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Are you looking to explore one of the most iconic national parks in the United States? If so, you should visit Yosemite National Park in northern California! The park features breathtaking landscapes, from the remote backcountry of Tuolumne Meadows to lesser-known waterfalls.
Having visited Yosemite many times, I’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your visit. Read on to discover the best hikes, scenic drives, viewpoints, and accommodations available within and around the park.
Yosemite National Park FAQ
Overview of Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park welcomes over 3 million visitors each year. It is renowned for its rich biological diversity, towering sequoias, stunning waterfalls, and majestic granite cliffs. The park is located approximately three hours from Sacramento and four hours from San Francisco by car.
Designated as the third national park in the US in 1890, Yosemite was initially protected in 1864, which unfortunately displaced the Paiute, Mono, Me-Wuk, and Ahwahneechee peoples, the park’s original inhabitants.
Entrance Fees: Visitors can enter the park for $35 per vehicle, which is valid for seven days. An annual pass to Yosemite costs $70. Alternatively, you can purchase the America the Beautiful annual pass, which grants access to all US National Parks, including Yosemite.
The Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park
Although Yosemite is open year-round, certain roads may close during winter due to snow and severe weather. It’s advisable to check for alerts on the park’s official website before heading out.
- Peak Season: From June to August, when the weather is at its finest but also when the park is most crowded. Expect the highest lodging prices during these months.
- Shoulder Season: The ideal times to visit are in spring and fall, as these seasons feature fewer crowds and more pleasant temperatures.
- Off-Peak Season: Winter offers a unique experience with minimal visitors, plus you can enjoy winter sports in the snow-covered park.
How to Reach Yosemite National Park
Considering the park’s vastness, planning ahead to determine your route of interest is essential. There are several routes and transportation options to reach Yosemite National Park.
From May to September, reservations are required for vehicle access into the park due to heavy traffic. Be sure to plan ahead if you intend to drive! Here’s a quick summary of your options:
Traveling to Yosemite National Park by Car
Driving your own vehicle is one of the best methods to explore Yosemite. However, arrive early, as free parking spaces are limited. You can enter the park via Highway 140 or 120 from the west.
During the summer months, you can also enter via Tioga Pass, which is the eastern access point. Alternatively, you can enter through the northwest via Hetch Hetchy Valley or from Wawona in the south.
Traveling to Yosemite National Park by Plane
Several airports are conveniently located near the park, including:
- San Jose International Airport (SJC), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO): all are more than three hours away from the park by car.
- Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT): located about 65 miles south of Yosemite, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the park.
Traveling to Yosemite National Park by Public Transportation
If driving isn’t your preference, explore the park through its shuttle bus services, which connect various lookout points and trailheads. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle operates year-round from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing complimentary service to all major attractions.
Additionally, the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) offers bus services from nearby towns such as Mammoth Lakes, Fresno, Merced, and Sonora directly to the park. If you plan a day trip from San Francisco, you may also consider tour bus services.
Accommodation Options Near Yosemite National Park
There are various lodging and camping choices both within and surrounding the park.
Camping in Yosemite National Park:
The National Park Service advises against camping in the park without a reservation, as same-day bookings are unavailable. Based on my experiences camping in the park, I can confirm that it gets extremely crowded!
For updated information on camping in Yosemite and essential dates, always check the National Park Service website for rules and advisories.
Yosemite Valley Campgrounds
- Camp 4 Campground
- Lower Pines Campground
- North Pines Campground
- Upper Pines Campground
Campgrounds South of Yosemite Valley
- Bridalveil Creek Campground
- Wawona Campground
Campgrounds North of Yosemite Valley
- Crane Flat Campground
- Hodgdon Meadow Campground
- Porcupine Flat Campground
- Tamarack Flat Campground
- Tuolumne Meadows Campground
- Yosemite Creek Campground
Camping Options Outside of Yosemite National Park
Backcountry campgrounds near High Sierra Camps and Little Yosemite allow camping without a reservation. Just be sure to obtain a wilderness permit for any backcountry camping!
For guidance on finding free or inexpensive camping near national parks, check out resources available online.
Lodging Options Near Yosemite National Park
1. Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
This lodge is located just one mile from the Hetch Hetchy entrance of Yosemite National Park. It features a bar, restaurant, children’s playground, and seasonal outdoor pool. Each room is equipped with bed linens, towels, complimentary toiletries, a private bathroom, and comfortable seating areas.
2. Highland House Bed and Breakfast
Only nine miles from Yosemite West Gateway, this B&B offers free parking, a game room, shared lounge, complimentary WiFi, and fully-equipped kitchens. Rooms boast mountain and garden views, antique furnishings, private bathrooms, and seating areas equipped with desks and satellite TVs.
3. The Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort
This resort is located 11 miles from Yosemite North Gateway and offers valet parking, free self-parking, complimentary WiFi, a casino, outdoor pool, poolside hot tub, and bowling alley. It also features bars and restaurants with entertainment options available every night.
Hiking, Viewpoints, and Scenic Drives in Yosemite National Park
Top Hiking Trails 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 Hikes in Yosemite National Park
- Mist Trail (3 miles)
- Nevada Falls (7 miles)
- Yosemite Falls (7.6 miles)
- Four-Mile Trail (9.2 miles)
- Cathedral Lakes (8 miles)
- Panorama Trail (8.5 miles)
Challenging Hikes in Yosemite National Park
- Half Dome (17 miles)
- Glacier Point via Four-Mile Trail (9.4 miles)
- Upper Yosemite Falls (7.6 miles)
Must-See Viewpoints 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
Yosemite National Park has a shuttle system, which is recommended but not mandatory. Enjoy complimentary rides on the Yosemite Valley Shuttle from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The shuttle services include:
- East Valley Shuttle: connects trailheads in eastern Yosemite Valley, Pines Campgrounds, Curry Village, and Yosemite Village.
- Valleywide Shuttle: makes stops at all locations within Yosemite Valley.
For detailed shuttle information, visit the park’s website. Whether driving or taking the shuttle, here are some scenic routes 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 Visited Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite National Park is rich with hiking opportunities and viewpoints that will make your trip unforgettable. You can visit the park throughout the year, but be sure to check the official website for alerts and to make reservations in advance during peak seasons.
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