National park · United States
Yosemite National Park
Go for one full day in the Valley (Tunnel View, Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, Glacier Point at sunset) or two nights if you want Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows; enter before 8:00 or after 16:00 to avoid traffic. No timed entry reservation is currently required for general access.Go for one full day in the Valley (Tunnel View, Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, Glacier Point at sunset) or two nights if you want Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows; enter before 8:00 AM or after 4:00 PM to avoid traffic. No timed entry reservation is currently required for general access.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
3,027 km²1,169 sq mi
approximate
Established
1890
Best months
May–Jun, Sep
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 3,027 km²1,169 sq mi
- About 3,027 km² (1,169 sq mi); roughly 95% is designated wilderness.
- Established
- 1890
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Yosemite is a 3,000 km² Sierra Nevada park built around one 12 km² valley: granite walls, the tallest waterfall in North America, and giant sequoia groves at Mariposa and Tuolumne. Nearly all four million yearly visitors crowd into that one percent of the park, so the plan is simple — see the Valley early, then either climb above it (Glacier Point, Tioga Road) or leave it for the quiet trails. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close with the first big snow, usually November to May.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1984Inscribed for its granite landforms, waterfalls and sequoia groves.
Size and age
3,027 km²1,169 sq mi · national park since 1890
About 3,027 km² (1,169 sq mi); roughly 95% is designated wilderness.
Why go
- Yosemite Valley: El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, all reachable on foot or by free shuttle.
- Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls — the classic steep climb, best in May and June when the falls are loud.
- Glacier Point: a drive-up view of Half Dome and the Valley, good at sunset.
- Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows: subalpine lakes and granite domes with a fraction of the Valley crowds.
- Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, near the south entrance.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecAvoid
- JanSnow; chains required; some roads closed
- FebDeep snow; quiet but limited access
- MarVariable; waterfalls building
- AprWaterfalls at strength; Tioga still closed
- MayPeak falls; Tioga Road usually opens late May
- JunWarm, all roads open, crowds start
- JulHot Valley; busiest; thunderstorms possible
- AugHot and crowded; falls thin out
- SepWarm days, thinner crowds, clear air
- OctCool and quiet; first snow can close Tioga
- NovSnow possible; chains may be required
- DecWinter conditions; Valley only
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bears (active at night, including in the Valley)All year · Store all food and scented items in bear boxes; never leave them in a car. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Mule deer and golden-mantled ground squirrelsApr–Oct | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (around Tioga Pass)Jun–Sep · Rare; do not approach. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Subalpine meadow wildflowersJul–Aug · Above about 2,400 m, in the short snow-free window. | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From San Francisco Bay Area
Drive Hwy 120 east via Oakdale, or Hwy 140 via Merced; no direct train to the park.
3.5–4.5 h
From Fresno
Drive Hwy 41 north via Oakhurst; fill the tank in Oakhurst.
1.5–2 h
From Merced (Amtrak)
Amtrak San Joaquins to Merced, then the YARTS bus into the Valley; the fare includes park admission.
2.5–3.5 h
From Lee Vining / Mammoth Lakes
Hwy 120 east over Tioga Pass — summer only, usually late May to October.
1.5–2 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Yosemite Valley | El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome views, visitor centre, most lodging and campgrounds. | Open year-round; one-way loop road; free shuttle. |
| Glacier Point and Wawona | The drive-up viewpoint and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias near the south entrance. | Glacier Point Road closed in winter; grove open with a shuttle in season. |
| Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows | High-country lakes, domes and meadows along Hwy 120 east. | Seasonal, usually late May to October; closed by snow. |
| Hetch Hetchy | Reservoir valley in the northwest, reached by a side road off Hwy 120 west. | Day-use hours only, for reservoir security; no Valley access. |
Sketch map
- 1Yosemite Valley Visitor Center · Headquarters≈37.749, -119.587Map ↗
- 2Tunnel View · Viewpoint≈37.716, -119.677Map ↗
- 3Yosemite Falls · Viewpoint≈37.757, -119.597Map ↗
- 4Glacier Point · Viewpoint≈37.727, -119.574Map ↗
- 5Mariposa Grove · Trail≈37.513, -119.601Map ↗
- 6Tuolumne Meadows · Trail≈37.874, -119.356Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle (7 days) | US$35 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; covers all occupants for 7 days. |
| Entrance, motorcycle (7 days) | US$20 | motorcycle | 2026 estimate. |
| Entrance, on foot, bicycle or bus (7 days) | US$20 | person | 2026 estimate. |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; valid at federal fee areas for 12 months. |
| Campground, Valley (per night) | US$36 | site | 2026 estimate; summer reservations open months ahead and sell out (check). |
| YARTS bus into the Valley | US$7–36 | person | Round trip depending on boarding town; fare includes park admission. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entrance permit or guide
Peak-season entry reservation no permit
Half Dome cables permit or guide
Backcountry camping permit or guide
Campground and lodging permit or guide
Park rules
- Food storage
- Use bear boxes for food, coolers, toiletries and anything scented; fines apply for leaving them out or in a vehicle.
- Drones
- Launching drones is prohibited in the park.
- Chains
- Carry chains during snow season (approx. Nov–Mar). Requirements vary by road and weather conditions; check current chain control status before entering.
- Wilderness
- Overnight trips away from campgrounds need a wilderness permit.
- Fires
- Fires only in provided rings where allowed; check seasonal fire restrictions.
- Wildlife
- Do not feed or approach animals; keep your distance from deer and bears.
Where to stay
In the park
Yosemite Valley lodges and campgrounds
The only beds inside the Valley; book months ahead for summer.
Near the park
Wawona and El Portal
Motels and cabins 30–60 min from the Valley floor.
Near the park
Groveland, Oakhurst and Mariposa
Gateway towns on Hwy 120, 41 and 140; cheaper, with a longer drive in.
Safety
Traffic and parking in the Valley medium
Wet granite on the Mist Trail high
Heat and altitude medium
Winter driving high
Accessibility
- The Valley floor, visitor centre, Lower Yosemite Fall paved loop and shuttle are usable with limited mobility.
- Mist Trail, Half Dome and most high-country trails are steep and rough; not suitable for wheelchairs.
Visiting lightly
- Take the Valley shuttle or YARTS instead of circling for parking.
- Carry out all rubbish; bears and marmots get into anything left behind.
- Stay on trails in Tuolumne Meadows and the sequoia groves to protect fragile ground.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Yosemite National Park?
A private vehicle pass is about US$35 for seven days, a motorcycle about US$30 and a walk-in or cyclist about US$20 (2026 estimate — check the current rate). The US$80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers Yosemite and other federal fee areas for 12 months.
What are the best hikes in Yosemite National Park?
For most visitors: the paved Lower Yosemite Fall loop (30–45 min), the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall (3–4 h) and on to Nevada Fall (5–6 h), and the Mariposa Grove sequoia walk (2–3 h). Half Dome is a 10–12 h day and needs a lottery permit.
When is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?
May and June for full waterfalls and open high country, or September for warm, clearer, quieter days. July and August are the busiest and hottest in the Valley; Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are usually closed by snow from November to May.
Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite?
In some recent peak seasons a timed entry reservation was required on busy days in addition to the entrance fee. Check the park website before you drive in; campgrounds and lodges always need booking ahead.
Can I get to Yosemite without a car?
Yes. Take Amtrak to Merced and the YARTS bus into the Valley — the fare includes park admission — then use the free Valley shuttle. YARTS also runs from Fresno, Oakhurst, Sonora and Mammoth Lakes.
Is there gas in Yosemite Valley?
No. There are fuel stations at Wawona, Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows, but none in the Valley, and they can be hours apart. Fill up before you enter.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Sources
- officialNational Park Service — Yosemite National Park
- officialNPS — Yosemite fees and passes
- officialNPS — Yosemite trail maps and conditions
- officialUNESCO World Heritage Centre — Yosemite National Park
- officialYARTS — Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System
- secondaryWikipedia — Yosemite National Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Yosemite National Park, revision 5324457 (CC BY-SA 4.0)