FAQS
26 Frequently Asked Questions about Yosemite National Park and the Surrounding Area
General Information
Yosemite National Park is located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, approximately 170 miles east of San Francisco. It spans across portions of Tuolumne, Mariposa, and Madera counties.
Yosemite covers approximately 1,187 square miles (747,956 acres) of wilderness. The park is about the size of the state of Rhode Island and contains thousands of lakes and ponds, 1,600 miles of streams, over 25 named waterfalls, and 800 miles of hiking trails. Don't miss the North Dome Hike.
Each season offers unique experiences:
- Spring (April-June): Waterfalls are at peak flow, wildflowers bloom, and crowds are moderate.
- Summer (July-August): Warm weather with all areas of the park typically accessible, but this is also the most crowded time. Summer activities are plentiful.
- Fall (September-October): Lovely fall colors, fewer crowds, pleasant weather, but many waterfalls may be dry.
- Winter (November-March): Snow-covered landscapes, minimal crowds, but limited road access and services. Be sure to see our winter activities guide for suggestions on things to do.
During peak seasons (typically summer), Yosemite often implements a reservation system for day-use visitors during peak hours. Check the official Yosemite National Park website for current reservation requirements. Visitors with overnight lodging or wilderness permits typically don't need an additional reservation.
Planning your Visit
As of 2024, entrance fees are:
- $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
- $30 per motorcycle (valid for 7 days)
- $20 per person when entering by foot, bicycle, or horseback (valid for 7 days)
- $80 for an annual America the Beautiful Pass, which covers entrance to all national parks for a year
For first-time visitors, 2-3 days is recommended to see the main attractions in Yosemite Valley. To explore more areas like Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point, and hiking trails, 4-7 days would be ideal.
Top attractions include:
- Yosemite Valley (El Capitan, Half Dome, Tunnel View)
- Yosemite Falls (North America's tallest waterfall)
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Glacier Point
- Tuolumne Meadows
- Bridalveil Fall
- Mirror Lake
Be sure to check out the eight easy hikes in Yosemite blog post for recommendations.
Accommodation options include:
- Inside the park: Campgrounds, The Ahwahnee (luxury), Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, High Sierra Camps
- Outside the park: Hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts,vacation rentals, and campgrounds in gateway communities like Mariposa, Oakhurst, Groveland, and El Portal. Of course, we recommend one of our Ahwahnee Suites for a relaxing stay.
Transportation
Yosemite has a free shuttle system in Yosemite Valley and seasonal shuttles to other areas. Private vehicles are allowed, but parking can be limited during peak times. Bicycles are available for rent in the valley, and hiking is a popular way to get around shorter distances.
Yes, YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) buses connect gateway communities to Yosemite Valley. Amtrak and Greyhound also offer connections to YARTS stops. The YARTS bus stop is a 7 minute walk from the Blackberry Inn, or you can drive and park your car.
The closest airports to Yosemite are:
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) - about 65 miles south
- Merced Regional Airport (MCE) - about 80 miles southwest
- Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) - about 77 miles east (seasonal)
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF) - about 170 miles west
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - about 195 miles west
- Oakland International Airport (OAK) - about 180 miles west
Activities
Popular hikes include:
- Easy: Lower Yosemite Fall Trail (1 mile round trip), Bridalveil Fall Trail (0.5 miles round trip), Mirror Lake Loop (2-5 miles)
- Moderate: Mist Trail to Vernal Fall (3 miles round trip), Taft Point (2.2 miles round trip), Sentinel Dome (2.2 miles round trip)
- Strenuous: Half Dome (14-16 miles round trip, permit required), Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point (9.6 miles round trip), Upper Yosemite Fall Trail (7.2 miles round trip)
Yes, a permit is required to hike to the top of Half Dome when the cables are up (typically late May through mid-October). Permits are distributed through a preseason lottery and daily lottery system.
Yosemite is home to over 400 species of vertebrates including black bears, mule deer, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, marmots, ring tail cats, and numerous bird species. Bear sightings are common, particularly in Yosemite Valley and during summer months.
During summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming in designated areas, rafting on the Merced River, fishing (with a California fishing license), and paddle boarding or kayaking on Tenaya Lake.
Safety and Regulations
To stay safe around bears:
- Store all food and scented items properly in bear-proof containers or food lockers
- Maintain a safe distance (at least 50 yards) if you encounter a bear
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears
- Never feed bears or other wildlife
- Report bear sightings to park rangers
Dogs are allowed in developed areas, on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths, but must be leashed at all times. Dogs are not allowed on unpaved or dirt trails, in wilderness areas, in public buildings, or on shuttle buses. Easy way to remember is Paws on Pavement.
For emergencies, dial 911 or contact the nearest park ranger. Cell phone service is limited throughout the park, so be prepared with emergency supplies and a plan. The main medical clinic is located in Yosemite Valley.
Weather and Seasonal Information
Most waterfalls in Yosemite reach peak flow in late spring (May-June) when snowmelt is at its highest. By late summer or early fall (August-October), many falls may be dry or have significantly reduced flow, except after heavy rainfall.
Chain requirements are common during winter months (November through March). All vehicles, including 4WD and AWD with snow tires, must carry chains during winter when entering chain control areas, even if not required to use them.
Highway 140 (El Portal Road) and Highway 120 West (Big Oak Flat Road) are typically open year-round, providing access to Yosemite Valley. Tioga Road (Highway 120 East), Glacier Point Road, and Mariposa Grove Road are generally closed from around November through May due to snow.
Food and Amenities
Food services inside the park include:
- The Ahwahnee Dining Room (fine dining)
- Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court
- Curry Village Dining Options
- Glacier Point Snack Stand (seasonal)
- Tuolumne Meadows Grill (seasonal)
- Village Store and various grocery locations for supplies
If you are looking to dine outside of the park, check out our local restaurant guide
Cell service is limited and primarily available in Yosemite Valley, with spotty coverage elsewhere in the park. Wi-Fi is available for a fee at some lodging facilities like The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley Lodge. Don't expect reliable connectivity throughout most of the park.
Nearby Attractions
Popular destinations near Yosemite include:
- Mono Lake (east of the park via Tioga Pass, when open)
- Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls (near Mammoth Lakes)
- Bass Lake (south of the park near Oakhurst)
- Columbia State Historic Park (gold rush-era town)
- Bodie State Historic Park (ghost town)
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (about 2-3 hours south)
Gateway communities worth exploring include:
- Mariposa: Historic gold rush town with museums, restaurants, and shops
- Oakhurst: Larger town with amenities and close to Bass Lake
- Groveland: Charming town with the historic Iron Door Saloon (one of California's oldest bars)
- Lee Vining: Small town near Mono Lake with access to eastern Sierra attractions
- Mammoth Lakes: Resort town with skiing in winter and numerous outdoor activities in summer
Gateway communities worth exploring include:
- Yosemite Falls—The tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet.
- Bridalveil Fall—620 feet; often the first waterfall visitors see upon entering Yosemite Valley.
- Vernal Fall—317 feet; known for its powerful flow and rainbow mist.
- Nevada Fall—594 feet; located just above Vernal Fall on the Mist Trail.
- Sentinel Fall—2000 feet in multiple cascades, best seen in spring.
- Ribbon Fall—1612 feet; the tallest single-drop waterfall in North America
- Horsetail Fall—1000 feet; famous for its “firefall” effect in February.
- Illilouette Fall—381 feet; visible from parts of the Mist trail.
- Wapama Falls—1400 feet; located in the Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite.