The Ultimate Yosemite Travel Guide

How to visit Yosemite National Park – everything you need to know

Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is a dream destination for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its jaw-dropping granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls, sprawling meadows, and giant ancient sequoias draw millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re planning an adrenaline-packed hiking trip, a leisurely sightseeing tour, or a one-day road trip stop, Yosemite has something unforgettable to offer.

Keep reading for expert tips on when and how to plan your trip, where to stay, what to do (even if you’re not into hiking), and a detailed guide to some of Yosemite’s best hikes.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Yosemite Adventure

When Should You Visit Yosemite?

The best time to visit Yosemite depends on what you’re looking for.

• April to June: This is when waterfalls are at their most powerful thanks to the snowmelt. The Mist Trail and Yosemite Falls are particularly breathtaking during this time.
• September to October: Fall brings cooler weather and fewer crowds. Plus, it’s the best time to explore trails like the John Muir Trail and Half Dome.
• July to August: Ideal for hikers, as higher-elevation spots like Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road become accessible, free of snow.
• Avoid winter months unless you’re here for winter sports or a quiet, snowy escape, as some roads and trails, like Tioga Road, are closed.

How Many Days Do You Need?

While you could spend a week or more exploring Yosemite, you can still experience its highlights in 2-3 days. If you’re short on time, even one day in Yosemite is enough to visit iconic spots like Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley.

What is the Best Time to Enter Yosemite?

Arriving at sunrise is your golden ticket. Not only will you get stunning lighting for photos, but you’ll also avoid the crowds, especially in the Yosemite Valley area.

When Not to Visit Yosemite

Summer weekends (especially holiday weekends) can get overwhelmingly crowded. Parking becomes scarce, and popular areas like Tunnel View and Glacier Point become difficult to enjoy. To dodge the rush, aim for weekdays or shoulder seasons.

Prices and Reservations

A standard entrance fee for Yosemite National Park is $35 per private vehicle, which covers all passengers and is valid for 7 consecutive days. If you’re arriving on foot, by bicycle, or motorcycle, the fee is lower—$20–$30 depending on the method of entry. Entrance is free for visitors under 16, and certain U.S. citizens and residents (such as seniors, military, or those with disabilities) may qualify for discounted or free annual passes.

If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks throughout the year, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass for $80, which grants access to all U.S. national parks and federal lands for 12 months.

Reservations:
From June 15 to August 15, 2025, and August 30 through September 1 (Labor Day weekend), Yosemite requires peak-hour vehicle reservations for entry between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. These reservations are only available through Recreation.gov and can book out quickly, especially for weekends and holidays. Here’s what to know:

• Reservation types: Full-day, peak-hour (6 a.m.–2 p.m.), and campground/lodging-linked reservations are available.
• Booking windows: Most day-use reservations are released months in advance, with a limited number made available 7 days before the entry date at 8 a.m. PST.
• Each reservation allows entry for three consecutive days.
• If you have a camping or lodging reservation inside the park, you don’t need a separate day-use reservation.

Lodging and Camping:
Accommodations in and near Yosemite—especially within the park boundaries—book up extremely fast. Campgrounds, Yosemite Valley lodges (like The Ahwahnee or Yosemite Valley Lodge), and tent cabins (like those at Curry Village) often sell out six months or more in advance.

• Campground reservations open on a rolling basis five months ahead, usually on the 15th of each month at 7 a.m. PST on Recreation.gov.
• Consider less competitive options like campgrounds on Tioga Road or the southern entrance, but still book as early as possible.
• First-come, first-served sites are limited and unreliable in peak season.

Permits:
Certain hikes require additional permits. Most notably:

• Half Dome (via cables route): Requires a lottery permit, either through the preseason lottery (March) or a daily lottery (two days in advance).
• Wilderness permits are needed for any overnight backpacking trips and must be reserved in advance.

In short: Yosemite is wildly popular for good reason—plan ahead, book early, and double-check requirements for the time of year you’re visiting.

Where to Stay

Yosemite offers tons of options for every type of traveler.

• Inside the Park
• The Ahwahnee Hotel ($$$): Luxury lodging with unmatched views and historic charm.
• Curry Village ($$): Affordable cabins and tent options for a rustic yet convenient stay.
• Campgrounds ($): Perfect for campers—book early as sites fill up quickly.
• Outside the Park
• El Portal (Closest access): Ideal if you want a budget-friendly option close to the park entrance.
• Bass Lake Area (30-50 mins away): A lakeside area that makes for a peaceful basecamp.
• Oakhurst
• Mariposa

Best Activities in Yosemite (Non-Hiking Options Too!)

Not a big fan of hiking? No problem! Here’s a detailed guide to the park’s most iconic stops, perfect for biking, walking, or just marveling at nature.

1. Tunnel View

The most famous viewpoint in the park, offering sweeping vistas of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. It’s especially stunning for sunrise or sunset.

2. Yosemite Valley

Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk through the flat, picturesque Yosemite Valley. Stop by the visitor center and enjoy views of iconic landmarks like El Capitan.

3. Glacier Point

A short trek or drive leads you to jaw-dropping views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. Best visited at sunset for a magical experience.

4. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Home to over 500 ancient sequoias, this peaceful grove lets you stand next to some of the largest living trees on Earth.

5. Tioga Road

This scenic highway is a must for road trippers, dotted with gorgeous stops like Olmsted Point and Tenaya Lake. Accessible in summer only.

6. Lower Yosemite Falls

An easy and flat 1-mile loop brings you right to this iconic waterfall’s base. Perfect for a casual stroll or for families.

7. Tuolumne Meadows

If peace and quiet is what you’re after, Tuolumne Meadows offers serene vistas, wildflowers, and the gentle Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River.

Best Hikes in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is a paradise for hikers, offering everything from easy scenic strolls to bucket-list climbs with jaw-dropping views. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful forest walk or a high-adrenaline adventure, these trails showcase the best of what Yosemite has to offer.

1. Mist Trail

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 3 miles round trip to Vernal Falls; 7 miles to Nevada Falls
• Trail

This iconic hike lives up to its name—prepare to be soaked as you ascend granite staircases beside the roaring Vernal and Nevada Falls. The trail is steep but rewarding, with misty views, wildflowers in spring, and the rush of water echoing through the valley.

2. Mirror Lake Trail

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 2 miles round trip
• Trail

A gentle walk perfect for families and casual hikers. This flat trail leads to a calm, seasonal lake that offers beautiful reflections of Half Dome when water levels are high. Great for photography or a relaxing break from Yosemite Valley’s busier routes.

3. Four-Mile Trail

• Difficulty: Challenging
• Length: 9.6 miles round trip
• Trail

Climb over 3,200 feet from the valley floor to Glacier Point for one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the park. Despite its name, the trail is nearly five miles one way, with countless switchbacks and stunning lookouts along the ascent.

4. John Muir Trail

• Difficulty: Hard
• Length: Varies; 20+ miles within Yosemite

Named after the famous naturalist, this trail overlaps parts of the Mist and Nevada Fall trails and continues deep into Yosemite’s wilderness. While many thru-hikers tackle the full 211-mile route, shorter segments within the park offer incredible alpine views and solitude.

5. Half Dome

• Difficulty: Very Hard
• Length: 14-16 miles round trip
• Trail

One of the most famous hikes in the world. The route takes you past Vernal and Nevada Falls before the final ascent—a heart-pounding climb up steel cables on a sheer granite face. It’s strenuous, exposed, and not for the faint of heart—but the 360° view from the summit is unforgettable.

6. Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Loop

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 5.1 miles loop
• Trail

This lesser-known loop on Glacier Point Road rewards hikers with two epic viewpoints. Sentinel Dome offers 360-degree views, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Taft Point, on the other hand, features sheer cliffs and dramatic fissures—ideal for sunset seekers.

7. Cathedral Lakes

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 7–8 miles round trip
• Trail

Located along Tioga Road, this high-elevation trail takes you to two stunning alpine lakes beneath Cathedral Peak. Expect granite domes, wildflower meadows, and peaceful mountain reflections—especially beautiful in late summer.

8. Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Length: 7.2 miles round trip
• Trail

Climb to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall for sweeping views of the valley and beyond. This steep and exposed trail gains over 2,700 feet, but every switchback brings new rewards. Go early to avoid the heat and crowds.

9. Panorama Trail

• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
• Length: 8.5 miles one-way (Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley)
• Trail

This one-way downhill trail (best done with a shuttle or car drop) lives up to its name, offering sweeping views of Half Dome, Illilouette Fall, Nevada Fall, and Vernal Fall. Starting from Glacier Point, it combines some of Yosemite’s best scenery into one unforgettable hike that connects to the Mist Trail near the end.

1-Day Yosemite Itinerary

Short on time? Here’s how to make the most out of just one day in Yosemite.

• Start with Sunrise at Tunnel View.
• Morning Hike: Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (easy) or Mist Trail (if you’re up for a challenge).
• Lunch Break at the Yosemite Valley picnic area.
• Afternoon Stop at Tuolumne Meadows or Mariposa Grove for a peaceful escape or if you are up to a hike, don’t miss the Taft Point
• End with Sunset at Glacier Point—an unforgettable way to close out the day.

3-Day Yosemite Itinerary

Day 1 – Yosemite Valley & Iconic Sights

• Morning: Enter early and begin at Tunnel View for sunrise.
• Mid-Morning: Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal or Nevada Falls (moderate to strenuous).
• Lunch: Picnic at the Yosemite Valley area or dine at Curry Village.
• Afternoon: Visit Yosemite Falls, and stop by the Visitor Center and Ansel Adams Gallery.
• Evening: Head to Glacier Point for sunset (if the road is open). Optionally, stargaze from there.

Day 2 – Adventure & Panoramic Views

• Morning: Hike the Four-Mile Trail up to Glacier Point (strenuous) or drive up if you prefer scenic stops.
• Afternoon: Explore Taft Point and Sentinel Dome for breathtaking overlooks and easier trails.
• Evening: Dine and rest at your lodge or campsite; or take a twilight stroll near the Merced River.

Day 3 – Sequoias or Meadows

• Option 1: Drive south to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and hike the Grizzly Giant Loop (2 miles).
• Option 2: If Tioga Road is open, explore Tuolumne Meadows and hike Gaylor Lakes or Lembert Dome(moderate).
• Wrap-Up: Head out in the late afternoon, or spend a final relaxing night in or near the park.

5-Day Yosemite Itinerary

Day 1 – Yosemite Valley Intro

• Morning: Arrive early and kick off with Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall.
• Late Morning: Hike to Lower Yosemite Falls (easy) or Columbia Rock via the Yosemite Falls Trail(moderate).
• Afternoon: Explore the Valley Loop Drive, stopping at El Capitan Meadow and Swinging Bridge.
• Evening: Sunset at Valley View or Sentinel Bridge.

Day 2 – Iconic Hikes

• Early Morning: Start the Mist Trail to Nevada Falls (7 miles RT) or go all the way via John Muir Trail loop.
• Afternoon: Recover with lunch at Yosemite Village or picnic near the river.
• Evening: Optional: Short walk to Mirror Lake or stargazing near El Cap Meadow.

Day 3 – Glacier Point & Taft Point

• Morning: Drive up to Glacier Point or hike Four-Mile Trail (advanced).
• Midday: Hike Taft Point and Sentinel Dome (moderate, 2.2–5 miles).
• Or: Explore the Panorama Trail from Glacier Point to the valley (8.5 miles one-way, shuttle recommended).
• Evening: Sunset picnic at Glacier Point.

Day 4 – High Country Adventure

• Morning: Drive Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows (open seasonally).
• Hike Options:
  • Lembert Dome (2.8 miles RT, moderate)
  • Gaylor Lakes (2 miles, stunning views and alpine lakes)
  • Cathedral Lakes (7–8 miles RT, gorgeous and quieter)
• Evening: Dinner at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge or head back to the valley.

Day 5 – Giant Sequoias Finale

• Morning: Visit Mariposa Grove and hike the Grizzly Giant Loop or Mariposa Grove Trail (easy to moderate).
• Lunch: Pack lunch or stop at Wawona Hotel area.
• Afternoon: Wind down with a scenic drive out of the park—consider stopping at Wawona Swinging Bridge or Chilnualna Falls Trailhead.

Your Yosemite Adventure Awaits

Whether you’re here for adventurous hikes, awe-inspiring viewpoints, or even just one perfect day on your road trip, Yosemite National Park has something extraordinary to offer. Plan ahead, pack thoughtfully, and prepare to be amazed as you explore one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Need more tips or personalized advice for your Yosemite trip? Drop us a question in the comments or share your favorite Yosemite memories!