Get more National Parks National Park News here!
Where Is Yosemite National Park Located?
Yosemite is located in east-central California, about 3.5 hours east of San Francisco and 5.5 hours northwest of Los Angeles. The park covers over 1,100 square miles, though most visitors explore the central area known as Yosemite Valley.
Main Entrances:
- Big Oak Flat Entrance (Hwy 120) – from the west via Groveland
- Arch Rock Entrance (Hwy 140) – via Mariposa
- South Entrance (Hwy 41) – from Fresno via Oakhurst
- Tioga Pass Entrance (Hwy 120 East) – seasonal, from Lee Vining (closed in winter)
Best Time to Visit Yosemite
- Spring (April–June): Peak waterfall season. Roads to Glacier Point and Tioga Pass may still be closed due to snow.
- Summer (July–September): Full access to high country. Also the most crowded time of year.
- Fall (October–November): Fewer crowds, mild weather. Waterfalls slow but scenery is still stunning.
- Winter (December–March): Snowy landscapes, great for skiing and solitude. Chains or snow tires may be required.
Top Attractions in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Valley
The heart of the park, home to Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Tunnel View. Accessible year-round.
Glacier Point
Offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. Road is open late May to November (weather permitting).
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Contains over 500 mature giant sequoias, including Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. Shuttle or 2-mile walk from parking area.
Tuolumne Meadows
High-elevation alpine meadows and domes. Accessible late June to October via Tioga Road.
Tioga Pass & Tenaya Lake
Scenic eastern approach with access to lesser-known hikes and high-altitude lakes. Closed in winter.
Best Hikes in Yosemite
Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls
- Distance: 3 miles (Vernal) or 7 miles (Nevada) round trip
- Signature hike featuring granite steps and mist-soaked bridges
Half Dome (Permit Required)
- 14–16 miles round trip, 4,800 ft elevation gain
- Requires lottery permit for the cable route
- One of the most iconic — and challenging — day hikes in the U.S.
Mirror Lake Trail
- 2 miles round trip to the lake, or 5-mile loop
- Easy, family-friendly trail with views of Half Dome
Four-Mile Trail
- 9.6 miles round trip
- Climbs from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point with switchbacks and sweeping views
Sentinel Dome & Taft Point
- Both ~2 miles round trip from the trailhead on Glacier Point Road
- Great for sunset views and vertigo-inducing fissures at Taft Point
Waterfalls You Can’t Miss
- Yosemite Falls: Tallest in North America (2,425 ft)
- Bridalveil Fall: 620 ft, flows year-round near Tunnel View
- Vernal Fall: Accessible via Mist Trail, ~317 ft
- Nevada Fall: Upstream of Vernal, ~594 ft
How to Get to Yosemite
- Closest Airports: Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), Oakland (OAK), San Francisco (SFO), Sacramento (SMF)
- Rental car required — there is limited public transit and no Uber/Lyft inside the park
- YARTS Bus: Regional transit system with limited seasonal service
Important Travel Tips
- Reservation system: Check NPS Yosemite site for seasonal vehicle or entry permit requirements
- No gas stations inside Yosemite Valley: Fill up before entering
- Download offline maps: Limited cell service in the park
- Bear safety: Use bear boxes and never leave food in vehicles
Photography Hotspots
- Tunnel View: Classic valley panorama with El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall
- Glacier Point: Best view of Half Dome at sunrise/sunset
- Cook’s Meadow: Framed views of Yosemite Falls
- El Capitan Meadow: Watch climbers on the 3,000-foot vertical face
Yosemite National Park offers an unforgettable experience, from world-famous hikes and breathtaking overlooks to ancient trees and alpine lakes. With careful planning, a reservation or two, and some trail snacks, you’ll discover why this crown jewel of the National Park Service continues to inspire millions every year. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, Yosemite’s granite cathedrals and hidden trails always have more to reveal.
Follow us on Facebook for more up-to-date National Park content!
Where to Stay
Camping & Lodging in Yosemite
Campgrounds
(Reservable via Recreation.gov)
- North Pines, Lower Pines, Upper Pines: In Yosemite Valley
- Tuolumne Meadows: Seasonal, high elevation
- Bridalveil Creek: Great for Glacier Point access
Backpacking
- Wilderness permit required
- Popular routes include Clouds Rest, Sunrise Lakes, and the John Muir Trail
Hotels & Lodges
- The Ahwahnee: Luxury lodge with history and views
- Yosemite Valley Lodge: Close to Yosemite Falls
- Curry Village: Budget-friendly canvas tents and cabins
While camping inside Yosemite National Park offers a unique experience, there are also numerous comfortable lodging options nearby. You can reserve a spot at one of the campgrounds inside the park on Recreation.gov well in advance due to high demand.
For those who prefer a roof over their heads, there are many AirBNB and VRBO listings in the surrounding areas. These range from rustic cabins to modern homes, offering a range of amenities.
If you’re looking for a unique camping experience, consider staying at a KOA Campgrounds where you can rent a yurt, or try glamping in a luxurious tent. There are also numerous hostels, motels, hotels, cottages, vacation rentals, and even houseboats available in the nearby towns.
Dining Options
Dining in Yosemite National Park offers a variety of options. The park has several restaurants, including the Mountain Room at Yosemite Valley Lodge, which offers a fine dining experience with stunning views of Yosemite Falls. For a more casual dining experience, try the food court at Yosemite Village or the Tuolumne Meadows Grill.
There are also several grocery stores within the park where you can purchase supplies for cooking at your campsite or picnic areas. Near the park, the towns of Mariposa and Oakhurst offer a variety of restaurants, cafés, and diners.
Travel Tips & Safety
When visiting Yosemite, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and bring sufficient water, especially if you plan to hike or explore. The park’s policy allows pets in developed areas, on leash, but they are not allowed on trails, beaches, or meadows.
Families should note that while Yosemite offers many kid-friendly activities, some hikes and areas may not be suitable for young children. Flash floods and altitude sickness are real hazards, so always check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
Remember to check if you need a permit for certain activities or areas in the park, such as hiking Half Dome or wilderness camping.
Latest Park Alerts
Before your visit, always check the latest park alerts on the official Yosemite National Park website. This includes updates on weather, trail closures, wildfire risks, and road conditions. The park’s conditions can change rapidly, so staying informed is crucial for a safe and enjoyable visit. Visit the official alerts page here: NPS Yosemite Alerts.
Get Involved
Yosemite National Park offers numerous opportunities for visitors to give back and help preserve its natural beauty. This includes volunteering for trail work, participating in visitor programs, or getting involved in citizen science projects. By volunteering, you can contribute to the park’s conservation efforts and have a more meaningful experience. To learn about current volunteer opportunities, visit NPS Yosemite Volunteer.
Yosemite National Park is a treasure to be savored. Whether you are camping under the stars, dining with a view of the waterfalls, or volunteering to maintain its trails, your visit to Yosemite is sure to be an unforgettable experience.