Yosemite National Park Visitors Guide
Welcome to the Yosemite National Park Visitors Guide.
Here you will find general visitors information on regulations about bringing dogs to the park, wheelchair access, entrance fees, visitor centers, and reservations.
You will also learn what outdoor activities are available such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.
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Yosemite National Park Visitors Information
Here you will find general visitors information on regulations about bringing dogs to the park, wheelchair access, entrance fees, visitor centers, and reservations.
You will also learn what outdoor activities are available such as hiking, biking, camping, and fishing.
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Accessibility
The park's major sites can be viewed by automobile. Some trails and facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Basic Visit Recommendations
Stay for a minimum of four hours to tour Yosemite Valley. It would require at least two days to visit to all sites and areas in the park.
I recommend that you plan your trip and the areas you would like to see and then go and relax and make a day of it. Go and see all that is in the area and enjoy it. You spend more quality time and learn and see more than you could ever imagine.
Yosemite National Park embraces almost 1,200 square miles of scenic wild lands set aside in 1890 to preserve a portion of the central Sierra Nevada that stretches along California's eastern flank. The park ranges from 2,000 feet above sea level to more than 13,000 feet and has these major attractions; alpine wilderness, three groves of Giant Sequoias and the glacially carved Yosemite Valley with impressive waterfalls, cliffs and unusual rock formations.
Best Time to Visit
Is there a "best" time of year to visit Yosemite? It depends what you're looking for. Weather varies year by year, sometimes dramatically, and that affects the wateralls, wildflowers, and road openings.
See the Calendar Page for more information on the different seasons and what to expect.
Biking
There are nearly a dozen paved bikeways that wind through the eastern end of Yosemite Valley.
See the Hiking Page for more information.
Birdwatching
Yosemite is home to variety of birds. The most commonly seen birds include the Stellar's jay, American robin, Brewer's blackbird, acorn woodpecker, raven, and black-headed grosbeak. In spring, listen for the splendid glissade of the red-wing blackbrid (most often seen in meadows) or watch the American dipper dart in and out of creek and river rapids.
Some of the more sought-after birds to see in Yosemite include the great gray owl, Peregrine falcon, pileated woodpecker, and northern goshawk.
In general quiet forests away from developed areas and meadows (particularly in the mornings) are the best places to see some of the less common birds.
Camping
Campgrounds in Yosemite are operated by the National Park Service. There are 13 campgrounds in Yosemite.
See the Camping Page for more information.
| Individual Entry (Bike, Foot) | $ 10.00 (Seven Day Pass) |
| Private Non-commercial Vehicle | $ 20.00 (Seven Day Pass) |
| Annual Pass (Good one year from date of purchase) | $ 40.00 |
| Gold Access Passport (Blind or permanently disabled) | Free (Lifetime - good in all national parks) |
| Golden Age Passport (One time fee - for those 62+) | $ 10.00 (Lifetime - good in all national parks) |
| National Park Pass (Good one year from purchase date) | $ 50.00 (Good in all national parks) |
| Golden Eagle Pass (Good one year from purchase date) | $ 15.00 (Good in all natl parks & natl forests) |
Golden Access Passport
The Golden Access Passport is a free pass available to all permanent U.S. residents who are eligible to receive federal benefits based on disability, whether or not you are actually receiving them or not. This pass entitles the bearer, and immediate family or accompanying passengers in a private vehicle, to free admission to all U.S. National Parks, Monuments, Forests, and Historic Sites, as well as half price camping. Apply in person at any National Park Service or U.S. Forest Service area.
Wilderness Permit
$ 5.00 person for reservations
A wilderness permit is required to stay overnight in the wilderness. Permits are free; reservations are $ 5.00 per person.
Click here for information on Wedding Permits, Filming Permits, Incidental Business Permits and Educational Fee Waivers.
Fishing
Yosemite's streams and river fishing season is closed until the last Sat of April. The only exception is Frog Creek near Lake Eleanor where fishing season doesn't open until 15 Jun in order to protect spawning rainbow trout. All lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year round.
See the Camping Page for more information.
Food and Supplies
Food service and groceries are available in the park and in surrounding communities.
Hiking and Backpacking
There are over 800 miles of hiking trails park wide. See the Hiking Page for more information.
Horseback Riding
Guided horseback rides are available through Yosemite Concession Services from spring through fall.
In spring through autumn, two-hour, half-day, and full day rides depart daily from stables in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, and in summer, from Tuolumne Meadows.
Lodging
Lodging in the park is operated by the Yosemite Concession Services Corporation. Rates range from $48.00 per night for a basic tent cabin with nearby bathroom, to over $318.00 per night for a room at The Ahwahnee.
See the Lodging Page for more information.
Permits
Wilderness permits are required for any overnight travel into the park's back country. Call: 209-372-0310 for information on permits and reservations. Permits are required for commercial filming, weddings and other special activities through the Special Use Permit Office at: 209-379-1850.
For more detailed information on wilderness permits, please see the Camping Page.
Pet Information
Pets must be kept on a leash. They are not allowed on trails, beaches, in the backcountry, or in public buildings. Campers with pets are restricted to Bridalveil Creek, Crane Flat, Hodgdon Meadow, Upper Pines, Wawona, White Wolf and Yosemite Creek campgrounds. A boarding kennel is available at the Yosemite Valley stables during the summer.
Programs and Activities
There are regularly scheduled ranger led walks, talks, evening programs, concessioner operated bus tours, guided horseback rides and bicycle rentals. Visitors can view waterfalls and well-known rock features in Yosemite Valley; visit to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and historic Wawona area; drive or hike to Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the High Sierra; drive to Tuolumne Meadows along Tioga Road and take a hike.
See the Calendar Page for more information.
Rafting
Rafting along the Merced River is popular during summer. You can rent a raft (typically in June and July, but it varies from year to year, depending on water level)) or bring your own. (Other nonmotorized vessels, such as kayaks, are also permitted.)
Rafting is permitted on the Merced River between Stoneman Bridge (near Curry Village) and Sentinel Beach Picnic Area between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.. Rafting is not permitted whenever the river stage (depth) reads 6.5 feet or higher and the sum of air temperature and water temperature is less than 100°F. You must have a personal flotation device immediately available for each occupant of the raft.
Rafting is also permitted on the South Fork of the Merced River in the Wawona area.
Some visitors enjoy kayaking the calm waters of Tenaya Lake
Road Construction and Information
All park roads are subject to chain control or temporary closure at any time due to hazardous winter driving conditions. For updated 24 hour road and weather conditions call: 209-372-0200.
See the Hiking Page for more information.
Shuttle Bus Services
Yosemite Valley
The free Yosemite Valley shuttle system provides convenient access around eastern Yosemite Valley all year. The bus stops at or near all overnight accomodations, stores, and major vistas in eastern Yosemite Valley. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use the shuttle bus instead of driving around eastern Yosemite Valley.
Wawona-Mariposa Grove Shuttle Bus
The free Wawona-Mariposa Grove shuttle bus shuttles passengers between Wawona and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias spring through fall. The bus picks up and drops off passengers at the Wawona Store, South Entrance, and at the Mariposa Grove Gift Shop. The Mariposa Grove Road closes several times each day from spring through fall when the parking lot becomes full. Visitors arriving on the shuttle bus are guaranteed access into the Mariposa Grove even when the parking lot is full.
Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle Bus
The free Tuolumne Meadows shuttle bus provides convenient access throughout the Tuolumne Meadows area between the Tuolumne Lodge and Olmsted Point (including Tenaya Lake) during the summer.
The shuttle is out of service until summer 2002.
Tuolumne Meadows Hikers' Bus (fee)
The Tuolumne Meadows Hikers' Bus provides convenient access along the Tioga Road for hikers wanting to begin a hike along the Tioga Road. The bus leaves Yosemite Valley each morning (July through Labor Day) with stops at Crane Flat, White Wolf, and Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. Per person charge: Adults $11.00, Children $5.50, depending on where the passenger is dropped off. To guarantee seating, hikers must purchase tickets one day in advance (209-372-1240). Visit http://www.yosemitepark.com/html/tours.html for information about this and other tours in Yosemite National Park.
Glacier Point Hikers' Bus (fee)
The Glacier Point Hikers' Bus provides convenient access to Glacier Point for hikers wanting to begin a hike at Glacier Point and end elsewhere or for visitors not wanting to drive to Glacier Point. Visitors may ride the bus to Glacier Point and hike down, or hike up and return by bus. To guarantee seating, hikers must purchase tickets one day in advance (209-372-1240). Visit http://www.yosemitepark.com/html/tours.html for information about this and other tours in Yosemite National Park.
Stargazing
Yosemite National Park, miles from the nearest city lights, has a very dark night sky that makes it a great place to look at the stars.
Bring along a star chart and look for constellations, or look through binoculars at some of our planetary neighbors.
In June, July, and August, amateur astronomers often set up telescopes at Glacier Point on Saturdays, and astronomy walks or talks may also be offered elsewhere in the park. Check Yosemite Today for the current schedule.
Swimming
Besides the outdoor pools available during summer at Curry Village, Yosemite Lodge, and Wawona Hotel, swimming is permitted in all bodies of water in the park except Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and above waterfalls.
Swimming in the Merced River is a great way to cool off--but help protect the river by entering and exiting only on sandy beaches. Swimming in rivers is not without hazards, including swift currents, cold water, and hazards within the river (e.g., trees).
Visitor Center
There are four visitor centers in Yosemite National Park. The Valley Visitor Center, located in Yosemite Valley is the largest and most comprehensive in terms of displays, books, postcards and maps. The Big Oak Flat Information Station, Wawona Information Station and Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center are open on a more limited basis.
See the Calendar Page for more information.
Visitor Impacts
To prevent congestion and overcrowding, automobile access may be temporarily restricted in Yosemite on spring weekends and busy holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. If restrictions are necessary, they are expected to be in effect from mid-morning to early evening, depending on available day-use parking space and traffic congestion.
Weather
Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation. Most of the moisture comes in the months of January, February and March, and the winter climate is relatively mild. Sierra summers are typically warm and dry. April and November are transitional months, when warm, sunny days can suddenly become stormy. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity.
It is wise to pack for any season with clothing that can be "layered", ready to peel off or add on as the thermometer dictates. Always include some kind of rain gear.
See the Weather Page for current conditions, forecasts and other weather data.
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