1) Ride YARTS to Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, arriving in the morning (from Merced Transpo (7am) or Merced Amtrak (7:10am) arrive at 9:47am).

2) Hike the Valley Loop Trail. The trailhead begins at Lower Yosemite Fall, just behind the Valley Visitor Center. The full loop is 11.5 miles, taking 5-7 hours, and the half loop is 7.2 miles, taking 2.5-3.5 hours. The trail is mostly level for the entire loop, but route-finding can be difficult in places, so it is best to bring a map with you (even a simple day hiking brochure from the visitor center) as it will orient you with the various landforms in the Valley, which are often listed on the trail/directional signs. Restrooms are available at the trailhead near the start of the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. Vault toilets are also available at the Bridalveil Fall parking area and Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. Eat your packed lunch along the trail, believe us, you’ll find your perfect lunch spot.
Small map icon – this will link to a trailhead on the YARTS Transit Interactive Map with the trailhead activated. OuterSpatial link – http://www.outerspatial.com/trailheads/16782

3) Both the full and half loop will take you back to the Valley Visitor Center, where you can pick up a quick dinner before the journey home from one of the several budget-friendly restaurants.
Small map icon – this will link to a curated Valley Full and Half Loop trips on the YARTS Transit Interactive Map with the trip trailhead activated. OuterSpatial link – will add link by 9/18

4) Hop back on the YARTS bus at the Valley Visitor Center at 5:55pm, and return to the Merced Amtrak station at 8:27pm or the Merced Transpo station at 8:37pm.