National Park

Yosemite National Park

National Park★ 4.8
Snow-dusted El Capitan towers over Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park during winter.

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit
Avoid peak crowds by visiting in late spring or fall; plan for early morning starts and use the shuttle system

Highlights

Why Visit
Yosemite spans a vast range of elevations, from the valley floor to high alpine plateaus, with granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias shaping a landscape that demands a measured, purposeful visit. The park's scale is evident in the juxtaposition of El Capitan and Half Dome against river valleys and glacier-carved meadows. Access is managed through reservations during busy periods to protect resources and visitor safety; start at Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, or Wawona to anchor trails, viewpoints, and backcountry access while following posted rules and road statuses. The park serves as a case study in large-scale landscape management: infrastructure, crowd control, and resource protection converge to shape a safe, predictable experience. Plan ahead, monitor road conditions and fire restrictions, and use the park’s hubs as your base to minimize impact while maximizing exposure to high-country scenery.
Top Things To Do
Drive Yosemite Valley loop, Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, views from Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, and sunset perspectives at Glacier Point (seasonal). Hiking access to Tuolumne Meadows and Mariposa Grove when available; check shuttle routes.

Areas to plan around

Yosemite Valley
El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Mist Trail access, valley shuttle routes
High Country
Tuolumne Meadows, alpine lakes, granite domes, long daylight in summer
Wawona & Mariposa Grove
Pioneer Yosemite History Center, Wawona Hotel, seasonal access to Mariposa Grove
Mariposa Grove Area
Giant sequoias; interpretive notables and seasonal shuttle connections

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT); San Francisco International (SFO); Sacramento International (SMF)
Getting There Driving Distances
FAT to Yosemite Valley: 3.5–4.5 hours; SFO to Yosemite Valley: 4.5–5.5 hours; SMF to Yosemite Valley: 4.0–4.5 hours
Getting There Entrances
Big Oak Flat Entrance (CA-120), Arch Rock Entrance (CA-140), South Entrance (CA-41)
Getting Around Shuttles
Yosemite Valley shuttle system runs seasonally and is the recommended transport to access major trailheads and viewpoints
Getting Around Reservations
Vehicle reservations required during peak periods; wilderness access requires backcountry permits issued at visitor centers
Getting Around Parking
Parking fills extremely early, especially near popular trailheads; use the shuttle when possible

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
Lodging and campgrounds exist inside the park; demand is high and bookings should be made well in advance; plan for limited evening options on the east side
Where To Stay Campgrounds
Designated campgrounds require reservations; first-come sites can fill by early morning during peak season
Where To Stay Gateway Towns
Mariposa, Groveland, Oakhurst, El Portal

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country
Bear safety is mandatory: store all food in bear lockers or approved canisters; do not leave food unattended; maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears; improper storage can incur fines
Safety Weather
Altitude and weather shift quickly; be prepared for heat in summer and sudden storms at higher elevations; flash floods can occur in canyons during heavy rain
Safety Altitude
Elevation ranges from ~4,000 ft in the valley to over 8,000 ft in the high country; altitude sickness can affect visitors at high elevations
Safety Leave No Trace
Pack it out; stay on designated trails; minimize impact on wildlife and waterways
Safety Permits Needed
Backcountry permits are mandatory for overnight stays in designated backcountry zones
Wildlife Overview
Black bears are resident; wildlife encounters occur in meadows and along trails; maintain distance
Wildlife Where To See
Valley meadows, riverside areas, and foothill meadows during dawn and dusk
Wildlife Safety
Keep distance from wildlife; secure all food; follow posted guidelines; bear-proof storage in campgrounds

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy
Day 1: Valley floor loop; Day 2: High country excursion to Tuolumne Meadows; Day 3: Sequoias at Mariposa Grove or a valley-view hike
Entrance Hacks
Arrive before 7:00 AM to reduce congestion; use CA-120 Big Oak Flat or CA-140 Arch Rock for alternative routes; have a plan for shuttle-based travel inside the valley
Basecamp Logic
WEST SIDE offers closer proximity to valley services and more rain; EAST SIDE provides higher elevations and limited dining; consider a split stay for a balanced experience
Crowd Calendar
July is peak mosquito activity and wildflowers; September tends to be crowd-free but cooler; June may still be snow-bound on some routes
Tips Advice
  • Buy the pass online
  • Shuttle is mandatory in valley during peak season
  • Don’t feed wildlife
  • Check road and fire status daily

More details

Park Code
yose
Tagline
Gateway to the High Sierra
Entrance Fee
$35.00 - Entrance - Private Vehicle
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
Private vehicle entrance: $35, valid 7 days. Digital passes available via Recreation.gov; accepted passes include America the Beautiful National Parks Pass, Military Pass, and Senior Pass.
Nearby Services
Limited on-site services; medical and gas available in gateway towns; plan for supply stops in Mariposa and Groveland
Family Friendly Notes
Junior Ranger programs available; plan shorter hikes for younger visitors; frequent rests and shade in valley floors
Accessibility
ADA accessible facilities exist in some areas; not all trails are paved; check updated accessibility maps
Photography Tips
Position yourself for light in early morning or late afternoon; avoid blocking roads and trails; respect safety barriers
When To Visit Peak Season
June–August
When To Visit Shoulder Season
April–May and September–October
When To Visit Winter
Snow and cold; many roads and facilities limited; plan for winter driving and variable access
When To Visit Road Opening
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically open by late May–June, depending on snowfall and plowing
Wildlife Bear Spray Rentals
Bear spray may be available for rent at some visitor centers and outfitter shops; confirm location prior to arrival
Weather Averages
Valley summers: high 70s–80s F; nights cooler; high-country cooler and windier; winter temperatures at high elevations commonly below freezing
Weather Precipitation
Winter snow common; spring runoff; summer is comparatively dry with potential afternoon thunderstorms
Weather Info
Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (600 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May (and over 75% between November and March). Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May. (Yosemite Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)
What To Bring Essential Gear
Bear spray where allowed, bear canister for backcountry, map and compass, plenty of water, layers for temperature changes
What To Bring Clothing
No cotton; wool or synthetic layers; waterproof shell; sturdy hiking footwear
Review Summary
Visitors often underestimate crowds in popular areas; plan ahead with reservations and early arrivals; expect long parking lines near trailheads during peak season

Location

Granite dome with trace amounts of snow.Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in springA mountain reflecting in a lake.A rainbow over a mountain in the distance.Cluster of tall trees with cloudy sky.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite?

Yes. Vehicle reservations are required during peak periods; check Recreation.gov and the NPS site for dates and entry rules.

Are pets allowed inside the park?

Pets are allowed in developed areas and along paved roads but must be on a 6-foot leash; they are not allowed on trails, in wilderness areas, or in buildings.

Can I drive Tioga Road right now?

Tioga Road opens seasonally, typically by late May to June, depending on snowfall and plowing; always verify current status before planning that route.

Where do I get backcountry permits?

Backcountry permits are issued at the permit desk located within the main visitor centers; plan ahead as availability is limited and competitive.

Is there a shuttle system inside Yosemite?

Yes. A free shuttle bus system operates seasonally in Yosemite Valley to reduce parking demand and improve access to major trailheads.

Essential Yosemite National Park guides

Use these first for the decisions that affect the whole trip. Every guide is part of this park's planning library.

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El Portal

Motel row meets Merced River. Outside the park, cheaper than inside; YARTS shuttle to Yosemite.

Fish Camp

Mountain village south of Yosemite. YARTS access late May–Sept. Limited services; lodging available.

Lee Vining

Lee Vining: tiny gateway to Yosemite via YARTS shuttle. Mono Lake views, but pack a dinner—winter shuts it down hard.

Yosemite West

Ridge community with zero services—fuel elsewhere. Private lodging minutes from Yosemite's south side.

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All Yosemite National Park guides 4 published

Browse the complete planning library, grouped by the decision you are making.

Park strategy

Trails & hiking

Sources

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Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.