The mountains were calling, so we packed our bags & WENT. My husband & I were in need of some serious mountain medicine. Our anniversary was coming up so I wanted to plan something special. Yosemite had been on our bucket list for some time, he had never visited the park & it's been about 15 years since I've last visited. Yosemite turned out to be a perfect place to recharge & reconnect with both ourselves and pachamama.

We had just 3 days to spend in Yosemite so being that our time was limited & the fact that we aren't the "pack everything in" kind of travelers, we came up with a short n' sweet list of what we wanted to do. Check out our 3 Yosemite musts & let us know what you would add to the list! Keep in mind since it's spring, much of the roads were closed so not all the view points were accessible, HOWEVER, when you go in the spring, you get to see the BABIES, powerful WATERFALLS, and experience heavenly GREENESS everywhere.

3 DAYS + 3 MUSTS in Yosemite

1.) Take in the Valley

For our first night in Yosemite, we were able to get a place at the Yosemite View Lodge. Centered right smack in the heart of the valley, it was a perfect introduction to the grounds. We woke up and were able to wander our way to breathtaking views of half dome, bridal falls & Yosemite falls.

Tip: try to check out view points in the valley during the week, way less crowds & if you drive, you'll find much easier parking.

2.) Pick a HIKE!

So this was a toughy to choose from but in the end, I think we made the right choice! Since the falls are BOOMING right now, we wanted to get up close & personal with them so chose the Yosemite Falls Trail. It's about a 7 mile hike & is STEEP but worth every step! Watch for dreamy rainbows in the afternoon when the sun hits the water. Like a DREAM...

Tip #1: If you aren't too squeamish with heights, make sure once you get to the top, check out the mouth of the falls. Incredible!

Tip #2: Wear shoes with traction, very slippery!

3.) recharge in the Merced River

For our 2nd & 3rd night, we got to stay just outside the park entrance at the Yosemite View Lodge. Tucked right next to the Merced river, it felt like such a retreat to stay at! On our last full day of the trip, we decided to skip the valley crowds & stick around the river to white water raft. The water was FREEZING but the raft trip was incredibly exhilarating! We loved our guide from Zephyr! She cracked us up the whole way with her story telling.

Tip #1: If you stay at the Yosemite View Lodge, bring some groceries! Units come with a full kitchen. Nothing like a healthy homemade breakfast next to the river!

Tip #2: Even though it's right outside the park entrance, if you plan on driving into the valley from here during high season on the weekend, the traffic to get to the valley is insane, (1hr+ so plan ahead or leave bright in early!)