Yosemite National Park: Everything You Need to Know

If I’m being honest, Yosemite can feel a little overwhelming. This national park encompasses over 1,200 square miles of mountainous cliffs, waterfalls and deep valleys. So, I’m breaking it down for you to make it easy to plan your trip.

How do I get to Yosemite?

Depending on where you’re coming from, there are three entrance points (four, depending on the time of year) into Yosemite. The closest major airports are Sacramento International Airport and San Francisco International Airport.

The drive time from Sacramento is three hours and the drive time from San Francisco is four hours but either way you will enter through the West entrance (140).

If you are coming from Las Vegas or the Los Angeles area, you will enter through the South entrance (41).

If you are coming from Reno/Lake Tahoe or Las Vegas (weather permitting), you will enter through the North entrance (120). 120 is open approximately June through October because of its high elevation.

If you are visiting other nearby national parks, then the drive time from Death Valley National Park is three hours and two and a half hours from Kings Canyon National Park.

Where should I stay in Yosemite?

As you can imagine, it costs a pretty penny to stay within the park at either the famed Ahwahnee ($$$) or Yosemite Valley Lodge ($$). However, what you might save in dollars by staying outside the park, you will certainly spend in frustration driving to and from. As I mentioned earlier, there are three entrances into the park so I will recommend lodging near each entrance.

If you’re coming from the West entrance (140), check out Autocamp in Midpines where wanderlust meets the American road trip in luxurious Airstream accommodations.

If you’re coming from the South entrance (41), you should certainly stay in Wawona at the Wawona Hotel ($$) for quiet Victorian charm.

If you’re coming from the West entrance (120), Groveland has plenty of Gold Rush-era charm and the Blackberry Inn is a perfectly quaint bed & breakfast.

How do I get around Yosemite?

Unlike most national parks, Yosemite has a year round shuttle system that runs daily from 7 AM to 10 PM. The shuttle makes 19 stops so that you can access all of the major points in the park.

Yosemite gets incredibly crowded, especially during peak season (June - August), so you will need to plan ahead. If you plan on driving your own vehicle within the park, please be advised that parking often fills up by 9 AM. Parking at trailheads fills up very quickly so consider going to some less populated trails in the meantime or take the shuttle - it is a waste of time (and gas) to idle in full parking lots.

What do I need for a day in Yosemite?

The seasons in Yosemite vary greatly so you need to be prepared. For clothing, wear or bring layers including a rain jacket and good hiking boots as the temperature drops drastically at night. For sun protection, bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

As far as food and water goes, it is recommended that you bring a few bottles of water with you or a hydration system like a CamelBak - you should be drinking half a liter of water per hour of hiking. There are some places to eat within the park but I recommend that you bring some snacks in your bag like nuts or jerky.

What do I have to see in Yosemite?

Yosemite National Park offers a variety of activities from bird watching to rock climbing to hiking. Depending on how much time you have and how intense you like your activities, there are a variety of trails to choose from.

If time is of the essence, you can see the best of the best by taking in the views at Cook’s Meadow Loop, Tunnel View and Glacier Point. Stop by Yosemite Falls to get up close and personal with a waterfall and Sentinel Bridge for gorgeous views of Half Dome. If you really want to get some perspective, check out Mariposa Grove to marvel at Giant Sequoias.

Please be advised that your itinerary should be adjusted by the season as trailheads close and waterfalls/lakes dry up for the season.

Safe travels,