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• Visiting Yosemite Travelling to and visiting Yosemite National Park. How to get there, what to see or do, and other Yosemite trip advice. Moderators: Wickett, dan 432 Topics 1464 Posts Last post by mikerain Thu May 11, 2023 5:28 pm
• Yosemite Hiking & Backpacking Hiking, backpacking, running, biking, climbing, rafting, and other human-powered activities in Yosemite National Park Moderators: Wickett, dan 2308 Topics 12712 Posts Last post by Justin-T Sat Jun 15, 2024 10:02 am
• Hiking & backpacking outside Yosemite National Park Hiking, backpacking, running, biking, climbing, rafting, and other human-powered activities in the Sierra Nevada and elsewhere outside Yosemite National Park Moderators: Wickett, dan 142 Topics 387 Posts Last post by balzaccom Mon Apr 08, 2024 1:42 pm
• Yosemite Campgrounds Discussion of camping and road-accessible campgrounds in and near Yosemite National Park Moderators: Wickett, dan 271 Topics 832 Posts Last post by AlmostThere Tue Jul 06, 2021 4:12 pm
• Half Dome Hiking Discussion about hiking to the top of Half Dome, planning the trip, and when the Half Dome cables are installed in Spring or removed in Fall. Moderators: Wickett, dan 115 Topics 441 Posts Last post by BikerHiker Wed Sep 16, 2020 6:46 pm
• Winter in Yosemite Travelling to and visiting Yosemite National Park in Winter and most of Spring, when snow is on the ground. Includes visiting in winter, snow play, downhill and nordic skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and snow camping. Moderators: Wickett, dan 109 Topics 354 Posts Last post by Grzldvt Sat Dec 24, 2022 10:27 am
• Tioga Road Opening/Closing Information on possible opening and closing dates for the Tioga Road (Highway 120 East) through Yosemite National Park Moderators: Wickett, dan 20 Topics 80 Posts Last post by Vegasbackpacker Fri Jun 09, 2017 3:58 am
• Yosemite History Discussion about Yosemite National Park history, including Native Americans, Euro-American pioneers and settlement, and establishment as a national park. Moderators: Wickett, dan 74 Topics 155 Posts Last post by dan Thu Jan 11, 2024 8:43 pm
• Books about Yosemite Books about Yosemite National Park, California Moderators: Wickett, dan 22 Topics 17 Posts Last post by Dave_Ayers Fri Apr 21, 2017 9:10 pm
• Yosemite Photography Information on Photography in Yosemite--tips, techniques, best camera gear, etc. Moderators: Wickett, dan 24 Topics 57 Posts Last post by Myron Hensel Sun May 27, 2018 9:53 pm
• Yosemite Bears Discussion about Yosemite black bears, protecting food, automobiles from bears, and preserving and managing Yosemite bears. Moderators: Wickett, dan 24 Topics 78 Posts Last post by VJIADIS Tue Nov 21, 2017 3:59 am
• Yosemite Planning Planning and environmental issues for Yosemite National Park Moderators: Wickett, dan 9 Topics 26 Posts Last post by AlmostThere Thu Jul 06, 2017 1:32 am

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A first-time guide to Yosemite National Park

Jun 26, 2024 • 10 min read

Yosemite is a wonderland of adventures, but don't leave without seeing at least one waterfall © gnohz / Shutterstock

Surrounded by Yosemite ’s waterfalls, cliffs and ageless mountains, you truly feel in nature’s thrall. Are the crowds, camping reservations and hiking permit lotteries – all side-effects of the park’s 4 million annual visitors – a headache? Of course. Are Yosemite’s technicolor meadows and vast, abyssal valleys worth it? Ten times over. 

More than a national park, Yosemite is a milestone in the story of conservation in the United States. The signing of the Yosemite Grant by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864 is one of the earliest examples of land in the US being preserved and safeguarded as a public good, which paved the way for the national parks system. The activism and lyrical writing of John Muir further embedded Yosemite in the public consciousness; he described it as "the grandest of all the special temples of Nature".

If it’s your first time in Yosemite, you might be inspired to wax poetic, too. You might equally be left tongue-tied by the sheer scale of its 1187 sq miles of forests, coursing rivers and granite domes.

Here’s how to get started on your first-ever foray into Yosemite National Park. 

When should I go to Yosemite National Park?

No hyperbole: Yosemite is truly a year-round destination, large and varied enough to keep outdoor-lovers busy even during low season. It’s most popular from spring to fall, with heightened popularity in midsummer. 

Unpredictable snow conditions mean the start of spring hiking season varies by the year. But by May, waterfalls are at their magnificent best. Now’s the time to head for 2425ft Yosemite Falls , ideally hiking the tough 3.4-mile trail to the top, and checking out mighty, multi-cascade Sentinel Falls (1920ft) and Ribbon Fall (1612ft). 

Peak visiting times, including summer, require preparation. Park reservations are essential from July 1 to mid-August, and on weekends and holidays in spring (mid-April to the end of June) and late summer to fall (mid-August to late October). Check the exact date restrictions and book your pass on the park website . If you don’t have a reservation, set your alarm: you’ll need to enter the park before 5am.

Winter is much quieter, with snow-hushed forests and lighter crowds to compensate for some road closures (like up to Glacier Point, usually closed off from November to early June). But crowds assemble in February for the Yosemite Firefall , when Horsetail Falls are bathed in burnished light, transforming into an infernal cascade that tumbles down the face of El Capitan. On clear days, head to the El Capitan Picnic Area toward twilight to see the spectacle. 

How much time should I spend in Yosemite National Park?

You could easily spend a month exploring Yosemite’s trails without tripping over the same boulder twice. But with careful planning you can make the most of a few days – or even 12 hours. 

With just one day, you can hit Yosemite’s epic sights on a driving tour and still have enough time for one or two short hikes or bike rides. Head straight to Yosemite Valley, with a stop at iconic Tunnel View to feel vicarious vertigo as you watch climbers making their way up El Capitan.

Rent a bike through Yosemite’s bike-sharing scheme and pedal part-way to Mirror Lake. Back at your car, drive up to Glacier Point for astounding views of Half Dome and yawning Tenaya Canyon.

If you have two days, earn those views by hiking to Glacier Point along the Four Mile Trail. But in late spring, you should devote your second day to the Vernal & Nevada Falls Trail instead, a day-loop of rainbow-spangled waterfalls.  

A third day gives you enough time to get under the park’s skin. Spend the morning on a half-day hike in Yosemite Valley, maybe the Cook’s Meadow Loop or Yosemite Falls Trail. Then check out Native American baskets at the Yosemite Museum and see the park through a photographer’s lens at the Ansel Adams Gallery .

Got longer? Lucky you: go deeper into the park on overnight hikes. The holy grail is the strenuous 16-mile Half Dome trail, assuming you’re fortunate enough to get a permit. For a tour de force of the park, the Vogelsang Pass Loop (27 miles) gives you exquisite access to the Cathedral Range, in all its granite glory.

Is it easy to get in and around Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite is hugely popular, especially from April to early October, so prepare to join the traffic. It’s possible (and highly recommended) to visit without a car by taking a Yarts bus ; lines travel from Mammoth Lakes east of the park, Sonora and Merced to the west, and from Fresno (via Oakhurst) to the south. Once you’re in the park, efficient free shuttle services ferry travelers between visitor centers and trailheads.

If you’re self-driving between spring and early fall, it’s essential to plan. Not only does that mean booking a reservation and getting up as early as you can, you should also fill your tank well before you arrive: gas prices just outside the park are astronomical. Once you’re in, be prepared for serpentine roads with hair-raising views and full car parks (tip: get to Glacier Point’s parking lot before 9am). If you’re driving an RV, park outside Yosemite and travel in by bus.

Self-driving becomes less stressful in late fall, when reservation restrictions drop. But there’s a different set of considerations between winter and early spring (November to April): the High Sierra’s fickle weather. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires (or carry chains, and know how to put them on).

Top things to do in Yosemite National Park

Get as high as you can! Yosemite is all about epic scale so meet these granite domes eye to eye at lofty viewpoints like Glacier Point or better yet, hiking trails that climb to scenic overlooks. If you didn’t win the Half Dome hiking lottery, then the Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Trail is no consolation prize: near-4000ft cliffs are the spine-tingling conclusion to this 5.1-mile (oneway) hike. 

Don’t depart without seeing a waterfall, especially in late spring or early summer. Bridalveil Fall , a 620ft cascade that billows in the breeze, is one of the most popular; it’s a short stroll from the parking lot (Wawona Road & Southside Drive). But we love the Yosemite Falls loop hike (7.2 miles round-trip), complete with tough inclines and bracing clouds of waterfall mist.

Then there’s Tuolumne Meadows, the High Sierra’s largest sub-alpine meadow, which usually opens sometime in May. It’s a tapestry of sapphire-blue lakes, lush grasslands and (in spring and summer) a profusion of flowers, all laced with long and short trails. For a short but sweet hike, the Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge Trail is an easy 1.5 mile route. There are more substantial hikes too, like the John Muir Trail to Lyell Canyon (8 miles one-way).  

My favorite thing to do in Yosemite National Park

Once I’m giddy from the beauty of Yosemite’s major sights, I love heading onto quieter trails around Wawona. Rambles like the easy Wawona Meadow Loop and the tough but glorious Chilnualna Falls access a dreamy side of the park that many travelers skip. It’s also near Mariposa Grove , and I’m a sucker for gigantic sequoias. Along the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (2 miles) I like to crane my neck upwards and marvel at oddities like the Clothespin Tree and the California Tunnel Tree…don’t resist, just take the selfie!  

How much money do I need for Yosemite National Park?

Basic costs like entry fees, food and in-park accommodation are comparable to other national parks around the US. Keep costs under control by camping in groups and avoiding last-minute peak season hotels and gas stations close to the park. In late fall, there are accommodation bargains in gateway towns.

• park entry fee per car/person: $35/20
• round-trip bus fare from Oakhurst to Yosemite Valley: $28
• tacos at the Meadow Grill: $10
• tent site within the park: $24-36
• basic double room at Wawona Hotel: $154
• dinner buffet at The Ahwanee Dining Room adult/child: $32/14.50
• Ansel Adams Gallery photography walk: free
• 1hr Glacier Point starry skies program: $20
• double room in Oakhurst: $180-250

Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite National Park?

If you’re traveling at peak times then yes, you need to reserve your Yosemite trip in advance. This includes every day from July to mid-August, and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between mid-April and the end of June, and from mid-August to late October. Park authorities implemented the system in an attempt to stem the worsening traffic and the environmental impact of the high visitor numbers. Make reservations on the park website . 

What is the best entrance to Yosemite National Park?

Enter the west side of the park through Arch Rock entrance (Hwy 140) or Big Oak Flat (Hwy 120 W) or arrive from the east at Tioga Pass (Hwy 120 E). If you’re traveling from the south, the South Entrance is just north of Fish Camp town (Hwy 41). The furthest entrance north is at Hetch Hetchy (Hwy 120), just watch out for seasonal road closures.  

What are the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park?

Campgrounds in Yosemite are a glorious way to awaken surrounded by the natural majesty and there are 13 to choose from. Favorites include scenic Upper Pines and ideally located Bridalveil Creek Campground , but every single campsite is in hot demand; the best campsite is the one you successfully book. Note that some camps may be off-limits in and around Yosemite Valley during floods in May and June, increasing the competition for spots. 

You can also stay in nearby towns. Yosemite Bug Resort , 27 miles from Yosemite Valley, has a range of dorm beds, tent cabins and en-suite rooms at a campsite dating to the 1930s. Charming Mariposa town and Oakhurst, with a lineup of chain hotels and motels, are also convenient for day trippers at around one hour’s drive from the park.

How do I reserve a campsite in Yosemite National Park?

Expect to be hitting "refresh" repeatedly on the recreation.gov website. Sites become available one or two weeks ahead of time, typically at 7am PST, so set your alarm and make sure you’re logged in…options disappear in minutes, sometimes seconds! There is high demand for sites right from the start of camping season in April until October. The reservation system eases off between late fall and early spring: campgrounds like Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona and popular Camp 4 turn into first-come, first-served camping grounds. 

How can I visit Yosemite National Park sustainably?

Intensifying wildfires, storms and droughts are taking their toll on Yosemite and its surrounding wilderness. Meanwhile increasing footfall in the park puts Yosemite at risk of soil erosion and other damage. But there are ways to minimize your impact: visit in low season, use buses instead of a car, and if you are driving, go slowly (those Red Bear-Dead Bear signs throughout the park are a reminder!) Food should always be stored in bear canisters to ensure you aren’t tempting native black bears to become dependent on human food. 

You can even orient your entire trip around protecting Yosemite. The park has drop-in volunteer days , usually on Earth Day (April) and in mid-August, or you can join Yosemite Climbing Association’s Facelift project . If you have a month or more, volunteer positions from researchers and campground attendants are advertised on the NPS website .  

How can I avoid the crowds in Yosemite National Park?

Avoid weekends if you can, when crowds are biggest. Try to avoid the worst of the traffic by arriving very early (before 5am) and staying until golden hour (just before twilight): great for photography, and even better for avoiding the exodus from the park before 4pm. 

What should I wear and pack in Yosemite National Park? 

Whether you’re traveling in early spring or late fall, you should pack sunblock and warm layers for your trip to Yosemite National Park. Sunburn happens fast on high-elevation hikes, even outside of peak summer, and sudden cold snaps happen year-round. And trust us, don’t drink water straight from streams and lakes, no matter how sparkling-clean it looks; pack water purification tablets or a Steripen instead. 

This article was first published Feb 17, 2023 and updated Jun 26, 2024.

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The Grand Valley Since 1864

An icon of America’s majestic natural beauty, California’s Yosemite National Park welcomes millions of visitors each year—drawn to its dramatic waterfalls, giant sequoias, abundant wildlife, and awe-inspiring cliffs, like Half Dome and El Capitan. Whether you’re looking for the adventure vacation of a lifetime, want to immerse yourself in the stillness of nature—or simply hike, backpack or ski in one of the most beautiful places on earth, you’ll find your place in Yosemite.

No matter the season, we have the perfect itinerary for your next visit to Yosemite National Park.

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Things To Do in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is the ultimate outdoor playground—year round. Warm months are typically filled with sunny days that welcome legendary hikes and breathtaking views. Wintertime blankets Yosemite in snow, creating the perfect landscape for skiing, skating and snowshoeing. 

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‘Sight of a lifetime’: Yosemite's waterfalls flow hard from historic snowfall, bringing crowds

With a thunderous roar, it sounds like a plane taking off or part of a cliff crashing down. 

It’s actually Bridalveil Fall , one of the most popular attractions and likely the first waterfall people will encounter in Yosemite National Park. 

Standing under the 620-foot-tall waterfall is a chilly but memorable experience. Large flumes of mist blow around me. I pull my jacket tighter since it’s notably colder as I get closer. Bridalveil Creek gushes below. 

Named after how it resembles a bride’s wispy veil when windswept, Bridalveil Falls flows year-round. But this spring and summer, it’s been unusually powerful. Two years ago during this time of year, the falls was about a quarter of the current size, said Bob Copestake, my tour guide with Yosemite 360 Tours by Tenaya . 

Peak time for the waterfalls is mid-May, according to the NPS. By early July, many of the waterfalls dissipate. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Not this year. After record-breaking snowfall in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains this past winter, snow melt is causing Yosemite’s waterfalls and rivers to flow strongly into the summer – even creating spontaneous waterfalls throughout the park. The spectacle is drawing in large summer crowds, creating long delays at the park.  

“What we are noticing is the volume of water that’s coming down right now is not normal,” said Cory Goehring, lead naturalist for the Yosemite Conservancy. 

The park had an “unreasonably cool June,” Goehring said, meaning that there’s still a good amount of snowpack left to melt. In early June, the snow conditions at elevations of 8,000 feet and up were noted to be similar to conditions typically seen in early April, according to NPS. 

“I’ve never seen the water like this, I’ve never seen the water flowing like white water rapids,” said Copestake, who has been regularly visiting the park since 1979. “I think it’s the sight of a lifetime for many of us.” 

More: America's least-visited national parks: Perfect for the nature lover who hates crowds

What should park visitors expect to see? 

Park visitors will be in awe of the park’s well-known waterfalls that are still flowing with gusto. Among them: Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Falls, Ribbon Falls and Royal Arch Cascade. 

During my full day exploring the Yosemite Valley, I easily spot around six waterfalls, with at least a couple being unnamed. We pass by El Capitan, the famous vertical rock formation that many climbers dream of scaling, and spot Ribbon Fall – the longest single-drop waterfall in the country. By late June, this waterfall tends to be gone, but it’s still going strong, according to Goehring. 

With July around the corner, temperatures in the park are starting to rise, causing more snow to melt.

‘Dangerous’ water

Merced River is popular among swimmers and boaters during the summer, but this year it’s “at or near flood stage level” and closed to all watercraft and swimmers.

“We’re coming up on historically one of the busiest days of the year for Yosemite: the July 4 weekend,” Goehring said. “It’s going to be hot, people are going to want to get in the river. We recommend that you don't even go near the water to wash your hands.”

“It’s really fast and it’s from snow and ice melting so it’s really cold,” he added. 

On June 1, snowpack in the Merced River basin was 346% of the average for this time of year, according to NPS. 

How crowded is the park right now?

This is the first summer since 2020 that reservations are not required to enter the park. The park has seen a large number of crowds, especially since many people are hoping to witness the waterfalls in action.

“Be prepared for multi-hour delays at park entrances and traffic congestion, especially in Yosemite Valley,” the NPS website said. 

More: If you can't make it to a national park, your mind can still wander there with this app

“You don’t come to a national park to sit in traffic,” Copestake said. “That has changed this year.” 

My first day in the park – and first time ever in Yosemite – is onboard a yellow shuttle with the Yosemite Summer Tour. The all-day excursion takes you to the Yosemite Valley highlights, including Yosemite Falls and Valley View. We do end up sitting in traffic for 30 minutes at a time but are able to see more because we’re in a tour bus and most personal vehicles are redirected elsewhere. 

On Sunday, I venture into the park on my own. I’m staying right outside the park at Tenaya Lodge, about a five-minute drive away. I reach the park right before 8 a.m. and still end up sitting in 45 minutes of traffic just to reach the park’s South Entrance gates. Albeit, it is a summer weekend so I can’t blame anyone but myself.  

Once inside the park, parking lots for popular locations such as Curry Village and Yosemite Village are already full – and it’s just 9 a.m. I end up exploring Wawona , a less crowded southern part of Yosemite.

“I’m so excited people are loving the outdoors and experiencing our national parks but it’s definitely time to think about how to plan your visit to have the best experience,” said Goehring.

Thankfully, when I'm not at the park, I can escape the crowds back at Tenaya Lodge , located in the equally beautiful Sierra National Forest. Tenaya offers free mountain bike rentals, which I ride over to Tenaya Falls, the only falls visit on my trip where there's only three other people there. At night, I join the lodge's nighttime flashlight hike to learn more about the plants and animals of the area, like the ponderosas and different types of pine trees that I also spot in the park.

Are there any road closures from the water flow?

Yes, there are some road closures from the snow pack as of June 29:

• Tioga Road with no anticipated opening date
• Glacier Point Road will open July 1 from 6 am through July 4 at 10 pm, July 8 from 6 am through July 9 at 10 pm, then every day starting July 15 with 30-minute delays

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]