yosemite national park trip cost

Cost of a Trip to Yosemite National Park, CA, US & the Cheapest Time to Visit Yosemite National Park

The average price of a 7-day trip to Yosemite National Park is $2,523 for a solo traveler, $4,531 for a couple, and $8,495 for a family of 4 . Yosemite National Park hotels range from $109 to $496 per night with an average of $192, while most vacation rentals will cost $360 to $780 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Fresno Yosemite International Airport ( FAT ) are between $568 and $871 per person for economy flights and $1,782 to $2,733 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $87 to $147 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Yosemite National Park, CA, US

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to FAT and stay in a Yosemite National Park hotel:

• January 8th to March 4th
• April 16th to May 6th
• August 13th to November 18th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Yosemite National Park is usually mid to late September .

Average Yosemite National Park Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Yosemite National Park for a week is $1,821-$3,805 ($260-$544 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $87 to $147 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $384 to $784 for economy

Lodging : $138 to $183 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $272 to $332 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Yosemite National Park for a week is $3,182-$5,792 ($455-$827 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $174 to $294 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $768 to $1,568 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Yosemite National Park for a week is $5,628-$10,438 ($804-$1,491 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $348 to $588 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,536 to $3,136 for economy

Lodging : $276 to $366 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $435 to $531 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Yosemite National Park

How cheap can you make a vacation to Yosemite National Park? The cheapest trip to Yosemite National Park is about $177 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 0% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $360 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $95.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Yosemite National Park for a week is $1,241-$3,638 ($177-$520 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $41 to $82 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $95 to $109 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $360 to $380 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Yosemite National Park for a week is $1,912-$4,996 ($273-$714 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $82 to $164 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Yosemite National Park for a week is $3,824-$8,624 ($546-$1,232 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $164 to $328 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $190 to $218 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $504 to $532 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very difficult to travel to Yosemite National Park cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Yosemite National Park Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Yosemite National Park.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Yosemite National Park for a week is $3,755-$14,386 ($536-$2,055 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $183 to $323 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $998 to $2,297 for first class

Lodging : $246 to $496 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $780 to $1,638 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Yosemite National Park for a week is $6,034-$18,944 ($862-$2,706 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $366 to $646 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,996 to $4,594 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Yosemite National Park for a week is $12,068-$31,990 ($1,724-$4,570 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $732 to $1,292 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $3,992 to $9,188 for first class

Lodging : $492 to $992 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $1,170 to $2,293 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Yosemite National Park Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Yosemite National Park is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Yosemite National Park due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Yosemite National Park Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Yosemite National Park hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are many options for vacation rentals across many price ranges in Yosemite National Park.

Flight Costs to Yosemite National Park

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $871 average in early August to a low of $568 in mid to late September. Median flight price is $578. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Yosemite National Park our data includes 419 originating airports, and 117 airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to Yosemite National Park from an airport like Shevchenko ( SCO ) in Aktau (Kazakhstan) for an average $6,971 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like San Diego International ( SAN ) in San Diego, CA (the United States) at an average of just $199.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Yosemite National Park, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $302, so you can easily save about 53% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Yosemite National Park can easily cost $620 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $41 per person. Private tours can cost $1237 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Yosemite National Park Guides

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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Yosemite National Park Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Yosemite National Park?

How much does a weekend trip to yosemite national park cost.

• How much does a five-day trip to Yosemite National Park cost?
• How much does a one-week trip to Yosemite National Park cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Yosemite National Park

When it comes to exploring Yosemite National Park, travelers typically find themselves budgeting between $55 and $275 per day for solo adventures and $109 to $549 if you're traveling as a couple. Now, that's a broad range, but the typical trip, on average, is $129 per person per day. This average cost covers sightseeing, accommodation, meals, and transportation, all from our large repository of travel expenses from previous visitors. Keep in mind, though, your personal spending might vary a bit based on your own level of luxury, travel style, and chosen activities. However, if you're visiting the highlights with some savvy planning, chances are your spending will vibe right around this average cost. For more details, check out the breakdown of expenses by category, plus the breakdown on accommodation and activity prices below.

Budget travelers to Yosemite National Park often spend around $55 per day. This usually includes a stay at a hostel and meals at affordable restaurants around town. Many budget travelers also prefer free activities over those that cost too much money. If you have a bit more money to spend, you should budget around $129 per day. This average includes a mid-range hotel and more meals in restaurants, along with a higher budget for entertainment and activities. Luxury travelers should plan to spend around $275 a day which includes higher-end accommodations, restaurants, tours, and activities. For more details, see our average travel costs for Yosemite National Park here .

Travelers spend, on average, $388 per person on a three-day trip to Yosemite National Park. This includes sightseeing, hotels, food, and local transportation. You can stick close to this average price by staying at mid-range hotels and eating at mid-level restaurants, while also paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. If you wish to travel cheaper, it's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities. It's also common for many visitors to have a much higher travel budget, as many high-end hotels and restaurants can be found around town.

How much does a five day trip to Yosemite National Park cost?

With five days in Yosemite National Park, you can expect to spend about $646 total, not including transportation to and from the city. It's possible to stay close to this daily average by booking mid-range hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some entry tickets to popular attractions. It's possible to find lower-cost accommodations, eat at less expenive restaurants, and find more free activities if you want to spent less money.

How much does a one week trip to Yosemite National Park cost?

Most visitors spend between $382 and $1,922 for a one week trip to Yosemite National Park, with the average being $904 . This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to have a more in-depth experience in Yosemite National Park. Also, one week allows you to be more flexible with your time and money, so you can potentially save money on some aspects of your trip while spending more on others.

Hotel Prices in Yosemite National Park

The average price for a hotel room in Yosemite National Park is $706 per night. This average is based on our detailed analysis of available hotels in the area. If you want to save money, or if you're planning a more luxurious trip, it's important to look at hotel prices based on the overall star-rating as well as guest reviews. Also, prices can vary by location and amenities. You can see more details from our analysis of hotel prices in Yosemite National Park here , and below is a breakdown of hotel prices by star-rating.

Should you do a tour in Yosemite National Park?

You'll find a wide range of guided tours in Yosemite National Park and many visitors enjoy the convenience of having an expert guide leading them through the chosen activity. Tours range in price from $70 for the Small Group Hiking Around The Pinecrest Lake Trail to $169 for the Full-Day Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour Including Hotel Pickup .

• Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour Viator $ 190
• Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour: $190
• Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180
• Yosemite Full Day Small Group High Country / Mariposa Tour: $299
• Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
• Yosemite Valley Full Day Small Group Tour : $299
• Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
• Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour: $180
• Yosemite Valley Tour with Transport from Oakhurst: $130

More for Yosemite National Park

If you're planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, California, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Entry reservations no longer required: A beginner’s guide to visiting Yosemite National Park

Editor's Note

Few national parks loom quite as large as Yosemite National Park.

Located in the High Sierra of Northern California, Yosemite is one of the country's oldest and most visited national parks. Outdoor adventurers and nature lovers flock to the natural wonders of Half Dome, El Capitan and the park's many waterfalls .

I began visiting Yosemite with my husband nearly two decades ago, not long after he finished a summer working in the park's High Sierra Camps in college. After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area just 3.5 hours away, we returned for a number of visits in the years that followed. We recently took our kids with us for their first Yosemite trip last summer when the park reopened after its COVID-19 closure.

If you've never been to Yosemite National Park, here's everything you need to know to plan your first visit.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Yosemite National Park basics

At nearly 1,200 square miles, Yosemite is one of the larger national parks and definitely deserving of much more than a day trip. The park averages between 4 and 5 million visitors in a typical year, making it one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.

The park is best known for its many waterfalls and granite monoliths like Half Dome and El Capitan, which climbers dream of conquering . Yosemite also has a number of epic hiking opportunities as well as abundant wildlife, including bears that are masters at breaking into cars if you dare leave any leftovers behind.

Yosemite entry costs $35 per vehicle. Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass if you plan to visit a few other national parks or public lands within the same 12-month period. At just $80, it's a solid value and a great way to visit the nation's parklands for less . Also, remember that 4th graders get free entry to national parks if they register with the Every Kid Outdoors program .

The park was closed for several months in the spring of 2020, but it reopened in June under special coronavirus restrictions. Visiting Yosemite during COVID-19 definitely means a few differences from usual operations, but those differences are overwhelmingly positive.

Advance park entry reservations were previously required for anyone not staying in lodging located within the park's boundaries, but as of March 1 , that's no longer the case.

Related: 7 trips to take right now if you want to escape the crowds

How to get to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is enormous, so before you decide how to get there, you need to decide which parts of the park you want to visit.

Most first-time visitors head to the Yosemite Valley, taking either Highway 120 or 140 into the park from the west. There's also a south entrance at Wawona, an entrance on the northwest into the Hetch Hetchy Valley and an eastern entrance at the Tioga Pass that's only accessible in the summer.

The closest airport to the park that offers a reasonable amount of commercial service is in Fresno, California. The Fresno-Yosemite Airport (FAT) is approximately a 1.5-hour drive to the southern entrance at Wawona or 2.5 hours into the Yosemite Valley.

Many visitors arriving by air opt to fly into one of the San Francisco Bay Area's airports, which offer more airlift and usually cheaper fares. Oakland International (OAK) is the closest at 3.5 hours away from the valley, but San Francisco International (SFO) or Mineta San Jose International (SJC) are both viable options at about 4 hours away.

Related: National parks are reopening: Here's everything you need to know to plan a trip

Top things to do and see in Yosemite National Park

Given its size, it really does take nearly a full week to get a glimpse at the entirety of the park.

Yosemite Valley

If you only have a day or a weekend, the most popular area of the park is the Yosemite Valley. Here you'll find creature comforts like shorter paved trails, restaurants, stores and car-accessible stops. But some incredibly challenging hikes start here as well, so more adventurous travelers shouldn't write off the valley.

You can take a shuttle around the valley or walk or bike parts of it, though the shuttle is not running during coronavirus restrictions. Some of the highlights in the Yosemite Valley include:

• Tunnel View : The car pullout at Tunnel View on Highway 41 offers the quintessential Yosemite backdrop for a photo, with El Capitan and Half Dome in view.

• Bridalveil Fall : Stroll a half-mile on a paved (but not wheelchair accessible) trail to view this famous waterfall.
• Sentinel Beach : In the summer months, set up a towel on the banks of the Merced River that flows through the valley. Sentinel Beach is one of the top spots for wading or tubing when the water isn't flowing too fast.
• Mist Trail (Vernal & Nevada Falls) : The Mist Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the valley, ascending up two waterfalls. The roundtrip climb is 5.4 miles and fairly strenuous due to elevation changes. If you aren't up for a full day hike, consider doing the round-trip to the footbridge that offers views of Vernal Fall. It's less than a mile each way but is rated as a moderate hike due to the vertical climb (my 6-year-old did it, but not without some complaining and a few breaks).

• Yosemite Falls : One of the easier and most popular hikes in the valley is the stroll to Lower Yosemite Fall. The 1-mile loop is paved and mostly stroller and wheelchair accessible. Hikers looking for a bigger challenge can ascend the longer trail to the top of the upper fall, a 7.2-mile hike with 2,700 feet in elevation change.
• Mirror Lake : One of the most photographed spots in the valley is the reflection of Half Dome in the water at Mirror Lake (which becomes Mirror Meadow later in the summer and fall when the water recedes). Take the short interpretive nature path to view the closer end of the lake, or hike the mostly flat longer trail that circumnavigates the water.

• Half Dome : Ascending Half Dome is a bucket list hike for many travelers. But at 14 to 16 miles round-trip, it's one of the most strenuous hikes in the park and requires substantial preparation. In order to prevent overcrowding on the cables that help hikers climb the last part of the trail, the park instituted a permit system a few years ago. You must now enter a lottery in March each year for a chance to hike Half Dome.

Glacier Point

Perched high above the valley floor is one of the park's most popular drives to Glacier Point. Even though Glacier Point is only a few miles from the Yosemite Valley, the drive itself takes 45 minutes to an hour from Yosemite Village due to the elevation change.

Glacier Point has a short, easy trail from the parking area to a variety of lookout points. Both a side view of Half Dome as well as Vernal and Nevada Falls are visible.

Parking can be a major challenge at Glacier Point, so when shuttles and tours are running again, shared transportation is the preferred way to see it. Taking a shuttle to the top is also the best option for hikers who want to take one of the many trails down into the valley. In particular, the Panorama Trail (8.5 miles) and Four Mile Trail are popular options. Some more ambitious hikers will take one of those trails up and the other down!

There are other hikes available on the road to Glacier Point as well. In particular, the trailhead about a mile from the top of Glacier Point is an excellent choice for the moderately adventurous, with 2.2-mile hikes leading to either Sentinel Dome or Taft Point.

For now, during COVID-19 restrictions, shuttles are unavailable, but there's ample parking at Glacier Point for the park's limited number of visitors. Note that the road to Glacier Point will be closed all of 2021 to make improvements.

Mariposa Grove

One of the draws of California's outdoors is its enormous and imposing trees . The giant sequoias located at Mariposa Grove are excellent specimens. The famed Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree that visitors can walk through are just two of 500 trees protected within this area of the park.

Under normal park conditions, there's a shuttle from the Mariposa Welcome Center that delivers guests to an arrival area. There are a variety of trails that originate here, including the easy Big Tree Loop (a third of a mile) or the moderate 2-mile Grizzly Giant Loop Trail. During COVID-19 restrictions, however, your only option is to hike 2 miles each way from the parking area to the arrival area, making hikes here a much longer time investment.

Tuolumne Meadows & Tioga Road

Visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley often head for Tuolumne Meadows. Located past the Big Oak Flat entrance to the park on Highway 120 along Tioga Road, this high elevation alpine meadow area is accessible only in the summer and early fall.

After leaving Crane Flat, stop at either Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias or Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias as you make your way along Highway 120. Picnic by Tenaya Lake and stop by Olmstead Point for a very different angled view of Half Dome. There are a number of moderate and strenuous hikes along Tioga Road as well as plenty of car pullouts with magnificent views.

There's a visitor center at Tuolumne Meadows as well as a wilderness center.

Related: I went to Glacier and Yellowstone during COVID; 6 ways visiting national parks is weird right now

Where to stay in Yosemite National Park

Of course, camping is a popular choice for many travelers in Yosemite. Reserved RV and car campsites are available at many locations within the park, although a number of campgrounds closed in 2020 due to the park's capacity restrictions. Check availability before your trip. Wilderness permits are also available for backcountry hikers camping overnight.

For guests who prefer four walls and a bed during their overnight stay, there are two hotels in the Yosemite Valley: the Ahwahnee and Yosemite Village Lodge. The Ahwahnee is an iconic national park lodge that exudes old-world charm. At over $500 a night, however, it's also an expensive choice, and it doesn't exactly meet modern luxury hotel standards. That said, my family thought it was worth the splurge for the historic experience and central location on our most recent trip.

Rooms at the Yosemite Village Lodge are less expensive (around $250 per night for standard rooms) but in a more rustic setting with basic amenities. The location of this hotel is truly ideal, within an easy walk or bike ride of many of the valley's top sights.

Also in the valley is Curry Village, which offers lodging mostly in tented cabins . The experience is somewhere in between car camping and a motel. The private cabins have concrete floors and basic beds with frames, but they also have tent walls and bathrooms are communal. I probably wouldn't recommend Curry Village to families with very young kids due to the noise and challenges of communal living, but it's a fun option for families with older kids, backpackers and anyone on a tight budget.

To the south, the other in-park hotel is the charming Victorian-era Wawona Hotel. There are also some private cabins in the Wawona area available for rent as well.

Ultimately, there really aren't enough places to stay within the park to accommodate Yosemite's many annual visitors. That's why a lot of visitors choose to stay in lodging just outside the park's several entrances.

To be sure, points-friendly hotels are few and far between in the area. Most lodging is independently owned, motel-style and budget-friendly. Two of the newer and higher-end properties for travelers seeking extra creature comforts are Tenaya Lodge, near the south entrance, and Rush Creek Lodge near the Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway 120. Coming soon is an upscale glamping camp from Under Canvas.

Related: Exploring national parks: Where to stay using points

The best times to visit Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is open year-round, but the high season is undoubtedly the summer. Legions of families and international visitors on summer break flock to the park in the summer months. Of course, this can mean some pretty crushing crowds. In fact, one of the major reasons my own family had not returned to Yosemite with our kids until this year was the uncomfortable crowd levels.

If you must go in the summer (in non-COVID times), pack your patience and allow extra time for everything. Try to go on a weekday to avoid some of the worst chokepoints and start early in the morning. Also plan to get out of the valley, where crowds will be lighter.

Shoulder season in spring and fall can be an excellent choice for travelers with more flexible schedules looking to dodge even more crowds. In fact, the very best time to visit Yosemite might just be late spring. The month of May, especially, is when waterfalls are often at their highest flows from snowmelt, and the weather is mild for hiking.

Winter in Yosemite is a very different national park experience. Tioga Road closes from about November to late May or early June every year. But much of the rest of the park is accessible, with opportunities to snowshoe or even cross-country ski. The park also is home to a ski resort, Badger Pass, that's less expensive or overwhelming than the mega-resorts elsewhere in California in Lake Tahoe or Mammoth.

Bottom line

Yosemite is certainly a national park worthy of its placement on many travel bucket lists. With both easy and challenging hikes and an array of breathtaking sights, it's a national park that has something to offer a wide variety of travelers.

Just be sure to make plans for crowds when coronavirus restrictions are lifted. And if you're able to safely and responsibly travel to Yosemite while park capacity is limited like my family was, the payoff is pretty tremendous.

Read on for more tips on visiting America's National Parks :

• Guide to visiting Redwood State and National Parks
• Guide to visiting Zion National Park
• Guide to visiting Glacier National Park
• Plan a camping trip to Yellowstone National Park
• Beginners guide to Rocky Mountain National Park
• Where to camp, stay and play at the Grand Canyon
• Top tips for taking kids to National Parks

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AARP's Guide to Yosemite National Park

Giant sequoias, huge waterfalls, el capitan call to naturalists and artists.

by Bill Fink, AARP , Updated August 18, 2021

Allard Schager/Getty Images

En español | In eastern California's Sierra Nevada mountain range, Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles of glacier-carved hills and valleys, rivers and lakes and soaring granite cliffs. Home to some of the most impressive and iconic natural landmarks on Earth, the park teems with superlatives: Yosemite Falls, at 2,425 feet, one of the world's tallest; El Capitan's sheer 3,000-foot walls topping one of the world's largest monoliths; and Mariposa Grove, hosting the world's most massive forms of life, 3,000-year-old sequoias stretching 200 feet upward from 25-foot-thick trunks.

Given its beauty, the park has inspired famous naturalists, photographers and athletes. Naturalist John Muir wrote extensively about his travels in Yosemite, campaigning for it to become a national park , as it did with his help in 1890. “No temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its walls seems to glow with life,” he wrote. Ansel Adams shot some of his most famous photos in the park, writing that “Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.” His old photo studio is now a gallery and store in the park. More recently, the mind-boggling El Capitan rock-climbing exploits of Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold inspired the popular documentaries The Dawn Wall and Free Solo .

But you don't have to be an extreme athlete or legendary artist to appreciate the best of Yosemite. Viewpoints of the famous sights are plentiful and easily accessible. Ranger-led tours and education programs enable you to dig deeper into the park's fascinating natural world, and you can experience its myriad activities — from hiking and biking to golfing and skiing — in your own way.

With 4.5 million visitors annually, the park is certainly no secret, with the Yosemite Valley tourist loop getting quite crowded in summer. But with 95 percent of the park designated as undeveloped wilderness, you can easily get off the beaten track and enjoy plenty of nature for yourself, particularly in the off-season.

Location: Eastern California

Acreage: 759,000 acres

Highest peaks: Mount Lyell, at 13,114 feet

Lowest point: Merced River, at 2,105 feet

Miles of trails : 800 miles (20 miles paved)

Main attractions: El Capitan, Half Dome, Mariposa redwoods, Yosemite Falls

Cost: $35 per carload, good for seven consecutive days (annual Seniors Pass $20)

Best way to see it: Walking to scenic viewpoints from shuttle buses

When to go to avoid the crowds : Winter and early spring

Plan Your Trip

Yosemite is about a 200-mile drive east from San Francisco and 300 miles northeast from Los Angeles. Some visitors arrive via airports at Sacramento (175 miles southeast) and Reno (150 miles south).

Access Yosemite from four entrances. The northwest Big Oak Flat Entrance on CA-120 (via Groveland), the western Arch Rock Entrance on CA-140 (via Mariposa), the South Entrance on Route 41 (via Oakhurst and Fish Camp) and the eastern Tioga Entrance on CA-120 via Lee Vining (closed from approximately mid-November through late May). Entry fee is $35 per vehicle (annual Seniors Pass, $20).

Most visitors focus on central Yosemite Valley , which has most of the lodging and facilities, as well as scenic roadside viewpoints of iconic landmarks, including El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Because of this, it can get crowded during the summer high season, with excessive traffic, limited parking and lodging, and packed paths and viewpoints. Consider visiting in the off-seasons to avoid crowds and to get a different perspective of the park. Spring in Yosemite brings the largest waterfall volume and river flows, while fall boasts vibrant, colorful foliage in the valley, and winter provides a wonderland of silent, snow-covered meadows and mountain peaks. “The best time to visit the park, in my opinion, is mid-September through October. There are still long days, good weather, great leaf-peeping and none of the summer crowds,” says Scott Gediman, Yosemite public affairs officer and 24-year park resident.

A free shuttle bus system within the park travels three routes: the main road loop within Yosemite Valley; between the South Visitor Center and the Mariposa Grove of sequoias; and a link between the Valley and Tuolumne Meadows in the park's northern section.

Avoid traffic and parking hassles and save money by taking a bus to the park with YARTS. Four YARTS routes access the four entrances with regularly scheduled service from several gateway cities and hotels. Round-trip tickets range from $9 to $34 (with about a 50 percent discount for passengers 62-plus) depending on distance, and include entry to the park.

Cellphone and GPS coverage in the park is limited, so bring a paper map (available at all entrances) to help avoid getting lost without signal. Wi-Fi is available for guests at Yosemite hotels, as well as to the public at Degnan's Kitchen cafeteria in the Valley, and the park's two Mariposa County Library branches.

Yosemite has four diverse seasons of weather, and all four can happen in one day, given changing mountain conditions, so dress in layers. Summer temperatures can top 100 degrees at lower elevations in the valley and around Hetch Hetchy reservoir; winter brings lows in the 20s, sometimes with deep snow and road closures.

Where to Stay and Eat

You have plenty of lodging choices in and around the park, but reserve far in advance of the summer season, when accommodations fill quickly.

The Ahwahnee , the park's iconic property, delivers cozy luxury and awe-inspiring views of Yosemite Falls and the surrounding valley — at a hefty price, with its 97 rooms and 24 cottages renting from $600 a night ($495 in the off-season). For your money, you get a slew of amenities, including a window-lined, chandelier-topped grand dining hall serving classic prime rib dinners and its Great Lounge, with soft couches, a roaring fire and a classical pianist — a fine spot for cognac-sipping after a day outdoors. Its food and wine events in fall and winter are “particularly popular with the older demographic,” says Lisa Cesaro, its regional marketing director.

Take your pick of accommodations at Curry Village , a lodging hub at Half Dome Village with 403 canvas tent cabins (shared bath facilities), 61 cabins and 18 motel rooms. Purchase groceries and essentials at its market and dine at nearby restaurants, including Meadow Grill (breakfast burritos, burgers, rice bowls and salads) and Pizza Patio.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge , in Yosemite's central highlands, provides a base camp for hikers during summer with canvas-tented cabins and a tented dining hall serving hearty family-style meals.

Families and groups often favor the sprawling Yosemite Valley Lodge, a 245-room complex near the base of Yosemite Falls, for its affordable prices and larger-sized family and bunk rooms. Feast on steak and seafood and great views of the falls in its Mountain Room, while a food court serves up cafeteria-style cheap eats and a Starbucks.

About five miles beyond Yosemite's South Gate, “go back in time” says Cesaro, at the 104-room Wawona Hotel (built in 1856), a Victorian-style property with reasonable prices and popular summer weekend barbecues. (Note: closed for upgrades until summer 2021.)

For self-catering and extended stays, Scenic Wonders books more than 100 vacation rentals in and just outside the park — everything from rustic cabins and basic condo units to five-bedroom luxury homes.

Yosemite is a mecca for campers with 1,400 individual campsites at 15 campgrounds in large, sparsely wooded encampments in the valley and more remote high-country creek and lakeside retreats. But don't procrastinate: Campgrounds typically get booked solid for the summer — reserve at recreation.gov five months in advance — while limited first-come, first-served campgrounds typically fill by noon. The park permits RVs at nine campgrounds, none with hookups. Fees are $18-26 per night at campgrounds with tap water and restrooms, $6-12 at more basic areas. Backcountry camping requires wilderness permits ($5 per reservation plus $5 per person), with reservations taken 24 weeks in advance online, awarded through lottery during peak periods.

Note: Be very aware when camping; always store food securely to avoid encounters with Yosemite's voracious natives.

In addition to the dining at Yosemite lodging mentioned above, you can stop at Degnan's Kitchen in Yosemite Village for cafeteria food and snacks, with the BBQ-and-beer Loft above it. Stock up on picnic and camping supplies at the Village Store or at Wawona Store in the south and Tuolumne Meadows Store to the north.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Things to Do

Sightseeing: Every visitor must see “Yosemite's Greatest Hits,” as Gediman calls them, the iconic landmarks of wood, water and stone that define the park. From easily accessible roadside viewpoints and short, flat (and mostly wheelchair-accessible) paved paths in Yosemite Valley, gaze at the towering city-sized boulder that is Half Dome, nervously watch the climbers hanging from El Capitan's 3,000-foot-tall sheer cliffs and admire the cool, cascading waters of Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. In the park's southern edge, take a shuttle bus to walk a smooth boardwalk among 500 giant sequoia trees in Mariposa Grove. The ultimate roadside Valley viewpoint? The Tunnel View parking lot by Route 41 north of Wawona. Overlooking the falls, Half Dome and El Capitan, it's a perspective impressive enough to bring out the inner Ansel Adams from even the most jaded city dwellers.

Go sightseeing beyond the Valley and you'll discover more spectacular scenery. In northern Yosemite, see the shimmering waters of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and walk atop its towering dam. The Tuolumne Meadows area in Yosemite's central highlands boasts fields of wildflowers and the high-alpine Tenaya Lake, with white-sand beaches fronting its frigid blue waters. In the Crane Flat area in the park's western edge, escape the crowds for the lesser-visited Merced and Tuolumne sequoia groves and forest paths. Note: The popular road to Glacier Point sightseeing spots is closed through 2021 for repairs.

Hiking and other active pursuits: With 800 miles of trails, the park offers nearly infinite hiking opportunities . Whether you're backcountry camping in the harsh high alpine or taking a half-hour stroll through flat meadows, it's worth the effort to branch off from the paved paths of Yosemite Valley, but know your limits and be aware of changing weather conditions. Day hikes in Yosemite Valley and Tulomne Meadows are moderately difficult but rewarding ways to escape the crowds.

In Yosemite Valley, the Mist Trail begins near Curry Village, ascending 400 feet over about a mile to the Vernal Fall Footbridge. The uphill climb can be a workout at the 4,000-foot elevation, but the wide, paved path is accessible to anyone of reasonable fitness. You'll be rewarded for the effort with prime views of the roaring Merced River and Vernal Fall at the bridge, where restrooms and water are available. The motivated can continue another steep three-quarters of a mile to the top of the falls, then onward six miles to Half Dome.

In Tuolumne Meadows, hike the easy 1.5-mile flat gravel Soda Springs/Parsons Lodge trail to enjoy flowering alpine meadows — traverse a bridge over the Tuolumne River and watch bubbling water emerging from an underground spring. Artists and naturalists present summer seminars at the stone Parsons Memorial Lodge at the trail's end.

Aside from hiking, biking the 12 miles of flat paved trails around Yosemite Valley is probably the best way to access the most scenic viewpoints and facilities at your own pace. Kiosks by Yosemite Valley Lodge and Curry Village rent bikes (including ADA hand-crank and tandem ones) from March to November, weather permitting. From Wawona Stables, hop on a horse or mule for a two-hour guided tour. Take a rare opportunity to play golf within a national park at the nine-hole Wawona Golf Course (open from May to October) near the Wawona Hotel, or play tennis on the property's courts. At the Badger Pass Ski Area in winter, go cross-country and downhill skiing and snowshoeing. Guides also lead backcountry ski tours.

Learning: From the visitors centers, learn about geology, history and wildlife on regular free Yosemite Ranger Walk & Talks in hourlong tours (some wheelchair-accessible). For those with limited mobility, two- to eight-hour guided bus tours from Yosemite Lodge are a good way to get a park overview with easy access to the main sites. Or pick up a new skill in a painting or photography class — there's no better setting to do it in! Offered by the Yosemite Conservancy and the Ansel Adams Gallery, “these workshops have been really popular with the over-50 crowd,” says Gediman. For families, the Yosemite Junior Ranger and Wee Wild Ones programs get the kids and grandkids excited about nature.

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Gateway Towns

Fifteen miles from Yosemite's South Entrance, in Oakhurst , you'll find mountain curio gift shops and a strip of chain motels, plus boating and fishing in nearby Bass Lake. Spoil yourself at the ultraluxurious Chateau du Sureau, with villas and suites fit for French royalty on a mountain estate southwest of town. Splurge on dinner at its Elderberry House Restaurant — think caviar service and duck breast and beef Wellington entrees. Back in town, grab simple pub grub and beers at the South Gate Brewing Company.

Just three miles from Yosemite's South Gate, the expansive Tenaya Lodge is another choice lodging in the area, with new cabins, villas and a hotel with multiple pools and restaurants set amidst a pine forest. A guest perk: customized open-top bus tours of Yosemite.

Between Oakhurst and the South Gate, go back in time and learn about the logging and mining past of the Sierra Nevada mountains on a Sugar Pine Railroad tour. Board an old steam train and chug along a restored railroad used by the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company to haul timber more than a 100 years ago.

In Mariposa, 32 miles from Yosemite's southwest Arch Rock Entrance, you'll find inexpensive lodging, a shop-lined main street, a nice regional history museum and nearby outdoor recreation, including easy shaded hikes and river play. Dine on house-smoked ribs at Woodys Indoor Outdoor Grub in a fun setting with outdoor games and live music. For fine dining, try the rack of lamb or stuffed chicken specialties at Charles Street Dinner House. You'll feel like you're in an old western at the Mariposa Hotel Inn (established 1901) with its six quaint, frilly rooms filled with historical photos, Native American artifacts and classic “Victorian Western” décor.

Just north of Mariposa, AutoCamp recently introduced a hip new luxury experience — “glamping” in 102 custom Airstream trailers, tents and cabins, all with firepits and patios spread in a forested area centered around an upscale clubhouse with pool.

Twenty-four winding miles from the northwest Big Oak Flat entrance takes you the old Gold Rush town of Groveland . Walking tours of its colorful Main Street (with street performers in summer) reveal its Wild West past, with stories about its old jailhouse, historic saloons, miners’ quarters and the shops and brothels that served them. Behind their historic exteriors, the Groveland Hotel (built in 1849) and Hotel Charlotte (built 1921) provide a modern Yosemite-themed lodging experience with reclaimed wood furniture and rustic décor, and amenities such as free Wi-Fi and even a Tesla charging station. Before leaving town for a hike, fuel up with filling burritos at the authentic, family-run Cochina Michoacana.

Just a couple miles from the Oak Flat gate, at the sister properties of the new Rush Creek Lodge (with hotel, villas, pool and spa) and the classic Evergreen Lodge (with historic cabins and a lodge dating to 1921), pick your style of stay at scenic woodland retreats. The Evergreen Lodge dining room makes you feel like a mountain pioneer with regionally sourced entrees such as elk meatloaf and rainbow trout. For a fun, communal dining scene, check out Rush Creek's poolside themed buffets, such as Taco Night.

Near the eastern Tioga entrance, overlooking salty Mono Lake, the small town of Lee Vining is mostly considered a spot to fuel up and buy snacks before entering the park. (Note: this entrance closes during winter). In August and September, birdwatchers flock to the lake to see huge migrations of some of the 325 species of birds spotted here.

If you're driving from Los Angeles on I-5 and CA-41, take a side trip to the adjacent Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks for scenery rivaling that of Yosemite. Marvel at Sequoia's granite hulk of Moro Rock and the world's largest tree (by volume), the 275-foot-tall General Sherman, and drive the scenic byway into the spectacular Kings Canyon for its panoramic views. On eastern Highway 395, spend time in the Mammoth Lakes area, with its full-service mountain resort town, natural hot springs, scenic hiking in summer and world-class skiing in winter. Take a spooky side trip northeast of Yosemite to the ghost town of Bodie, where the abandoned remains of its 19th-century clapboard town structures haunt the open prairie.

North and west of the park, California Gold Country covers the Sierra Nevada foothills, dotted with boomtowns created during the 1849 Gold Rush. Explore along Highway 49 to visit gold panning stations, museums and preserved main streets of towns such as Angels Camp, Murphys and Sutter Creek (where gold was first discovered). The area is also an emerging wine growing region, with vineyards (as well as fruit orchards) and tasting rooms that welcome visitors, including Butterfly Creek Winery and Murphys near Mariposa.

PHOTO BY: DAVID MCNEW/Getty Images

The Grizzly Giant tree in Yosemite's Mariposa Grove is 3,000 years old.

PHOTO BY: Zoonar GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo

The Mist Trail will lead you to the roaring Merced River and Vernal Fall.

PHOTO BY: Mason Vranish/Alamy Stock Photo

Village is a lodging hub, offering canvas tent cabins, more traditional cabins and motel rooms.

PHOTO BY: Artur Debat/Getty Images

El Capitan, with its 3,000-foot-tall sheer cliffs, is famous as the ultimate challenge for rock climbers — featured with nail-biting drama in the documentaries  The Dawn Wall  and  Free Solo .

PHOTO BY: hairballusa/Getty Images

The Ahwahnee, the park's iconic lodge, delivers cozy luxury and awe-inspiring views.

PHOTO BY: Paul Brough/Alamy Stock Photo

Yosemite is home to an estimated 300 to 500 black bears (but no grizzly bears).

PHOTO BY: JON SAVAGE/Alamy Stock Photo

You can view the iconic city-sized boulder known as Half Dome from Glacier Point.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on September 4, 2020. It's been updated to reflect recent COVID-19 developments.

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Yosemite Trip Planner: Weekend Getaway Guide

How to Spend 2 to 3 Days in Yosemite

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Yosemite is one of the country's oldest, best-known and most-photographed national parks. It's a California icon, but I'm always surprised at how many people, including friends who have lived in California their entire lives have never been there.

From much of the state, you can get a taste of Yosemite in a weekend, so why wait? This Yosemite trip guide will help you plan a two- to three-day getaway that takes in all of the must-see sights.

Why Should You Go? Will You Like Yosemite?

Yosemite National Park covers a large area in the mountains, but you can limit a short visit to just the Yosemite Valley and areas nearby.

Yosemite is popular with nature lovers, photographers, and hikers. Families also enjoy camping at Yosemite and in the off-season, you can attend some fun food and wine events. 

Best Time to Visit Yosemite

Yosemite weather is best in spring and fall, and it's less crowded then. To learn more about the best time to visit Yosemite, get more information here .

Frankly, this beloved national park can be more crowded in summer than Black Friday at the local big box store. If you want to take a summer trip, think about staying outside the valley. Or spend your time in cooler, less-crowded spots like Tuolumne Meadows.

If Time Is Short, Don't Miss These Views

Glacier Point : Glacier Points views have inspired photographers from Ansel Adams to Moose Peterson. It's a short walk from the parking lot to vista points that you might otherwise have to hike hours to reach. To get there, take Hwy 41 south from the Valley and watch for the turnoff.

Tunnel View: You can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all at once from this viewpoint on Hwy 41 south of the valley. The parking area is just before you get to the tunnel.

5 More Great Things to Do in Yosemite

There's a lot to do at Yosemite, and much of it is free after you pay the entrance fee. These are the next stops to make

• The Yosemite Valley  is where you'll find Half Dome, El Capitan, and many other famous sights. You'll enjoy it a lot more if you stop and walk, even if it's only a little distance from the road.
• Take a Hike  or opt for a nice, long walk on some  easy Yosemite day hikes . For something more challenging, there's a complete list of hikes at the National Park website .
• Tuolumne Meadows  is a great place to head on a hot day when the park is crowded.
• Take a Ranger-Led Tour: Check the Yosemite Today newspaper or ask at the visitor center to find out about tours during your visit.
• Watch the Sunset: From Tunnel View, you'll get a view of the entire Yosemite Valley. In the late afternoon, hang around to watch the sunlight play across Half Dome and El Capitan. Linger after the sun goes down and you see a rare red-tinted, alpenglow, which will be in the east shortly after the sun sets.

Annual Events You Should Know About at Yosemite

• Bracebridge Dinners  have been an annual Christmas tradition at Yosemite since 1927. The hotel dining room transforms into a 17th-century English manor set up for a holiday feast, complete with entertainment. To have your pick of dates, make reservations the previous February.
• The Ahwahnee sponsors special events all year long, including wine and chef's events . Most of them require reservations.

Tips for Visiting Yosemite

• For the most beautiful approach to Yosemite , take CA Hwy 140 through Merced and Mariposa. The drive along the Merced River is a good warm-up for sights in the Valley.
• Get around Yosemite like a pro by downloading an app. Find out about the different Yosemite apps available here .
• Don't bring too much food. Most hotels don't allow it in your room (particularly in the lodge). Because of bears in the area, it is not safe to leave it in the car. The best thing to do is to buy what you need at one of the stores and eat it right away or choose one of the several places to eat in the park.

Yosemite's Best Bites

The Ahwahnee dining room is the park's most famous place to eat, but there are plenty of other options. At the lovely dining room at Yosemite Lodge, the quality of the photography displayed on the walls threatens to upstage the dishes on your plate. The hotel serves Sunday brunch featuring nine buffet stations, but it's so popular that reservations are a must during busy times.

If the weather is nice, you can pick up makings for a picnic meal at Degnan's Deli in Yosemite Village.

Where to Stay at Yosemite

The most important thing to do when planning your Yosemite trip is to make your hotel reservations as early as possible. In fact, make them even if you aren't sure yet and pay attention to cancellation policies in case you change your mind.

To keep costs down, think "camping." That doesn't mean you have to sleep on the ground, fight off bears, and do battle with uncooperative tent poles, though. It's possible to do Yosemite on a budget .

Where Is Yosemite?

Yosemite is 188 miles from San Francisco, 184 miles from San Jose, 174 miles from Sacramento, 212 miles from Reno, NV and 310 miles from Los Angeles. The nearest airport is in Fresno (FAT).

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How to Be a Smart Yosemite California Trip Planner

Tuolumne Meadows: A Trip Worth Taking in Yosemite

5 Easy Hikes in Yosemite Valley

Tips for Avoiding the Summer Crowds at National Parks

Winter in Yosemite: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

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Yosemite Itinerary: Ultimate First Time Visitor Guide (1, 2 & 3 Day Itinerary)

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: July 29, 2020

Yosemite is a treasure trove of beauty and one of the crown jewels among the very best USA National Parks . This Yosemite itinerary will help you plan the most efficient way to spend your time in this spectacular corner of California. 

The spellbinding awe of Yosemite’s landscapes, smooth domed rock formations and unspeakably majestic valley have to be seen in person to be believed.

We will show you the best way to spend 1, 2 and 3 days at Yosemite to cover day trips, weekend breaks and those fortunate to have an extra day.

No matter how long you spend here, we know you will be swept off your feet – just like the great writers and photographers who immortalized Yosemite before you.

2023 Update : You  do not  need an advanced reservation to visit Yosemite National Park this year. The only exception is weekends in February for those who want to see Horsetail Fall on fire.

Why Visit Yosemite National Park?

Yellowstone is arguably the King of US National Parks – being the first established and immensely popular – but every King needs a Queen and Yosemite National Park’s astonishing grandeur is regal enough for our vote .

The park has something for everyone, from family vacations and couples who love hiking , to expert rock climbers and pro photographers.

Beloved panoramas of sweeping valleys, waterfalls and famous granite monoliths steal the show at Yosemite. Photography enthusiasts will be blown away.

El Capitan and Half Dome are even more impressive than you imagine but simply driving through Yosemite valley is scenic enough to justify a visit.

Various stop-off points around the valley scenic loop road are perfect for the less able or young children.

Yosemite is the gift that keeps on giving. It also happens to be a hikers paradise with hundreds of epic miles of trails with awe-inspiring climaxes to spur you on.

In summary, you should visit Yosemite National Park in California because it is a natural wonder perfect for everyone!

Yosemite National Park Factfile

Address : PO Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 Website : nps.gov/yose Phone : (209) 372-0200 Park Hours : All day, every day Entrance Fee : US$ 35 Vehicle 7 Day Pass (or free with America the Beautiful Pass ) Campgrounds : Yes, spread across the park (see campgrounds) Accommodation : Notoriously challenging, some lodging in Yosemite Valley, more in surrounding areas Backcountry camping : Backcountry Use Permit Required Top Activities : Hiking, Camping, Rock Climbing, Stargazing, photography Annual Visitors : 4.5 million

How To Get To Yosemite National Park

Flying / Closest Airports to Yosemite

Smaller –  Fresno-Yosemite International, Merced and Modesto airports are all under 3 hours drive from the National Park.

Larger –  San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento and Reno-Tahoe airports are all under 5 hours drive. More flights and of course the only options for those traveling from further afield.

• We always use and recommend searching for flights with  Skyscanner  for best prices, options and user experience.
• If you plan to hire a car and drive to Yosemite, compare prices and options with Rental Cars for best value.

Related : Save money with our 15 expert tips on finding cheap flights

Driving Entrances to Yosemite

There are a total of 5 entrances to Yosemite National Park but we will focus on the 4 with access to Yosemite Valley.

Tioga Pass Entrance (East, only open May-October, crosses Sierra Nevada);  Big Oak Flat Entrance (Northwest);  Arch Rock Entrance (Southwest) and  South Entrance (South).

Hetch Hetchy is the 5th entrance to park boundaries but it is a secluded and does not lead to the main Yosemite attractions.

• Los Angeles, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree and San Diego – enter via Fresno and South Entrance
• San Jose – enter via Arch Rock entrance
• San Francisco and Oakland – enter via either Arch Rock Entrance or Big Oak Flat Entrance
• Sacramento (and North to Oregon/Washington) – enter via Big Oak Flat Entrance
• Reno, Las Vegas, Death Valley (and East to all US) – enter via Tioga Pass Entrance (May-Oct)

Read about the best things to do in  San Francisco , Los Angeles and San Diego to help plan your California road trip.

Public Transport Options to Yosemite

Amtrak offer a train/bus combination from most major cities around California. Be aware there could be a number of transfers and it will take between 5-7 hours from San Francisco.

Alternatively, you can book a greyhound to Merced and hop on a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS).

This would pass though Mariposa, Midpines and El Portal (all places you might be forced to stay in Summer with lack of accommodation options) and enter via Arch Rock.

YARTS also runs services from Sonora (Big Oak Flat entrance), Mammoth Lakes (Tioga Pass entrance) and Fresno (South entrance). More information on YARTS .

Yosemite Valley Shuttle

Yosemite provides a free shuttle bus which loops around the valley regularly, saving on congestion and pollution.

Especially in Summer, you will need to arrive very early and if you are fortunate enough to find a parking space near Yosemite village, do not move your car until you are ready to leave!

Take the shuttle bus that you can hop on – hop off at each stop.

Do you need help planning your visit to Yosemite National Park? Our popular 50 page Yosemite Guidebook and Itinerary covers every aspect of planning a trip to Yosemite including hikes, hotels, restaurants, getting around, things to do and so much more!

Best Time To Visit Yosemite National Park

Close your eyes and point to an annual calendar … it doesn’t matter which date you choose, Yosemite is going to blow you away. Every season offers its own unique take on the park and you will have to compromise one thing for another.

Summer is renowned for being unbearably packed so we advise if possible to plan your Yosemite itinerary in Spring or Fall.

• Spring – The best time to visit for waterfalls in full flow, spring bloom, fewer crowds than Summer, will need layers for hot/cold/hiking.
• Summer – Slightly longer daylight hours, warmer weather, overcrowding problem, busy trails, traffic jams, book accommodation way in advance to stand a chance.
• Fall – Gorgeous autumnal foliage colors, barely any water flowing, comfortable temperatures and crowd levels, layers required.
• Winter – Unique time to visit Yosemite with Skiing, Ice Skating and Snowshoeing very popular. Expect fewer crowds, stunning winter wonderland scenery and cold weather.

We first visited Yosemite National Park in October at the heart of the Fall season and like many places in the US at this time of year, it was beautiful. However, we were (extremely!) disappointed the postcard perfect waterfalls were bone dry.

But hey, that’s the trade off. And you can see how pretty the autumnal foliage is in this Yosemite itinerary. Next time we will visit in Spring!

Best Things To Do In Yosemite National Park

The overwhelming majority of best things for you to do on your Yosemite itinerary are within Yosemite Valley itself. However, there are other amazing places to explore away from the valley that are far less crowded.

Here are some of the top highlights for you to consider in Yosemite:

Half Dome Hike

Half Dome is Yosemite’s iconic granite dome at the far end of the valley appearing as though a meat cleaver sliced it precisely in half.

Standing proudly at just under 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and dominating most nearby viewpoints, Half Dome is one of the most sought after and amazing hikes in the world.

What was once considered inaccessible can now be accessed by multiple rock climbing routes and one hiking path. This hiking path is only open between Memorial Day and Columbus Day (May-Oct) and is not for the feint hearted.

Cables are inserted each May to aid hikers with the final stretch to Half Dome summit and it is steep. Extremely steep.

Many take this hike on and have to be assisted by park rangers each year because they underestimated either its difficulty or they were afraid of heights.

Half Dome Lottery Permit

In order to summit Half Dome, you will need a permit and they are not easy to acquire. To be in with a chance, you have to enter a lottery in March for the upcoming season. Only 300 hikers are permitted to summit Half Dome per day, consisting of 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers.

You can apply for up to 6 people and you can only apply once.

If you are successful, you will become the permit holder and everyone else in your party become alternates. This is important because the permit holder must be present on the day for any of the group to summit.

If you are unsuccessful, you can take your chances by applying for a permit in the daily lottery. You can apply 2 days before the date you want to hike Half Dome.

For example, you apply on Monday to hike on Wednesday. You find out the same day if you are successful. Read NPS guidelines for Half Dome to plan your hike.

Half Dome is one of the best hikes in the world but it isn’t easy. To reach the base of Half Dome, you can either take:

• John Muir trail (longer but more gradual) at 16.4 miles roundtrip
• Mist trail at 14 miles roundtrip (shorter but steeper)
• Or a combination of both trails in a loop

Most people take between 10-12 hours total time for this round trip route to Half Dome summit.

Leave at sunrise and give yourself / your group a non negotiable turn around time. For example, if you haven’t summited by 2pm, turn around.

Check Yosemite sunrise times before your visit.

The Mist Trail / John Muir Trail Loop

Half Dome is the quintessential Yosemite hike but don’t sweat it if you can’t get a permit or you visit out of season. Yosemite has a ton of awesome alternatives and here’s something to remember:

You can’t see Half Dome from the top of Half Dome!!

Mist trail is Yosemite’s signature hike and therefore the most crowded trail in the park. You will pass two of Yosemite’s rock-star status waterfalls in Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls on this fantastic hike.

Views over Yosemite Valley and the back of Half Dome from Nevada Falls are worth the effort.

• Trail Distance : 7 miles roundtrip / 8 miles roundtrip Mist up, John Muir down loop (add on 1.5 miles roundtrip if walking from Curry village and not taking park shuttle to trailhead)
• Elevation Gain : 1,900 feet to Nevada Falls
• Trail Time : 4-6 hours if loop completed
• Trail Difficulty : Moderate / Strenuous

In peak season or weekends through Spring/Fall be sure to set off either very early or later in the afternoon to avoid the mid-morning rush.

Read our complete Yosemite Mist Trail hiking guide to learn more, featuring John Muir Loop, Vernal and Nevada Fall, maps and tips to help plan your hike.

Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall will be the very first waterfall you see as you enter Yosemite Valley. It is the iconic waterfall to the right of famous valley images taken in Spring when the fall thunders.

During Summer and Fall Bridalveil Fall is wispy and a light spray trickles from 189 meters above a viewing area.

The trail is just 0.5 miles roundtrip close to a car park which makes it perfect for young children or those with less able family members.

Yosemite Falls

The mighty Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America and the fifth tallest in the world.

However, you will only see water here between November and July – as you can see in our photo above taken in October the falls were bone dry.

You can hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, an easy 1 mile flat round trip trail (where the photo above was taken) or hike a strenuous 6-8 hour / 7 mile roundtrip trail to Upper Yosemite Falls.

“El Cap” is one of the most impressive and iconic monolithic features in all of Yosemite.

If you hadn’t heard of it a few years back, you certainly have now thanks to nail biting television productions bringing extreme rock climbing to a wider audience.

Watch The Dawn Wall and Free Solo before visiting El Capitan.

When you arrive at the base of El Cap after a short easy hike from a nearby car park, look up and you will really appreciate what these climbers achieved!

Aside from its notoriety, El Capitan is a mightily impressive granite feature in Yosemite. It is best viewed from El Capitan Meadow, Tunnel View and Valley View (more on these later).

Sunrise is the most beautiful time to photograph El Cap as the pink rays of first light illuminate its famous wall. 

For those with more time in Yosemite who want to say they’ve walked on the summit of El Cap, you can either climb it or hike a 13.5 strenuous round trip trail beginning close to Yosemite Falls.

Views are not as impressive as at the summit of Half Dome but hey, you’re standing on top of El Cap!

Tioga Pass Road

Tioga Pass Road runs from Yosemite’s Northeast entrance (near Mammoth Lakes) to Big Oak Flat Road close to Yosemite Valley entrance.

Use this entrance if also visiting Lake Tahoe, Death Valley or the best natural northern California hot springs around Mammoth Lakes.

This road is also known as CA Highway 120 and is incredibly scenic with plenty of awesome stops along the way.

Although the majority of Yosemite’s highlights are in the valley, Tioga Pass Road – known as the High Sierra – is a fantastic place to begin/end a 3 day itinerary if you have the spare time.

Here are some recommended highlights:

• Hike to Dog Lake and Lembert Dome Summit – 4 mile roundtrip with awesome views.
• Cathedral Lakes hike – 7 mile roundtrip and one of the most popular in the area.
• Olmsted Point – Fantastic viewpoint featuring huge cracked and smooth boulders.
• Others to consider include Tenaya Lake, Gaylor Lakes and Mono Pass (but you can’t do them all!).

Note : Tioga Pass Road is only open May-October. You will not be able to cross the Sierra Nevada on this road between November and April.

Sequoia Tree Groves

Although not on the scale of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite has its own fair share of gigantic Sequoia Trees.

There are three main areas you can walk among Yosemite’s Sequoias:

1. Tuolumne Grove – Located at the joining of Tioga Pass Road and Big Oak Flat Road. A 2.5 mile roundtrip trail with a sharp descent to the grove (and sharp ascent back to the car park) is home to around 30 mature Sequoias.

One dead Sequoia has had a tunnel cut through its base so you can pass underneath and appreciate the circumference of these enormous trees.

2. Mariposa Grove – Located near South entrance. This is the largest and best Sequoia grove in Yosemite with over 500 mature giant Sequoias.

Hike the Big Trees Loop trail if short on time, otherwise, hike the 2 mile Grizzly Giant Loop trail. There are longer trails for those with more days.

3. Merced Grove – The smallest Sequioa grove is located further up Big Oak Flat Road on the way in or out of Yosemite. There are only 20 Giant Sequoias but it is by far the least crowded of the three groves.

You know they’re going to be massive, everything you see and read tells you that, but when you see one in person you will still be shocked!

Glacier Point

Glacier Point boasts the best panorama in all of Yosemite, arguably on par with Half Dome. However, getting to Glacier Point is not the easiest or most enjoyable.

You have to drive 16 miles up Glacier Point road – a very congested, constantly winding and at times extremely narrow road. That being said, it is without question worth the drama!

Access to this road is 23 miles from South entrance and best driven either at the beginning or end of your Yosemite itinerary.

Magnificent 270 degree views over Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and the Merced River are unbelievable. Glacier Point and nearby Washburn Point are the best places in Yosemite to watch sunset.

There are a number of hikes at nearby trailheads: 

• Sentinel Dome – 2.2 mile roundtrip, moderate and find Jeffrey Pine (one of the most photographed trees in the world).
• Taft Point and the Fissures – 2.2 mile roundtrip, easy and stunning views without guardrails found at Glacier Point.
• Four Mile Trail – You can hike to Glacier Point from Yosemite Valley if you take this strenuous 9.6 mile roundtrip trail.
• Panorama – This is an extension of Mist/John Muir trail which can be joined close to Nevada Falls and hiked to Glacier Point, but its 8.5 miles one way and strenuous.

One tip for photographers is to consider the time of your visit because huge valley covering shadows appear in the later afternoon. Astrophotography would be perfect at Glacier Point.

Yosemite Valley

Do not entirely disregard Yosemite Valley in favor of hikes and domes. There are a number of fantastic photography spots around the Merced River, often with reflections of granite monoliths or beautiful autumnal foliage.

Yosemite’s one way loop means you can pull the car over as often as you like. It is perfect for families with older or younger members to enjoy the beauty of this National Park.

Some of the notable stops include Cathedral Beach, Sentinel Beach, Swinging Bridge, Sentinel Bridge, El Capitan Bridge and Valley View (the best one).

You can see the likes of El Capitan and the Three Brothers reflect perfectly on still water in Fall.

Yosemite is one of the top places to visit in the US and you will be blown away by the sheer beauty inside Yosemite Valley. Plan to spend a lot of time here.

Best Yosemite Photography Locations

Yosemite national park is a beautiful part of America, the perfect environment for landscape and nature lovers. Photography doesn’t get much easier than inside the valley, looking up at waterfalls and towering granite domes.

We truly enjoyed taking photographs around Yosemite and will definitely be back in future for many more.

If you would like to see all of our favorites from the park in more detail, read our complete guide to Yosemite Photography next.

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is the quintessential Yosemite photograph made famous by Ansel Adams.

You will see the majestic flat face of El Capitan to the left, straight ahead at the end of the valley is Half Dome on a slight angle and Bridalveil Fall to the right.

Vistas don’t get any better than this wobbly-knees-moment anywhere in the world.

Spring is the best time to capture this iconic image at its most powerful. Bridalveil fall takes the photograph to another level and you won’t get it in Summer or Fall.

Winter is another excellent time to photograph Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View as it is shrouded in mist and a light sprinkling of snow.

There is no hiking involved, you simply park at one of the lots close to Wawona/Yosemite Tunnel just a few minutes drive from the Valley. Arrive at sunrise to avoid the crowd. Sunset will inevitably be busy, particularly in Summer.

Go to Tunnel View instead of driving to Glacier Point for stars, which would be amazing but a lot of effort.

T he Milky Way will appear over the tunnel and you can get a great night shot with the tunnel in your foreground.

Also, if you take a long exposure over Yosemite Valley with a wide angle lens, you will see white streaks on El Capitan – they are rock climbers making a night climb to El Cap’s summit. Pretty cool, right?!

Valley View

Depending on the type of photography you prefer, Valley View could beat Tunnel View when you consider how much more you can capture in the foreground.

With still water at sunrise, you can compose an image with a reflecting El Capitan glowing red. This place gets busy and there’s not a lot of room to park so plan accordingly, particularly around sunset.

Take a sturdy tripod and wade out into the river – if it is safe to do so – for enhanced composition. Maybe even walk out to a rock and get a photo of yourself in the foreground?!

Various Yosemite Valley / Merced River Rest Areas

As we mentioned earlier, these Valley floor stop offs aren’t to be missed!

You will see plenty of pro photographers at various points of the day wading through the shallow Merced river (in Fall) searching for the best river reflection shots of towering granite rocks.

Yosemite Valley Meadow

Walk out into the meadows around Yosemite Valley using wooden boardwalks. You will be able to shoot different perspectives of the valley and all of the major features within it.

When we visited in Fall, the meadows had turned yellowy-brown and straw like. Barely anyone will be around and you can get creative with your images.

Yosemite Itinerary Broken Up Into Regions

Phew! That’s a lot of information to digest. Yosemite is a big park and it helps to understand the layout.

Above is a map of Yosemite broken into 3 regions: North, Valley and South. You will find each of the 4 entrances labeled to give you an idea of the routes around Yosemite.

Note : This is separate to the Interactive Map at the end of this article on which you can zoom in / out and move around to orientate yourself with Yosemite, accommodation options and itinerary highlights.

How Many Days For The Perfect Yosemite Itinerary?

Yosemite is an incredible place, if there’s ever been a true ‘bucket list’ destination, this is it. You could easily spend weeks here and not get bored. However, that is entirely unrealistic for the majority of visitors.

Personally, we believe three days is the perfect amount of time to spend at Yosemite, considering work/life/family commitments and what you can achieve here in 3 days.

However, 2 days will allow you to hit most of the major sights and even in one day you can still get through a big slice of Yosemite pie.

Let’s get stuck into the most efficient way to visit Yosemite for each of those timeframes and make the most of your trip.

Yosemite Itinerary Assumptions

The following itineraries do not include hiking Half Dome. If you are hiking Half Dome it will take one full day but you can pick up the 2 or 3 day itineraries around the big hiking day.

One and Two Day itineraries should begin and end either at Big Flat Oak, Arch Rock or South entrances; a common loop route from San Francisco.

Three day itinerary should begin at East entrance and end at South entrance or vice versa for maximum efficiency, ideally as part of a wider US road trip .

An example route would be Las Vegas – Death Valley – Yosemite – San Francisco .

Yosemite Itinerary Map

We have created a 3 day Yosemite Itinerary map to show you how we would spend 3 days in the park.

Please note the map is based on our 3 day itinerary listed below. Our 1 and 2 day Yosemite itineraries do not feature in this map.

Click into the interactive map, zoom in / out, scroll around and click on any icon to see details of attractions on days 1 -3.  Follow the points each day from morning to evening for the most efficient way to see Yosemite.

We always find that spending just a few minutes working out where things are really helps when we arrive.

One Day In Yosemite Itinerary

Morning – Day 1

• With just one day available, you will need to arrive early and expect to leave late.
• Drive straight to Yosemite Valley and watch sunrise at Tunnel View .
• Right next to Tunnel View you can park up at Bridalveil Falls trailhead and hike the short trail.
• Drive around the one way loop and take the first left as if leaving the park. Stop at El Capitan meadow/bridge to see the impressive granite tower contrast against the shadowy foreground you are standing in.
• Continue as though you are leaving the valley and stop at Valley View for the other spectacular viewpoint in the park for photography.
• Do not leave the valley, instead drive round in a loop to join back up where you were not long ago. Frustrating to be retracing steps but necessary.
• Drive past the turn you made to El Cap and stop at Cathedral Beach or Sentinel Beach to see reflections of trees and granite towers in the Merced River.
• Continue to the Visitor Center parking lot and park up. Take the shuttle to Mist/John Muir trailhead.

Afternoon – Day 1

• Hike to Vernal Falls and if you’re quicker you can make it up to Nevada Falls . Go down on whichever trail you didn’t go up on to complete the loop.
• Drive to Lower Falls trailhead and walk the short loop to see the tallest waterfall in North America. You won’t have time to hike to Upper Falls.
• On the way out of Yosemite Valley, stop at El Capitan and walk to its base so you can appreciate the sheer scale.
• Drive through Wawona Tunnel and take Glacier Point Road all the way to the end in time for sunset over Half Dome.

2 Days In Yosemite Itinerary

M orning – Day 1

• Enter via Big Flat Oak entrance before stopping at Tuolumne Grove to see Giant Sequoias.
• Drive down into Yosemite Valley, stopping first at Bridalveil Falls, then El Capitan Meadow and Valley View.
• Loop around, stop at every turn off along the valley until you reach either your hotel, lodge or campground. From your hotel or campground, make your way to Mist Trail and hike up to Vernal Falls / Nevada Falls.

A fternoon – Day 1

• Drive the loop, stopping at Cook’s Meadow Loop and Lower Yosemite Falls.
• Walk to the base of El Capitan, stop once more at Valley View and head up to Tunnel View for amazing vistas.
• Head back towards your hotel/campground but stop to watch sunset at either Stoneman Meadow near Curry Village or Sentinal Bridge close to the visitor center. You will have an excellent view of Half Dome at both.
• If you want to stargaze or take astro shots, Summer is best and head to Sentinel Dome / Glacier Point (a long drive) Valley View, Tunnel View or Sentinel Bridge (closer).

M orning – Day 2

• Grab an early start and hike to Upper Yosemite Falls or even further to El Capitan summit. In Spring definitely hike the Falls and only the quicker hikers should continue to El Capitan on the morning of day 2.
• That will take up your entire morning!
• Alternatively, spend the morning walking around the visitor center, Ansel Adams gallery (we bought an awesome astrophotography book here!) and more time in the meadows/valley floor for amazing photography.

A fternoon – Day 2

• Drive through Wawona Tunnel (stopping again at Tunnel View – time of day impacts images) and onto Glacier Point Road. Stop at Taft Point / Sentinel Dome trailhead and choose one of them to hike. Both are great choices.
• Continue to Glacier Point before the huge shadows of late afternoon arrive for the best photographs of Half Dome. It will be busy up here!
• Leave via South entrance but stop at Mariposa Grove to hike the 2 mile Grizzly Giant loop among Giant Sequoia Trees.

Yosemite 3 Day Itinerary

• Enter via South entrance, stop at Mariposa Grove and hike among Giant Sequoias including Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
• Head North and take Glacier Point Road all the way to the end. Enjoy sweeping views over Half Dome and the 3,000 feet drop to Yosemite Valley. The views are simply stunning.
• Hike to either Sentinel Dome or Taft Point for more astounding views.
• Drive all the way into Yosemite Valley, stopping at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan Meadow/Bridge, Cathedral Beach and Sentinel Beach.
• Check in to your hotel or campground before walking around the Visitor Center and Ansel Adams gallery.
• Sunset at Sentinel Bridge or Stoneman Meadow with great views of Half Dome and stargaze at any of the places mentioned earlier.
• Wake up early to hike up Mist trail before the crowds arrive. Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap and the backside of Half Dome await you.
• Return via the John Muir Trail to complete the loop.
• Expect between 4-6 hours of total hiking time.

Afternoon – Day 2

• Walk the Lower Yosemite Falls loop. We saw a mountain lion cub on the loop when we visited. Fortunately we avoided the mother!
• A little further round the loop, hike to the base of El Capitan to see how frightening the prospect of free climbing it would be! More than likely there will be climbers on the wall. Take a telephoto lens or binoculars.
• Spend the remainder of the afternoon around Yosmite Valley’s many meadows, special viewpoints and river reflection spots.

Morning – Day 3

• If you’re a big hiker and don’t mind early starts – wake up and hike to Upper Yosemite Falls as early as possible. Alternatively, hike Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point.
• Both are strenuous and will take a good few hours.
• For those who prefer an easier morning / if you missed Mariposa Grove at the beginning of Day 1 – drive to Mariposa Grove at the start of Tioga Pass Road to walk among Giant Sequoias.

A fternoon – Day 3

• Before lunch both of the above would converge around Mariposa Grove (hikers wouldn’t have time for the Sequoias). Begin the drive up Tioga Pass Road.
• Stop at Olmsted Point for more awesome views including Half Dome and walk around Tuolumne Meadows.
• Choose either Cathedral Lakes trail (7 mile popular roundtrip) or Dog Lake and Lembert Dome(4 mile roundtrip with excellent views from dome summit).
• Leave via East entrance.

Note: This 3 day Yosemite itinerary can easily be done in reverse (East to South entrances)

Yosemite National Park Map of Key Locations and Accommodation

Spend a few minutes studying our interactive itinerary map of Yosemite National Park and its surrounding areas.

Click on the map, zoom in / out and move around to orientate yourself with the park.

• Hotels and Campgrounds in and around the National Park – Purple Markers
• Gas Stations (don’t run out!), Entrances, Visitor Center and Car Parks – Black Markers
• Hiking Trails, Domes, Photography Locations, Major Points of Interest – Orange Markers

Learning the local geography is the best way to save time when you actually arrive into Yosemite.

Where To Stay For Your Yosemite Itinerary

Yosemite’s beauty is revered on a global scale but its popularity means finding somewhere to sleep can be a real problem, particularly in peak season.

We’ve written an extremely popular guide to the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park which we highly recommend as a very useful planning resource.

Campgrounds are notoriously difficult to book and often hotels close to the park charge exorbitant fees.

Whether you prefer camping or hotels, the earlier you know your Yosemite itinerary dates, the better. Be as organized as humanly possible – we’re talking months in advance here! 

Our example

We visited Yosemite in October and began to look for accommodation around 1 week before but barely anything was available.

We lucked out with a spot at Upper Pines campground on 1 of our 3 nights but no other spaces at any campground opened up for our other nights.

So, we spent a night in one of the top hotels in Mammoth Lakes the first night and began Day 1 very early entering from East entrance.

Night 2 we spent in a less than perfect yurt-like cabin (yes it was very cold!) between El Portal and Incline, and night 3 was in Upper Pines campground.

From experience, we can tell you how inconvenient driving in and out of the park is each day. But it will be far cheaper.

Another trade off!

Mariposa is a great place to base yourself to save money. We stayed at Best Western Plus  Mariposa on night 4 and enjoyed a pizza at Pizza Factory after a few days of camp food!

Book in advance if you don’t want to be traveling long distances or moving every night.

Yosemite Campgrounds

If you know your dates early and are certain you want to camp, book immediately. The same goes for backpackers and Half Dome hikers. The earlier the better in all circumstances at Yosemite!

Here are the 4 campgrounds in Yosemite Valley:

• Upper Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 238 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• Lower Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 60 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• North Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 81 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• Camp 4 – Late May to early September campsites are only available through a daily lottery one day in advance ( information here ). September to May is first-come, first-served but fills early and is only US$ 6 / night.

There are more camping options North and South of Yosemite in Wawona and Tioga Pass road. Check NPS for all Yosemite campground information .

Camping Exclusive

Would you like to camp in Yosemite National Park but can’t find any campsite availability?

We have teamed up with The Dyrt to offer our readers the chance to take advantage of our exclusive  30 day free trial of The Dyrt PRO , which can help you get reservations at sold out campgrounds in Yosemite National Park by using a fantastic new feature called Dyrt Alerts.

You can create alerts to notify you of any cancelations at campgrounds in Yosemite, which is huge. When a space becomes available, you simply book it right away to snag a near impossible campsite in Yosemite.

You can try The Dyrt PRO for free, no strings attached!

Hotels Near Yosemite

Booking hotels in and around Yosemite takes a bit of perseverance and a lot of patience. Usually, we would say being flexible gives you the best chance of grabbing a good deal.

However, unless you book a long way in advance, you might not have a choice to be flexible.

Your first step should be to take a look at  hotels and lodges in Yosemite Valley for availability and prices. These hotels and lodges are booked through the National Park Service.

Availability and prices for your selected dates may not work for you. In that case you will need to find a hotel as close to the park as possible .

Your best bet is to find any hotels that have availability for your travel dates. Here’s a complete list of all hotels near Yosemite National Park .

• Input your dates
• Search by list or better yet by map
• Find a hotel (or hotels) in the best regions of the park to suit your itinerary

Cabins / Lodges / Yurts Near Yosemite

A decent compromise between high prices in Yosemite Valley and long drives in/out from the likes of Mariposa is to stay in a yurt, lodge or tent.

There are plenty of these small lodge grounds in places like El Portal, Incline, Yosemite West, Wawona and Fish Camp.

More From Yosemite

• Yosemite Mist Trail: Fun Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls (John Muir Loop)
• Where To Stay At Yosemite: Best Places, Hotels and Lodging Options
• Yosemite In October: 10 Important Things To Know Before You Go
• Yosemite Photography: Best Locations, Iconic Landmarks and Epic Vistas

More From California

• Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: 23 Stops San Francisco to San Diego
• San Diego Itinerary: 9 Unmissable Things To Do In 3 Perfect Days
• San Francisco Itinerary: 15 Amazing Things To Do In 3 Awesome Days
• 10 Unmissable Things To Do In Los Angeles For First Time Visitors
• Alcatraz Tour Review: Is It Worth Your Valuable Time And Money?
• One Day In Death Valley: Perfect Day Trip Itinerary From Las Vegas

Need Help With Planning Your Trip To Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite is a spectacular landscape and a firm favorite among nature enthusiasts. But it is also one of the more challenging US national parks to plan.

We have created a 50 page guidebook and itinerary filled with key information and expert advice, example itineraries for hikers and non-hikers, and all essential things to know for both planning and when you are on site in Yosemite.

If you want to make the most of your trip to Yosemite, our guidebook is the perfect resource for you.

We hope this helped you plan your Yosemite National Park itinerary!

Have you been to Yosemite? What was your favorite part?

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help planning your visit to Yosemite in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

12 thoughts on “Yosemite Itinerary: Ultimate First Time Visitor Guide (1, 2 & 3 Day Itinerary)”

Hello Mark, I want to come from San francisco to yesemite for 2 days and then go to lake taho via tioga pass from October 17th to 18 ( at yosemite) and leave either on 19th or 20th to lake taho. I just need little help to let me know how to exit the park for tioga pass to Lake taho. I have seen your maps but i just needed littel help. YOU have done such a wonderful job of visiting yosemite in october…thank you Mark

Hi Anjana, we’re glad to hear you will be visiting Yosemite in October, the valley is beautiful and a little less crowded this time of year. You should be fine leaving Yosemite via Tioga Pass Road on October 20th (the earliest they have closed that road in the last 10 years is October 21 but it is usually November). You will exit Yosemite Valley on Big Oak Flat Road and take a right turn onto Tioga Road near Tuolumne Grove. That road will take you all the way out of the park to the northeast. Once you reach Lee Vining, take a left onto US-395 N heading for South Lake Tahoe. Have a great time!

Any chance you have a similar guide for Kings Canyon/Sequoia and Joshua Tree?

Hi Kyle, Unfortunately we do not, but we hope to have more Guidebooks published later this year. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions 🙂

Great article!!

We are coming in from Monterey and staying 1 night in Mariposa… Which entrance and itinerary would be best suited to us please!

Thanks, Vish! If you are coming in from Monterey, the best entrance to use is Arch Rock entrance on El Portal Road. Assuming you have 2 days including travel both ways we would suggest spending the first day exploring all of Yosemite Valley after arriving, staying in Mariposa, heading back into Yosemite via Oakhurst and Fish Camp so you can do the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias and Glacier Point, before maybe hiking another trail in Yosemite Valley. We would then leave via El Portal Road to head back to Monterey. It is a lot to drive in just 2 days and staying in Mariposa means you have to drive back out and in again then next morning, but you will still be able to see the top sights easily, especially if you don’t take on any of the longer hikes. Let us know if you have any more questions and have a great trip!

Thank you so much!! This really helps to plan our 3 day trip to Yosemite! Great information and details!

Hi Shrenik, we’re very happy to help and hope you have a fantastic trip to Yosemite!

Enjoyed this so much! My granddaughter is a ranger at Wawona. Her mom and I are hoping to travel to Yosemite this summer. Thank you for all your travel tips!

Thank you Sylvia, Yosemite is a beautiful park – your granddaughter has a great job! We really hope you are able to make it this Summer and enjoy your trip!

An amazing national picture perfect park, almost everything you could wish to see in one place. Excellent pictures once again, keep it up.

Thanks Graham! Yosemite really is difficult to beat for landscapes and photography. Hope you get to use this Yosemite itinerary one day!

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The Grand Valley Since 1864

An icon of America’s majestic natural beauty, California’s Yosemite National Park welcomes millions of visitors each year—drawn to its dramatic waterfalls, giant sequoias, abundant wildlife, and awe-inspiring cliffs, like Half Dome and El Capitan. Whether you’re looking for the adventure vacation of a lifetime, want to immerse yourself in the stillness of nature—or simply hike, backpack or ski in one of the most beautiful places on earth, you’ll find your place in Yosemite.

Sample Itineraries

No matter the season, we have the perfect itinerary for your next visit to Yosemite National Park.

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Things To Do in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is the ultimate outdoor playground—year round. Warm months are typically filled with sunny days that welcome legendary hikes and breathtaking views. Wintertime blankets Yosemite in snow, creating the perfect landscape for skiing, skating and snowshoeing. 

Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service

In 1969 Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service got its start, and was an instant hit with park visitors. Today, the rock climbing guides can get you to the highest peaks in Yosemite National Park.

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Budget Travel to Yosemite

Who doesn’t love a great deal?! One of the best thing about Yosemite is that you can experience majestic scenery on a backpacker’s budget or add a few luxuries into the mix. See our tips below for how to experience Yosemite without breaking the bank.

Lodging in Yosemite

For the best rates at all lodging in or near Yosemite, plan your visit for October-April. The shoulder seasons offer great weather, beautiful scenery, more availability in lodges and in campsites, and more affordable rates. One of the best value options is the Yosemite Rustic Mountain Resort . With dormitories for backpackers or private rooms with shared bathrooms, you have plenty of inexpensive options to choose from. Also, the lodge is well-known for offering one of the best atmospheres in the Sierras with the June Bug Café on-site serving up fresh and local fare, live music events and more. You can even access the on-site spa for a $15 day pass or take a refreshing yoga class!

For other inexpensive lodging options, seek out places to stay in the nearby gateway town of Mariposa. This historic Gold Rush town offers more lodging and dining options than staying in the park, as well as world-class museums . Keep an eye open for cheap hotels near Yosemite just outside the park gates. If you are traveling in a group, staying at a vacation rental or private cabin can also be a fantastic way to cook for yourself, enjoy a private cabin and have an authentic experience at an excellent value!

If roughing it is more your style, campsites that require a six month wait to get into in summer can be easily booked for the off-season and walk-in sites are a better option as well. Just be prepared for chillier nights, especially in starting in November or early December when the first snow falls.

If you are planning your trip for summer, then backpacking in the wilderness is a great option for staying in a “million star hotel” out in the wilderness. It does take planning and some backpacking experience is recommended but for the cost of an inexpensive backpackers permit you can explore some of the most beautiful areas of the park. Or you can have a “glamping” experience at the High Sierra Camps . While not exactly cheap, you can have an incredible outdoor experience that is a good intro into backpacking at the cost of your average hotel room (typically open late June-September).

Don’t have equipment? You can rent almost everything you need at the Yosemite Mountaineering School .

Activities in Yosemite 

Lucky for you the best things in Yosemite (as in life) as free. Plan a full day hike to see some of Yosemite’s world class waterfalls up close. Find your favorite Instagrammable views at Glacier Point , Tunnel View , or Vernal Fall .

Entrance to Yosemite is $30 in high season (April-October), and $25 in the low season. That is for one vehicle for seven days. Let’s review that again. All the friends you can fit in your vanagon can experience breath-taking scenery in a UNESCO World Heritage Site for seven days for less than it costs to buy those same five friends each a burrito at Chipotle. Bargain!

There are free shuttle buses that run the valley floor daily, meaning you can hop on and hop off as much as you want with spending a dime. If it fits with your budget, you can also take the Yosemite Valley Floor tour or even better ““ rent bikes! In the high season this option cuts down on congestion in the park and saves you time sitting in traffic. If you do have the budget and want to experience some high-action thrills then consider spending a day whitewater rafting the Class IV rapids on the wild and scenic Merced River.

Food in Yosemite

Cheap eats abound in the town of Mariposa, near Yosemite National Park. If you have chosen this as your basecamp then we have some good options for you. Try Sweetwater Deli for dine-in or takeaway. Fresh sandwiches and delectable salads and the best fish tacos in town make this a must-stop! Another great option is 1850 where you can look for specials such as their happy hour deal where you can sit at the bar and enjoy an epic burger and beer for only $10! For some of the best Mexican food in town and the opportunity to dine al fresco check out the local’s favorite lunch spots, Sal’s Taco Truck or Tacos Sonora ““ both located at the Mariposa Rest Area. It’s not fancy, but these satisfying street tacos are delicious and will definitely give your fuel for your next hike. If you are dining in Yosemite, your best bet to spend less is Degnan’s Deli or the Curry Village Pizza Deck . If you are staying at a vacation rental in the park, then why not pack your own lunch and enjoy unsurpassed scenery by picnicking at the top of a waterfall or while watching the sunset from the top of Glacier Point?

Transportation in Yosemite

You can drive to Yosemite year-round. Highway 140 from the San Francisco/Bay Area is the least likely to have snowy or icy conditions due to the low elevation in winter. You can also take the Amtrak, Greyhound or even a budget airline, such as Boutique Air. This airline flies to Merced Regional Airport (a two-hour drive from Yosemite’s west entrance) from Oakland International Airport for $40 return!

From Merced you can rent a car or take the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) bus. The YARTS bus runs throughout the Yosemite Region in all four gateways and tickets are based on distance. You can come from anywhere in the Yosemite Regional gateways to Yosemite Valley for less than $15 and this includes your entrance to the park! Learn more about transportation options .

Ok, we hope we have given you plenty of inspiration for your next budget travel trip to Yosemite and Mariposa. Check out our Things to Do section or get more ideas to plan the best vacations for young adults for more ideas for your visit.

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Entrance Fees and Where to Get Your Park Pass for Yosemite

If you’re heading to the home of el capitan and half dome, remember that there’s a fee for entering yosemite..

A park pass costs $35/vehicle at the Yosemite National Park entrance stations and is valid for seven days. You also can purchase the Yosemite Pass for $70 for unlimited visits to the park for 12 months.

Money from the entrance fees goes toward park-specific projects, including road repairs, monitoring and mitigation of park resources, campground upgrades, and rehabilitation of park structures, among other things.

Get More Parks For Less – There are many ways to get more bang for your entrance fee buck. For one, consider hitting a few national parks this year.

$80 America the Beautiful National Park Pass

The America the Beautiful National Park pass is honored at all federally-managed land units (national parks, national forests, national monuments, etc.) It’s good for a year from the month of purchase.

$80 Senior Lifetime Pass

The best deal… national park lifetime passes for those 62 and older are only $80. If you have a young family, you might want to take the grandparents along on vacation. The whole car can get into the park with the senior pass and the memories created will be priceless.

Get in For Free

Active military receive free annual parks passes for themselves and their dependents when they show a military ID. Travelers under 16 years of age, as well as those visiting parks for educational or scientific purposes, also receive an entrance waiver. And if you have a permanent disability and show documentation, you get in for free and get a discount on camping. Is there a fourth grader in your family? Visit  everykidoutdoors.gov  for your free pass.

Don’t fit those categories? Hit your favorite park on a free admission day. There are usually 6 free days every year. Check our event calendar for dates.

Where to Get a National Park Pass

Most park visitors purchase their park pass at an entrance gate as they arrive. Additionally, you may buy a park pass at the visitor centers in Oakhurst, Mariposa, Groveland, and Lee Vining from late May through early October.

You can also buy a park pass in advance.

Buy a Yosemite-only park pass online at  yourpassnow.com/r1s/site/74296 . Please be prepared to show your hard copy pass or digital pass on your mobile device at all times in the park. Cell phone service will be limited inside the park.

Get your America the Beautiful Annual Pass at the USGS online store at store.usgs.gov/pass (shipping and handling fees apply) or at REI’s online store at www.rei.com (free shipping and National Park Foundation donation). You can also pick up an America the Beautiful Annual Pass at participating REI stores.

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See which popular national parks are requiring reservations for summer 2024

Every year, it seems that more national parks are requiring timed-entry reservations . Sometimes, it’s just to drive into a park . Other times it’s for specific, sought-after activities .

This summer is no different, with Mount Rainier and Yosemite joining the mix. The requirements add an extra step and expense for travelers, but they’re not meant to be a hurdle.

“The timed-entry system reservation system is not to limit visitation but to spread it out more equitably throughout the day,” Mount Rainier National Park ranger Terry Wildly told USA TODAY in February.

In the past, she said, visitors had to wait up to three hours just to enter the popular park, and some caused lasting damage to meadows when venturing off the trail to avoid crowds. 

As Mount Rainier rolls out reservations this summer, here’s what other park visitors should know.

How many national parks have timed entry?

Only a fraction of America’s 63 national parks require timed-entry reservations or permits for particularly popular experiences. In most cases, they’re only for certain portions of the park during the busiest times of day. 

◾ Acadia National Park will require timed-entry reservations for vehicle access to Cadillac Summit Road from May 24 through Oct. 22. There are two types of reservations, Sunrise and Daytime, with varying restrictions. Each reservation costs $6 per vehicle and may only be purchased online, not in the park. A separate $35 vehicle entry fee is also required for the park.

◾ Arches National Park requires timed-entry reservations for all vehicles entering the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Oct. 31. Timed-entry tickets cost $2. A separate vehicle entry fee of $30 is also required.

◾ Glacier National Park will require timed-entry reservations for vehicles accessing North Fork and Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West Entrance between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. from May 24 through Sept. 8. Reservations will not be required for vehicles entering Going-to-the-Sun Road from the St. Mary Entrance nor will they be required for Two Medicine, like they were last year. However, they will still be required for Many Glacier between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m from July 1 through Sept. 8. Each type of reservation costs $2. A separate $35 vehicle entry fee is also required for the park.

◾ Haleakalā National Park requires reservations year-round for visitors who want to watch sunrise from the summit. Summit sunrise reservations cost $1 and are required for every vehicle entering the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. A separate $30 vehicle entry fee is also required for the park.

◾ Mount Rainier Natonal Park , for the first time, will require timed-entry reservations for two of its most popular areas: Paradise Corridor from May 24 through Sept. 2 and Sunrise Corridor between July 3 and Sept. 2. Reservations will only be needed between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Each type of reservation will cost $2. A separate $30 vehicle entry fee is also required for the park.

◾ Rocky Mountain National Park will require timed-entry reservations to access most roads between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. from May 24 through Oct. 14. Visitors who also want to access the park’s busy Bear Lake Road will need a specific type of reservation, Timed Entry+, between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. from May 24 through Oct. 20. Timed Entry+ covers all park roads. Both types of reservations cost $2.

◾ Shenandoah National Park requires day-use tickets to hike Old Rag Mountain through Nov. 30. Tickets cost $2 per person and can be reserved 30 to 5 days in advance. The day-use tickets are separate from the park’s $30 vehicle entry fee .

◾ Yosemite National Park now requires reservations for vehicles entering the park between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. on certain days. Through June 30 and between Aug. 17 and Oct. 27, they’ll only be required on weekends and holidays. But they’ll be required every day from July 1 through Aug. 16. Peak hour reservations cost $2, on top of the $35 vehicle entry fee for the park.

◾ Zion National Park is continuing to pilot its permit system for its popular Angels Landing hiking trail. Permits can be obtained through a seasonal lottery or daily lottery on Recreation.gov. Lottery registrations costs $6 for up to 6 people for each lottery. Permits cost $3 per person. That’s on top of the $35 vehicle entry fee for the park.

When can I make park reservations?

Dates vary by park, but all national parks book reservations through Recreation.gov .

The great outdoors next door: Hot to find hiking, camping, more near you

Which national parks in Utah require reservations?

Of Utah’s “ Mighty 5 ” national parks, only Arches requires reservations for park entry.

Do you need reservations to get into Zion National Park?

No. Reservations are not required to enter Zion, just permits to hike Angels Landing.

Can I get into RMNP without a timed entry?

Yes. Rocky Mountain National Park’s timed-entry requirements don’t begin until May 24. Even after that, reservations will only be required during peak hours.

Are reservations required for Yellowstone?

No. Yellowstone does not require timed-entry reservations. However, permits are required for specific recreational activities , such as backcountry camping and boating.

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Group tour, of Yosemite.

We aren’t hikers but would love to see the Giant Sequoias and any highlights of Yosemite. 50 years ago, as a teen, with my parents we visited Mariposa Grove. Is there any huge advantage, with only one extra day, to visit Sequoia NP or would we be best to spend both days In Yosemite and make sure we make it to Mariposa grove? Also, if I recall, there was a tram that drive us around & through the trees ….is it still available?

8 replies to this topic

Where were you planning on arriving from? Where were you planning to stay? When is this trip?

Reservations may be mandatory to enter Yosemite, depending on the dates of your visit.

Please go to http://www.nps.gov/yose to familiarize yourself with the reservation system and the option on visiting Mariposa Grove.

Also…… the full day tour…. It’s in Memorial Day, so I’m assuming it would be worth the cost verses trying to do this, as seniors & first timers, on our own… not wanting to worry with catching shuttle buses etc…

Some folks like tours. I assume your chosen tour does not include Mariposa Grove. Note that the tour vehicle will be in the same traffic jams as everyone else.

The newish Mariposa Grove shuttle will begin the season in late May. It goes from the parking lot to the Arrival Area trailhead. Then you walk or hike. The old tour no longer exists.

I will have to check on the tour if it includes Mariposa grove. I’m having second thoughts if the tour would be worth the $. Would we be able to drive to most scenic areas without catching a shuttle?

I think that for most folks, a tour offers an opportunity to learn a lot without worrying about directions, parking, information, etc. The tour provider chooses the destinations. The guests do not need to make any decisions or to do any research.

These things are important: seniors, first timers, non-hikers, holiday weekend visitors, and staying in Oakhurst. A tour sounds like it might work for you. At least when you're stuck in traffic, the tour guide will be explaining things about Yosemite.

Note that I am not saying that a tour is a good choice for every visitor. I think it sounds like you'd enjoy the tour.

If you're considering driving yourselves to Yosemite Valley , start with the Yosemite Valley topic in the Top Questions and the NPS website. If available, you might book the open-air Valley Floor Tour at 10 am and then have the rest of the day for yourselves. Lay out your own draft itinerary. Share the actual date along with your plan and we can help.

Final note: adding Glacier Point & Washburn Point to your Mariposa Grove day is feasible. You might also add Yosemite History Center in Wawona .

Wonderful- I’ll do some “homework” later today !

Much appreciated!

You can also take railroad to see the trains - different from Mariposa Grove but still delightful.

https://ymsprr.com/

Those sound like good ideas…. Our dates, unfortunately are May 26 & 27….. Memorial weekend 🫤

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The 11 best Airbnbs near Yosemite National Park

From glamorous resorts to cute A-frame cabins, these are the finest Airbnb rentals to stay in near Yosemite

It’s time to don some practical clothing, slip on your hiking boots, and prep some mid-trek snacks – Yosemite National Park is calling. One of the most spectacular areas of natural beauty in the entire US of A , Yosemite has everything from glaciers and waterfalls to vast lakes and eerie giant sequoia groves . Whether you’re a nature-mad adventurer or simply a curious explorer, the California park is an essential bucket list stop.

When visiting Yosemite , there are quite a few options for accommodation, from glamorous hotels and cozy cabins to back-to-basics camping . For comfort, independence and practicality, however, there are few better ways to truly make the most of Yosemite than by renting yourself an Airbnb. 

One of the most popular areas to stay when visiting Yosemite National Park is, naturally, the rental community inside the park’s boundaries – Yosemite West – but there are plenty of other options. From facility-heavy areas like Oakhurst to Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley or the further-out likes of Mariposa, Yosemite’s surrounding area is littered with fabulous rentals. Below are the ten best Airbnbs in Yosemite and its nearby towns.

Updated April 2024:  Ready for two hot new properties? Of course you are . Good luck choosing your favourite Airbnb near Yosemite with these latest additions to the list – both being deluxe cabins in Groveland. 

RECOMMENDED: 🌳Read the best time to visit Yosemite 🏕Stay at the  best campgrounds in Yosemite 🥾See our list of the best hikes in Yosemite

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, it’s our mission to help you make your trip as smooth sailing as possible. For this, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you all the best stays whatever your budget. You might come across the odd affiliate link but rest assured, they have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more info, see our  affiliate guidelines .

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Best Yosemite National Park Airbnbs

1.  The micro-cabin glamping in Ahwahnee

Midway between a cabin and glamping, these micro-homes in Ahwahnee are perfect for those who want to holiday on the cheap but don’t want to get down and dirty with an actual tent. Guests share a bathroom with other tiny home villagers, but that inconvenience is made up for within the rentals themselves, which have plenty of home comforts like memory foam mattresses, Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and climate control. Ahwahnee is about half an hour’s drive from Yosemite’s south entrance.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two.  Best for:   b udget-conscious couples. Location perks? At mealtimes, you can make use of the picnic tables with adorable fairy lights.  Budget range? Enjoy a cozy two nights for under $300. 

2.  The stripped-back nature cabin in Oakhurst

Venturing out into nature and going off-grid certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you do want to go AWOL for a while, head to this simple Oakhurst cabin. Perfect for getting away from it all, the cabin doesn’t even have a supply of electricity – instead guests use lanterns, gas stoves, and BBQs to get by. If you do want to stay connected to the outside world, it’s probs best to bring a portable charger.

Rooms?   One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.  Best for:  going off-grid and tech-free. Location perks?  The roaming deer may pay you a little visit during your stay, which defo adds to the charm of this peaceful retreat in nature. Budget range? Another great affordable option – great for those flying solo or in a couple. 

3.  The enormous in-park house in Yosemite West

This rental isn’t so much near Yosemite National Park as it is actually in it. Part of the in-park settlement of Yosemite West, this tall eight-bed house sits on a hillside and has views out over the forested valley below. The rest of the house has Wi-Fi, air-con, satellite TV, and a back-up power generator, but its finest perk is that you’re already in the park so don’t have to worry about queuing up at the gates to get in.

Rooms?  Three bedrooms. Sleeps eight guests.  Best for:   big groups wanting to be in the heart of the action. Location perks?  The best spot for catching sunsets? The wraparound deck of course.  Budget range?  A luxury family vacation rental. 

4.  The space cube in Mariposa

Has a UFO crash-landed in Mariposa, ready to spook unsuspecting Yosemite trekkers? Nope, that’s just an exceptionally modern, stylish cabin that combines tip-top design with high levels of practicality. The rich wooden inside décor contrasts beautifully with the rental’s cold, metallic outer shell, while the huge windows offer views out over both the mountains and a nearby lake. This being in Mariposa, it’s about a 45-minute drive from Yosemite Valley and about one hour 40 minutes to the park itself.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.  Best for:   a space-age couple. Location perks? Step into the future with this custom build envisioned by an architect in San Fran.   Budget range?  Moderately priced. 

5.  The supremely comfy A-frame in Oakhurst

There are few more iconic cabin designs than the A-frame – and this one, called ‘The Winnie’, shows exactly why they’re such a popular kind of rental. Sitting beneath oak, pine, and manzanita trees, The Winnie is well-designed inside and out and is a comfortable base ideal for either jaunting around Yosemite or chilling with a book. It’s in Oakhurst, so the park is about half an hour’s drive away.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps four guests.  Best for:   small families. Location perks? This cozy spot lives just 30 minutes outside of Yosemite National Park. Budget range?  On the higher end, but so worth it. 

6.  The MARS in Mariposa

Best for: spiritual holidaymakers

Yosemite doesn’t have to be about sweaty hiking and all-action treks: it’s also a very serene place, perfect for reconnecting with yourself and nature. This ‘Mariposa Relaxation Suite’ (‘MARS’, for short) aims to take full advantage of Yosemite’s spiritual side, offering 80 acres of space with 360-degree views by day and crystal-clear stargazing at night. It's about an hour’s drive from Yosemite National Park.

Rooms? . Three bedrooms. Sleeps six guests.   Best for:   spiritual holidaymakers. Location perks? Want an eco-friendly getaway? This sweet dig runs entirely on solar energy.  Budget range?  A cheap and cheerful group getaway. 

7.  The affordable loft in Yosemite West

A compact but well-equipped rental in Yosemite West, this rental loft is hotel-esque in just how many amenities it packs into its three-room space. Ideal for couples or small families, as with the other in-park rentals in this list, there’s a huge benefit to being inside the park and therefore not having to queue when you’d like to visit.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps six guests.  Best for:   small families hunting for cozy convenience. Location perks? Atop a mountain at an elevation of about 6,000 ft to offer you dreamy vistas of the surrounding mountains and forestland.   Budget range?  An affordable steal. 

8.  The ginormous lakeside cabin near Bass Lake

This one’s for you and your trekking posse. A huge cabin in Bass Lake, it’s a three-floor, four-bedroom, three-bathroom pad with tons of cooking and lounging facilities ­ and mountain and lake views. Sure, the price tag might seem a little steep – but this place comfortably sleeps 12, so, if you can get a big enough group together, it’s really quite affordable. Bass Lake is just half an hour’s drive from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park.  

Rooms? Four bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.   Best for:   big groups looking for convenience. Location perks? Expect sparkling lake views, large helpings of natural sunlight and a two-minute drive to the private marina. Budget range? Not too shabby when you split the bill. 

9.  The neat couples retreat in Yosemite West

Best for: all-action couples

Not only is this neat little rental in Yosemite West, giving its guests unrivaled access to the surrounding national park, but the home itself is simply delightful. The recently renovated space is bright and airy, with sizeable windows, swish modern décor, and practical areas for getting changed and storing muddy boots. It’s a fab meeting of splendor and convenience.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. Best for:   all-action couples. Location perks? This convenient location puts you within a short drive of Yosemite Valley.  Budget range?  A pretty penny for a prime location. 

10.  The deluxe grand cabin in Groveland

Enjoy some peace and quiet among the pine trees at this perfectly placed cabin. For anyone that's expecting to be left to fend for themselves, think again; this property is kitted out with all the mod cons you need, with the addition of some luxury items including a huge comfy sofa, marble dining table and even fancy room-darkening blinds. Take to the fire pit or BBQ when you're ready to brave the outdoors. 

Rooms?  Three bedrooms. Sleeps six guests.  Best for:   campers who hate tents.  Location perks?  Close to Pine Mountain Lake with its championship golf course, community pool, tennis courrts and grill restaurant. 25 miles to the gate of Yosemite.  Budget range?  A reasonable price. 

11.  The modern cabin in Groveland

Picture the interiors of your dream home; now imagine them inside an ultra-modern chalet-style bungalow with a hot tub and fire pit out back. Sound like perfection? Then we've found the Airbnb for your look-forward-to-all-year vacation. The whole property couldn't be any trendier, and to top it off, you'll have access to the amenities at Pine Mountain Lake, including the communal pool and hiking trails. 

Rooms?  Three bedrooms. Sleeps eight guests.  Best for:  adventurous folk who need a hot tub to sooth their aching muscles.  Location perks?  13 miles to Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance, in the heart of Pine Mountain Lake.  Budget range?  On the expensive side, but checks out. 

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What to Know Before Booking a National Park Trip This Summer

Additional routes in popular parks now require reservations, the annual pass gets a big change, Juneteenth is now a new free entrance day and more changes for 2024.

By Lauren Matison

In 2023, the seashores, lakeshores, battlefields, historic sites, monuments and more that make up the National Park Service had 325.5 million visits , an increase of 4 percent from the year before.

The National Park Service director, Charles F. Sams III, praised the surge of interest in “learning our shared American story throughout the hidden gems of the National Parks System.”

Expecting an even greater turnout in 2024, the Park Service and Recreation.gov , the booking platform for federal land reservations, have implemented new measures to streamline the park experience, manage overcrowding and safeguard the environment.

More parks are requiring reservations

To better avoid congested trails, packed parking lots and overflowing trash cans, additional parks are joining Rocky Mountain , Arches and Glacier National Parks this year in requiring day-use permits, timed entries and other reservations for travelers who wish to visit, particularly during peak hours, holidays and the parks’ high seasons. Yosemite National Park is reinstating a timed-entry system it instituted in 2020, but paused in 2022.

Many park enthusiasts expressed mixed feelings about the reservation policies, with some lamenting a lack of first-come, first-served campsites while others find comfort in knowing they have a confirmed booking. As nearly 75 percent of visitors each year descend on national parks from May to October (and often on weekends), park officials stand by the system.

“In some parks, the level of demand is exceeding the capacity for which infrastructure was designed or is outpacing the National Park Service’s ability to sustainably support visitation,” said Kathy Kupper, a public affairs specialist for the service. “This trend is resulting in the need to explore new strategies to protect natural and cultural resources and provide opportunities for safe and meaningful visitor experiences.”

It can be confusing.

New to implementing timed-entry reservations for vehicles is Mount Rainier National Park , in Washington, for its popular Paradise and Sunrise Corridors during certain times in the summer season. Reservations cost $2, are valid for one day and must be purchased along with the park ticket, but do not apply for visitors with wilderness permits or camping or lodge reservations. Similar vehicle reservations are now required for certain periods for viewing the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii , and driving the Cadillac Summit Road in Maine’s Acadia National Park .

Visitors wishing to hike Old Rag Mountain in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park must obtain a day-use ticket between March 1 and Nov. 30, and in Zion National Park, in Utah, hikers wishing to visit Angels Landing , the dramatic 1,488-foot-tall rock formation, also need to purchase a permit. Fees range from $1 to $6, in addition to the parks’ entrance fees.

As each destination is managed differently, check the park’s webpage for the type of reservation required. Although most bookings can be made through Recreation.gov, some sites, such as Muir Woods National Monument, use a different system.

New features on Recreation.gov

In 2023, Recreation.gov reported that more than 4 million camping reservations and 2 million timed-entry reservations were booked online, and 1.5 million permits were issued. Some 2.9 million new users signed up for the site. With its expanding user base, the booking platform has added 58 reservable national park locations — including 17 campgrounds — such as Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Bluff Hike In Camping in South Carolina’s Congaree National Park.

Recreation.gov has also improved an alerts feature, piloted in July 2023, that can notify users through email or mobile push notifications when a sold-out campsite becomes available. After Recreation.gov notifies you of availability, you must book the campsite yourself online — and quickly, as you’ll be shown how many other people (possibly hundreds) have received the same alert.

While its customer support center and mobile app are still only available in English, Recreation.gov recently introduced a Spanish language translation option. The Park Service partners with Latino Conservation Week , which hosts nationwide hikes and events on environmental education and in-park stewardship, and will celebrate its 10th year in September.

A limit to the annual America the Beautiful pass

The 2024 America the Beautiful pass no longer allows two owners. The annual interagency pass, which costs $80 and covers the entrance fees for more than 2,000 federal recreation sites (of which roughly 100 do not charge for admission year-round), is now marked by a single signature line on the back of the card. The pass owner must show I.D. and be present with any accompanying travelers wishing to access the park with the pass. (Annual passes issued in 2023 will still be valid until their expiration date.) The pass covers all passengers in a vehicle — up to four adults, and children under 16 are admitted free — or up to four cyclists riding together. Active military or veterans and people with permanent disabilities are eligible for a free lifetime pass; 4th grade students may receive a free annual pass; and senior citizens may purchase a $20 annual pass or pay $80 for a lifetime pass.

At the parks, more accessible features, E.V. chargers and new lodging

To better protect against global warming, the Park Service is putting more than $65 million from the Inflation Reduction Act and Great American Outdoors Act into climate mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

Using $15.9 million budgeted for zero-emission vehicle deployment, charging capacity and infrastructure, the Park Service is prioritizing a reduction in carbon emissions, said Mr. Sams, by installing new electric-vehicle charging stations and running electric buses.

An interactive online locator tool created in 2023 shows E.V. charging stations throughout 27 national parks and the type of chargers available. In addition to the tool, every national park page displays alerts on road closures, parking lot capacities, construction work and other incidents.

Mr. Sams also said the Park Service is investing $1.3 billion from the Great American Outdoors Act to improve accessibility features, ranging from a new A.D.A.-compliant visitor center at Morristown National Historic Park in New Jersey to new beach wheelchairs at Sleeping Bear Dunes , Channel Islands and Virgin Islands National Parks . Each destination’s website has an accessibility tab to help visitors plan their trip, and Recreation.gov now has a search filter on its homepage to make it easier to locate accessible accommodations.

New lodging options now available across the country include the Flamingo Lodge , which opened inside Everglades National Park last fall with 24 guest rooms built from repurposed shipping containers. In March, along the southeastern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cataloochee Ranch reopened with 11 renovated cabins and a new restaurant. This spring, the Clubhouse Hotel & Suites will welcome its first guests in Rapid City, S.D., the closest major town to Badlands National Park , and opening in May in Idaho is the Yellowstone Peaks Hotel , a 30-minute-drive from Yellowstone National Park. This fall, California-bound travelers planning a visit to General Sherman, the largest known tree on Earth, might book at AutoCamp Sequoia , just outside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park .

Also in California: Those who don’t score a highly coveted (and contentious) spot at the newly reopened High Sierra Camps in Yosemite could book Wildhaven Yosemite in Mariposa, which offers more affordable rates, hiking trails and views of the Sierra Nevadas. Reservations for its first season are available beginning May 1.

Celebrating milestones and a new free entrance day

On the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, visitors can pay tribute to African American heritage at over 100 parks , including the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument , and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail . This year also marks 100 years since Indigenous people were recognized as United States citizens. Although many parks have Indigenous programming , Mr. Sams, who is the first Native American to serve as N.P.S. director , suggested visiting Hopewell Cultural Historical Park in Ohio and Whitman Mission Historic National Historic Site in Washington, where he recently brought his daughter.

“In order to celebrate the diversity that makes our country great, we must share the complete story of America, which includes both the successes and challenges encountered on the way to form a more perfect union,” Mr. Sams said.

Juneteenth National Independence Day is the National Park Service’s newest free entrance day . Visitors can also take advantage of free admission on April 20, the first day of National Park Week; Aug. 4, the four-year anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act ; Sept. 28 on National Public Lands Day ; and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the Flamingo Lodge. It is inside Everglades National Park, not outside the park.

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Yosemite National Park is getting a new glamping site with the luxuries you want

Y osemite National Park is about to become one of the most coveted glamping destinations in spring 2025, and new lodgings are underway. Under Canvas unveiled plans for an outdoor luxury resort that will offer visitors complete immersion in nature alongside the comforts and amenities of a hotel.

Over the past decade, the upscale camping brand Under Canvas has established similar bucket-list-worthy glamping spots in popular locations like Acadia, The Smokey Mountains, and Zion National Park.

This is the company’s first-ever development in California, a plan that CEO Matt Gaghen has long awaited:

“Under Canvas’ expansion into California has been our goal since the brand’s inception in 2012,”

While the new development has been a long time in the works, the final touches are finally coming together, and visitors can book a tent with dates starting as soon as May 22, 2025.

Glamping will be located right outside the park for easy access

Under Canvas Yosemite will boast over 80 acres of mature forest growth and mountainside views, providing plenty of privacy. Although visitors may feel like they’re in the middle of nowhere, this glamping site is a short 10-minute drive from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat park entrance.

Don’t want to drive into the park? Under Canvas glamping sites will be right next to a YARTS stop, the park’s official shuttle system that takes visitors into the heart of Yosemite Valley all summer long, free of cost.

Expect dozens of amenities to enjoy when out of the park

When you’re not spending time in the park, there will be plenty of amenities and experiences available at Under Canvas Yosemite, including:

• ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0" data-t="{"n":"blueLinks"}">High-end outdoor dining, locally sourced ingredients, local craft beers, and California wines
• ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0" data-t="{"n":"blueLinks"}">Customized adventures, arranged by a personal adventure concierge
• ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0" data-t="{"n":"blueLinks"}">Daily activities, including yoga, performances, music, and activities for children
• ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0" data-t="{"n":"blueLinks"}">Nightly fires, s’mores supplies, and naturally landscaped outdoor spaces for relaxation
• ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0" data-t="{"n":"blueLinks"}">USB battery packs for staying charged in the outdoors
• ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0" data-t="{"n":"blueLinks"}">Housekeeping services upon request
• ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0" data-t="{"n":"blueLinks"}">Organic luxury bath products
• ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0" data-t="{"n":"blueLinks"}">Pet-friendly accommodations

Breakfast options will range from a warm, balanced breakfast to convenient grab-and-go items, catering to visitors who need flexible options around their Yosemite itineraries. Check out a sample breakfast menu to get an idea of their upcoming offerings.

These luxury glamping tents are more like hotel rooms

What about the glamping tents themselves? Under Canvas’ sites focus on luxury and comfort. You can expect spacious and comfortable canvas tents with king-size beds, West Elm-curated decor, and a personal deck for enjoying the surrounding woods.

Bathroom and shower access hardly resembles the rustic commodes of traditional camping. Each glamping tent includes its own private bath, offering a hot shower and flush toilet for privacy and convenience.

Under Canvas champions sustainable design

Environmental consciousness is a core tenant of the Under Canvas mission. Focusing on eco-friendly layouts and tent materials helps the company reduce its environmental footprint. Solar technology is used whenever feasible, and water conservation methods are employed in each location.

Stargazers will appreciate the company’s commitment to reducing light pollution at its properties, with DarkSky certification at select sites. Yosemite is located miles from major cities, so guests can enjoy DarkSky certification awe-inspiring sky views from their private decks.

It’s never too soon to start planning your Yosemite trip, given the fact that the national park reservation requirements make last-minute planning challenging. So if you like the idea of being in the throws of nature without roughing it, these new glamping tents are worth checking out.

While the Under Canvas Yosemite glamping resort doesn’t open until next year, reservations are live, so book now to experience the first season.

The post Yosemite National Park is getting a new glamping site with the luxuries you want appeared first on The Manual .