How To Do Yosemite Valley In 1 DayWhen you come to Yosemite Valley and you only have one day to spend here...then let me give you my best advice. The following are Yosemite activities that can all be done in one full day. Even if you can only come for a day I want you to see the Yosemite waterfalls first hand.And if you would like to join a tour instead of seeing Yosemite National Park on your own, then I recommend: First of all I highly recomend that you arrive in the early morning. If you are coming in on Highway 41 you will want to see the breathtaking view from the tunnel during daylight hours. Do not arrive at night or you will miss the postcard view! GLACIER POINT
Glacier Point is absolutely something you should see when coming to Yosemite Nat Park. Plan on spending at least an hour or more at Glacier Point as you view Yosemite Valley from this lookout point. There is no better view of Yosemite National Park than the view from Glacier Point. Once here, you will view the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, several waterfalls, most of Yosemite's major peaks and of course the Yosemite Valley. Glacier Point is closed during the winter months. When leaving Glacier Point you have about a 45 minute drive to the tunnel. I would suggest that you stop at the tunnel and take pictures of the view. Take a group photo. Take individual photos. Spend about 15-20 minutes taking in the view after coming out of the tunnel. Learn More About Glacier Point
Park your car at Bridalveil Falls and take a short non strenuous hike. This short trail will lead you to the base of this Yosemite Waterfall. The water falls 620 feet into a deep pool. From the parking lot to the base of the falls is about a 15 minute walk. Depending on the flow of the water will depend on how wet you will get! Most people spend 5-30 minutes at the base of this Yosemite waterfall. When you are done taking pictures, head back to your car. Learn More About Bridalveil Falls
Once here there is shopping at the Village Store, the Ansel Adams Gallery, the Visitors Center (which has a marvelous museum to walk through), the Indian Village, the Post Office, a few restaurants and snack bars, ATM's, restrooms, bookstores, The Art Center and an impressive media room that shows different movies of Yosemite National Park and the surrounding area. Learn More About Yosemite Village
You will be impressed with the high beamed ceilings and huge chandeliers. Relax in the overstuffed chairs and enjoy the massive fireplaces. Walk out back and look at the cottages, the meadow and stroll down to the Merced river. Learn More About The Ahwahnee Hotel
You will be at the base of the lower Yosemite waterfall when you come to the bridge. Take a lot of pictures here! When you are finished taking in the amazing view and snapping a bunch of pictures then it is time to get yourself some dinner. If you continue over the bridge that is at Lower Yosemite Falls you will be on a trail that will loop back to where you began.
Learn More About Yosemite Falls
Now, I hope that you can stay more than one day in Yosemite Nat Park. In fact, I recommend that you try to stay 3-5 days. That way you won't be rushed and you will be able to see and a lot more than if you come only for just a day.
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If you are coming into Yosemite Valley on Highway 41 then I would suggest that you follow the signs to Glacier Point and go view the Yosemite valley from the top down. 
After the tunnel you have less than a 10 minute drive into Yosemite valley. Your first stop should be Bridalveil Falls. When you are standing at the view from the tunnel, Bridalveil Falls will be the waterfall on your right. 
Drive your car to Curry Village and park your car. Get on the free shuttle bus and ride it to Yosemite Village. At the village you can easily spend a couple of hours. 
When you are done seeing all that you want to see at the Yosemite Village, then get back on the free shuttle bus. Take a short 5 minute ride to the Ahwahnee Hotel. Spend at least 30 minutes seeing this fabulous resort. There is a gift shop, a lounge and a restaurant. 
When you are done exploring the Ahwahnee Hotel, then get back on the free shuttle bus and head over to Lower Yosemite Falls. It is less than a quarter of a mile you can walk to the base of North America's tallest waterfall. This walk is non strenuous and it takes about 15 minutes.
Now it will be evening. Have dinner at a location of your choice in Yosemite Valley. Just about anywhere you chose to eat, you will have a fabulous view of this wonderful place. You can get on the shuttle bus and have it take you to dinner. Dinner places are at Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village, The Ahwahnee Hotel or the Village. Relax the rest of evening. And don't forget to look up at the stars!