When it comes to national parks, no other country in the world can boast the sheer number of world-famous parks as the United States does. With behemoths such as Yellowstone, the unforgettable Grand Canyon, Sequoia, and the Hawaii Volcanoes, all of which top every list of best parks in the world, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Yosemite National Park is arguably one of the most famous parks in the US and the entire North American continent, which is a lot to say.
Situated in the Californian Sierra Nevada and with an area of 750,000 acres, the park offers mountains, lakes, forests, and rivers, allowing all outdoor activities imaginable. Whether it be rock climbing or hiking, water sports or fishing, bird and wilderness watching, winter sports, stargazing, camping, or just cruising through the valleys surrounded by granite rock formations or walking inside giant sequoia forests, Yosemite has something for everyone.
The following guide will help you plan your visit so that you can enjoy the most of this wonderful national park treasure.
For more information, check out this article on my US West Coast road trip
Basic info
First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, there is no lack of valleys, expansive meadows, and ancient sequoias forests and visitors can enjoy hikes among the granite rocks, or camping next to peaceful lakes among the large variety of wilderness.
The Park
When you enter, you will be given a map with the most up-to-date information regarding road closures depending on the season, highlights, and attractions. This guide is a small pamphlet, but it opens up, much like the park itself, into a huge map and guide with detailed information on the area.
The park is divided into five distinct areas: Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and the High Sierra. Each area offers unique experiences that are sure to please even the most experienced outdoor enthusiast. Yosemite Valley is the most popular destination in the park, featuring iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, and horseback riding. Wawona is home to the historic Wawona Hotel as well as the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, one of the largest collections of these ancient trees in the world. Glacier Point offers incredible views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra, as well as a variety of hiking trails. Tuolumne Meadows is the home of the Tuolumne River, which provides the perfect setting for fishing, swimming, and rafting. Finally, the High Sierra offers some of the most rugged terrain in the park, including the Cathedral Range, which is perfect for backpacking and rock climbing.
Best time to visit
Season
When planning a trip to Yosemite, the best time to visit typically depends on what kind of activities visitors are interested in. For those looking to take in the park’s stunning views and take advantage of the many outdoor activities it offers, the spring and early summer months are ideal. This is when the park is most alive, with blooming wildflowers, clear streams, and plenty of wildlife. For those looking to escape the summer heat and crowds, fall and winter are great times to visit. The park is much quieter and is often blanketed in snow, making it a perfect winter wonderland. This is also when the night skies are particularly stunning, making it a great time to take in some stargazing.
Opening hours
Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Best times to visit
The best times of day to experience Yosemite’s grandeur are earlier in the morning and later in the evening. This is when the park is least crowded and the light is most beautiful. The sunrises and sunsets are particularly stunning, and the stars at night are an unforgettable sight.
Entrances & Getting around
There are four entrances to Yosemite. The park can be reached from the north, with the closest town being Lee Vining on Highway 120. From the south, from Fresno on Route 41, or southwest, with the closest town being El Portal on Route 140, or west, from San Francisco on Highway 120.
Once inside the park, all roads are scenic, the most famous being along the Tioga Road from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass, but there are many others. Notable points of interest with their respective driving distances are:
- Wawona/Mariposa Grove: about an hour
- Glacier Point: about an hour
- Crane Flat: 30 minutes
- Hodgdon Meadow/Big Oak Flat Entrance: 45 minutes
- Hetch Hetchy: 1.5 hours
- Tuolumne Meadows: 1.5 hours
- Tioga Pass: 1.75 hours
Prices
Depending on the season or day of the week, it may be mandatory to pre-purchase a ticket. In any case, it is best to reserve it to ensure entry. Reservations can be found on the recreation.gov website here and the following passes can be purchased:
| Individual (on foot, horseback, or bus) | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $15 |
| Motorcycle | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $30 |
| Automobile | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $35 |
| Yosemite Pass (automobile) | 1 Year, Yosemite National Park | $70 |
Other tips
- If you plan to enter by car and have a drive around, you will find perfectly preserved roads, but this comes with frequent road works and prolonged stops to manage the two-way traffic. This provides ample opportunities to just step out of the car and enjoy the beautiful scenery. However, this also creates bottlenecks that accumulate cars and when the traffic starts to flow again, it creates caravans of cars, taking away from the experience of driving around the tortuous mountain roads.
Clothing/Gear
If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, make sure you have the right gear and clothing to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
Here are a few recommendations:
- A good pair of hiking boots with plenty of traction.
- Waterproof rain gear, such as a rain jacket, pants, and a hat.
- A daypack to carry snacks, water, and other essentials.
- A lightweight sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
- A warm hat and gloves.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
- A multi–tool, such as a Swiss army knife, for any unexpected situations.
- A map of the area, and a compass or GPS device.
- An emergency first aid kit.
- A headlamp or flashlight.
Weather
Yosemite has a Mediterranean climate; therefore, most precipitation falls during the winter. The summers are hot and dry, with temperatures that can reach 40°C.
With an elevation ranging from 600 to almost 4000 m, the weather can get very cold, especially in winter. Independently of the season, it is wise to dress in layers, as the altitude excursion can be significant when visiting the area.
