Itinerary Summary
Day one drives the four hours from SFO to Mariposa, day two enters the valley for the Cooks Meadow loop facing Half Dome and El Capitan, day three is the Mist Trail round trip to Vernal and Nevada Fal…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
SFO pickup and the drive to Mariposa
10:00
1.5h
Rental car pickup at SFO
Take the AirTrain to the rental car centre and collect a car with a full tank. Check that the boot holds your luggage and photograph the bodywork before leaving, as park roads throw up gravel.
📍 San Francisco International Airport
12:00
3.5h
Drive Highway 140 via Merced
Follow the Central Valley freeways east and join Highway 140 at Merced, which climbs through the Gold Country foothills. Stop in Merced for fuel and groceries, since prices rise sharply near the park.
📍 San Francisco to Mariposa
17:30
1.5h
Mariposa grocery run and dinner
Check into a motel on the park edge and eat at one of the small restaurants on the main street. The town has a good general store for trail snacks, and the visitor centre opens early.
📍 Mariposa, California
💡 Pro Tip: The drive from San Francisco to Mariposa takes about four hours via Highway 140, the lowest and most reliable park route in winter. Stock up on food in Merced, as the last big supermarket is there. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the United States visa section. California is UTC-8, or UTC-7 from March to November, and phone signal fails in the valley.
Days 2-6 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$81035%
Mariposa and valley-edge lodging, 5 nights
Food & DiningUS$46020%
Clam chowder, bison burgers and trail snacks
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a permit for the Half Dome cables?+
Half Dome requires an NPS permit. Most are allocated in a March lottery on recreation.gov for the summer season, with a small number released two days before each hike. Apply for the lottery date range that matches your trip and have a backup plan, as the cables hike is often closed by weather.
When are the Half Dome cables up, and when can I hike Yosemite's Mist Trail?+
The cables usually go up from late May to early October, depending on snow, and the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls is best in late spring when the waterfalls are strongest. Early season can mean snow and slick steps, so check trail conditions and carry traction if hiking in May.
How fit do I need to be for the Half Dome and Mist Trail hikes?+
Half Dome is a long, steep day of roughly 12 to 14 hours with significant elevation gain, and the cable section is exposed. The Mist Trail is shorter but still strenuous. Train on hills beforehand, start early, carry plenty of water and a headlamp, and turn back if storms build.
Do I need a car or reservation to enter Yosemite Valley?+
Yes to a car for this route, which is based in Mariposa and drives in daily. Yosemite has used peak-season vehicle reservations in recent years, so check the NPS site before you travel. Parking in the valley fills early; arrive before 8 am or use the valley shuttle once parked.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 6 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,940–2,690 (≈ €1,690–2,340), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: hard
- Best for: Outdoor Hiking
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