what can I do in yosemite national park for 6 hours?

Question

I will be going to Yosemite national park in july 22nd.
I will get there at 9:00 A.M. & I have to leave at 3:00 P.M.

What can I do for 6 hours?
I want to see the yosemite valley, the falls and stuff
and I also want to see the mariposa grove, the grizzly giant.
but I don't know how I can see all of them in 6 hours.
because I'm going to drive my own car there.
Where would I park?
Would I have to walk all the way?

Please help me.

so what im trying to figure out is,

if i want to see a viewpoint or any falls,
is there anywhere to park near it?
because if not, we'd have to park somewhere far away and walk all the way.

Answer 1

Go to this web page and download the map of Yosemite NP and the detailed map of Yosemite Valley. http://home.nps.gov/applications/hafe/hfc/carto-detail.cfm?Alpha=YOSE

Drive into Yosemite Valley and park at the day-use parking area near the village (see the detailed map of the valley). The free shuttle stops in front of the canopy next to the restrooms that you’ll pass as you enter the parking area. Jump on the shuttle to get to any place in the valley. A map of the shuttle stops is included in the handout you’ll get at the entrance station when you pay the $20 entrance fee. You’ll have about 3 hours to tour the valley floor before heading off to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Yosemite Falls is a popular spot but the falls may be nearly dry by now. I was there during the first week of June and the water flow was much less than normal due to insufficient snow fall last winter. Stop at the Visitor Center and be sure to watch the short movie there. Other places you may want to see during your 3 hour stay are the various meadows, Happy Isles, Mirror Lake and El Capitan.

The drive to Mariposa Grove is 35 miles and takes about 45 minutes. On your way out of the valley, stop at Bridalveil Fall and Tunnel View before continuing on to Mariposa Grove. Assuming that you entered through the north or west entrance and will be leaving the same way, the roundtrip from the valley floor to Mariposa Grove will take about 1.5 hours, leaving you 1.5 hours to spend there. Take the tram ride (small fee) to see most of the grove. Do a little walking and be sure you see the Grizzly Giant which is probably the most impressive tree in the grove.

As an alternative to Mariposa Grove, you can go to Glacier Point instead. The drive from the valley floor to Glacier Point is approximately 32 miles and takes 45 minutes. The views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome are awesome. You’ll want to spend at least a half hour there so the roundtrip could take you as little as 2 hours. You can also take short hikes to Taft Point and/or Sentinel Dome from the Glacier Point Road. The trails to both places share the same trailhead and there is a pull out for parking. Both offer fantastic views. The trailhead is at 7,700 feet and unless you’re used to the thinner air at that elevation, these are not trails you want to rush. The trail to Taft Point descends to 7,500 feet and the trail to Sentinel Dome ascends to 8,120 feet.

As you leave Yosemite after your 6 hour excursion, you’ll find yourself wondering when you’ll be able to return. It’s that beautiful. You should see it in winter when everything is covered in pristine snow. You can ski at badger pass and ice skate in Yosemite’s outdoor skating rink. Have a great trip!

Answer 2

Have you looked at a map? It may help you with this question. Are you driving into one part of the park and leaving thru another part? There's a fair amount of driving in the park. The Yosemite Valley is the most famous and most scenic part. Be sure to drive into the valley. There are various Visitor's Centers, which are like museums. If you have time you could do a short hike. Check the national park service web sites.

Answer 3

i am pretty sure they do not let you drive your own car any longer in the park and you have to take they're shuttle and you will need about 2 days,plus reservations ,and patience to see what you want to see. six hours will be your waiting time just to realize that you need 2 days to see that beautiful area. see yosemite.com on your yahoo search engine and have fun anyways