Yosemite National Park will steal your heart and beckon you back again and again. With its towering sequoia groves, dramatically deep valleys, majestic meadows and cascading waterfalls, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. It’s no wonder more than 4 million people visit Yosemite each year. 

 

If you’ve been looking for moments in the wilderness that leave you speechless, combined with thrilling adventures that get your heart pounding, it’s time to make the trip to this bucket list destination. At more than 1,000 square miles in size, learning how to visit Yosemite before you go is essential for a safe, satisfying and immersive trip. This Yosemite National Park trip guide will tell you all you need to know about what sites to see, where to stay and how to be a responsible guest.

 

When is the Best Time to Visit Yosemite?

Yosemite is a year-round destination, offering unique beauty and activities with each season. Plus, because the park has so many different elevations, you can experience a vastly different climate in the higher parts of the park compared to down in the valley. Determining what you’re hoping to see and experience can help you decide the best time to go, but here are some things to keep in mind:

 

• Spring (March to May): If you’re going to fill up your camera roll, spring is one of the best times to visit Yosemite. You can catch the wildflowers blooming and witness the waterfalls at their fullest. Plus, the mild weather makes for comfortable outdoor activities, and the summer crowds haven’t picked up yet.

• Summer (June to August): Summer is the most popular time to visit the park, thanks to the long daylight hours that let visitors make the most of their time. That also means summer brings the crowds, so plan visits to major attractions early in the morning and/or midweek to avoid congestion. Or, skip the landmarks and find off-the-beaten-path sites. Our National Parks Guide, with its detailed points of interest and hundreds of photos, is great for finding hidden gems. 

• Fall (September to November): Fall is the other season that draws in the photogs. The changing colors of the trees are picturesque, and you can spot some snow-capped peaks without suffering winter temperatures just yet. 

• Winter (December to February): For a rare sense of peace and quiet in Yosemite, visit during winter. The snow-covered mountains are a stunning sight, and you can participate in winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Plus, you can enjoy the Curry Village ice rink.

 

If Yosemite seeps into your soul like it does for most visitors, you’ll probably find yourself returning to experience every season.

 

Things to Know When Visiting Yosemite

With so much to do and see in Yosemite, it’s good to go in with a plan. That way, you won’t miss the sites at the top of your list or face unexpected hassles. Here are some tips for a smooth visit. 

 

• Make Reservations in Advance: If you plan on staying at any of the accommodations within the park, including campgrounds and lodges, make your reservations through the National Park Service far in advance. Yosemite is one of the most visited National Parks, so rooms, cabins and campsites book up early.

• Pay Entrance Fees: Be prepared to pay the entrance fee. It’s currently $35 for a 7-day pass — and that’s good for your entire vehicle, so there’s no need to buy a pass per person. If you do plan on visiting more parks during the year, consider the America the Beautiful Pass, which is $80 and gets you unlimited access to over 2,000 parks per year.

• Prepare for Limited Cell Service: Cell service is hard to come by once you’re in the park. That’s why it’s important to know where you’re headed before you go too deep into Yosemite. Pack paper road maps or download maps you can access offline before entering the park. 

• Know Seasonal Closures and Road Conditions: Various parts of the park close from one season to the next due to weather conditions. Tioga Pass and Glacier Point, for example, are usually closed during the winter months. You might also require snow chains to visit other parts that are open during the winter. Luckily, our National Parks Guide has road conditions and construction contact information for every state. 

• Pack for All Weather Conditions: The weather in Yosemite is unpredictable. You can experience high heat during the day and frigid temperatures at night. If you plan on exploring different elevations, you’ll almost certainly experience different climates. So pack plenty of layers, ranging from a waterproof jacket and pants to a tank top and swimsuit.

 

Now that you know how to go to Yosemite like a pro, let’s dive into our list of must-do activities.

 

Yosemite National Park Guide: 7 Must-Do Activities 

We’ve curated a list of Yosemite activities that will appeal to thrill seekers, photography enthusiasts and anyone craving a connection with the wilderness. 

1. Hike to Yosemite Falls

There’s no better way to get up close and personal with the park than on foot, and with so many miles of hikes to choose from, it’s hard to select just one or two. However, if you are short on time and want a hike that can appeal to visitors of all fitness levels, hike the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. The Lower Fall is California’s tallest waterfall, and you can access it via an easy one-mile trail that begins at the Visitor’s Center. Looking for a bit more of a challenge? Hike to the Upper Falls. This 7.5-mile round-trip trek will have you climb 2,500 vertical feet and offers panoramic views along the way.

2. Go Rock Climbing at El Capitan

Yosemite is known for its granite walls, and El Capitan is one of the largest exposed granite monoliths in the world. Rising more than 3,700 feet above the valley, it’s a sight to behold. You don’t have to just look at it, though — you can climb it if your adventurous heart dares. Just keep in mind that you will need a wilderness climbing permit if you plan on spending the night on the wall. You can apply for a permit online 24/7.

3. Enjoy the Views at Glacier Point

If you want to take in views of several top Yosemite landmarks at once, head to Glacier Point. Glacier Pass Road will lead you to a large parking lot for this site. From there, you’ll catch a short trail that takes you to an overlook that offers views of Half Dome, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls and the valley floor. Note that Glacier Point is about 30 miles from the Visitor’s Center in the Valley, so give yourself plenty of daylight hours to get up there.

4. Explore Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

The giant sequoias are another famous feature of the park, and Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 ancient trees. A number of walking trails, varying in difficulty level, will weave you around these beautiful behemoths. The Big Trees Loop is easy, the Grizzly Giant Loop is moderate and the Mariposa Grove Trail is challenging. Be sure to also stop by the Mariposa Grove Museum, a charming log cabin museum with exhibits showcasing the history of the sequoias. 

5. Go Stargazing at Yosemite’s Dark Sky Locations

Yosemite’s minimal light pollution and lack of manmade structures make it an ideal spot to stargaze. There are plenty of places perfect for a night of staring at the skies, but many say Glacier Point is the best, thanks to its high elevation. The striking backdrop of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley adds to the magic. If you want to catch a rare moonbow (a night rainbow behind the moon), head to Cooks Meadow on a full moon night. And if you’re looking to photograph the Milky Way, check light pollution in advance.

6. Take a Scenic Drive and Snap Pics at Tunnel View

If you’re wondering how to see Yosemite National Park highlights on a time crunch, stay in the car. Paved roads pass by many of the park’s top landmarks. Let’s start with Tunnel View, which you’ll get to when you emerge from Wawona Tunnel. Here, you can pull over and marvel at Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls and the entire valley. 

 

Continue onto Tioga Road, which contains several must-see features including Tuolumne Meadows, beautiful alpine meadows overflowing with wildflowers in the spring. Siesta Lake is another breathtaking alpine lake to explore along Tioga Road — and the perfect place to stop for a swim and a picnic. Pull over at Olmsted Point for uninterrupted views of Half Dome, Tenaya Lake and Clouds Rest.

7. Join a Socially Responsible Tour or Nature Walk

Get to know the park’s magnificent features through the eyes of an expert on a ranger-led tour. These tours take place year-round, and you can find walks with different focuses, such as photography or history. Most will emphasize environmental awareness, teaching you how to be a responsible visitor to the park and covering the National Park Service’s efforts to conserve Yosemite’s natural beauty. Find the full schedule of programs on the National Park Service website.

Yosemite Guide for Fun Road Trips

Whether you want to kick things off in a small, charming town or a bustling big city, you can take several iconic routes to get to Yosemite. From coastal views to towering desert structures, you’ll find diverse natural landscapes on your way to the park and turn spontaneous pit stops into memorable moments. Each one of our suggested routes offers the opportunity for adventure, along with breathtaking views. So pack one of our in-depthroad maps and navigate your way to Yosemite. 

The Gold Rush Road Trip to Yosemite

In the mid-1800s, thousands of hopeful gold miners traveled to California hoping to hit it big, and you can travel the same roads they did. We recommend tying this into a San Francisco road trip. Grab a waterfront bite at Fisherman’s Wharf, visit Europe via Little Italy in North Beach or pay homage to one of the most famous areas for LGTBQ+ activism at The Castro. Move on to Sacramento, where you can stroll through Old Sacramento, a historic riverfront district with Gold Rush-era buildings and visit the Gold Discovery Museum. After Sacramento, stop by Hangtown Gold Bug Park in Placerville — the only California mine tourists can enter. Then head south to Columbia State Historic Park, which preserves nearly 30 buildings built during the Gold Rush era. 

The Las Vegas to Yosemite Road Trip

This is a great road trip if you want a little bit of everything — nature, nightlife and history. In Vegas, you can people-watch on the strip and then head over to Fremont Street for eclectic street performances. You can check out Death Valley, home to the Badwater Basin — the lowest elevation point in the U.S.  Photograph the picturesque salt flats and volcanic craters here before moving onto Alabama Hills, with its striking orange rock formations that have been the backdrop to films like “The Lone Ranger”and “Django Unchained.”Leave the desert for the mountains at Mammoth Lakes, where you can ski, hike or take a dip at one of the many hot springs in the area. If you want to discover some of the more hidden lakes and streams for a private swim, our California Atlas & Gazetteer can help with that. From here, you’re just a 45-minute drive from Yosemite’s eastern gate.

Los Angeles to Yosemite

Craving a coastal highway road trip? With less than five hours of drive time, Los Angeles to Yosemite can be the perfect adventure-packed road trip. Start things off by touring film sets and strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame in LA. Zip up the coastal Highway 101 to the laid-back, star-studded beach city of Santa Barbara before cruising through quaint wine country in central California and cutting inland towards Fresno. For a unique mid-way stop, visit Fresno’s Forestiere Underground Gardens and grab a bite at the Shaw Avenue corridor before tackling the final leg of the trip to Yosemite. 

Kings Canyon and Sequoia Adventure Loop

Ambitious hikers can warm up for their time in Yosemite with a stop at two other pristine national parks: Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. Coming from the south, you’ll reach Sequoia National Park first, where you can visit the Giant Forest — home to more than 8,000 massive sequoias, including the General Sherman Tree, the biggest tree (by volume) in the world. Don’t forget to drive through Tunnel Log, a tunnel cut through a massive sequoia that fell across the road in 1937. The next stop is Kings Canyon National Park. Kings Canyon is a glacially carved canyon that reaches 8,200 feet in the air at some points. Don’t miss Boyden Cavern, a dazzling underground cave, or the Grant Tree, “the nation’s Christmas tree.”

The Lee Vining Canyon Scenic Byway

The Lee Vining Canyon Scenic Byway skirts the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park, traveling along CA Highway 120 through the Inyo National Forest. You’ll encounter lesser-known but very photogenic sites along the byway, including several lakes such as Mono Lake, known for its unique limestone formations called tufas, and Saddlebag Lake, great for hiking and fishing. If you’re lucky, you might spot some Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep along the way, as well as several rare species of coastal birds. The byway ends at the US 395 junction before transitioning into the Tioga Pass entrance to the park.

Where to Stay in Yosemite: Eco-Friendly and Budget Conscious

Wondering where to stay during your visit? We have a handful of suggestions that are affordable and align with an environmentally friendly mindset, so you can sleep soundly knowing the park — and your wallet — are well taken care of.

Under Canvas Yosemite (Glamping Experience)

If you want the thrills of camping without the discomforts, consider Under Canvas Yosemite. Located just 10 minutes from an entrance to the park, the property offers glamping tents, complete with en-suite bathrooms and a “lobby” tent where you’ll find a cafe. Situated on 85 acres of forested land, the campsite is as beautiful as it is comfortable. It also has community activities like yoga, live music and s’mores.

Yosemite Valley Lodge

If you’re looking for the easiest access to some of the park’s main attractions, book a room at the Yosemite Valley Lodge. The lodge is walkable to the Yosemite Falls, and has rooms designed for large groups, making it easy to split the cost of your stay with friends. Plus, there’s a shuttle stop at the lodge, so you can travel to other areas of the park without getting back in your car. The outdoor pool is a refreshing amenity come summertime. 

Campsites in Yosemite (Affordable and Immersive)

The most affordable way to stay in the park is to camp, and there are several campsites throughout Yosemite. Upper Pines is a large campground featuring a shuttle stop and easy access to food and supplies at nearby Curry Village. Tamarack Flat Campground is a tent-only site that’s roughly 20 miles from Yosemite Valley, tucked away in a forest just off Tioga Road. If you want a more structured accommodation, consider Housekeeping Camp. It features concrete wall structures with canvas roofs and sits on the Merced River. Information and reservations for all campgrounds can be found at Recreation.gov.

 

How to Visit Yosemite Park in a Sustainable Way

Yosemite continues to be one of the most-visited National Parks thanks to its undisturbed natural beauty. You can help preserve the park’s allure by being mindful during your visit. Below, you’ll learn how to visit Yosemite responsibly.

 

• Bring Reusable Gear and Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Pack a reusable water canteen to avoid single-use plastic bottles. If you plan on picnicking, consider bringing either biodegradable utensils (like those made from bamboo) or reusable steel ones that you wash after each use.

• Leave No Trace. Bring trash bags and clean up after yourself. You can even pick up after others if you find trash on the trails.

• Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation Options: Support accommodations that support the environment through mindful processes. Find hotels making conservation efforts, like using solar energy or recycling water. Stay at campsites designed to reduce their footprint on the surrounding wilderness.

• Opt for Public Transport and Carpooling: Once you’re in the park, ditch your vehicle to reduce fuel emissions. Consider taking the YARTS, the public shuttle, around the park. Or bring bicycles with you and cycle around the park’s many paved trails.

 

The park remains pristine thanks to the thoughtful visitors who came before you, so pay it forward by being mindful during your stay.

Plan How to Visit Yosemite National Park with Rand McNally Maps

Explore all of Yosemite’s most memorable spots — famous and lesser-known — with one of our highly detailed road atlases by your side. With information on scenic routes, trailheads, campgrounds and more, these traditional tools will make sure you don’t miss Yosemite’s highlights, even when you lose cell service. While smartphone apps can be convenient, they don’t provide the comprehensive view and details that our maps do. When you’re visiting a park as large as Yosemite, our thorough guides can help you navigate the roads with ease.

 

If you’re feeling inspired after your visit to Yosemite and want to see more national parks, check out our Yellowstone road trip itinerary. Or, if you’re feeling spontaneous, just throw a pin at our Western U.S. map and go wherever it lands! 

Yosemite Travel Guide FAQs

Have more questions about Yosemite? As your expert guide to Yosemite National Park, we’re thrilled to provide answers to commonly asked questions about this national treasure.

Where should I stay if I’m going to Yosemite?

There are various types of accommodations in and near Yosemite, including campgrounds, glamping sites, lodges and hotels in gateway communities like Oakhurst and Merced. Your budget and travel style will help you decide which accommodation is right for you. However, if you’re focusing on affordability and sustainability, camping offers a low-cost way to have an intimate experience with nature.

What is the most beautiful hike in Yosemite?

While there are hundreds of stunning hikes in Yosemite, many consider the Mist Trail to Half Dome one of the best. It passes by two famous waterfalls, offers views of the valley and is impressively maintained. 

Is there lodging near the valley floor in Yosemite?

Yes. The Yosemite Valley Lodge is approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk from the valley floor. The Ahwahnee is also considered part of the valley floor. However, rates can be high at this luxury lodge.