🌲 Yosemite, Sequoia, & Beach Road Trip Itinerary

🌲 Yosemite, Sequoia, & Beach Road Trip Itinerary

🌲 Yosemite, Sequoia & Beach Road Trip Itinerary

Duration: 6 Days
Vibe: Hiking, National Parks, Campfires, and Coastal Relaxation
Season: Best in late spring to early fall

Day 1: Drive to Yosemite

  • Depart early and enjoy the scenic drive into Yosemite National Park.
  • Set up camp and take it easy after the drive. Optional light walk around the valley floor.

Day 2: Yosemite – Mist Trail + Yosemite Falls

Morning Hike:

  • Trail: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall (can continue to Nevada Fall for a longer, more challenging route)
  • Distance: ~3 miles round trip to Vernal Fall; ~7 miles round trip to Nevada Fall
  • Time: 2–5 hours depending on route
  • Tip: Start early to avoid crowds and bring plenty of water.
  • Lunch: Pack a lunch and eat at the top with stunning views of the waterfall.

Afternoon:

  • Rest and snacks back at your campsite.

Evening Walk:

  • Yosemite Falls Trail: A short, paved walk to the base of one of North America’s tallest waterfalls.
  • Distance: 1 mile round trip
  • Time: ~30–45 minutes
  • Great photo ops during golden hour!

Day 3: Mirror Lake + Tunnel View Sunset

Morning:

  • Hike to Mirror Lake
  • Distance: ~2 miles round trip (paved and flat – great chill day option)
  • Peaceful spot, especially in the morning when reflections are strongest.

Evening:

  • Tunnel View Scenic Overlook:
  • Drive to this classic viewpoint for one of the best panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
  • Perfect spot to catch sunset and take in the view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.

Day 4: Yosemite → Lemon Cove RV Park

  • Drive: ~3.5 hours (150–180 miles depending on your route)
  • Arrive at Lemon Cove RV Park, nestled in a charming citrus valley near Sequoia National Park.
  • Relax, enjoy the scent of orange and lemon blossoms, and have a campfire under the stars.

Day 5: Sequoia National Park Adventures

Morning:

  • Big Trees Trail:
    • Easy interpretive loop through the giant sequoias.
    • Great for learning about the unique ecosystem.
  • General Sherman Tree:
    • See the largest tree (by volume) in the world!
    • Short walk from the parking area with signs and info along the way.

Afternoon Hike:

  • Tokopah Falls Trail:
    • Distance: 4 miles round trip
    • Time: ~2 hours
    • Gorgeous waterfall and granite cliffs lining the river. Bring snacks and enjoy the views.

Evening:

  • On the way back to camp, stop for pizza in nearby Three Rivers (check out Pizza Factory or Antoinette's Coffee & Goodies for local spots).

 

Day 6: Spontaneous Beach Day! 🌊

  • Woke up having seen all of Sequoia – time to switch up the scenery.
  • Realized the beach was only 2.5 hours away, so decided to send it!

Beach Day:

 

  • Destination: Pismo Beach – a laid-back, classic California beach town with wide shores and a cool pier.
  • Soaked in the sun, walked the beach, and maybe grabbed a cold drink.
  • Dinner: Tacos by the beach  🌮
  • Drove back and arrived at camp around 10:30 p.m. – totally worth it.
  • Ended the trip on a perfect coastal high.

 

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