Morning: Bucket List Views & Iconic Trails
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast from Jackalope’s Bar & Grill—because pancakes taste better at 5,000 feet.
- With your timed-entry secured, roll into the park early and greet the morning light at the legendary Glacier Point.
- Next up: an unforgettable hike to the jaw-dropping vistas of Taft Point and Sentinel Dome—two of Yosemite’s most iconic overlooks. This loop trail offers some of the best panoramic views in the park, with two dramatically different vantage points in one rewarding trek.
- Start your journey at the Taft Point/Sentinel Dome trailhead off Glacier Point Road. The 5.1-mile loop gains about 1,100 feet in elevation and is considered moderate, making it a great choice for adventurous hikers ready to experience big payoffs without a full-day commitment.
- First, venture through forest and meadows to Taft Point, where you’ll tiptoe up to dramatic fissures in the granite and peer down at the Valley floor thousands of feet below. From this cliff’s edge, soak in views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the Merced River winding far below—especially stunning in the golden light of late afternoon.
- Then loop up to Sentinel Dome, where a short, steep climb leads you to a bald granite summit with 360-degree views. Here, you’ll find yourself standing nearly eye-level with Half Dome, and on a clear day, you can spot the Sierra crest stretching endlessly in the distance.
- As you hike, keep your eyes peeled for scurrying marmots, soaring hawks and eagles, and the quick flashes of Western Fence Lizards basking on warm granite—easy to recognize by their signature blue bellies.
Afternoon: Scenic Meadows & Slow Moments
- After your morning hike, head to Yosemite Valley to treat yourself to a relaxed lunch—whether it’s a packed picnic or a bite at Base Camp Eatery.
- Then slow things down with a stroll through some of Yosemite Valley’s most peaceful pockets: Cook’s Meadow with its dreamy boardwalks, Stoneman Meadow under the towering cliffs, or El Capitan Meadow, where you might spot climbers ascending the iconic granite face. These serene stops are perfect for soaking in the grandeur without the rush—or to go for a quick dip in the Merced River.
- Afterward, make your way back to Tenaya for a hot tub soak, an outdoor swim, a sweat in the sauna/steam room, or a well-earned nap.
Evening: On-Site Adventures & Stargazing Vibes
- Before dinner, try your hand at Tenaya’s all-ages archery lessons or gold panning—both included with your stay. Then dig into pizza perfection at Timberloft, or opt for an upscale dining experience at Embers.
- Want to end on a cosmic note? Book a guided Sierra Stargazing experience or simply kick back by the firepit with complimentary s’mores. The stars? Unbelievable.