Staying at Millerton Lake gives you a peaceful alternative to the packed lodging near the park, while keeping the Sierra Nevada within easy reach. Here is how to plan a full Yosemite day from the villa in Friant.
How far is it?
| South entrance and Mariposa Grove | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Yosemite Valley floor | About 1 hour 45 minutes via Highway 41 |
Leave around 6:30 am to beat the traffic, find parking more easily and get on the trails before the midday heat.
A full-day itinerary
Morning
- 8:30 am, Tunnel View. The classic panorama of El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall.
- 9:00 am, Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. An easy loop of about one mile.
- 10:30 am, Cook's Meadow. A flat walk with wide views of the valley floor.
Midday
- Picnic at Sentinel Beach along the Merced River.
Afternoon, pick one
- Glacier Point. A scenic drive to views about 3,000 feet above the valley.
- Mariposa Grove. Walk among more than 500 mature giant sequoias near the south entrance.
Evening
- Drive back to the villa for dinner on the terrace and a quiet night under very dark skies.
Insider tips
- Check whether Yosemite requires an advance reservation for your dates on the National Park Service website.
- Download offline maps before you leave. Cell service disappears in the hills and in much of the park.
- Pack coolers and supplies the night before so you can leave on time.
- Bring layers. The valley often runs 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the lakeside climate at Millerton Lake.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring sun protection.
Why stay at Millerton Lake?
You get a private, spacious base for a group of up to 11, with room to spread out after a long day, a chef's kitchen for dinner and a 10-minute walk to the lake on the days you'd rather stay put. See the house or find more things to do nearby.