El Portal
Motel row meets Merced River. Outside the park, cheaper than inside; YARTS shuttle to Yosemite.
View guideExplore Yosemite National Park
Gateway Towns
Compare the towns that can serve as a base for your visit, then open a guide for drive times, services, lodging and local planning details.
4 gateway towns Showing 1–4
Fish Camp
Mountain village south of Yosemite. YARTS access late May–Sept. Limited services; lodging available.
View guideLee Vining
Lee Vining: tiny gateway to Yosemite via YARTS shuttle. Mono Lake views, but pack a dinner—winter shuts it down hard.
View guideYosemite West
Ridge community with zero services—fuel elsewhere. Private lodging minutes from Yosemite's south side.
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