Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park:

• Location:
  • Situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.
  • Historic lands of the Miwok people.
• Iconic Natural Wonder:
  • Known for its breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks.
  • Immortalized in photographs by Ansel Adams.
  • John Muir described it as "the grandest of all the special temples of Nature."
• History and Recognition:
  • Designated as a national park in 1890, largely due to John Muir's efforts.
  • John Muir introduced the wonders of the park to President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903.
• Natural Playground:
  • Offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities.
  • Features stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, meadows, and alpine landscapes.
• Landmarks and Attractions:
  • Iconic landmarks include El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.
  • Yosemite Valley is a popular destination with numerous scenic viewpoints.
  • Mariposa Grove is home to giant sequoia trees.
• Outdoor Activities:
  • Hiking, rock climbing, camping, fishing, birdwatching, and more.
  • Trails of varying difficulty levels cater to all types of visitors.
• Visitor Experience:
  • Offers both natural and cultural experiences.
  • Opportunities for photography, wildlife observation, and stargazing.
• Preservation and Conservation:
  • Efforts to preserve the park's natural beauty and ecosystems.
  • Conservation initiatives to protect wildlife and habitats.
• Tourism:
  • One of the most visited national parks in the United States.
  • Offers a wide range of accommodations, including lodges and campgrounds.

Overall, Yosemite National Park is a true gem of natural beauty, offering visitors an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature's grandeur.

Planning Your Visit​Yosemite Valley:

• Location: Accessible via CA 140, Arch Rock Entrance.
• Crowded Region: Yosemite Valley is known for being the most crowded area in the park due to its numerous attractions, hikes, and services.
• Recommended Duration: Plan to spend at least 2-3 days exploring Yosemite Valley.
• Key Attractions:
  • Iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.
  • Numerous hiking trails that showcase the valley's stunning natural beauty.
  • Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
• Excursion to Glacier Point: A highly recommended day trip from Yosemite Valley. Offers panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
• Lodging and Camping: Reservations are essential for lodges (12 months in advance) and campgrounds (5.5 months in advance). Last-minute options include Curry Village tent cabins and first-come, first-served campgrounds.
• Activities Requiring Permits: Some activities like rock climbing, hiking Half Dome, and backpacking may require advance permits.
• Entrance Reservation: From May to September, you may need an entrance reservation to visit Yosemite Valley (good for 3 days). Check the recreation.gov website for details.
• Peak Season and Traffic: Summer is the high season with traffic congestion and parking issues. Arrive before or after peak traffic times, and use the park shuttle or bicycles for transportation.
• Other Seasons: Spring is ideal for waterfalls and wildflowers. Fall also sees fewer crowds. Winter experiences road closures, minimal crowds, and potential chain requirements on park roads.
• Tuolumne Meadows and Eastern Sierra: These areas are less congested during summer and offer great alternatives for exploration.
• Considerations: Plan your visit well in advance, especially for lodging and activities that require permits. Stay updated on road conditions and other park alerts.

Yosemite Valley's stunning scenery and iconic landmarks make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

​Entrances and FeesEntrance Fees:

• Vehicle: $35
• Motorcycle: $30
• Individual: $20
• Valid for seven days

You have the option to purchase your pass online at recreation.gov to expedite entrance station procedures.
Park Entrances:

1. Arch Rock (CA 140): Primary access from the west (San Francisco, Sacramento) to Yosemite Valley. CA 140 becomes El Portal Road within the park. Expect substantial lines and potential two-hour waits between May and October. To minimize wait times, consider arriving before 9 am or after 5 pm.
2. Big Oak Flat (CA 120): Provides access to Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows (summer only) from the north (San Francisco, Sacramento). CA 120 transforms into Big Oak Flat Road within the park.
3. South (CA 41): Entry to Wawona from the south (Fresno, Los Angeles). Inside the park, CA 41 becomes Wawona Road and eventually leads to Yosemite Valley.
4. Tioga Pass (CA 120): Located on the east side of Yosemite, 12 miles (19 km) west of US 395. Tioga Road grants access to Tuolumne Meadows and the Eastern Sierra during the summer. Note that Tioga Pass closes during the winter months, typically from October to May or early June.
5. Hetch Hetchy (off CA 120): Sole access point to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and its surrounding area. The entrance and Hetch Hetchy Road are open year-round from 7 am to 9 pm.

For Yosemite Valley visits, consider obtaining an entry reservation at recreation.gov (applicable from late May to September, $2 fee) in addition to the park entrance fees. Each reservation covers one vehicle for a three-day period. Be sure to review the current requirements and reservation windows online. Day-use reservations are inclusive with lodging and campground reservations, commercial tours, YARTS buses, and permits for Half Dome and backpacking.

Visitor CentersValley Visitor Center:

• Located in Yosemite Village
• Contact: 209/372-0299
• Shuttle stops: 5 and 9
• Open daily year-round from 9 am to 5 pm
• Offers:
  • Interpretive museum
  • Exhibits, information, books, maps
  • Schedules of ranger-led walks and talks
• Complex includes:
  • Yosemite Museum (daily from 9 am to 5 pm, free entry)
  • Ansel Adams Gallery (summer: daily 9 am to 6 pm, winter: daily 10 am to 5 pm)
  • Public restrooms
• Behind the museum:
  • Recreated Indian Village of the Ahwahnee
  • Features structures built by Miwok people
• Behind the visitors center:
  • Yosemite Theater (Northside Dr., daily shows at 7 pm from April to October)
  • Adults: $10, under age 13: free
  • Presents programs and films, including John Muir Performances by Lee Stetson, the resident actor of Yosemite
• New visitors center under construction in Yosemite Village, set to open in 2023
• Positioned southwest of the current visitors center, nearer to the main parking area, adjacent to the Village Store

Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio:

• Located in Wawona
• Contact: 209/375-9531
• Open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm during May to October
• Housed in the former studio and gallery of Thomas Hill, a renowned 1800s landscape painter
• Displays floor-to-ceiling paintings by Thomas Hill
• Offers information and wilderness permits

Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center:

• Located on Tioga Rd.
• Contact: 209/372-0263
• Open daily from late May to late September, 9 am to 6 pm
• Rustic building close to the campground and Tuolumne Meadows Store
• Ranger talks held in the parking lot throughout summer
• Obtain permits at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center (daily from 8 am to 5 pm, mid-May to mid-October)
• Tuolumne Meadows Lodge nearby (shuttle stop 3)

​Scaling Half Dome:

• Half Dome: Iconic feature in Yosemite
• Formed by glaciers, stands high above the valley floor
• Rock climbers ascend the vertical Northwest Face
• Hikers use cable route installed in 1919 to summit the dome
• Dome viewable from shuttle or hike to Mirror Lake for base view
• Notable road viewpoints: Stoneman Meadow, Tunnel View (CA 41), Glacier Point
• Nontechnical climb details:
  • Length: 14-16 mi/23-25 km round-trip
  • Duration: 10-12 hrs
  • Available: late May to mid-Oct. (shuttle stop 16)
  • Follows Mist Trail to Nevada Fall, then signed for Half Dome
  • 4,800-ft (1,463-m) gain and descent, strenuous
  • Final 400-ft (122-m) ascent via metal hand cables
• Caution: Not suitable for young kids, out-of-shape individuals, or inexperienced hikers
• Start before sunrise, return by 3:30 pm
• Do not attempt during cable down times, trail closure, or thunderstorms
• Requires permit: $10 lottery + $10 per person
• Permits distributed via online lottery (March) and second lottery (two days in advance)

Touring Yosemite Valley:

• Yosemite Valley: Highly visited area
• Home to El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls
• Numerous hikes originate from valley floor
• Visitors center, theater, galleries, museum, hotels, outdoor exhibits available
• Tour options: car, shuttle, bicycle, foot (best in summer)
• Entry reservation may be needed for May-September visit (valid 3 days, $2)

Viewing Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point:

• Glacier Point visit: Historical significance, influenced President Theodore Roosevelt
• Access: Drive (arrive before 9 am for parking) or shuttle bus on Glacier Point Road (16 mi/26 km one-way, June-early Nov., exact dates vary with snow)
• Short paved, wheelchair-accessible path offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley and High Sierra
• Photo opportunity in footsteps of John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt
• Return via Four-Mile Trail (4.8 mi/7.7 km one-way, 3-4 hrs)
• Note: Glacier Point Road may have construction delays in 2023

Yosemite Valley Attractions:

• Bridalveil Fall:
  • 0.5 mi/0.8 km round-trip, 20 min
  • Year-round 620-ft (189-m) cascade
  • Most powerful mist in spring
• Cook’s Meadow:
  • Wheelchair-accessible and strolling boardwalks
  • Loop to Sentinel Bridge for iconic Half Dome view
• Yosemite Falls:
  • Shuttle stop 6, Northside Dr.
  • Consists of Upper, Lower, and middle cascades
  • Best time to visit: spring for powerful snowmelt flow
• El Capitan:
  • Massive granite formation, vertical cliffs
  • Big-wall climbers and Alex Honnold's free-solo ascent
  • Viewing from El Capitan picnic area or roadside pullouts

Wawona Village:

• Wawona village: Near South Entrance
• Historical district with hotel, restaurant, exhibits, golf course

Pioneer Yosemite History Center:

• Open year-round
• Outdoor display of historic vehicles, original buildings
• Summer horse-drawn carriage tours available
• Living-history programs and demonstrations

Tuolumne Meadows:

• Fragile subalpine meadow with wildlife
• Trails from visitors center or Lembert Dome Trailhead
• Carbonated Soda Springs, Parsons Memorial Lodge
• Best wildflower displays late June to August

Olmsted Point:

• Shuttle stop 12
• Views of Clouds Rest and Half Dome
• Glacial erratic boulders draw visitors

Hetch Hetchy:

• Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, dammed Tuolumne River
• Controversial history, damming led to National Park Service
• O’Shaughnessy Dam, reservoir, Wapama and Tueeulala Falls trails

​
Scenic DriveTioga Road Overview:

• Tioga Road: Yosemite's sole Sierra Nevada crossing road (39 mi/63 km, CA 120, summer only)
• Features campgrounds, trailheads, scenic overlooks
• Ascends High Sierra, passes through Tuolumne Meadows, crosses Tioga Pass, exits to Eastern Sierra
• Highlights on the road:
  • Olmsted Point's vista
  • Sandy beach at Tenaya Lake
  • Pothole Dome for scrambling

Tuolumne Meadows:

• Subalpine meadow with delicate summer wildflowers, wildlife (bears)
• Across from Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
• Offers:
  • Large campground
  • Camp store and grill
  • Wilderness center

Route Details:

• From the west, CA 120 transitions into Big Oak Flat Road at Big Oak Flat park entrance
• After 9 miles (14.4 km), at left fork to Crane Flat junction, it becomes Tioga Road
• Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center is an additional 39 miles (63 km) to the east
• To reach Tioga Road from Yosemite Valley:
  • Take Northside Road to Big Oak Flat Road
  • At Tioga Road junction, turn east

Hiking​Yosemite Valley Hiking:
Upper Yosemite Fall:

• Distance: 7.2 mi/11.6 km round-trip
• Duration: 6-8 hrs
• Strenuous, at shuttle stop 7
• Trailhead: Camp 4
• Steep climb, 2,700 vertical ft (823 m) in 3 miles
• Reach Columbia Rock for shorter climb, great valley views
• Further up, view Upper Yosemite Fall from base after downhill switchbacks
• Wet, slippery stone-step switchbacks to lip of fall
• Carry water, snacks for energy

Mist Trail:

• Distance: 2.4-5.4 mi (3.9-8.7 km) round-trip
• Duration: 3-6 hrs
• Elevation Change: 1,050-2,000 ft (320-610 m)
• Moderate effort, trailhead: Happy Isles
• From Happy Isles Nature Center (shuttle stop 16)
• Climb steep granite, over 600 stairs, misty from Vernal Fall
• Rain gear recommended in spring and June
• View valley, rainbow in mist
• Switchbacks to Nevada Fall, return via John Muir Trail
• Closed in winter due to ice, snow, and spring river peaks
• Park at Curry Village day-use parking for shuttle to Happy Isles

Mirror Lake:

• Best in spring, summer when lake is filled
• Shuttle stop 17, end of Southside Dr. (no vehicles)
• Mirror Lake Loop, 5 mi/8 km round-trip, 2.5 hrs, easy-moderate
• Clear reflection of Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome
• Gentle path circles valley, crosses Tenaya Creek
• Caution on snow or ice in winter

Glacier Point:

• Road opens late May-November (depends on snow)
• One-way hikes from Glacier Point, shuttle reservations available
• Strong hikers can climb from valley floor to Glacier Point and back
• Sentinel Dome and Taft Point:
  • Views 2,000 ft above valley floor
  • Trailhead 1 mi west of Glacier Point
  • Choose between viewpoints:
    • Sentinel Dome: 2.2 mi round-trip, 2-3 hrs, moderate
    • Taft Point: 2 mi round-trip, 1 hr, moderate
• Panorama Trail:
  • 8.5 mi one-way, 6-8 hrs, strenuous
  • Glacier Point Trailhead to Yosemite Valley
  • Passes Illilouette Fall, Panorama Point
  • Views of Half Dome, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls
• Four-Mile Trail:
  • 4.8 mi one-way, 3-4 hrs, strenuous
  • Connects valley with Glacier Point
  • Views of Yosemite Falls and valley

Wawona Hiking:
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias:

• From Mariposa Grove parking (near South Entrance)
• Wheelchair-accessible shuttle (8am-8pm daily mid-Mar.-Nov.)
• Famous grove of giant sequoias
• Bicycles and disability placard cars allowed as spaces free up
• Trails include Big Trees Loop, Grizzly Giant Loop, Guardians Loop

Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Pass Hiking:
Tenaya Lake:

• Loop trail, 2.5 mi round-trip, 1.5 hrs, easy
• Shuttle stop 9
• Sunny beaches, picturesque views
• Challenging part: fording chilly outlet stream at west end

May Lake and Mount Hoffman:

• May Lake: 2.5 mi round-trip, 1 hr, moderate
• Mount Hoffman: 6 mi round-trip, 3-4 hrs, strenuous
• Spectacular views, granite slabs, rocky paths
• Clear views of Cathedral Peak, Mount Clark, Half Dome, Clouds Rest

North Dome:

• North Dome Trail: 8.8 mi round-trip, 4-5 hrs, strenuous
• Trailhead at Porcupine Creek
• Unique view of Half Dome and Clouds Rest

Clouds Rest:

• Clouds Rest: 14.5 mi round-trip, 7 hrs, strenuous
• Shuttle stop 10
• Alternative to Half Dome, fewer people, no permits
• Stupendous 360-degree views, less elevation gain
• Focus on climbers on cables from summit

Cathedral Lakes:

• Cathedral Lakes Trail: 7 mi round-trip, 4-6 hrs, strenuous
• Shuttle stop 7
• Over 800-ft climb, high-elevation lakes, alpine peaks
• Part of John Muir Trail, Instagram-worthy scenery

Gaylor Lakes:

• Gaylor Lakes Trail: 3 mi round-trip, 2 hrs, easy
• Tioga Pass Entrance
• Starts at 10,000 ft, climbs steeply to Gaylor Lakes valley
• Mountain views, lovely lakes, abandoned mine site above Upper Gaylor Lake

Hetch Hetchy Hiking:
Wapama and Tueeulala Falls:

• Wapama Falls Trail: 5 mi round-trip, 2 hrs, moderate
• Cross O’Shaughnessy Dam, follow trail along reservoir
• Ribbon Tueeulala Falls, thundering Wapama Falls

Recreational ActivitiesBackpacking:

• Bucket-list backpacking routes: North end of John Muir Trail, Pacific Crest Trail (70 miles).
• Need park-approved bear canister and wilderness permit.
• Canister rentals at permit centers ($5/week + $95 deposit).
• Wilderness permit: $10 + $5 pp.
• Reserve permits through weekly permit lottery (www.recreation.gov, mid-Nov.-mid-May).
• Remaining permits released online about 22 weeks in advance.
• First-come, first-served permits available in person at permit centers.
• Backpackers with permits can stay in backpacker campgrounds ($8 pp).
• High Sierra Camps (888/413-8869, www.travelyosemite.com, July-early Sept.):
  • Tent cabins, amenities, meals in camp.
  • Merced Lake, Vogelsang, Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise Camp.
  • Reservations by lottery in October for following summer.

Rock Climbing:

• El Capitan, big-face climb; Half-Dome Northwest Face, Cathedral Peak, North Dome.
• Wilderness climbing permits required for overnight climbs (4-15 days in advance, free).
• Yosemite Mountaineering School (209/372-8344, www.travelyosemite.com, 8:30am daily Mar.-Nov.):
  • Gear rental, guided rock climbing.
  • Beginner, intermediate, advanced rock-climbing classes for adults, children.

Bicycling:

• 12 miles (19 km) of paved bike trails in Yosemite Valley, mostly on Valley Loop Trail.
• Bicycles can use roads, especially car-closed routes.
• Rentals available at Yosemite Valley Lodge (209/372-1208, mid-Apr.-mid-Nov.) and Curry Village (209/372-8323, mid-Apr.-Oct.).
• Glacier Point Road allows bicycles for a few days in May before opening to vehicles.

Horseback Riding:

• Wawona Stable (Wawona Rd., 209/375-6502, www.travelyosemite.com, 7am-5pm daily mid-May-Sept.):
  • Two-hour horseback rides on historical wagon trail.
  • Strenuous trips into the mountains available.
  • Reservations recommended.

Winter Sports:

• Badger Pass Ski Area (Glacier Point Rd., 209/372-8430, www.travelyosemite.com, 9am-4pm daily mid-Dec.-Mar.):
  • Rentals, lessons, downhill ski runs (beginner and intermediate).
  • Cross-Country Ski School offers classes, gear rental, guided tours.
  • Shuttle between Yosemite Valley and ski area twice daily in season.
• Curry Village iceskating rink (Southside Dr., 209/372-8333, 3:30pm-9pm Mon.-Fri., noon-9:30pm Sat.-Sun. mid-Nov.-mid-Mar.) in winter with skate rentals.

​
How to Reach Air:

• Closest international airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO).
• Car rentals available at all airports.

Car:

• From San Francisco Bay Area:
  • Drive time: 4-5 hours to west entrances (Arch Rock and Big Oak Flat) for quick access to Yosemite Valley.
  • Take I-580 east, I-205, and I-5 near Manteca. Follow CA 120 east through Groveland and Big Oak Flat Entrance to reach Yosemite Valley.
• Alternatively, from I-5 south, take CA 140 east through Merced to reach Arch Rock Entrance.
• Enter before 9am or after 5pm to avoid entrance lines.
• From points south:
  • Enter through South Entrance via CA 41, 1.5-hour drive north from Fresno.
  • CA 41 becomes Wawona Road. From Wawona, another 1.5 hours to Yosemite Valley.

Train and Bus:

• Amtrak connects with Merced and Fresno from San Francisco or Sacramento.
• Buses with Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) connect to the park.
• Buy tickets on the bus, no reservations needed.
• Buses more frequent in summer.
• From Merced, YARTS buses to Yosemite Valley.
• From Fresno, YARTS buses to South Entrance of Yosemite.

​
Where to Stay​Inside the Park Lodging:

• Reservations for Yosemite lodgings are essential, book one year in advance.
• Rates vary seasonally.

Yosemite Valley:

• Yosemite Valley has most services, lodging options, campgrounds, and restaurants.
• Yosemite Valley Lodge (shuttle stop 8, from $278):
  • Motel-style rooms and lodge rooms with valley views.
  • Heated pool in summer, shuttles to Glacier Point ski area in winter.
  • Food services available.
• The Ahwahnee (shuttle stop 3, from $518):
  • Luxury hotel with cottages and hotel rooms.
  • Elegant dining room with expansive ceilings and views.
  • Reservations required for meals.

Curry Village:

• Canvas tent cabins, Yosemite Cabins, Stoneman Cottage rooms, Housekeeping Camp.
• Various options from rustic to comfortable.
• Food services available.

Wawona:

• Wawona Hotel (from $145):
  • Historic charm, Victorian wallpaper, antique furniture.
  • Dining room offers upscale California cuisine.

Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Pass:

• White Wolf Lodge (June-Sept., from $125):
  • Heated canvas tent cabins and wood cabins.
• Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (early June-mid-Sept., from $125):
  • Wood-frame tent cabins with no electricity, dining room available.

Camping:

• Select campgrounds accept reservations, imperative for Yosemite Valley.
• Campsites available for booking five months in advance.
• Campgrounds have various amenities and some allow reservations.
• Yosemite Valley campgrounds: Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Camp 4.
• South of Yosemite Valley: Bridalveil Creek, Wawona Campground.
• Tioga Road campgrounds: Crane Flat, Hodgdon Meadow, Tuolumne Meadows, White Wolf, Tamarack Flat, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat.

Outside the Park:

• Gateway towns offer accommodations, campgrounds, dining, and services.
• Mammoth Lakes (U.S. 395) has upscale lodging 40 minutes south of Yosemite's east entrance, with YARTS shuttles to the park.

Driving AroundDriving:

• Driving in Yosemite Valley can be congested.
• Arrive before 9am, park in major lots (Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls, Curry Village), and use the free shuttle.
• No gas stations in Yosemite Valley; closest stations in El Portal and Crane Flat.
• RVs and trailers have restrictions on certain roads.
• Glacier Point Road:
  • About an hour's drive from Yosemite Valley.
  • Closed Nov.-May, no trailers/RVs over 30 ft/9.1 m.
  • Winter construction delays in 2023.
• Tioga Road:
  • CA 120 from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass, open only in summer.
  • Check weather and road closures at 209/372-0200.
  • Closed road means no access to Tuolumne Meadows.

Shuttle Bus:

• Summer traffic and parking in Yosemite Valley can be challenging.
• Park at day-use lots or Curry Village, then use Yosemite Valley shuttle (7am-10pm daily, free) for getting around.
• Shuttles run every 10-20 minutes, serving various stops.
• Glacier Point Tour (May-Nov., $28.50-57) meets at Yosemite Valley Lodge, travels up Glacier Point Road.
• Summer-only Tuolumne Meadows Hikers Bus (mid-June-Sept., $2-23) runs on Tioga Road.
• Mariposa Shuttle (mid-Mar.-Nov., free) from Mariposa parking to grove trailhead.