Plan a Yosemite National Park trip with practical information on entrance fees, park hours, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, waterfalls, scenic drives, hiking trails, camping, lodging, wildlife, accessibility and safety.
Yosemite National Park is one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in the United States. Located in California's Sierra Nevada, the park is famous for enormous granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, alpine meadows, deep valleys and high-country scenery.
Yosemite Valley is the park's best-known destination, with landmarks such as El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall concentrated within a relatively small area.
Beyond Yosemite Valley, the park extends across a vast mountain landscape that includes Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, Mariposa Grove and numerous trail systems.
A successful Yosemite trip requires advance planning. Summer crowds can be substantial, lodging and campgrounds can fill quickly, and winter snow can close high-elevation roads and trails.
The most important planning details to know before you arrive.
Yosemite is one of America's most visited national parks. Summer, weekends and holidays can be especially busy.
Spring waterfalls, summer hiking, autumn color and winter snow create very different Yosemite experiences.
Yosemite is renowned for El Capitan, Half Dome and the dramatic granite walls surrounding Yosemite Valley.
Snowmelt makes spring an exceptional season for Yosemite's waterfalls, although many flows decrease later in the year.
Yosemite requires an entrance fee for most visitors. Entrance reservation requirements can vary by season, so check the National Park Service before traveling.
| Pass / Entry Type | Current Information |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle | 7-day admission |
| Motorcycle | 7-day admission |
| Individual entry | 7-day admission |
| Children | See current NPS requirements |
| Yosemite Annual Pass | Valid for Yosemite |
| America the Beautiful Pass | Valid federal recreation pass |
Entrance fees and reservation requirements can change. Confirm current prices and entry rules with the National Park Service before traveling.
Yosemite National Park is generally open 24 hours a day, year-round. However, individual roads, visitor centers, campgrounds, lodging, restaurants and other facilities have seasonal schedules.
Yosemite's major attractions range from famous granite landmarks and waterfalls to giant sequoias and high-country meadows.
Yosemite Valley is the iconic heart of the park, surrounded by massive granite cliffs and waterfalls.
Highlights: El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall and Valley View.
Yosemite Falls is one of North America's tallest waterfalls and one of Yosemite's signature landmarks.
Best season: Spring and early summer generally offer the strongest waterfall flow.
This enormous granite monolith rises dramatically above Yosemite Valley and is world-famous among rock climbers.
Tip: Stop at valley viewpoints for photographs and watch climbers on the wall.
Half Dome is one of Yosemite's most recognizable geological features. The summit hike is strenuous and requires a permit when the cables are in place.
Important: Check current permit and cable-season requirements before planning the hike.
Tunnel View provides one of the classic panoramas of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall.
Good for: Sunrise, photography and a first overview of Yosemite Valley.
Glacier Point offers spectacular elevated views across Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the surrounding Sierra Nevada.
Season: The road is subject to seasonal snow closures.
Mariposa Grove protects hundreds of giant sequoias and is one of the park's most memorable destinations outside Yosemite Valley.
Tip: Plan extra time for the shuttle and walking required to reach the grove.
Tuolumne Meadows is a high-elevation landscape of granite domes, alpine meadows, streams and hiking trails.
Season: Access is highly seasonal because of Sierra Nevada snow.
Bridalveil Fall drops from the cliffs at the entrance to Yosemite Valley and is one of the first major landmarks many visitors encounter.
Tip: Waterfall flow is typically strongest during the spring snowmelt period.
Yosemite offers everything from accessible valley walks to extremely strenuous mountain routes. Elevation, heat, snow and changing weather should all be considered before starting a hike.
The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite's most famous hikes, climbing alongside Vernal Fall and, farther on, Nevada Fall.
Difficulty: Strenuous portions with substantial elevation gain and wet conditions near the waterfalls.
The Half Dome hike is a demanding full-day adventure with significant elevation gain and exposed terrain near the summit.
Permit: Required when the cables are in place.
This steep hike climbs toward the top of Yosemite Falls and provides exceptional views over Yosemite Valley.
Difficulty: Strenuous. Carry sufficient water and allow plenty of time.
A shorter walk provides a close view of Lower Yosemite Fall and is suitable for visitors looking for a relatively easy Yosemite experience.
Good for: Families and visitors with limited hiking time.
Mirror Lake offers seasonal reflections of Half Dome and surrounding granite cliffs.
Best season: Conditions and water levels vary throughout the year.
The Four Mile Trail climbs steeply from Yosemite Valley toward Glacier Point with outstanding views along the route.
Difficulty: Strenuous and subject to seasonal conditions.
Driving is useful for exploring Yosemite, but traffic and parking can be major considerations during busy periods. Some high-elevation roads are closed seasonally because of snow.
Always check current road conditions before starting a long drive.
Yosemite Valley can become heavily congested during busy periods. Shuttle services may provide a convenient way to move around the Valley without repeatedly searching for parking.
Tip: Arrive early, park once when possible and use available transportation rather than moving your vehicle between every attraction.
Staying inside Yosemite can make it easier to enjoy early mornings and late evenings without long drives. Campgrounds and lodging can fill quickly, particularly during peak seasons.
A popular Yosemite Valley campground offering convenient access to major Valley trails and attractions.
A seasonal Yosemite Valley campground with an excellent location beneath the Valley's granite cliffs.
Another Yosemite Valley campground located near the Merced River and major hiking routes.
A campground in the southern portion of Yosemite, convenient for Wawona and Mariposa Grove.
A unique Yosemite accommodation offering a more structured camping experience along the Merced River.
A popular lodging option close to Yosemite Falls and Valley attractions.
Yosemite's forests, meadows, rivers and high-country environments support a wide variety of wildlife.
Black bears inhabit Yosemite and can occasionally be seen in developed areas. Never approach, feed or leave food unsecured around wildlife.
Mule deer are frequently encountered in meadows, forests and Yosemite Valley. Give them plenty of space.
Yosemite supports numerous mountain and forest bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers.
Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep occupy rugged high-elevation habitat and are much less commonly encountered than deer.
Waterfalls are among Yosemite's defining features. Snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada produces the strongest flows during spring and early summer.
Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall are among the park's most famous waterfalls.
Waterfall conditions change throughout the year. Some waterfalls can become dramatically smaller or seasonal later in summer and during dry years.
Yosemite's mountain setting provides beautiful nighttime views, particularly when skies are clear and visitors move away from the brightest developed areas.
Move away from unnecessary artificial lighting while remaining in a safe, legal developed location.
A darker moon phase can make faint stars and the Milky Way easier to see.
Temperatures can fall substantially after sunset, even during otherwise warm summer days.
Yosemite provides accessibility features throughout many developed areas, although accessibility varies by trail, facility, elevation and season.
Accessible lodging options are available at selected Yosemite accommodations. Confirm specific room features before booking.
Many developed visitor facilities provide accessibility features, although services vary between locations.
Selected trails and pathways are accessible, particularly in developed Yosemite Valley areas.
Selected developed campgrounds provide accessible sites and facilities. Check current campground information before booking.
Eligible U.S. residents with permanent disabilities can obtain an Access Pass for federal recreation sites.
Snow, elevation, steep terrain and seasonal closures can affect accessibility beyond the developed areas.
Yosemite is large enough that a longer visit allows you to explore Yosemite Valley without rushing while also seeing destinations outside the Valley.
Focus on Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls and several major viewpoints. Arrive early to maximize your time.
A good minimum for a first visit. Combine Yosemite Valley hiking with Glacier Point or another major region.
Ideal for a broader trip including Yosemite Valley, giant sequoias, Tuolumne Meadows and longer hikes when seasonal access permits.
Yosemite can be visited throughout the year, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. Late spring and summer provide access to many trails and destinations, while spring is especially impressive for waterfalls.
Summer is typically the busiest period. Winter brings snow, fewer visitors and a very different landscape, but high-elevation roads such as Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are generally subject to seasonal closures.
One of the best seasons for waterfalls and green landscapes. Some higher-elevation roads and trails may still be snow-covered.
Broad access to the park, hiking and scenic drives, but summer crowds can be substantial. Fall can offer cooler temperatures.
Snow transforms Yosemite into a quieter winter landscape. Expect seasonal closures and winter driving conditions.
Early mornings can make parking, sightseeing and hiking much easier, especially during busy seasons.
Entrance reservation requirements can change. Verify the rules for your specific dates before traveling.
Yosemite Valley can become congested. Avoid unnecessary vehicle movements once you have parked.
Mountain hikes can involve substantial elevation gain. Carry enough drinking water for your planned activity.
Snow, ice, rockfall, high water and seasonal closures can change trail conditions quickly.
Yosemite requires careful food storage because of its bear population. Follow current food-storage rules.
Temperatures can vary significantly between morning, afternoon and evening, especially at higher elevations.
Weather, road closures, traffic and trail conditions can affect even carefully planned itineraries.
Yosemite combines steep granite terrain, waterfalls, rivers, snow, wildlife and high-elevation environments. Conditions can become hazardous quickly.
Fast-moving rivers and streams can be extremely dangerous, particularly during snowmelt.
Smooth granite can become extremely slippery when wet. Stay on established routes and away from cliff edges.
Keep your distance from animals and follow all food-storage requirements.
Mountain weather can change rapidly. Carry appropriate layers and check forecasts before longer hikes.
Pets are restricted from many Yosemite trails, wilderness areas and undeveloped locations. Visitors traveling with dogs should review the park's current pet regulations before planning a hiking itinerary.
Service animals have different access rights under applicable regulations. Visitors traveling with a service animal should review Yosemite's current accessibility information before arrival.
Yosemite offers much more than sightseeing. Visitors can hike, backpack, rock climb, photograph waterfalls, explore giant sequoias, birdwatch, ski during winter and participate in ranger programs.
Yosemite's granite cliffs also make the park one of the world's most famous destinations for rock climbing, while the high country provides opportunities for backpacking and alpine exploration.
Trails range from easy valley walks to demanding mountain climbs such as Half Dome and Upper Yosemite Fall.
Yosemite is internationally famous for climbing on granite formations including El Capitan.
Forests, meadows and rivers support bears, deer, birds and many other Sierra Nevada species.
Snow creates opportunities for skiing and other winter activities in appropriate areas.
A Yosemite map is essential because the park covers a large mountain landscape and some destinations are accessible only during part of the year.
A Yosemite Valley itinerary can focus on waterfalls, granite viewpoints and Valley trails. A southern itinerary can combine Wawona and Mariposa Grove. When Tioga Road is open, the high country can be explored through Tuolumne Meadows and nearby trailheads.
Always check seasonal road conditions before planning a cross-park drive.
Check current conditions, entrance fees, reservation requirements, road and trail information, seasonal services and weather before leaving. Yosemite can become extremely busy, so plan your parking, hiking and transportation strategy in advance.