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Want to experience one of the United States’ most famous parks? Head to northern California! Yosemite National Park is full of beautiful sights, from the backcountry beyond Tuolumne Meadows to seldom-visited waterfalls.
I’ve visited Yosemite numerous times and helped compile this guide to ensure you maximize your time in the national park. Keep reading to learn more about the best hikes, scenic drives, viewpoints, and accommodations in and around the park.
Yosemite National Park FAQ
About Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park has more than 3 million visitors each year. It’s known for its biological diversity, giant sequoia groves, waterfalls, and granite cliffs. The park is located about 3 hours from Sacraments and 4 hours if you road trip from San Francisco.
It became the third national park in the US in 1890, though it was first protected in 1864, forcing out the Paiute, Mono, Me-Wuk, and Ahwahneechee peoples, who are its original inhabitants.
Cost of visiting Yosemite National Park: $35 per vehicle; valid for seven days. $70 for Yosemite AnnualPass. You can also get the America the Beautiful annual pass to visit all US National Parks, which includes Yosemite.
When To Go to Yosemite National Park
Although the park is open year-round, seasonal road closures could happen due to snow and other extreme weather conditions, so it’s best to verify alerts on the park’s site before making your way there.
- High Season: June to August or the summer season has the best weather, making it the busiest time of the year. This also makes lodging at its highest price.
- Shoulder Season: Spring and fall are the best times to visit the park as there are fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
- Low Season: The fewest crowds happen during winter, offering a special experience for people coming to the snow-blanketed park. Winter sports are available during this time.
How To Get To Yosemite National Park
Because of the size of the park, it’s best to do your research in advance and choose the route you’re most interested in. There are many routes and there are also many modes of transportation to get to Yosemite National Park.
From May to September, you need to make a reservation to drive into the park because this is the peak season. So make sure you plan ahead if you’re planning to drive!
Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:
How To Get To Yosemite National Park by Car
Driving a personal car to Yosemite National Park is one of the best ways to explore, but you need to arrive early because the free parking is limited. You can take Highway 140 or 120 into the park from the west.
You can also proceed to the Tioga Pass, an eastern entrance only accessible in the summer. Or go into the Hetch Hetchy Valley through the northwest entrance or at Wawona for a south entrance.
How To Get To Yosemite National Park by Plane
Various airports around Yosemite can land you near the park, such as the following:
- San Jose International Airport (SJC), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO): these airports are more than a three-hour drive to the park.
- Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT): this airport is about a one and a half-hour drive to the park, located about 65 miles south of Yosemite.
How To Get To Yosemite National Park by Public Transit
If you’re not fond of driving, you can still explore the park via its shuttle buses that go around various lookouts and trailheads. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round, and it provides free service to and from all of the significant locations.
Besides the shuttle, you can also take the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) buses from Mammoth Lakes, Fresno, Merced, and Sonora directly to the park.
You may also want to consider tour buses from San Francisco if you only plan to go for a day.
Where To Stay Near Yosemite National Park
There are many options for lodging and camping both inside and around the park.
Camping in Yosemite National Park:
According to the National Park website, you should not plan to camp within the park without a reservation, as same-day reservations are not offered. As someone who has stayed in the park, I can attest that this is correct! This park gets PACKED.
Here is information on Yosemite camping and important dates to know. This information changes often according to crowds and seasons so I recommend always checking the National Park website for rules and advisories.
Yosemite Valley
- Camp 4 Campground
- Lower Pines Campground
- North Pines Campground
- Upper Pines Campground
South of Yosemite Valley
- Bridalveil Creek Campground
- Wawona Campground
North of Yosemite Valley
- Crane Flat Campground
- Hodgdon Meadow Campground
- Porcupine Flat Campground
- Tamarack Flat Campground
- Tuolumne Meadows Campground
- Yosemite Creek Campground
Camping Outside of Yosemite National Park
You can still camp at backcountry campgrounds near the High Sierra Camps and Little Yosemite without a reservation. Make sure you secure a wilderness permit for any backcountry camping!
Here is a guide on finding free and cheap camping around the US (including near national parks).
Lodging Near Yosemite National Park
1. Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
One mile from the Hetch Hetchy Yosemite National Park entrance, this property has a bar, restaurant, children’s playground, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Each room comes with bed linen, towels, free toiletries, a private bathroom, and seating areas.
2. Highland House Bed and Breakfast
Yosemite West Gateway is only 9 miles away, and this B&B has free parking, a games room, shared lounge, free WiFi, and fully-equipped kitchens. Each room has mountain and garden views and antique furnishings, private bathrooms, a seating area with a work desk, and a satellite TV.
3. The Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort
This resort is 11 miles away from Yosemite North Gateway, offering valet parking, free self-parking, free WiFi, a casino, outdoor pool, poolside hot tub, and bowling alley. It also has bars and restaurants featuring live entertainment each night.
Hikes, Viewpoints, and drives in yosemite national park
Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Best Low-Impact Hikes in Yosemite National Park
- Lower Yosemite Falls (0.5 miles)
- Mariposa Grove (0.3-0.7 miles)
- Taft Point and Sentinel Dome via Pohono Trail (5 miles)
- Mirror Lake Trail (2 miles)
Moderate (Medium) Impact Hikes In Yosemite National Park
- Mist Trail (3 miles)
- Nevada Fall (7 miles)
- Yosemite Falls (7.6 miles)
- Four Mile Trail (9.2 miles)
- Cathedral Lakes (8 miles)
- Panorama Trail (8.5 miles)
High Impact Hikes In Yosemite National Park
- Half Dome (17 miles)
- Glacier Point via Four-Mile Trail (9.4 miles)
- Upper Yosemite Falls (7.6 miles)
Viewpoints You Can’t Miss in Yosemite National Park
- Artist Point
- Columbia Rock
- Glacier Point
- Olmsted Point
- Taft Point
- The John Muir Trail Near Clark Point
- The View From Half Dome
- Tunnel View
- Washburn Point
- Yosemite Point
- Yosemite Valley
Scenic Drives in Yosemite National Park
A shuttle system is available in Yosemite National Park. Although taking the shuttle is not always required, it is recommended. You can ride for free on the Yosemite Valley Shuttle System from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. as follows:
- East Valley Shuttle: limited to trailheads in eastern Yosemite Valley, Pines Campgrounds, Curry Village, and Yosemite Village.
- Valleywide Shuttle: Operates on all stops in Yosemite Valley.
Here’s where you should look for all of the shuttle information for the park.
Whether you’re driving or taking a shuttle, here are the scenic drives you can enjoy:
- Big Oak Flat Road
- El Portal Road
- Glacier Point Road
- Hetch Hetchy Road
- Highway 108
- Highway 120
- Highway 140
- Highway 4
- Highway 41
- Highway 49
- Sierra Vista Byway
- Tioga Road
- Wawona Road
- Yosemite Valley Loop
Have you been to yosemite national park?
Yosemite National Park has many hikes and viewpoints to make your visit worthwhile. You can visit the park year-round, but make sure you check the website for alerts and make reservations in advance during the peak season.
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