Yosemite National Park, California

A Short and Scenic Getaway from San Francisco

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We visited Yosemite National Park over a 2-day Memorial Day weekend trip in May 2022, staying at Yosemite Gatekeeper’s Lodge in El Portal, a convenient place just a few miles from the park.

Day 1

We started early from San Francisco and drove to Yosemite. Our first stop was Bridalveil Fall near Tunnel View. The panoramic view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall from the Tunnel Viewpoint was breathtaking.

El Capitan Viewpoint

Next, we stopped near El Capitan. Watching climbers on the massive granite wall was a bit scary, yet fascinating.

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Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

The Visitor Center provided useful information about the park and helped us plan the rest of our visit. We also obtained our customary passport stamp.

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail (1.2 miles)

This short and easy trail led us to the base of Yosemite Falls. The waterfall was stunning, and the mist-filled air made the experience refreshing.

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Cook’s Meadow Loop (Partly)

We walked part of Cook’s Meadow, which offered open views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. It was a peaceful way to end the day.

Day 2 Mirror Lake Trail (2 miles)

This gentle walk led us to Mirror Lake, where we enjoyed reflections of the surrounding cliffs. It was a calm and scenic experience.

Royal Arches / Half Dome Views

Along the way, we had great views of Royal Arches and Half Dome. These rock formations are truly iconic.

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Mariposa Grove

We visited Mariposa Grove to see the giant sequoia trees. Walking among these ancient and massive trees was a unique and memorable experience.

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Day 3 Vernal Falls Bridge Trail (1.8 miles)

On our final morning, we hiked up to the Vernal Falls Footbridge. The trail offered beautiful views of the Merced River and a distant look at Vernal Fall.

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Drive Back to San Francisco

After completing the hike, we began our return journey to San Francisco, wrapping up a memorable Memorial Day weekend trip.

Yosemite National Park offers a perfect mix of iconic viewpoints, waterfalls, and easy-to-moderate hikes. Even over a short Memorial Day weekend, we were able to experience many of its highlights. Staying in El Portal made access easy, and the well-marked trails allowed us to explore comfortably.

Originally published at https://sivabhuvanblog.com on May 2, 2026.