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Yosemite National Park
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Yosemite National Park Overview
Yosemite is without a a doubt, California's most treasured jewel. In the midst of our Civil War, Galin Clark persuaded Abraham Lincoln to protect Yosemite from exploitation by loggers and homesteaders. In 1890, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Yosemite a National Park second only to Yellowstone in Wyoming. Naturalist John Muir was at home in the Yosemite wilderness and helped convice 'Teddy' that Yosemite needed to be protected. John Muir is now considered "The Father of Our National Parks". Ansel Adams became synonomous with Yosemite while perfecting his technique in black and white photography throughout the park.
Around 30,000 years ago, glaciers moved through the Yosemite Valley freezing and shearing the granite megaliths. Lake Yosemite filled the valley floor and was eventually consumed by sediment. Today, Yosemite is an outdoor playground with activities including hiking, sightseeing, fishing, swimming, skiing and so much more. If you were to only take one trip to California in your lifetime, Yosemite must be on your list of places to visit.
Unfortunately, overcrowding has become an issue in the park. Most campgrounds require reservations and some even require 3 tents per campsite in order to maximize space. Winter months attract less visitors but much of the park is closed including some accommodations. The summer brings hords of visitors and at times can overwhelm roads and services. But summer also offers the most activities including tubing down the Merced River. Spring and Fall can be terrific times to avoid crowds if you don't mind it a little cooler. Spring is our favorite time because the waterfalls are at their peaks and mosquitos are yet to be a nuissance. By Fall, the waterfalls have slowed to a trickle, mosquitos are at their peak, the park is in disrepair from the summer crowds and lingering smog sometimes hazes the valley.
FEES:
Park entrance is $10 for an individual or $20 per vehicle at the time of this writing in 2008. This includes park entry and 7-days whether you stay in or out of the park. Fees are discounted for senior citizens and waived for the blind or permanently disabled. Campgrounds are from $10 to $20 per night for tent and RV camping. Pets are welcome but must remain on leash and are not allowed on trails nor many portions of the park. Kennel boarding is available at the Yosemite Valley Horse Stables near North Pines Campground.
Be sure to check CURRENT CONDITIONS before heading up.
TIP:The National Park Service offers FEE FREE DAYS to some National Parks on select weekends through the Summer. Use this link to view available dates.
 Check our Yosemite blog for more details.
 See our Yosemite photo album on Flickr.
VALLEY MAP |
PARK MAP |
YOSEMITE VILLAGE MAP |
CURRY VILLAGE MAP
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Yosemite Valley is the center of activity in the park. The valley was carved by ancient glaciers that left behind a fertile landscape of pine forest and meadows. The most dramatic views of the valley can be captured from the Wowona Tunnel or Glacier Point, both located off Highway 41 at the southern entrance. Yosemite Valley offers a lodge, hotel, cabins and camping accommodations. Activities include fishing, swimming, rafting, ice skating, hiking, biking and rock climbing. Many shops and boutiques offer plenty of options for souvenirs and camping supplies. This is the hub for tours and group activities.
VALLEY MAP
Half Dome is Yosemite's most recognizable landmark. This massive granite dome was sheared cleanly in half around 30,000 years ago and today faces north into the valley. Hikers follow a cable-lined trail up the backside of the dome to the top only after a rigorous 14-mile hike to the base.
VALLEY MAP
El Capitan is a verticle granite megalith that rises above the northwestern side of the valley to 3,593 feet. This is a world-class face for rock climbers because of its negative verticle section. They can often be spotted clinging to the shear wall or hanging in their sleeping bags. The difficulty in spotting them gives realization to the extreme height of the rock.
PARK MAP
Yosemite Falls is a combination of two waterfalls that comprise the tallest waterfall in North America at 2425-feet. Located on the north side of the valley, trails lead to a footbridge at the base of the lower fall or all the way to the top of the upper fall. Spring provides the best show at maximum capacity which gradually lessens by Fall.
VALLEY MAP
Bridalveil Fall runoff from the upper elevations pours down 620-feet to mist the onlookers below. A short trail from the parking lot puts you in the mist. Spring provides the best show at maximum capacity which gradually lessens by Fall.
PARK MAP
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a giant sequoia forest located in the high country to the south near Wowona. Walk the 3-miles of trail through the forest and/or take the one-hour narrated tram ride which ends at the visitor center. These relatives to the giant redwoods of the north coast are some of the oldest trees in the world. The massive size and age of trees like the 'Grizzley Giant' are impressive.
PARK MAP
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is a giant sequoia forest located in the high country to the north. This grove is spread over a larger area than Mariposa Grove and contains the 'Dead Giant', a walk through tree. Tuolumne Grove is much less crowded than Mariposa Grove due to the steep hike in and lack of shuttle tours.
PARK MAP
Glacier Point is located in the high country to the south and offers a bird's-eye-view of the entire valley that can't be missed. Incredible photographs can be captured of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, North Dome, Half Dome, Vernal & Nevada Falls, or the entire valley & backcountry.
VALLEY MAP
NOTE: At 3214-feet above the valley elevation, one wrong step can earn you a fatal drop. Visitors make poor decisions and fall to their deaths here every year. Stay within designated barriers and watch children carefully.
Vernal & Nevada Falls can be accessed via a 6-mile moderate to strenuous hike from Yosemite Valley along 'The Mist' trail. The first half of the trail is paved and ends at a footbridge with great views of Vernal Fall. Vernal and Nevada are two of Yosemite's most beautiful waterfalls and each is distinctly different. Spectacular views of both falls can be captured from Glacier Point. Spring provides the best show at maximum capacity which gradually lessens by Fall.
VALLEY MAP
Ahwahnee Hotel resides in the valley and is a luxurious hotel built in 1927 of a non-intrusive design incorporating logs, natural wood beams and stone. The interior is lavishly decorated with native american art, stained glass and chandeliers. Although this is the most expensive accommodation in Yosemite, visitors are welcome to tour the hotel and grounds or dine in its five-star restaurant. Overnight options include the hotel or detached suites & cottages. The hotel offers concierge service, bell service, valet parking and many more 5-star services. Views of Half Dome are outstanding from the Ahwahnee and nearby hike & bike trails branch out through the valley.
VALLEY MAP | RESERVATIONS
Wawona Hotel is a European-style hotel located in the high country to the south. Built in 1879 to serve visitors just as it does today, the hotel is centered between many popular Yosemite attractions including Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point, Badger Pass ski resort, a 18-hole golf course, the Wawona Pioneer History Center and more. Local activities include hiking, horseback riding, tennis, Ranger talks and swimming in the summertime pool.
PARK MAP | RESERVATIONS
TIP: This is a historic hotel and therefore, doesn't include the amenities that you may expect from a luxury hotel. Many rooms do not have private baths. Make sure you know what your room includes before reserving.
Wawona Pioneer History Center features a small exhibit of wagons and other early pioneer equipment. A covered bridge resides a short distance up the river from the center.
PARK MAP
Miwok Indian Village is located behind the museum in Yosemite Village and features a mock village and a glimpse into the everyday lives of Yosemite's original inhabitants. Workers start fires by hand, grind acorn and offer tastes of acorn bread to visitors. Exhibits include a Miwok ceremonial hut, sweathouse, grinding rocks and basket displays.
YOSEMITE VILLAGE MAP
Nature Center at Happy Isles is located at the far end of Yosemite Valley in the shadows of Glacier Point. The nature center features exhibits on natural history, geology & wildlife, a bookstore, and is situated at the trailhead for Nevada and Vernal Falls.
CURRY VILLAGE MAP
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HIGH COUNTRY - NORTH (Closed in Winter)
White Wolf Lodge is made up of 24 tent cabins, 4 of which have private baths. Meals are served in the White Wolf dining room.
PARK MAP | RESERVATIONS Tuolumne Meadows Lodge is made up of 69 tent cabins. Meals are served at a centralized dining tent. Showers available. Nearby facilities include a grocery store, gas station, horse stables and mountaineering school.
PARK MAP | RESERVATIONS
YOSEMITE VALLEY
Ahwahnee Hotel resides in the valley and is a luxurious hotel built in 1927 of a non-intrusive design incorporating logs, natural wood beams and stone. The interior is lavishly decorated with native american art, stained glass and chandeliers. Although this is the most expensive accommodation in Yosemite, visitors are welcome to tour the hotel and grounds or dine in its five-star restaurant. Overnight options include the hotel or detached suites & cottages. The hotel offers a pool, concierge service, bell service, valet parking and many more 5-star services. Views of Half Dome are outstanding from the Ahwahnee and nearby hiking trails branch out through the valley.
VALLEY MAP | RESERVATIONS Yosemite Lodge offers nearly 500 lodge rooms and detached cabins. Dining options include a cafeteria, fine dining restaurant and bar & grill lounge. Amenities include a pool, bike rentals, Post Office and several local gift shops.
VALLEY MAP | RESERVATIONS
TIP: At the time of this writing (2006), the cabins are not available due to damage from the flood of 1997. Also note that some rooms do not include private baths. Make sure you know what your room includes before reserving. Curry Village offers over 600 accommodation options ranging from standard motel rooms and detached cabins to tent cabins. Curry Village is the hub of activity in the valley and offers many dining and entertainment options. Dining options include a cafeteria and pizza patio, which also provides hamburger and taco stands. Local amenities include bike rentals, raft rentals, x-country ski rentals, gift shops, an ice skating rink, public pool and more. An amphitheatre provides nightly entertainment.
CURRY VILLAGE MAP | RESERVATIONS
TIP: Curry Village is a great place for families with kids because of all the emenities offered, but is EXTREMELY crowded. For those looking for peace and quiet and the true nature experience, this is not the option for you.
NOTICE: Over 200 cabins are no longer available following a rock slide in October of 2008. Fortunately, no fatalities occurred but closure of 'at risk' cabins is necessary for visitor safety in the future.
HIGH COUNTRY - SOUTH
Wawona Hotel is a European-style hotel located off Highway 41 in the high country to the south. Built in 1879 to serve visitors just as it does today, the hotel is centered between many popular Yosemite attractions including Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point, Badger Pass Ski Area, a 18-hole golf course, the Wawona Pioneer History Center and more. Local activities include hiking, horseback riding, tennis, Ranger talks and swimming in the summertime pool.
PARK MAP | RESERVATIONS
TIP: This is a historic hotel and therefore, doesn't include the amenities that you may expect from a luxury hotel. Many rooms do not have private baths. Make sure you know what your room includes before reserving. The Redwoods in Yosemite are located in North Wawona off Chilnualna Falls Road. Over 125 fully-equipped homes are available for rent which range from 6 to 1 bedroom cottages. All homes are privately owned and include a fully-equipped kitchen including microwave and coffeemaker, and bed & bath linens, heating system, deck and barbeque. Some homes feature additional amenities like a game room, hot tub, satellite television and more.
MAP | RESERVATIONS | WEBSITE Tenaya Lodge is located just a short distance outside the park at the southern entrance, off Highway 41, in Fish Camp. This is a full service resort complete with spa services, indoor year-round pool and jacuzzi, fitness center, arcade, outdoor ice skating rink, fine dining and so much more. The lodge is surrounded by dense forest and is within easy reach of Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, two of Yosemite's top attractions.
MAP | WEBSITE
Camping is abundant throughout Yosemite. Campgrounds are situated in the northern high-country of Tuolumne, throughout the bustling Valley and in the southern region of Bridalveil Creek and Wawona. Choose from tent cabin resorts or bring your own tent. All campgrounds come with a picnic table, fire pit with grill and bear locker for food storage. Showers are available in the Valley and RV dumpstations, groceries and supplies are found in all regions. Most campgrounds feature flush toilets. High Sierra camps are also available by lottery. MORE DETAILS
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HIGH COUNTRY - NORTH (Closed in Winter)
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to guests at the lodge in a central dining tent. Box lunches can be reserved a day in advance. Casual attire and traditional fare. Tuolumne Meadows Grill is a burger stand serving burgers, hot dogs, french fries and other traditional fare. MORE DETAILS White Wolf Lodge serves traditional lunches to guests at the lodge in a casual environment. Crane Flat Store & Gas Station offers deli-style fare including sandwiches and salads. The deli is part of a small grocery & supplies market. MORE DETAILS
YOSEMITE VALLEY
Ahwahnee Hotel features a formal dining room serving gourmet fare for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Thirty foot ceilings offer a full view of half dome. The less formal bar serves a more traditional fare with cocktails. The bar features a pianist on most Friday & Saturday nights. MORE DETAILS Yosemite Lodge offers fine dining in The Mountain Room restaurant. Enjoy steak, seafood, pasta and more with views of Yosemite Falls. Open for dinner only. The more casual Mountain Room Lounge offers appetizers and cocktails for lunch and dinner and features the only public televisions in the park for sports events. The even more casual food court offers cafeteria-style dining. MORE DETAILS
Yosemite Village features Degnan's Cafe, Deli and Loft. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is covered between the three choices with everything from morning baked goods and coffee, to deli sandwiches, pizza, burgers and more. The Village Grill is another choice for lunch and offers burgers, fries and other traditional fare. MORE DETAILS Curry Village offers many casual dining choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Pavilion offers an all you can eat buffet-style fare of salads, pastas, tacos and traditional country items. An ice cream & coffee shop is situated within the Pavilion. The Pizza Deck features a pizzaria and bar that also serves burgers and fries. The Taqueria is a fast food stand offering tacos, burritos, nachos and other Mexican fare. MORE DETAILS
TIP: Learn the history of Degnan's at the Pioneer History Center in Wawona.
HIGH COUNTRY - SOUTH
Wawona Hotel features a semi-formal dining room serving gourmet fare for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Large Victorian windows overlook the grounds to the golf course in the distance. A casual lawn barbeque is available on Saturdays during the Summer months. MORE DETAILS Wawona Pioneer Market offers deli-style fare including sandwiches and salads. The deli is part of a small grocery & supplies market. MORE DETAILS Glacier Point offers a snack stand with sandwiches, chips, refreshments, ice cream and more. MORE DETAILS
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Gas Stations are available in Tuolumne Meadows, Crane Flat and Wawona. No fuel is available in Yosemite Valley.
RV Dumpstations are available in Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Valley at the Upper Pines Campground entrance and Wawona down Forest Drive just north of the Wawona store.
Groceries can be purchased in Tuolumne Meadows, Crane Flat, Yosemite Village, Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp and Wawona.
ATMs can be found at Yosemite Lodge, Yosemite Village store, Curry Village store, Yosemite Village next to the art center and the Wawona store.
Camping Supplies can be purchased in Tuolumne Meadows, Crane Flat, Yosemite Village, Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp and Wawona.
Wilderness Permits can be obtained from any of Yosemite's Wilderness Centers. In off seasons they are found at the Valley Visitor Center, Hill's Studio Porch, Big Oak Flat Info Station, Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station, Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut and Badger Pass Ski Hut.
Bear Canister Rentals for backpacking are available at the Valley Visitor Center, Wawona Store and Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station.
Public Showers are available in Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp. Showers in Curry Village are $5.00 per person and include soap, shampoo, body towel, lockers, private enclosure and hot water for as long as you like. Curry Village showers are available for guests staying at Curry Village and all Pines campgrounds. Other camps must use the showers at Housekeeping Camp.
Laundry Facilities are available at Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite Valley.
Dog Kennels are available at Yosemite Valley Horse Stables near the North Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley.
Auto Repair is available at Yosemite Village and Curry Village.
Medical services are available at the Yosemite Medical Clinic in Yosemite Village, on Ahwahnee Road.
FREE Shuttles are available at 21 stops in Yosemite Valley. They are also available from Tioga Pass entrance to Olmstead Point in the north and Wawona to Mariposa Grove in the south. A free shuttle is also available from Yosemite Valley to the Badger Pass Ski Area in the winter. Hiker's shuttles run separate from the standard shuttle system and stop at many of the park's most popular trailheads.
Bike Rental is available at Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village at the recreation center for traversing the 12-miles of Yosemite Valley bike path. Bikes are available for the handicapped including a tamdem bike for the blind. Call to reserve (209) 372-4386.
Raft Rental for floating down the Merced River is available at the Curry Village Recreation Center. Rental includes safety equipment and a ride on a return shuttle.
Tours are available from Yosemite Lodge, Curry Village and the Visitor Center in Yosemite Village. Tour Yosemite's high country, valley and other picturesque locations aboard an open-air shuttle.
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HIGH COUNTRY - NORTH (Closed in Winter)
Tuolomne Meadows Store offers groceries, camping supplies, gifts and more. An adjacent 24-hour gas station is one of only 3 in Yosemite. A nearby mountaineering school sells hiking and backpacking supplies. Crane Flat Gas & Store offers groceries, camping supplies, gifts and more. An adjacent 24-hour gas station is one of only 3 in Yosemite.
YOSEMITE VALLEY
Ahwahnee Gift Shop offers Native American art in the form of pottery, Kachina dolls and textiles. Other gift items from international origin are available. The Ahwahnee also has a Sweet Shop that specializes in fine chocolates and other irresistable delicacies. Yosemite Village is the shopping mall of Yosemite. Several shops are situated along an outdoor path including the Yosemite Art Center, Village Store, Habitat Yosemite, Ansel Adams Gallery, Village Sport Shop and more. Everything from fine art to groceries and logoed souvenirs can be found in Yosemite Village. Curry Village offers a gift & grocery store and the Yosemite Mountain Shop for the higher-end hiking and camping equipment. Yosemite Lodge offers a gift shop with logoed souvenirs and The Nature Shop with fun & educational gifts concentrating on the ecology of the region. Housekeeping Camp General Store offers groceries, firewood and other camping supplies.
HIGH COUNTRY - SOUTH
Pioneer Gift & Grocery is located in Wawona and offers a gift shop with logoed souvenirs. Big Trees Gift Shop is located at Mariposa Grove and offers a gift shop with logoed souvenirs relating to the Giant Sequoias of Yosemite. Wawona Golf Shop offers logoed souvenirs, accessories and golf apparel. Badger Pass Ski Shop offers logoed souvenirs, accessories and ski & board apparel.
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Hiking is world-class in Yosemite. Choose from hikes to towering waterfalls, to the top of granite domes, scenic overlooks with 4,000-foot drops and much, much more. Take advantage of the FREE Hiker's Shuttles that shuffle hikers to all the popular trailheads. Hiker shuttles can be caught from popular campgrounds or by short connection aboard Yosemite Valley Shuttles. Backpackers must obtain free wilderness permits for overnight stay in Yosemite's wilderness. These can be found at any of Yosemite's wilderness centers. Bear canisters can be rented from the Valley Bookstore, Wawona Store or Hetch Hetchy entrance station. Bear Proof Food Lockers are available at the entrance of some popular trailheads. MORE DETAILS
Camping is abundant throughout Yosemite. Campgrounds are situated in the northern high-country of Tuolumne, throughout the bustling Valley and in the southern region of Bridalveil Creek and Wawona. Choose from tent cabin resorts or bring your own tent. All campgrounds come with a picnic table, fire pit with grill and bear locker for food storage. Showers are available in the Valley and RV dumpstations, groceries and supplies are found in all regions. Most campgrounds feature flush toilets. High Sierra camps are also available by lottery. MORE DETAILS
Downhill Skiing is available at Badger Pass Ski Resort. Rentals and a tubing park are also offered. WEBSITE
Cross-Country Skiing is available at Badger Pass Ski Resort and the Glacier Point Ski Hut. Trails are available throughout Yosemite's high country to the north and south. WEBSITE
TIP: Consider an overnight stay at the first-come, first-served Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut, or the Ostrander Ski Hut that is available by lottery through the Yosemite Association.
Snowshoeing is allowed throughout the park and rentals are available at the Cross-Country Center in Badger Pass, or the Mountaineering Center in Curry Village. Yosemite Valley is a great place to try snowshoes for the first time. WEBSITE
Golfing is available at the Wawona Golf Course. This par-70, 18-hole course opened in 1918 and was the first in the Sierra Nevada range. WEBSITE
Fishing is available in almost all of the reservoirs, lakes, rivers and streams in Yosemite. Rainbow and brown trout are stocked when snow is not present. Most of the stores carry light tackle including Tuolumne Meadows, Crane Flat and Wawona Stores, but the Yosemite Valley Sports Shop has everything you need. Lakes & reservoirs can be fished year-round while April to November is the open season on rivers and streams. A license is required for ages 16 and up. Be sure to double check the regulations at a ranger station before venturing out. WEBSITE
Rock Climbing is world-class throughout Yosemite. The park has options from climbing up the backsides of domes to scaling the faces of Half Dome and El Capitan. Equipment can be found at the Yosemite Mountain Shop in Curry Village or the Tuolumne Meadows Mountaineering School. WEBSITE
Back Packing is endless in Yosemite. Choose from guided group trips, personalized guided trips or go it alone. For guided trips call (209) 372-8344 to reserve. If you're going it alone, obtain a wilderness permit from any of Yosemite's Wilderness Centers. In the winter they can be obtained at the Valley Visitor Center, Hill's Studio Porch, Big Oak Flat Info Station, Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station, Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut and Badger Pass Ski Hut. Yosemite also offers 5 High Sierra Camps available by lottery only. They include dormitory-style tent cabins with two meals a day, and some have showers. Call (559) 253-5674 for more information and to enter the High Sierra Camp lottery. The Valley Visitor Center, Wawona Store and Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station rent bear canisters for proper food storage. WEBSITE
Rafting down the Merced River offers a refreshing cool down during the summer months. Bring your own raft or rent one at the Curry Village Recreation Center and return via shuttle bus. Typical season is from May to July but can change due to fluctuating water levels from year to year. WEBSITE
White Water Rafting down the Merced River is offered by Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions. Everything from half-day to two-day trips are available with meals included. This is the 'Real Deal' with several class 4 rapids. WEBSITE
Biking is popular in Yosemite Valley. 12-miles of paved trail and virtually flat terrain make it easy for just about anyone to enjoy. Bring your own bike or rent one from either Curry Village at the recreation center or the Yosemite Lodge. Bikes are available for the handicapped including a tandem bike for the blind. Call to reserve (209) 372-4386. WEBSITE
Ice Skating is available during the Winter at the outdoor skating rink in Curry Village. Considered one of the premier rinks in California. WEBSITE
Horseback Riding is available during the warmer months in Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Valley and Wawona. Adventures include 2-hours to all day excursions visiting lakes, waterfalls, meadows and much more. Be sure to reserve in advance: Yosemite Valley Stable (209) 372-8348; Tuolumne Meadows Stable (209) 372-8427; Wawona Stable (209) 375-6502 WEBSITE
Public Swimming Pools are available in Curry Village and at Yosemite Lodge (small fee applies). The Wawona Hotel erects an above-ground pool during the summer season. These are great alternatives to swimming in the rivers and streams throughout Yosemite if water levels or temperatures are not ideal. WEBSITE
Camp Activities are available in campgrounds with amphitheatres and other locations throughout the park. Join one of the nightly ranger-led talks each night at your campground amphitheatre or attend one of the larger events at the Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Theatre or other large venue. Activities include everything from singing classic songs to venturing out for moonlight walks. WEBSITE
Sugar Pine Railroad is located in Fishcamp just south of Yosemite National Park off Highway 41. Hop aboard an old logging train that traverses through the pines from Fishcamp to Oakhurst and back. Many tour options are available including full meals and train cars include open-air and enclosed. WEBSITE
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Bears are a big problem in Yosemite. Do not leave any food in your tent or vehicle. Bears in Yosemite have no fear of humans and will probably visit your camp during your visit. They can just as easily rip the door off your car as they can tear your tent to shreds. And they'll do it for something as simple as scented lip balm or a knife that was used to fillet fish. Bear proof containers are provided at campsites and popular trailheads... Use Them. If you encounter a bear on the trail and you have a peanut butter & jelly sandwich in your pack, the safest course of action would be to remove the pack and leave it for the bear while you make your escape. If necessary, you can return later to see what the bear has left. Bear Proof Food Lockers are available for all campsites and some popular trailheads in Yosemite.
Wildlife you will probably encounter during your visit include bears, deer, bats, squirrels, chipmunks, stellar jays and racoons. Wildlife you will probably not encounter, but does exist in the park, includes coyotes and mountain lions. Although most find it irresistable to feed wildlife like chipmunks, deer and racoons, try to resist. It's bad for the animals, especially in the case of bears who become dependant on humans and have to be killed. It can also be unhealthy for you, especially when it comes to deer that account for the most injuries inflicted by animal every year. Deer have very sharp hooves and use them unexpectedly, not to mention the bucks with horns. It's also a good idea to hike with at least one other person. Although there has never been an attack on a human in Yosemite by mountain lion, it's best if we take measures to maintain that record.
TIP: Just look to the Curry Village parking lot to spot deer. The lot is shaded with apple trees that attract deer from throughout the Valley.
Crowds are heavy during the peak months (May-September). It is not uncommon to have over an hour wait in traffic just to enter the park, let alone the traffic congestion within. The Valley is the most crowded portion of the park and by the end of Summer sometimes has lingering smog. Walking and biking trails weave throughout the entire valley floor making it easier and faster to get from point A to point B. Yosemite also has a superb Shuttle system that has several valley stops and other popular high-country locations. Excluding the valley, other densely touristed areas include Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne Meadows. Consider visiting these locations early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Cliff Danger is a serious matter that can't be emphasized enough. Many sites and trails in Yosemite are left in their natural state, which means no guardrail or retaining wall. Use caution when hiking in the high country and near waterfalls. On many trails, one wrong step is the difference between 4,000 or 8,500 feet in elevation. People die every year making poor decisions near cliffs, and we're not talking about thrill seekers. It's usually a mom, husband or best friend looking to capture that perfect shot just outside the guardrail. Keep a good eye on children when visiting locations like Glacier Point. An especially dangerous trail is west of Glacier Point and leads to 'The Fissures' and 'Taft Point'. Both of these locations are dropoffs with little to no guardrail. Caution should also be taken when hiking small canyon like Tenaya Canyon due to falling rocks.
Flash Flood Danger should be considered when entering rivers and streams. Yosemite has such a high elevation gain that rain in the upper elevations is not noticed down in the sunny valley, but water levels can rise quickly and without notice. Visitors at the popular 'Mist Trail' have been swept to their deaths from the top of Vernal Fall because they were closer to the edge than they should have been. Always be aware of your swimming location and never swim upstream from a waterfall. Currents can be invisible and carry you long distances in a very short time. You won't have a chance if you're above a waterfall.
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Fresno / Yosemite International is located nearly one-hour from the southern entrance of Yosemite. To get to Yosemite, exit the airport and head west (right) on McKinley Avenue. Continue on McKinley for approximately 4-miles and head north (right) on Highway 41. This will bring you in through Wawona and the Wawona Tunnel, which offers the most dramatic introduction to Yosemite Valley's scenery. MORE DETAILS
Other options to consider would be
Sacramento, Oakland, or San Francisco airports.
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Traffic & Transportation
BACK TO TOP
Highway 120 - enters Yosemite from the west at Modesto and the east from Lee Vining. Also known as Tioga Road within the National Park. The stretch of road between Tuolumne Meadows and Lee Vining is known as Tioga Pass, the highest highway in California at 9,943-feet. This is also a very steep route, so consideration should be taken for motorhomes and vehicles with trailers. We towed our small trailer up Tioga Pass, which forced us to use second gear the entire way up.
WINTER CLOSURE: Tioga Road is closed from Crane Flat to Highway 395 (northeastern Yosemite) from November to May every year, making Yosemite inaccessible from the east.
Highway 140 enters Yosemite from the southwest in Merced. The 140 follows the Merced River and joins Highway 120 just west of Yosemite Valley.
Highway 41 offers the most dramatic introduction to Yosemite Valley's scenery through the Wawona Tunnel. Parking lot is always crowded with tourists. Always carry chains in the winter.
TIP: Follow the short but steep trail across the road from the parking lot to Inspiration Point, considered the best spot in Yosemite for unimpeded views of the entire valley.
Yosemite Valley can be heavily congested during the peak months (May-September). It is not uncommon to have over an hour wait in traffic just to enter the park, let alone the traffic congestion within. A 15-minute trip on a bicycle to purchase supplies can easily take an hour in a vehicle. Many visitors drive in for the day and clog the roads during afternoon hours. Limit your vehicle usage to morning and evening hours to avoid the extra crowds.
Public transportation is excellent throughout Yosemite. Shuttles run non-stop throughout the valley and most of the popular tourist destinations in the upper elevations.
Be sure to check CURRENT CONDITIONS before heading up.
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Winter blankets Yosemite with snow. Much of the park is cut off to visitors and many facilities are closed. Temperatures in the valley average 40-50 degrees while upper elevations like Badger Pass average 30-40 degrees. Fog can often impede views from the valley floor.
Spring is Yosemite showing off. Waterfalls and rivers are at their peak and wildflowers blanket the meadows. Temperatures in the valley average 60-70 degrees while upper elevations average 50-60.
Summer can be very warm in the valley averaging 75-85, but an occassional rare heat wave can take it into the 90's and even 100's. Upper elevations average 70-80 degrees.
Fall leaves Yosemite in need of rejuvenation. The heavy crowds of the Summer leaves lingering smog in the valley. Temperatures in the valley average 55-65 degrees while upper elevations average 45-55. Fog increases in the valley.
Be sure to check CURRENT CONDITIONS before heading up.
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