yeah, i was looking at the map between yosemite and vegas, and i didn't see anything that i know is good
bakersfield is an experience lol. i'll grant that. if i was visiting the usa i actually might like to experience a town like bakersfield. they love trump there!
while in yosemite mirror lake is great. it's right in the valley, so really easy and short.
vernal falls is also great. but they closed down my favorite part(i think) you used to be able to swim above the falls, but people were dying, going over the falls. you really have to make an effort to go over the falls, but people did *sigh*
vernal falls is a steep climb. if you're out of shape it will be tough, especially if it's a hot day. but it's also right in the valley, so maybe something like an hour each way. there is also a second fall you can keep going, but i never pushed myself that hard
by the way, i saw a completely insane russian man jump in that pool in at the bottom of the falls and swim across it. the waterfall wasn't as full then, so it wasn't as turbulent, but it was late october and the water is dangerously cold. i honestly think i would have died if i tried to do what he did.
and then of course half dome, if you are strong enough to hike like 13 hours round trip.
i think my favorite day in yosemite, me and my friend just sat by a stream in front of el capitan, no hiking or anything. we just sat there staring at the amazing rock and talking, drinking, snacking.
also just walking around the valley. you can see el capitan, half dome, yosemite falls, vernal falls, bridal veil falls, and it's flat and short. i think you can walk the whole loop in less than an hour. but that part is like disneyland. it's so crowded. if you hike up a bit it gets much emptier.