oak Flat. The parking area is on the right — easy to spot. Walk the short 0.5-mile paved path to the base of the fall. In June, Bridalveil is at near-peak flow — 620 feet of free-falling water that drifts in the breeze and mists everything at the base. You will get wet. It's spectacular. The paved path is Charlie-friendly on leash.
8:45am
El Capitan Meadow — Loop 1 Eastbound on Northside Drive
From Bridalveil, head east on the Valley loop. El Capitan Meadow pullouts are on Northside Drive going east — if you miss them, you'll need to complete the loop and come back around, which is completely normal. Pull off and look straight up at 3,000 feet of sheer vertical granite. The paved path along the meadow edge is perfect for Charlie. In June, peregrine falcons nest on the wall — binoculars are worth it. Afternoon is often better here: park rangers set up spotting scopes to show visitors the climbers. If you see a scope, stop — the rangers know exactly who's on the wall and will show you.
9:30am
Yosemite Village — Visitor Center & Kat's Stamp #1
Continue east to Yosemite Village and head to the Valley Visitor Center. This is Kat's first Yosemite passport stamp. The center also has an orientation film and geology exhibits worth a quick look. Charlie waits outside in the shade. The Village market and deli are right here if you need to grab anything for lunch.
10:00am
Lower Yosemite Falls — Tallest Waterfall in North America
The trailhead is near Yosemite Village — a 1-mile paved loop to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. Combined with the Upper Falls above it, the total drop is 2,425 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in North America. June flow is near absolute peak — expect serious mist and roar at the base. Takes about 30–40 minutes at a relaxed pace. No dogs on the trail — tag-team it or have one person wait with Charlie at the trailhead in shade. Worth every minute.
11:30am
Lunch at Swinging Bridge Picnic Area — Arrive Early or Walk In
Swinging Bridge sits right on the Merced River with direct views of Yosemite Falls — one of the best lunch spots in any national park. Parking here is brutal. California day visitors treat this as a beach destination — cars queue with flashers waiting for spots. Don't battle it. If the lot is full, park at the nearest available lot (even half a mile away) and walk in with your lunch. It's worth the walk. Charlie can get in the Merced River here — bring water shoes for him and for yourself if you want to wade. Keep him on leash; the river has current in June.
1:00pm
OPTIONAL
OPTIONAL
🛶 Optional: Merced River Rafting
Easy to skip — Cook's Meadow is the better move with Charlie. If you're up for it: inflatable raft rentals near Half Dome Village for a lazy 3-mile float back to Sentinel Beach. El Cap and Half Dome overhead, cold river, summer afternoon. No pets on rental rafts — Charlie waits in the truck in shade. Call ahead: (209) 372-8319.
1:00pm
or after
rafting
or after
rafting
Cook's Meadow Loop — Heart of the Valley
A 1-mile flat paved loop through the center of the Valley with 360° views — Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, and the Royal Arches all visible from the path. Peaceful, easy, and Charlie's kind of walk. Prime mule deer territory — expect to see deer grazing near the meadow edge in the afternoon.
2:00pm
Curry Village (Half Dome Village) — Quick Look
A 10–15 minute stop at the east end of the Valley. Curry Village — now officially called Half Dome Village — opened in 1899 as a tent city for budget travelers when camping in Yosemite cost $2 a night. The original canvas tent cabins are still here, exactly as they were over 100 years ago, tucked under the canyon wall with Half Dome towering directly overhead. It's a cool slice of Yosemite history and the backdrop is spectacular. If you want to do the Mist Trail someday, the Happy Isles trailhead is a short walk or shuttle ride from here — right at the foot of that canyon.
2:30pm
El Capitan — Afternoon Pass & Ranger Scope Stop
Loop back around for a second pass at El Capitan in the afternoon — this is often the better visit. Park rangers frequently set up spotting scopes along the road and meadow to show visitors the climbers on the wall in real time. Stop if you see a scope set up — rangers will point out exactly who's on the wall, name the route, and share the story. The afternoon light on the granite face is also dramatically different from morning. Pull off anywhere along the road shoulder if the pullout is full.
3:30pm
Sentinel Bridge — Half Dome Reflection
Sentinel Bridge spans the Merced with a straight-on view of Half Dome — one of the iconic Yosemite photographs. There is no dedicated parking at the bridge. Park near the old stone chapel (Yosemite Valley Chapel) a few hundred yards away and walk to the bridge. It's a short walk and worth it. Note: 4:00–4:30pm is not true golden hour — the light is good but the warm gold reflection happens closer to sunset. Do your best for photos, or hang around the Village and come back later as the light shifts. Charlie can be on the bridge with you.
4:30pm
Tunnel View — The Iconic Overlook
From the Valley floor, drive toward the southwest end and take the short road up to Tunnel View — the overlook at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel. El Capitan on the left, Half Dome center, Bridalveil Fall on the right, the entire Valley spread below. This is the most photographed view in America and it earns that title. Late afternoon light across the Valley is stunning. The pullout has its own small parking lot. Charlie is fine at the overlook. This is a perfect final stop before heading back out.
6:00pm
Back at Yosemite Pines
One stamp, two waterfalls, El Cap twice, Sentinel Bridge, Tunnel View, and a river lunch. That's a full day. Day 2 is the early hike — get to bed.
✅ Don't Miss These
📮
Valley Visitor Center stamp — Kat's first Yosemite stamp. Easy grab at Yosemite Village.
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Bridalveil Fall — Your first stop coming in. June flow is peak. Short paved walk, massive payoff.
💦
Lower Yosemite Falls — Tallest waterfall in North America at peak June flow. Tag-team it with Charlie.
🔭
Ranger scope at El Capitan (afternoon) — Stop if you see a scope set up. Rangers show you the climbers live. Don't drive past it.
🌄
Sentinel Bridge — Park at the Valley Chapel, walk 300 yards. Best Half Dome photo of the trip. Manage expectations on light at 4pm — great photo either way.
🏔️
Tunnel View — Visit from inside the Valley on your way out. Not on the Big Oak Flat route in — it's near the Wawona/south entrance overlook.
🗺️ Real Talk — From the Road
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Swinging Bridge parking is a battle. California day visitors treat it like a beach. Park anywhere and walk — don't sit in line with flashers on.
🔄
You will loop the Valley 2–3 times. The one-way road means you miss things and come back around. That's the game. Build it into your day.
💧
Bring water shoes. For Charlie and for yourself. The Merced at Swinging Bridge is cold, clean, and the best part of the afternoon.
🔭
The afternoon ranger at El Cap is a highlight. Pull over if you see a scope. You might meet a ranger who's climbed the wall — that conversation is worth more than any exhibit.
🛶 Optional Water Activity
🛶
Merced River Raft Rental — Curry Village — 3-mile float, El Cap overhead, ~2 hours. Call ahead: (209) 372-8319. Charlie waits in the truck. Worth it if you can swing it.
🏄
Paddle boards — Not available in the Valley. Tenaya Lake (Day 3) allows private non-motorized watercraft. Check Groveland outside the park for rentals before your trip.
⏭️ Save for Next Time
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Mirror Lake — Seasonal Half Dome reflection in a lake. No dogs allowed on the trail.
✗
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail — 7.2-mile round trip to the top. No dogs. Future solo mission.
🌊 Optional if Time Permits — Hetch Hetchy
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Wapama Falls via O'Shaughnessy Dam — Walk across the dam, then hike ~3 miles through granite canyon to Wapama Falls — a dramatic waterfall crashing into the reservoir. One of Yosemite's best kept secrets and far less crowded than the Valley. Best in June when flow is high.
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Getting there: From Yosemite Pines, take Hwy 120 toward Big Oak Flat entrance, then turn right on Evergreen Road just before the entrance — follow signs to Hetch Hetchy. About 45–60 minutes from the resort. Open sunrise to sunset. No services — pack everything you need.
⚠️
Leave the RV and Charlie behind. Trailers and vehicles over 25 ft wide are NOT permitted on Hetch Hetchy Road — take just the truck. No pets allowed on the dam or on any trails. Charlie stays at Yosemite Pines for this one. No swimming or boating in the reservoir.
📅
Best fit: A standalone half-day trip — early morning before the Valley day, or as a separate day if your schedule allows. Don't tack it onto a full Valley day.