Recommendations in this article may contain affiliate links.
Want to experience one of America’s most famous parks? Heading to Northern California! Yosemite National Park is filled with beautiful sights, from remote areas beyond Tuolumne Meadows to off-the-beaten-track waterfalls.
I have visited Yosemite several times and helped write this guide to ensure you make the most of your time in the national park. Read on to learn more about the best hikes, scenic drives, viewpoints, and lodging in and around the park.
Yosemite National Park FAQs
About Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park has over 3 million visitors every year. It is famous for its biodiversity, giant redwood forests, waterfalls and granite cliffs. The park is about 3 hours drive from Sacraments, 4 hours if you go road trip from san francisco.
It became the third national park in the United States in 1890, although it was first protected in 1864, expelling the native Paiute, Mono, Mawok, and Ahwahneechee peoples.
Cost of visiting Yosemite National Park: $35 per vehicle; valid for 7 days. Yosemite annual pass is $70. You can also get the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which allows you to visit all U.S. National Parks, including Yosemite.
When to go to Yosemite National Park
Although the park is open year-round, seasonal road closures may occur due to snow and other extreme weather conditions, so it’s best to check the park website for alerts before heading to the park.
- Peak season: The weather is best between June and August or summer, which is the busiest time of the year. This also puts accommodation prices at their highest.
- Shoulder season: Spring and fall are the best times to visit the park because there are fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
- Low season: Crowds are minimal in winter, creating a special experience for those who come to the snow-covered park. Winter sports are possible during this period.
How to Get to Yosemite National Park
Since the park is large, it’s best to do your homework in advance and choose the route that interests you the most. There are many routes to Yosemite National Park and many modes of transportation.
From May to September, due to the peak season, you need to make a reservation to drive into the park. So if you plan on driving, be sure to plan ahead!
Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:
How to drive to Yosemite National Park
Driving a private vehicle to Yosemite National Park is one of the best ways to explore, but you’ll need to arrive early as free parking is limited. You can enter the park from the west via Route 140 or Route 120.
You can also head to Tioga Pass, an eastern entrance accessible only in the summer. Either enter Hetch Hetchy Valley from the northwest entrance or the south entrance from Wawona.
How to get to Yosemite National Park by plane
Various airports around Yosemite allow you to land near the park, such as:
- San Jose International Airport (SJC), Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO): These airports are more than three hours’ drive from the park.
- Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT): The airport is about an hour and a half drive from the park and about 65 miles south of Yosemite.
How to Get to Yosemite National Park by Public Transportation
If you don’t feel like driving, you can still explore the park on a shuttle bus that goes around various lookouts and trailheads. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle operates year-round from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering free service to and from all important locations.
In addition to shuttles, you can take Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) buses directly to the park from Mammoth Lakes, Fresno, Merced, and Sonora.
You may also want to consider Tour bus from San Francisco If you only plan to go for one day.
Accommodations near Yosemite National Park
There are a variety of accommodation and camping options in and around the park.
Camping in Yosemite National Park:
According to the national park website, you should not plan to camp in the park without a reservation because same-day reservations are not available. As someone who has lived in a park, I can attest to this! The park was packed with people.
Here’s information about camping in Yosemite and important dates to know. This information often changes based on crowds and seasons, so I recommend always checking National Park Website Rules and recommendations.
yosemite valley
- Campground 4
- Lower Pines Campground
- Northern Pines Campground
- Upper Pines Campground
south of yosemite valley
- Bridal Veil Creek Campground
- Wawona Campground
north of yosemite valley
- Heping Camp
- Hodgdon Meadows Campground
- Porcupine Flats Campground
- Tamarack Flat Campground
- Tuolumne Meadows Campground
- Yosemite Creek Campground
Camping outside Yosemite National Park
You can still camp at alpine campgrounds and remote campgrounds near Little Yosemite without reservations. Make sure you get a wilderness permit for any backcountry camping!
This is a guide to finding Free and cheap camping All over the United States (including near national parks).
Accommodations near Yosemite National Park
1. Evergreen Inn Yosemite
One mile from the entrance to Hetch Hetchy Yosemite National Park property It has a bar, restaurant, children’s play area and seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Each room comes with linens, towels, free toiletries, a private bathroom and a seating area.
2. Highland House Bed and Breakfast
Yosemite West Gateway is just 9 miles away. Homestay It offers free parking, a games room, shared lounge, free WiFi and a fully equipped kitchen. Each room features antique furniture, mountain and garden views, a private bathroom, a seating area with a work desk and satellite TV.
3. Black Oak Casino Resort
this take 11 miles from Yosemite North Gate, features valet parking, free self-parking, free WiFi, casino, outdoor pool, poolside hot tub and bowling alley. The hotel also has a bar and restaurant with live entertainment every night.
Hikes, Lookouts, and Drives in Yosemite National Park
Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park
The 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 (moderate) impact hikes in Yosemite National Park
- Misty Trail (3 miles)
- Nevada Falls (7 miles)
- Yosemite Falls (7.6 miles)
- Four Mile Trail (9.2 miles)
- Cathedral Lake (8 miles)
- Panorama Trail (8.5 miles)
Intense hiking 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 attractions in Yosemite National Park
- artist point
- colombian rock
- glacier point
- olmsted point
- taft point
- John Muir Trail near Clark Point
- view from half dome
- tunnel view
- washburn point
- Yosemite location
- yosemite valley
Self drive scenic tour in Yosemite National Park
A shuttle system is available within Yosemite National Park. Although taking a shuttle is not always required, it is recommended. You can ride the Yosemite Valley Shuttle System for free from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. as follows:
- Donggu shuttle bus: Trailheads limited to Yosemite Valley East, Pines Campground, Curry Village, and Yosemite Village.
- Valley Shuttle: Operates at all sites in Yosemite Valley.
You should find all here Park Shuttle Information.
Whether you drive or take a shuttle, you can enjoy the following scenic drives:
- big oak flat road
- Elport Road
- glacier point road
- Hetch Hetchy Road
- National Highway 108
- Route 120
- Route 140
- Route 4
- Route 41
- Route 49
- Sierra Vista Trail
- Tioga Road
- Wawona Road
- Yosemite Valley Loop
Have you been to Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite National Park has many hiking trails and viewpoints that make it worth a visit. You can visit the park year-round, but be sure to check the website for reminders and book ahead during peak season.
** **
Hey Pinterest family!
Share this guide with yosemite national park Pin the image below to your planning board.
