Most people go to Yosemite in summer. I'd argue that's the worst time to go, unless you plan to drive Tioga Road or do backcountry hiking. Late spring, specifically May, is when the park is at its absolute best and most people have no idea!
Here's why late spring works so well:
The weather has stabilized. You're past the unpredictable storms of early spring but not yet into the brutal heat of July and August.
Crowds are noticeably lower than summer, especially on weekdays. You can actually hike without feeling like you're in a queue.
The waterfalls are at peak flow from snowmelt. Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls, Bridalveil, all of them are absolutely roaring.
The mist from the falls creates rainbows on sunny mornings. Standing in the spray on Mist Trail with a rainbow in front of you is one of those moments you don't forget.
Glacier Point Road, which closes every winter due to snow, typically reopens in mid to late May. I went on May 9 and the road had just opened. The views from up there are worth the entire trip on their own.
Day 1: The Valley Floor
Get to Curry Village by 7am. This is not optional. Parking fills up fast and starting early is the difference between a peaceful morning on the trail and fighting through crowds by 9am.
From Curry Village, head straight to Mist Trail. This is the best hike in the valley and it's not close. The trail follows the Merced River up to Vernal Falls, and in late spring the water is so high and fast that you get completely soaked by the mist before you even reach the bridge. Wear a ran poncho since you are going to get wet. The views of the falls from the top are worth every step.
View of Vernal Falls from the Mist Trail
Come back down via the John Muir Trail through Clark Point. It's a longer way down but the elevated views of the valley and Half Dome are completely different from the ascent and worth the extra distance. This route is also much easier on your knees, and is much less crowded!
View of Vernal Falls from above on the John Muir Trail
After the hike, grab the shuttle and head to Lower Yosemite Falls View. You are now looking at North America’s tallest waterfall! Standing at the base looking up at all three tiers is one of those moments where you actually understand how tall 2,425 feet is.
View of Yosemite Falls
From there, walk about 15 minutes to Cook Meadow. This is the best spot to see Yosemite Falls framed by the granite walls on either side, the kind of view that makes the falls feel even bigger than they are. Then walk to Sentinel Bridge. This is where you get the classic Half Dome view straight down the valley, the exact shot that is basically the symbol of Yosemite.
View of Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge
Yosemite Falls Vantage Point
Day 2: The High Country
Start at El Capitan Meadow. Early morning on a calm day, the Merced River reflects El Capitan perfectly. It's one of those views that genuinely doesn't look real in person.
Reflection of El Capitan on the Merced River
Then drive up to Taft Point or Sentinel Dome depending on how much hiking you want. Taft Point has a sheer drop of over 3,000 feet with no guardrail. It's one of the most exposed and dramatic spots in the entire park. Sentinel Dome gives you a 360 degree view of the high country that's hard to beat.
Taft Point
Head to Glacier Point first. This is the best view of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome from above, and you get it without doing any serious hiking. The valley floor is 3,200 feet below you and you can see almost everything you hiked the day before from up here. On the way back down, stop at Washburn Point. Most people skip it but from here you can see Vernal and Nevada Falls tucked into the canyon below, which is a completely different perspective from walking up through them the day before.
View of Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point
The postcard view of Half Dome from Glacier Point
Stunning views of Vernal & Nevada Falls from Washburn Point
Save Tunnel View for early evening on your way back down to the valley. In late spring, the late afternoon sun hits Bridalveil Falls at just the right angle to create a rainbow in the mist. It's one of those things that sounds like a tourist trap until you're standing there watching it happen. Aim for around 4 to 6pm on a clear day.
The Rainbow Effect on Bridalveil Falls
View of El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls from Half Dome
Bonus: If You Want More
If you have extra time, Mariposa Grove is worth a visit for the giant sequoias. I skipped it because I've already been to Sequoia National Park and the experience is similar enough that it didn't make sense for me. But if you've never seen a sequoia, add it in.
If the valley feels too crowded on either day, consider Hetch Hetchy. I didn't make it there on this trip but it's essentially a second Yosemite valley that almost nobody visits. Same dramatic granite walls, same waterfalls, a fraction of the crowds. Keep it in mind as a backup.