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Overview
Yosemite National Park sits in the central Sierra Nevada of California, covering roughly 1,169 square miles (about 748,000 acres). It was designated a national park in 1890 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is organized into several distinct areas: Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, Hetch Hetchy, and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
The Valley floor — at around 4,000 feet elevation — is the most-visited zone, framed by iconic granite formations including El Capitan and Half Dome. Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, flows most powerfully in late spring fed by snowmelt. Higher elevations, particularly Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows (around 8,600 feet), offer a completely different landscape of alpine meadows and lakes.
Note on the query: Yosemite National Park is located entirely within the state of California, USA — not France. This guide reflects the actual location.
Before You Go
Reservations and Entry
Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. During peak season (roughly late spring through early fall), the park requires timed-entry reservations for vehicles entering Yosemite Valley on most days. Check the official National Park Service website (nps.gov/yose) well in advance for current reservation windows, which typically open months ahead.
A federal America the Beautiful pass covers entry if you plan to visit multiple national parks or monuments. Entry fees and reservation requirements change; verify current details at nps.gov/yose before your trip.
What to Pack
- Layered clothing: temperatures swing significantly between the Valley floor and high elevations, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
- Sun protection: high elevation means stronger UV exposure.
- Bear canister or approved bear box (required for overnight backcountry trips; available to rent at the park).
- Plenty of water — carry at least 2–3 liters on any day hike.
- Detailed paper map as a backup; cell service is limited throughout the park.
Wilderness Permits
Overnight backcountry trips require a wilderness permit, available via a lottery system that opens months before the season. Walk-up permits for a limited number of trailheads are released the afternoon before. Verify current permit processes at nps.gov/yose.
Getting There
By Air
The closest major airports are Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), roughly 65 miles south of the Valley, and San Francisco International (SFO) and Sacramento International (SMF), each approximately 170–190 miles away. Merced Regional Airport (MCE) is smaller but closer. All require onward ground transportation.
By Car
Most visitors arrive by private vehicle. The main entrances are:
- Big Oak Flat Entrance (Hwy 120 West) — from the Bay Area via I-580/I-205
- Arch Rock Entrance (Hwy 140) — from Merced; considered the most accessible year-round
- South Entrance (Hwy 41) — from Fresno and Southern California
- Tioga Pass Entrance (Hwy 120 East) — from the Eastern Sierra; closed in winter, typically open late spring through early fall
Driving times vary significantly with traffic; summer weekends can add 1–2 hours on approach roads.
By Bus and Train
Amtrak's San Joaquin line serves Merced, from which YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) buses provide scheduled service into the park. YARTS also runs routes from Fresno, Mammoth Lakes, and other regional hubs. Check yarts.com for current schedules and fares.
Getting Around
Free Valley Shuttle
Yosemite Valley has a free shuttle bus system with multiple stops covering the eastern Valley floor, including trailheads, lodging areas, and visitor facilities. During peak season this is by far the most practical way to move around the Valley and avoids parking frustrations.
Driving Within the Park
Parking in the Valley is limited and fills early on busy days — often by 8–9 a.m. in summer. Parking at Yosemite Village, Curry Village (Half Dome Village), and major trailheads can require significant waits. Arriving before sunrise or using the Valley shuttle from a peripheral parking area is strongly recommended.
Cycling
About 12 miles of paved, mostly flat bike paths run through Yosemite Valley. Bikes can be rented at Yosemite Valley Lodge and Half Dome Village (verify seasonal availability locally). Cycling is not permitted on most hiking trails.
Outlying Areas
Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy each require a separate drive. YARTS offers some service to Tuolumne Meadows along Tioga Road seasonally; verify schedules on their website.
Where to Stay
In-Park Lodging
Accommodations inside Yosemite are operated by Aramark/Yosemite Hospitality under a National Park Service concession. Options range from the historic Ahwahnee Hotel (a National Historic Landmark) and Yosemite Valley Lodge to more affordable canvas tent cabins at Half Dome Village and housekeeping camps. All in-park lodging books up months — sometimes a year — in advance. Reservations open on a rolling 366-day advance window; check the official Yosemite lodging site for current booking procedures.
Camping
The park has numerous campgrounds at different elevations, from Valley-floor sites to high-country camps near Tuolumne Meadows. Most require reservations through recreation.gov, which releases spots in batches several months ahead. First-come, first-served sites exist in limited numbers — verify which campgrounds operate on that basis and during which seasons. Bear boxes are provided at all campgrounds; use of them is mandatory.
Gateway Towns
If in-park lodging is unavailable, gateway communities offer a wide range of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals:
- El Portal — closest community to the Arch Rock Entrance, about 2 miles from the park boundary
- Mariposa — roughly 37 miles from the Valley on Hwy 140; a historic Gold Rush town with good services
- Groveland — on Hwy 120 west of the park, about 25 miles from Big Oak Flat Entrance
- Lee Vining — small town on the Eastern Sierra side near Tioga Pass; open when Tioga Road is open
Things to See & Do
Iconic Hikes
- Mirror Lake Loop — easy, flat 5-mile loop on the Valley floor with reflective views of Half Dome (best in spring)
- Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail — moderate to strenuous; 5–7 miles round-trip depending on turnaround point; one of the park's most rewarding day hikes
- Half Dome — strenuous 14–16 mile round-trip; the final 400 feet require steel cables and a separate permit (Half Dome permit), drawn by lottery. Not suitable for those with a fear of heights or in wet conditions.
- Sentinel Dome and Taft Point — moderate loop from a Glacier Point Road trailhead; outstanding panoramic views with relatively lower crowds
- Tuolumne Meadows trails — various lengths through alpine scenery; cooler in summer than the Valley
Viewpoints Requiring Little or No Hiking
- Tunnel View — classic panorama of Yosemite Valley at the eastern end of the Wawona Tunnel
- Glacier Point — accessible by road (seasonal) or a strenuous hike; sweeping views of Half Dome and the high country
- Valley View (Gates of the Valley) — roadside pullout with Merced River and El Capitan framing
Rock Climbing
El Capitan and other granite walls attract climbers from around the world. The Yosemite Mountaineering School (operated in-park) offers guided lessons and guiding for various skill levels — verify current offerings and schedules locally.
Wildlife Watching
Black bears, mule deer, coyotes, and Steller's jays are commonly seen. Marmots frequent high-elevation areas. Keep a minimum 25-yard distance from all wildlife; never feed animals. Peregrine falcons nest on some Valley walls.
Mariposa Grove
The park's largest sequoia grove contains over 500 mature giant sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant. A free shuttle typically runs from the south entrance parking area to the grove during peak season; verify locally.
Food & Drink
Dining Inside the Park
In-park dining ranges from the fine-dining restaurant at The Ahwahnee (smart-casual dress required; reservations strongly recommended) to cafeterias, pizza decks, and grab-and-go options at Half Dome Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. A village store and deli in Yosemite Village carry groceries and prepared foods. Dining options outside the Valley are limited — Tuolumne Meadows Grill and a small store operate seasonally.
Practical Food Tips
- Bring a cooler with supplies if you are camping or prefer self-catering; grocery options inside the park are limited and more expensive than in gateway towns.
- All food, scented items, and trash must be stored in bear boxes or approved containers at all times — this is park policy, not optional.
- Water from park drinking fountains and visitor centers is safe; water from backcountry streams must be treated or filtered.
Practical Information
Cell Service and Connectivity
Cell coverage is limited and unreliable throughout most of the park. Download offline maps (such as the NPS app or a mapping app that supports offline use) before arrival. Wi-Fi is available at some lodges for guests.
Altitude and Health
Yosemite Valley sits at approximately 4,000 feet; Tuolumne Meadows at about 8,600 feet. Visitors coming from sea level may experience mild altitude effects — headache, fatigue, reduced endurance. Acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion on the first day at high elevation.
Emergency Services
Yosemite has a medical clinic (Yosemite Valley Clinic) that provides emergency and urgent care. For park emergencies, call 911. The park's non-emergency dispatch can be reached through the main park visitor line; verify current contact numbers at nps.gov/yose.
Accessibility
Many Valley floor areas, the Mirror Lake Loop, and several visitor centers are accessible to wheelchair users. The free shuttle is accessible. The NPS website has a detailed accessibility guide for Yosemite — verify current conditions before visiting.
Fees and Passes
Verify current vehicle entry fees and the availability of the America the Beautiful Annual Pass at nps.gov/yose or at any park entrance station.
Safety
Wildlife Safety
Black bears in Yosemite are food-conditioned and bold. Proper food storage is mandatory and violations carry fines. Never approach, feed, or run from a bear. If a bear approaches, make yourself large, make noise, and give it a clear escape route.
Water and Weather
- The Merced River looks calm but has strong currents and cold temperatures; drowning accidents occur annually, especially near waterfalls. Stay behind all guardrails and barriers.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in summer, especially at high elevation. If caught above treeline when lightning is present, descend immediately.
- Rockfall is a natural geological hazard in the Valley; heed any area closures.
Trail Safety
- Start hikes early; trail conditions and water sources can change rapidly.
- Never attempt the Half Dome cables when they are wet; turn back in deteriorating weather.
- Carry a physical map; phone navigation is unreliable.
- Inform someone of your planned route and expected return time for any backcountry travel.
