Yosemite National Park
United States and Canada · United States
See also
Overview
Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It encompasses 750,000 acres with thousands of lakes, streams, and hiking trails.
Languages: English
Why go?
Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It encompasses 750,000 acres with thousands of lakes, streams, and hiking trails. Approximately four million visitors each year come to marvel at its spectacular granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, remote wilderness, massive sequoia trees, and high mountain meadows.
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Getting in
Yosemite is accessible by car via several highways. The nearest major airport is Fresno Yosemite International (about 1.5 hours south). Smaller airports include Merced and Stockton. Entrance fees are $35 per vehicle, and reservations are required during peak season (July-August and holiday weekends).
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Getting around
Yosemite has grown to one of the 'crown jewels' of the US National Park System with 4 million visitors annually, mostly concentrated in Yosemite Valley (1% of the park). Getting around by car is common, but there is a free shuttle in Yosemite Valley.
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When to go
Spring is the best time to see waterfalls at their strongest. Summer offers access to all park roads and Tuolumne Meadows. Fall has smaller crowds and cooler weather. Winter provides dramatic landscapes but many roads are closed; skiing is available at Badger Pass.
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Where to stay
Lodging in Yosemite Valley is extremely popular; book well ahead. Options range from luxury hotels like The Ahwahnee ($500+) to tent cabins at Curry Village ($125) and campgrounds ($6-$26 per night). Cheaper lodging is available outside the park in nearby towns like El Portal, Mariposa, and Groveland.
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Food and drink
Food options include upscale dining at The Ahwahnee, casual at Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court, and seasonal stands like Curry Village Taco Stand. Groceries are available in Yosemite Village, Crane Flat, Curry Village, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows. For drinks, there are lounges at The Ahwahnee and Mountain Room Lounge.
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Things to do
Yosemite offers countless hiking trails from easy walks to strenuous multi-day treks. Popular hikes include Lower Yosemite Fall, Bridalveil Fall, and the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The Half Dome hike requires a permit ($8). Other activities include rock climbing (Yosemite Mountaineering School), horseback riding, golf at Wawona, and ice skating at Curry Village in winter.
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Safety
For emergencies, dial 911 and mention you are in Yosemite. The park has its own emergency dispatch. Bear safety is important: follow park rules regarding food in cars, as bears will break into vehicles if they smell something interesting inside.
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Connectivity
WiFi is available at Yosemite Valley Lodge (in-lobby kiosks and guest rooms). Cell service is spotty throughout the park.
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Budget
Entrance fee $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days). Camping from $6 (Camp 4) to $26 (reserved). Inside park food is pricey; bringing groceries is recommended. Reservations ($2) required during peak season.
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Day trips
Nearby destinations include El Portal, Mariposa, Groveland, Fish Camp, Lee Vining, and Yosemite West. Further afield: Devil's Postpile National Monument, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Mono Lake.
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Go next
From Yosemite, consider visiting the historic gold mining towns of Tuolumne County (Jamestown, Sonora), Mono County with its ghost town Bodie and Mammoth Lakes, or Manzanar National Historic Site. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are about 125 miles south.
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Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- do
Alder Creek
This strenuous trail climbs through an open pine forest with abundant manzanita on the drier slopes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Ansel Adams Gallery
This gallery first began operating in Yosemite Valley in 1902, and is now operated by the fourth generation of the family that started it. Ansel Adams started a business relationship with the gallery in the 1920s, and today the gallery features his work in books and prints. In addition, the gallery offers exhibitions of contemporary photographers, with exhibits rotating approximately every six weeks, and staff can provide photography advice for those seeking it. In additions to the works of Ansel Adams, the gallery has an extensive collection of books for sale, works by other photographers, Native American and contemporary jewelry, and handcrafted pottery. Offers a 10% discount for Yosemite Conservancy donors.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Badger Pass Ski Area
Badger Pass is the oldest ski area in California, and offers both downhill and cross-country trails. For cross-country skiers the park offers over mi
Recorded price: Lift tickets cost $5.50 for a single run or $48.50 for a full-day ticket
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bridalveil Fall
Another flat, easy, paved trail that leads to the bottom of the feet
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Cathedral Lakes
From the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead the trail climbs steadily feet
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Chilnualna Fall
This strenuous hike leads past the cascades of Chilnualna Fall and all the way to the top of the fall. Hikers can expect moderate exposure and a sharp increase in elevation for roughly mi
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Cook's Meadow Loop
This flat, easy loop trail meanders through the meadow across from the visitor center and near the Lower Yosemite Fall trail, offering excellent views of Half Dome, Yosemite Fall, Glacier Point and Sentinel Dome. From the visitor center, walk west along the bicycle path toward Lower Yosemite Fall. At shuttle stop #6, cross the street and follow the bike path, bearing left as the path forks. At Sentinel Bridge parking area (shuttle stop #11), walk out onto the bridge to enjoy a classic view of Half Dome before returning to the parking area. Follow the boardwalk back across the meadow, cross the two streets, and turn right to return to the visitor center.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Curry Village Gift Shop
Serving as a "camp store", you can find souvenirs as well as groceries, picnic supplies, apparel, ice, firewood, batteries and an ATM.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Book well ahead for valley lodging. Camping is first-come, first-served or by reservation.
Connectivity
WiFi at Yosemite Valley Lodge, but cell service is limited.
Culture
Yosemite has a rich climbing history; Camp 4 is a legendary climber's camp. Respect wildlife and stay on trails.
Health
Yosemite Medical Clinic provides emergency care. Drink plenty of water; treat creek water if backcountry camping.
Local transport
Free shuttle in Yosemite Valley; roads are congested in summer. Parking is limited. Use the shuttle to avoid fees.
Money
Entrance fee $35/vehicle (7 days), camping $6-$26/night. Reservations required in peak season.
Safety
Bear safety: never leave food in cars. Dial 911 for emergencies.
Visa
Standard US entry requirements apply.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking. International visitors need a valid visa or ESTA for the US.
Water
Treat creek water before drinking at some campgrounds.
Weather
Weather changes rapidly. Pack layers and rain gear. Summer warm, winter snowy.