- Plan ahead and make a reservation. ...
- Download and install our free park app before you get here. ...
- Pack your patience and be flexible. ...
- Early birds avoid traffic! ...
- Keep wildlife wild. ...
- Enjoy rivers and waterfalls safely. ...
- Be prepared for your adventure.
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. ...
When is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?
The Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park
- Weather. Yosemite Valley weather is seldom unbearably warm or cold. ...
- Crowds. So many people try to go to Yosemite in the summer that it can feel less like a chance to enjoy natural beauty and more like New Year's Eve ...
- Spring. Spring is the best time of year to visit the park. ...
- Summer. ...
- Fall. ...
- Winter. ...
What are the best things to see in Yosemite?
What To Do With More Than 3 Days in Yosemite?
- Climb El Capitan. One of the most famous and most popular mountains for climbing in the world! ...
- Go Gold Panning in Mariposa. Wondering what to do in Yosemite without hiking? ...
- Bridal Veil Falls. Bridal Veil Falls is another important stop on your Yosemite itinerary! ...
- Hike the Mist Trail. ...
- Sentinel Dome. ...
What are the best things to do in Yosemite?
The Top 10 Things To Do in Yosemite
- Tuolumne Meadows. Tuolumne Meadows is a gorgeous high alpine meadow located along Yosemite’s famous Tioga Road. ...
- Tunnel View Viewpoint. Tunnel View is the most iconic view of Yosemite! ...
- Sentinel Dome. ...
- The Mist Trail. ...
- Olmsted Point. ...
- Lower Yosemite Fall. ...
- Valley View Viewpoint. ...
- Mariposa Grove. ...
- Bridalveil Fall. ...
- Glacier Point. ...
See more
What is the best way to see Yosemite?
The best way to get around Yosemite is by car. Unless you're taking a private car or public transportation from one of the park's nearby airports, there's no point in ditching your (albeit expensive) rental car and taking Yosemite's shuttles around the park, especially after a long hike.
How many days do you need in Yosemite?
If you only plan to do a few hikes and drive around to see the sights, three days is enough to see most everything. If you'd like to linger, you'll have time to enjoy more ranger-led activities, attend evening programs, take tours, and hang around enjoying the scenery.
What is the best month to go to Yosemite?
If you don't want your Yosemite experience to be limited by road, trail, and campground closures, your best bet is to visit between June and September, when everything is typically open and accessible (and several degrees warmer).
Where do you fly into to go to Yosemite?
Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH)
How far apart are Yellowstone and Yosemite?
890 milesYes, the driving distance between Yosemite National Park to Yellowstone National Park is 890 miles. It takes approximately 16h 29m to drive from Yosemite National Park to Yellowstone National Park.
How long is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite?
Yosemite is about 170 miles away from San Francisco and about a 4-hour drive. So, we recommend starting your day as early as 5 AM or 6 AM to have full experience in the park.
How far in advance do you have to book Yosemite?
Make a Campground ReservationArrival dateFirst day to make reservations ("on-sale date") 7 am PTAugust 15 through September 14April 15September 15 through October 14May 15October 15 through November 14June 15November 15 through December 14July 158 more rows
What is the closest major city to Yosemite National Park?
Major cities near Yosemite National Park78 miles to Fresno, CA.79 miles to Modesto, CA.94 miles to Stockton, CA.116 miles to Sacramento, CA.117 miles to Reno, NV.131 miles to San Jose, CA.133 miles to Fremont, CA.147 miles to Oakland, CA.More items...
How long does it take to drive through Yosemite?
Driving straight through takes around one and a half hours, but we recommend adding a few scenic lookouts along your route. Whether you enter from the west or the east of the park, you are immediately greeted with jaw-dropping views.
What is the easiest way to get to Yosemite?
Your most direct route to Yosemite is through the Big Oak Flat Entrance or the Arch Rock Entrance, which is located southeast of Big Oak Flat. To enter through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east via Manteca, Calif.
How do I get Yosemite without a car?
When you get to Yosemite, ride the free park shuttle.Fly to Yosemite – Local Airports and Airlines.Ride the YARTS Bus to Yosemite National Park.Stress-Free Travel to Yosemite on Amtrak.Yosemite Shuttles and Regional Buses.
Is there a train from San Francisco to Yosemite?
No train goes all the way from San Francisco to Yosemite, but your Amtrak ticket provides you stress-free, seamless bus and train transportation into the heart of the Yosemite Valley. Your ticket includes a ride on the Amtrak Thruway bus from downtown San Francisco to the Emeryville train station.
Is 2 days enough for Yosemite?
However, two days will be enough time for one great hike (the best way to see Yosemite) and a few other glimpses into what this 1,200 square-mile UNESCO World Heritage site and natural wonder reveals to visitors.
Is 3 days in Yosemite enough?
3 days is sufficient to cover the highlights of Yosemite as well as some hidden gems. You could easily spend weeks or even months exploring Yosemite National Park, but 72 hours will give you a decent taste of it.
How do I spend 4 days in Yosemite?
The Ultimate 3 to 4 Days in Yosemite ItineraryDay 1 – Tunnel View, Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point. Tunnel View. ... Day 2 – Rock Climbing & Bar 1899. Half-Day Rock Climbing Adventure. ... Day 3 – Yosemite Falls Hike & Mariposa Grove. Base Camp Eatery & Curry Village Gift and Grocery. ... Day 4 – Half Dome Hike or Tuolumne Meadows.
Can you do Yosemite and Sequoia in a day?
Experience the incredible scenery of Yosemite National Park and a Giant Sequoia Walk all in 1 day on this tour. You'll have hours to explore, marveling at the Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and amazing Giant Sequoia trees before returning to San Francisco.
When to arrive in Yosemite Valley?
Early birds avoid traffic! From spring through fall, arrive in the park before or after peak hours (before 9 am and after 5 pm) to avoid delays and traffic congestion.
Is there cell service in Yosemite?
Cell service in the park is limited, and you'll want to have content available on your phone so it's accessible anywhere in the park. Millions of people visit Yosemite from April through October. Yosemite Valley is the main destination for most visitors but there are many places to go in the park.
How to experience Yosemite?
Go for a hike: One of the best ways to experience Yosemite is to get out of the car and onto your feet. Hikes in the park range from easy to strenuous, and trails are found nearly everywhere you’d want to go. Whether you want to see waterfalls, meadows, Giant Sequoias, or even scale Half Dome, there are trails for that.
Who is famous for Yosemite?
Go with a guide: Yosemite has a history of high-profile champions, from John Muir to Ansel Adams to Teddy Roosevelt, but many modern contemporaries have made it their life's work studying and learning about the park’s flora, fauna, and natural and human history.
What is the best place to climb a rock?
Whether you want to see waterfalls, meadows, Giant Sequoias, or even scale Half Dome, there are trails for that. 8. Go climb a rock: Yosemite National Park is considered one of the world’s best rock climbing spots. What’s best is the fact that you don’t need to be an expert to scale the rock walls.
When was Yosemite National Park established?
In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant that protected the Yosemite Valley in California’s Sierra Nevada from development; 26 years later, Yosemite National Park was established in 1890, another 26 years before the National Park Service was established in 1916. Since then, millions of people have visited ...
Is Yosemite National Park open?
Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. 1. Go early: The park never closes (except the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station, which is open only during daylight hours), and parking and traffic are usually only an issue mid-day during the summer months.
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.
Where is the entrance to Yosemite?
Your most direct route to Yosemite is through the Big Oak Flat Entrance or the Arch Rock Entra nce, which is located southeast of Big Oak Flat. To enter through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east via Manteca, Calif.
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.
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.
Where to take kids to see Yosemite?
For a leisurely afternoon, grab a picnic spot and have a splash at Happy Isles. If you prefer a dry cool-down, bring the kids to the Valley Visitor Center for a free film about Yosemite's show-stopping wonders, then peruse the natural history displays and check daily schedules of free ranger walks and talks. At the nearby Yosemite Museum, cultural demonstrators bring to life Native American tribal traditions, including intricately patterned woven baskets.
When is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?
Summer is the most popular time to visit the park, when all roads are open and a variety of outdoor pursuits are possible. Be prepared for big crowds, elbow jostling on trails, jam-packed campgrounds and 'No Vacancy' signs at park lodgings. Spring is another busy time, when Yosemite Valley's waterfalls peak during April and May.
What tribes lived in Yosemite Valley?
Before the arrival of European settlers, the Yosemite Valley was home to Indigenous tribes including the Miwok, Paiute, and Ahwahneechee – and indeed, many of their descendants still live in the surrounding Mariposa County . Over the past 130 years since this corner of their lands were turned into a national park, ...
How high is Tuolumne Meadows?
An even more gobstopping scenic drive follows historic Tioga Rd (Hwy 120) to high-altitude Tuolumne Meadows (8600ft), which bursts with a rainbow's palette of summer wildflowers and is ringed by granite domes that beckon to climbers and hikers.
What is Yosemite known for?
From the glacier-scarred face of Tutokanula – that's the native Miwok name for the iconic granite formation also known as El Capitan – to giant sequoias bigger than a school bus to North America's tallest waterfall, Yosemite is full of larger-than-life sights.
Where to stay in Yosemite Valley?
In Yosemite Valley, the historic 1927 Ahwahnee Hotel is one of the nation's best (not to mention most luxurious) examples of 'parkitecture,' designed to blend with an outstanding natural setting. In summer, imbibe cocktails on the back patio with views of Half Dome, or toast your tootsies by grand fireplaces during winter. For budget travelers, old-fashioned Curry Village, dating from 1899, sets up canvas-tent cabins in the forest and by the river that are big enough for families. Motel-style Yosemite Valley Lodge looks ho-hum, but new eco-friendly 'green' rooms and waterfall-view tables inside the Mountain Room restaurant are noteworthy.
When are waterfalls open in Yosemite Valley?
Spring is another busy time, when Yosemite Valley's waterfalls peak during April and May. Early in spring, some park roads will still be closed by snow, but valley campgrounds are open and lower-elevation hiking trails are passable. Plan your trip here.
Where to start Yosemite Falls?
Start at Stop #1 or #2 in Yosemite Village. Stop #6 is the place to get a closer look at Yosemite Falls. If you have time for a short hike, get off at stop #17 for the Mirror Lake Trail or at stop #16 for a walk to the Vernal Fall footbridge. Both hikes are about a mile each way and moderately uphill from the shuttle stop.
Where to stop on the way out of Yosemite?
On the way out: On the way out of Yosemite Valley, stop at Yosemite Falls if you haven't been there yet. At El Capitan Meadow look for rock climbers high up on the rock face (binoculars are helpful) and at Valley View for a beautiful afternoon picture of El Capitan reflected in the river.
How long does it take to hike the Glacier Point?
After you reach the park entrance, it will take 5 to 6 hours to cover the stops above at a leisurely pace and an hour longer if you go to Glacier Point. Add an hour for each hike and add more time if you want to have a sit-down meal instead of a quick picnic.
What would Carl Sharsmith do if he only had a day to see Yosemite?
Long-time Yosemite naturalist Carl Sharsmith was once asked what he would do if he only had a day to see Yosemite. "Madam," he replied, "I'd sit by the Merced River and cry."
How to maximize time in Yosemite?
To maximize the time you spend enjoying Yosemite's natural beauty, pack a picnic or foods you can eat on the go - or stop by Degnan's Deli to pick up a portable meal that you can eat in a scenic picnic area. To get oriented to the Yosemite Valley layout before you go, explore a map . TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald.
Where to see Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite?
Tunnel view: On the way into the park, turn onto CA Hwy 41, following the sign marked Bridalveil Fall. Just before you reach the tunnel, stop in the parking lot for classic picture-taking and a panoramic view of the Yosemite Valley, where you can see all its icons: El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome in one vista. If you have time at the end of the day, this is also a good place to return to at sunset.
How long is a guided tour of Yosemite Valley?
If your budget allows, you can take a narrated, two-hour tour, which includes descriptions of the Valley's famous landmarks and history.
What to do in Yosemite?
Travel experts and visitors agree that your to-do list must include the following: Half Dome , Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove. Hikers, follow the masses along the John Muir Trail and the Mist Trail, but also escape and make the trek to Tuolumne Meadows, an area which features a treasure trove of under-visited trails. After a long day of hiking, climbing or skiing, adventurers can put their feet up and grab a bite in Yosemite Valley, where you'll find the bulk of the park's amenities and accommodations.
What is the most popular view in Yosemite?
Along with Glacier Point, Tunnel View is widely considered to be the most popular outlook in all of Yosemite. From its vantage point, travelers get an eyeful of the majestic Yosemite Valley, complete with views of famous park sights, such as Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. What's more, the outlook is pretty easy to reach. You can find Tunnel View along Wawona Road (Highway 41), which serves as a gateway to Yosemite Valley's many attractions, accommodations and amenities. If you're staying in Yosemite Valley, chances are you will travel along or near Wawona Road.
What are the most famous waterfalls in Yosemite Valley?
That's because Yosemite Valley features much of the park's top attractions, including Tunnel View Outlook and a handful of Yosemite's most famous waterfalls, including Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls, to name a few.
Where to see Tuolumne Meadows?
In the east section of the park you'll find Tuolumne Meadows, known for being one of the Sierra Nevada's largest high-elevation meadows at 8,600 feet. Here, you'll find plenty of scenery to write home about, including the peaceful grasslands, lush forests, windy, bubbling rivers and creeks, and scenic mountainscapes. You can experience the scenery from the comfort of your own car, thanks to the vista points posted along Tioga Road (Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake), or take advantage of the many trails available within the vicinity.
Where is Tunnel View in Yosemite?
You can find Tunnel View along Wawona Road (Highway 41), which serves as a gateway to Yosemite Valley's many attractions, accommodations and amenities. If you're staying in Yosemite Valley, chances are you will travel along or near Wawona Road.
How long to hike the dome?
If you are going to try the entire hike, you'll need to allot at least 12 hours. The National Park Service recommends you leave just before or at dawn, and advises you to bring all necessary hiking equipment, including durable hiking boots, a flashlight and good grip gloves for the cables. You'll also need at least a gallon of water, and don't rely on park facilities for hydration or a bathroom break (the NPS suggests bringing your own toilet paper).
How to get to the Mist Trail?
To get to the top of the falls, hikers must climb a 600-step granite staircase that snakes right up alongside the hundreds-foot-tall plunge, taking visitors close enough to where mist from the falls sprays out onto the trail. Hence the name, the Mist Trail. The falls reach their peak from late spring to early summer, so if you want the traditional Mist Trail experience, with a light, natural shower while hiking, come during that time.
What are the best places to visit in Yosemite Valley?
The natural attractions of Yosemite Valley are why the National Park is so famous – you can’t miss out on Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Tunnel View.
What is the most fun thing to do in Yosemite?
When touring Yosemite one of the most fun activities is a little white river rafting! Yosemite is so full of rivers and rapids, it’s the perfect place for it.
What To Do With More Than 3 Days in Yosemite?
If you’re lucky enough to have more time in Yosemite, there’s still so much to do! Both in Yosemite National Park and beyond it. Strap on your hiking boots and pack in that camera!
How long is the hike to Yosemite?
However, it is only 3 – 7 miles long and can be tackled at your own pace. Bring along a picnic to enjoy at the top while you’re sunning yourself dry!
What time is Yosemite Falls?
1:00 PM – Yosemite Falls. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite | source: Stephen Moehle (shutterstock) The highest waterfall in the park, and one of the highest in North America, Yosemite Falls is a top Yosemite attraction! It’s a steep but short hike to get there, and you’re well rewarded.
How many days is Yosemite?
Our itinerary for Yosemite includes all the best of where to go, and what to do, when you travel to Yosemite! Explore the National Park and the famous valley, and enjoy a perfectly rounded 3 days in Yosemite.
Where to see granite cliffs in Yosemite?
This granite cliff is smooth and round on three sides, and looks like it was cut in half! You can see it from miles away, but we recommend you hike to the east side of Yosemite National Park and get a good look at it!
When is the best time 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. Snow can come as early as October and arrives in full force in November, typically remaining until March.
When is Yosemite open for tourists?
June-August. The magic of Yosemite can easily be disrupted by summer crowds. Because of seasonal road and trail closures that can last until May and June, Yosemite sees most of its visitors during the summer. During this time, you can expect crowded trails and campsites as well as road traffic and expensive hotel rates.
When do crowds start to dwindle at Yosemite?
If you time your visit later in the summer, you'll come across blooming wildflowers. Crowds start to dwindle come September, when the kids are back in school (Yosemite is a popular vacation for families). This allows you to enjoy the park's beautiful scenery in peace, though Yosemite will definitely be brisker.
What is the best way to see Yosemite?
Driving your own vehicle or rental car gives you the most flexibility and is the best way to see Yosemite in a short amount of time.
How to get around Yosemite?
For your day trip to Yosemite, you’ll have a few options for getting around: the park shuttle or your own vehicle.
How many rooms are there in Yosemite Valley?
One of the bigger lodges in the park, Yosemite Valley Lodge has nearly 250 guest rooms, a swimming pool, a gift shop, and a handful of restaurants.
How far is Yosemite Valley from San Francisco?
Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park and is 4 hours from San Francisco and 6 hours from Los Angeles. If you plan to fly to California, look for cheap flights from San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK) airports. You’ll need to rent a car to get to Yosemite National Park.
How to beat crowds in Yosemite?
The best way to beat crowds and find parking is to start your day early. For your one day in Yosemite, plan to arrive in Yosemite Valley around sunrise. You can find a parking spot and tour much of the valley on foot.
What is the shuttle bus service for Yosemite?
Yosemite National Park Shuttle Bus. Yosemite National Park offers a free shuttle bus that connects the popular areas of the park to Yosemite Valley. There are shuttles from Yosemite Valley to Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, and Glacier Point. The park service also runs a shuttle around the Yosemite Valley floor.
When is Yosemite open?
Yosemite National Park is open all year, but most visitors choose to come in the warmer months from May to October. Jul y and August typically get over 700,000 visitors per month.
