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Overview
Yosemite National Park occupies roughly 1,169 square miles of the central Sierra Nevada in Mariposa County, California. Established in 1890, it is one of the oldest national parks in the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is organized into several distinct areas — Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, Hetch Hetchy, and the high-country wilderness — each with its own character and appeal.
The Valley floor, carved by glaciers over millions of years, is the park's most visited zone. Towering granite formations including El Capitan and Half Dome frame a landscape of meadows, the Merced River, and some of North America's tallest waterfalls. Above the Valley, Tioga Road climbs through sub-alpine terrain to Tuolumne Meadows at roughly 8,600 feet, a dramatically different environment of open granite domes and clear mountain lakes.
Visitor numbers have grown significantly in recent years, prompting the park to introduce reservation systems for vehicle entry and popular trailheads. Planning ahead is now essential for most visits, particularly between May and September.
Before You Go
Entry Reservations
Yosemite has used a timed-entry reservation system during peak periods in recent years. Policies can change season to season. Check the official National Park Service website (nps.gov/yose) well before your trip to confirm whether reservations are required for your dates, and book as early as allowed.
Park Pass
Entry fees apply to all visitors. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which covers entrance to all federal lands, can offer good value if you plan to visit multiple national parks or monuments. Verify current fee amounts on the NPS site or at the entrance station, as prices are subject to change.
Wilderness Permits
Overnight backcountry camping requires a wilderness permit. A portion of permits are available in advance through a lottery system; the remainder are released as walk-up permits. Details and booking are managed through recreation.gov.
What to Pack
- Layers are essential year-round; temperatures in the high country can drop sharply at night even in summer
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat) at altitude
- Bear canister if you plan to camp or hike overnight — required in many zones
- Sturdy, broken-in footwear for trails with uneven granite surfaces
- Cash and a downloaded offline map, as cell coverage inside the park is limited
Getting There
By Air
The closest major airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), roughly 60–70 miles south of Yosemite Valley. San Francisco International (SFO) and Sacramento International (SMF) are larger hubs but involve longer drives of approximately 3–4 hours depending on traffic and entry gate.
By Car
Most visitors arrive by personal vehicle. There are four entrance gates: Big Oak Flat (Hwy 120 west), Arch Rock (Hwy 140), South Entrance (Hwy 41), and Tioga Pass (Hwy 120 east — seasonal, typically closed November through late May or early June depending on snowpack). During peak season, traffic on all approach roads can be heavy; plan to arrive early in the morning.
By Bus
YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) operates scheduled bus services connecting several gateway communities — including Merced, Mammoth Lakes, and Sonora — to Yosemite Valley. This is a practical option for visitors without a car. Check yarts.com for current schedules and fares.
By Train
Amtrak's San Joaquin service stops in Merced, where passengers can connect to a YARTS bus into the park. Travel time from the Bay Area by train and bus combined is several hours, so plan accordingly.
Getting Around
Valley Shuttle
A free shuttle bus operates year-round along a loop connecting major Valley landmarks — parking areas, trailheads, lodging, and visitor services. During peak periods, driving on certain Valley roads is restricted, making the shuttle the most practical way to move around the Valley floor.
Driving in the Park
Outside the Valley, a personal vehicle is generally needed to reach Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy. Parking fills extremely early on summer mornings. Arriving by 7 a.m. or earlier gives the best chance of finding a space at popular trailheads. Some trailhead-specific permit or reservation systems have also been piloted — verify on the NPS site.
Cycling
Paved bike paths run along parts of Yosemite Valley, offering a pleasant way to travel between key sites. Bike rentals are available at locations within the Valley during warmer months; verify current availability at the park's lodging concessions.
On Foot
Many Valley attractions — Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake, and the Valley View — are reachable on flat or gently graded paths. Longer hikes require appropriate gear and physical preparation.
Where to Stay
Inside the Park
Yosemite has a range of in-park lodging managed by the park's concessionaire, Aramark (operating as Yosemite Hospitality). Options span a spectrum from a historic valley lodge with hotel-style rooms to tent cabins, canvas-sided cabins, and standard motel-style units. The most well-known property is The Ahwahnee, a historic hotel completed in 1927. Reservations open months in advance and popular dates book extremely quickly — some dates sell out within minutes of the booking window opening. Check the concessionaire's official site for current availability.
Camping
Yosemite has numerous campgrounds, including sites in the Valley, near Tuolumne Meadows, and at Wawona. Most require advance reservations made through recreation.gov; a small number of first-come, first-served sites exist but fill very early in peak season. Campsite rates vary; verify current pricing when booking.
Outside the Park
Gateway communities — Mariposa, El Portal, Groveland, Lee Vining (near Tioga Pass) — offer motels, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts at a range of price points. Staying outside can also give you a head start on entering the park before congestion builds.
Things to See & Do
Iconic Viewpoints and Hikes
- Tunnel View: A roadside overlook at the Valley's eastern entrance, providing a classic panorama of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.
- Valley Floor Loop: A relatively flat multi-use trail circling the Valley floor, suitable for most fitness levels.
- Yosemite Falls Trail: A strenuous 7.2-mile round trip to the top of one of North America's tallest waterfalls; best in spring when flow is highest.
- Half Dome: The park's most iconic hike — 14–16 miles round trip with a cable-assisted final ascent. Day-hike permits are required and issued by lottery. Not suitable for beginners.
- Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls: A moderately strenuous out-and-back hike with close-up views of two major waterfalls.
High Country
Tioga Road (open seasonally) provides access to Tuolumne Meadows, Olmsted Point, and Tenaya Lake. The scenery here is sub-alpine and strikingly different from the Valley — open granite, wildflowers in July and August, and far fewer crowds.
Giant Sequoias
The Mariposa Grove near the South Entrance protects roughly 500 mature giant sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant. A free shuttle connects the grove to a nearby parking and welcome area; private vehicles access is limited.
Rock Climbing
Yosemite Valley — particularly El Capitan and Half Dome — is considered one of the premier rock-climbing destinations in the world. The Yosemite Mountaineering School, operated by the park's concessionaire, offers instruction for beginners through advanced climbers. Verify current availability and pricing directly with the provider.
Stargazing
The park holds an International Dark Sky Park designation in certain areas. Tuolumne Meadows and Glacier Point (when accessible) are good spots; ranger-led astronomy programs are sometimes available seasonally.
Food & Drink
Dining options inside the park range from a full-service restaurant at the Valley's historic lodge to casual cafeterias, pizza, and grab-and-go options at various locations around the Valley and at Tuolumne Meadows in summer. Expect prices to reflect the remote setting. Outside peak hours, some venues can have long wait times.
Gateway towns offer more variety. El Portal (just outside Arch Rock entrance), Mariposa to the south, and Groveland to the north all have independent restaurants and grocery stores. If you plan to self-cater, stocking up in a gateway town before entering is practical and generally less expensive.
All food must be stored in bear-proof containers or lockers — both in campgrounds and on the trail. This is a legal requirement, not merely a suggestion. Bear boxes are provided at most campgrounds and some parking areas.
Practical Information
Cell Coverage and Connectivity
Cell service is limited to unreliable throughout most of the park. Download offline maps (such as the NPS app map or a mapping app with offline capability) before you enter. Some lodging areas have Wi-Fi; coverage is not universal.
Altitude
Yosemite Valley sits at roughly 4,000 feet. Tuolumne Meadows is around 8,600 feet. Visitors arriving from sea level may notice effects of altitude — particularly on strenuous hikes — including shortness of breath and quicker dehydration. Drink water consistently.
Weather
- Summer: Valley days are warm to hot (often 85–95°F / 29–35°C); nights are cooler. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the high country from July onward.
- Spring: Variable, with potential for snow at higher elevations through May. Waterfalls are at peak flow from snowmelt.
- Fall: Generally stable and mild, with less crowding after Labor Day.
- Winter: Valley roads typically remain open, but snow chains or 4WD may be required. Tioga Road closes, usually from November until late spring.
Emergencies
Yosemite has a medical clinic in the Valley. For emergencies, dial 911. Park rangers also provide emergency response; the park's general visitor information line can direct non-emergency inquiries. Verify current clinic hours and contact details on the NPS site or on arrival.
Leave No Trace
Pack out all waste. Stay on marked trails to protect fragile vegetation. Feeding wildlife — including squirrels and deer — is prohibited and genuinely harmful to animals.
Safety
Wildlife
Black bears are present throughout the park. Never approach, feed, or leave food unattended. Secure all food, scented items, and trash in bear-proof lockers or an approved bear canister at all times, including in your vehicle. Rattlesnakes inhabit lower-elevation areas; watch where you step and place your hands on rocky terrain.
Water
Do not drink directly from streams or lakes without treatment. Giardia and other pathogens are present in backcountry water sources. Use a filter, purification tablets, or boiling.
Trail Safety
- Half Dome cables become extremely hazardous when wet. Many accidents have occurred on the cables; descend if weather deteriorates.
- Flash floods can occur in narrow canyons, particularly after upstream rain.
- Snow can linger on high-country trails well into June; check current trail conditions on the NPS site before setting out.
- Inform someone of your itinerary when venturing into the backcountry.
Sun and Heat
At altitude, UV exposure is higher than at sea level. Sunburn can occur quickly even on overcast days. Heat exhaustion is a real risk on exposed Valley hikes in summer; start early, carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person, and take breaks in shade.
