Which entrance to Yosemite should I take?
Which Entrance to Yosemite Should I Take?
- Hetch Hetchy Entrance (Hwy. 120)
- Big Oak Flat Entrance (Hwy. 120)
- Arch Rock Entrance (Hwy. 140)
- South Entrance (Hwy. 41)
- Tioga Pass Entrance (Hwy. 120)
What are the best places to visit in Yosemite?
The 5 Top Areas in & Around Yosemite NP – A Practical Guide for Where to Stay in Yosemite
- Yosemite Valley & Inside Yosemite Park – where to stay for the first time. ...
- Oakhurst – the best location outside of Yosemite National Park. Located at the intersection point of Highway 41 and 49, Oakhurst is one of the closest towns to Yosemite.
- Groveland – where to stay in Yosemite for history lovers. ...
- Jamestown – for budget travelers. ...
What are fun things to do in Yosemite?
Things to Do in Yosemite National Park with Kids
- Glacier Point. Hiked here from Valley Lodge, fantastic views of the valley as you climb higher and higher.
- Yosemite Valley. Beautiful vistas, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing and photography can be done in this 1200 square mil ...
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Tunnel View
- Tioga Pass
- El Capitan. ...
- Yosemite Falls. ...
- Bridalveil Falls. ...
How do I get into Yosemite?
- You already have overnight lodging or camping reservations inside the park. ...
- You have other permits like a Half Dome Permit or wilderness permit for backpacking. ...
- If you enter the park on regional transport, like YARTS bus, or with a tour group, you’re already covered. ...
Is it worth visiting Yosemite in winter?
Yosemite is amazing to visit in winter, but with winter conditions come extra complications. Winter conditions are common from November through March (but can can occur any time).
Can you drive through Yosemite in winter?
Yosemite Valley roads normally remain open, making driving to Yosemite in winter relatively easy to view Yosemite's major icons, like Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. However snow fun is close at hand. Enjoy world-class snowshoeing and cross country skiing at Badger Pass Ski Area.
Does Yosemite have an off season?
From October through December, the crowds are thinner at California's most popular national park. Your time in Yosemite National Park very much depends on the time of year you go.
What is the best season to visit Yosemite National Park?
The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. It's important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow.
Are there bears in Yosemite in winter?
Once in hibernation, bears in Yosemite typically don't become active again until late March or April. When they do come out, they've lost up to ⅓ of their body weight, and spend their time foraging on early spring foods—usually fresh grasses in meadows.
How do you get around Yosemite in the winter?
Getting to Yosemite in Winter R0: Chains must be carried, but they don't need to be on your tires. R1: Chains required unless you've got snow tires or all-wheel drive. R2: Chains required unless you've got snow tires AND all-wheel drive. R3: Chains required.
Can you visit Yosemite in March?
Yes; Yosemite National Park is open in March. March is a wonderful time to visit the park without experiencing large crowds. Visitors can access Yosemite Valley and Wawona by personal vehicle year-round, but there are some internal road closures to note. Tioga Road is seasonally closed mid-November until mid-April.
How many days should I spend at Yosemite?
How many days to spend in Yosemite National Park? One day is enough to see all of the Yosemite Valley, but 2-3 days is ideal if you wish to take some of the longer hikes or explore Glacier Point and the Tioga Pass.
Can you visit Yosemite in April?
April is a great month for spending time in Yosemite Valley. The waterfalls are flowing very nicely with spring snowmelt and the weather is usually fair (although, rain or snow is still possible).
Where do you fly into to go to Yosemite?
Fresno-Yosemite International AirportThe closest airport is the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT), which is about 65 miles south of the park (about a 1½-hour drive). San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) are also within driving distance of park.
What airport is closest to Yosemite?
Fresno Yosemite International AirportFresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest airport to Yosemite, and worlds away from the mad bustle of LAX and SFO.
How far in advance do you have to book Yosemite?
five monthsReservations for Camp 4 are available one day in advance spring to fall. For all other campgrounds, reservations are available in blocks of one month at a time, up to five months in advance, on the 15th of each month at 7 am Pacific time.
Is it OK to go to Yosemite in January?
Yes; Yosemite National Park is open in January. The first week of January is one of the busiest weeks in Yosemite, as many families and groups plan holiday getaways to lodges in the park. The remainder of the month is relatively quiet and a wonderful time to visit without experiencing large crowds.
Do you need chains in Yosemite right now?
Any time chain controls are in effect, all vehicles must have chains in possession, including four-wheel drive and rental vehicles. Chains are often required on roads both inside and outside of Yosemite from November through March, less often in October and April, and rarely in September or May.
Is Tioga Pass open in winter?
Tioga Road. Tioga Road closes due to snow, usually from sometime in November through late May or early June. The road closure extends from the Tuolumne Grove, just east of Crane Flat, to Tioga Pass Entrance Station.
Is it good to visit Yosemite in December?
December is a great time to explore Yosemite without the crowds. The beauty and majesty of snow in the Valley makes the park very photography-friendly. Make sure you catch sunrise or sunset from Tunnel View, just outside the Valley.
Is Yosemite National Park Open Year-Round?
Yosemite is open 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. This means that if you want to hike a trail at sunrise, you will be able to get in, and if you want to stargaze at 2 a.m., you’ll be able to get out. Open roads are not gated.
Operating Hours for Yosemite National Park
You’ll find four visitor centers in Yosemite National Park. These visitor centers vary in size and hours and are located throughout the park. If you’re in one of Yosemite’s most popular areas, chances are there are park rangers nearby to answer your questions.
Common Closures in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite has thirteen in-park campgrounds. To choose which campground will best serve your needs, read all about camping in Yosemite. Upper Pines, Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona are typically open year-round. The other campgrounds are primarily open during the main summer season (May-September).
What is the Weather Like in Yosemite?
Even though Yosemite is open year-round, you’ll find some pretty dramatic temperature swings in this park! You can find amazing things to see and do here at any time, but because Yosemite Valley sits at about 4,000 feet above sea level and Tuolumne Meadows is at 8,600 feet above sea level, the weather varies drastically between seasons and sections of the park..
What airport is closest to Yosemite National Park?
There are two airports we recommend for visiting Yosemite National Park. The first is San Francisco International Airport ( SFO). It is located 200 miles west of Yosemite National Park. You can arrive at SFO and take public transportation all the way to Yosemite by using Amtrak from the Bay Area or rent a vehicle.
Where are showers in Yosemite Valley?
In Yosemite Valley, there are showers at Curry Village (open all year) and at Housekeeping Camp (closed in winter). The Tuolumne Meadows Lodge has public showers in summer only with very restricted hours. There are no public showers in Wawona. All showers require a fee.
How many days per week do you need to hike to the top of Half Dome?
Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are required seven days per week when the cables are up. This is a measure to address crowding and safety along the Half Dome Trail while the park develops a long-term plan to manage use on the Half Dome Trail. Please click Half Dome Permits for more information.
Is Yosemite open?
Yosemite is open year-round. It is open all winter long and the roads remain open barring rare instances of rockfall or other natural incidents which may temporarily block roads. There are three entrances (west, south and north) that remain open all year round. The east entrance (Tioga Pass) is closed from approximately Oct-May each year.
Is Yosemite National Park closed?
Has Yosemite ever closed? Yes, in the extraordinarily rare case of a government shutdown. However, even when threatened by wildfires, power outages, or flooding, many parts of the park will remain open, so long as the conditions are safe. The park is 1,200 square miles so please be sure to check with your lodging prior to arrival if you think your visit may be impacted by one of these types of events.
Is the National Park open during a shutdown?
Yes, in the extraordinarily rare case of a government shutdown. However, even when threatened by wildfires, power outages, or flooding, many parts of the park will remain open, so long as the conditions are safe.
Is there a kennel in Yosemite Valley?
From May through September, a daytime only kennel is available at the Yosemite Valley Stable. You must provide written proof of immunizations (rabies, distemper, parvo, and bordetella) from your veterinarian. No food is allowed, due to wildlife management concerns.
When is Yosemite Creek open?
Yosemite Creek - Open July through early September. First come, first served. 40 sites. No RVs. $10 a night.
Why are some roads closed in the park?
Of course, some roads close because of snowstorms, usually around November through May or June. You can drive through the park (except for any roads that are closed in winter), but you are encouraged to use the shuttle buses to avoid traffic and any potential parking hassles.
Is there unrestricted camping in Yosemite?
The campgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis really fill quickly, so ensure you get there early. There is no unrestricted camping in Yosemite to prevent damage to the park. You will find showers only at Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite Valley, and in the summers for limited hours in the afternoon at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. ...
When is Mariposa Grove Road closed?
Mariposa Grove Road closed from November or December until sometime in April. (You can still ski or snowshoe on this road.)
When is Tamarack Flat open?
Tamarack Flat - Open late June through September. First come, first served. 52 sites. No RVs. $10 a night.
Is Yosemite National Park open?
Yosemite National Park is open all year, 24 hours a day. You don't need reservations to visit the park, but you should make reservations for lodging and campgrounds well in advance.
What to do in Yosemite?
There's loads to do in Yosemite at any point of the calendar. Hikers can roam the park's outstanding trail network all year: Paths in the Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite valleys may be mostly free of snow even in winter, and by mid-summer the high-country routes are usually accessible. (Here are some of our favorite hikes .) The Badger Pass Ski Area is a winter-sports hotspot from December to March, and there are other excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destinations, too. Ranger talks and guided outings are offered year-round, and, whatever the weather, there are fascinating experiences to be hand in Yosemite inside its visitor centers and museums. Our Yosemite rentals, furthermore, are perfect for getting cozy. Don't just think "summer" when you think of Yosemite rentals, in other words: This is a place to be enjoyed 365 days of the year.
Is Yosemite National Park open year round?
Our Scenic Wonders cabins are among the Yosemite rentals open year-round, so they offer the ideal perch-- inside the boundaries of the park --for exploring and experiencing Yosemite.
Where are showers available in Yosemite Valley?
Showers are not available. In normal circumstances, they are only available in Yosemite Valley at Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp. Showers are not available elsewhere.
When will Tuolumne Meadows open in 2021?
The group sites are not open in 2021. Tuolumne Meadows Campground will open on Monday, June 21, by reservation only. Reservations for arrival dates from June 21 through July 14 will be released on Tuesday, June 15, at 7 am PDT at ...
Is there shower in Yosemite National Park in 2021?
Additional Notes. Showers for campers are not available in Yosemite National Park in 2021 (except for registered Camp 4 campers). Campground dates are subject to change based on conditions. Group campsites are not available in 2021.
When are campgrounds full?
Reservations: campgrounds requiring reservations are full from around April through September. You should make a reservation as early as possible. If you don't have a reservation, you can try for a reservation one day in advance at Camp 4 (tents only/no RVs or trailers).
Is Yosemite open for showers in 2021?
A limited number of campgrounds will be open in 2021, with reservations required for all campsites. Public showers are not available in Yosemite. Below is information about each of the campgrounds in Yosemite. Additional information is available for each campground by clicking on the campground name.
Is there a wilderness permit for Yosemite Valley?
Backcountry campgrounds at Little Yosemite Valley and near the High Sierra camps (Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, Merced Lake, and Vogelsang) are not part of the campground reservation system. A wilderness permit is required to stay at these campgrounds.
When is Camp 4 open?
Camp 4 will open on May 21 with 25 sites. Reservations are required and available one day in advance by lottery. While the usual practice is for sites to be shared, each site will be assigned to a single group (of up to six people). The new part of Camp 4 (east of the parking lot) will open on May 21 and showers will be available only ...
How to get to Yosemite National Park?
If you are coming from San Francisco, the fastest route to the park is via the Arch Rock Entrance or the Big Oak Flat Entrance. To enter via Arch Rock Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 140 east into the park. When you enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance, your road turns into El Portal Road, which leads you in Yosemite Valley.
How many entrances are there to Yosemite National Park?
There are five entrances into Yosemite National Park, and the road to each of them offers unique sights to see along the way. To give you a lay of the land, four of Yosemite’s entrances are located on the western side of the park while the fifth, the Tioga Pass Entrance, is on the more remote eastern side of the park.
How long is the Yosemite Trails saddle camp?
The outfit offers one-and-two-hour trail rides, as well as a half-day ride. Come dressed in closed-toe shoes and long pants. Riders must be 7 and older and reservations are strongly recommended.
How many people visited Yosemite National Park in 2012?
In 2012, only 50,000 visitors ventured this far north in the park during all 12 months of the year in comparison to the 24,000 daily visitors to the Yosemite Valley that same year, according to the Sacramento Bee. Access it via 120 and by Evergreen Road.
What is the closest town to Yosemite National Park?
Closest to the Park is El Portal. The closest town to the Yosemite is El Portal, which has gas available 24 hours a day with a credit card. There’s also the El Portal Market, a picnic area and campgrounds.
How old is Mono Lake?
In the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, you can see remnants of ancient volcanoes surrounding Mono Lake, an inland sea that is at least 760,000 years old but has no outlet to the ocean.
Where to stay in Yosemite for a model T tour?
At Model T-Tours, you can rent a classic Model T for the day or stay at The Tin Lizzie Inn for several nights and go on park tours with the inn owner in a Model T. Be prepared to feel like a movie star as you drive by crowds in Yosemite who wave and smile at you.
How many miles of trail is there in Yosemite?
The Yosemite Wilderness has over 750 miles of trail to explore with a great range of elevation, ecological zones, and solitude. This backpacking trip, be it your first or fortieth, is a uniquely protected opportunity to provide maximum freedom to roam in Wilderness.
When is the last day to get a wilderness permit?
The last day to apply for a permit is four days before a trip. A reservation is not a valid wilderness permit. If you have a wilderness permit reservation, you must go to any wilderness center during open hours one day in advance or the same day to pick up your wilderness permit.
How far in advance can you apply for a wilderness permit?
Instead, this portion of wilderness permit reservations will be available online using a two-week lottery. Starting April 15, you can apply 15 days in advance of your desired start date, with the lottery running 14 days in advance. The last day to apply for a permit is four days before a trip.
When will the 2021 wilderness permit be available?
First-Come, First-Served Permits in 2021. Until April 30, wilderness permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis . Beginning April 30, wilderness permits will not be available in the park. Normally, 40% of wilderness permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis at park wilderness centers.
Do you need a permit to hike in Yosemite?
A wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking, overnight climbing, or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds.
Can you hike the John Muir Trail in Yosemite?
You can apply for this on your wilderness permit application. (This does not apply if you're hiking the John Muir Trail only within Yosemite.)
Can you get a wilderness permit to leave Yosemite?
Wilderness permits issued by Yosemite National Park are the only wilderness permits valid to exit Yosemite via Donohue Pass. If you are starting your trip outside of Yosemite to exit Yosemite via Donohue Pass, you'll need an additional wilderness permit issued by Yosemite National Park. If passing through Tuolumne Meadows, you will want a permit for the Lyell Canyon trailhead.
