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Frequently Asked Questions

When does Yosemite close?

Yosemite is open year-round. It is open all winter long and the roads remain open barring rare instances of rockfall or other natural incidents which may temporarily block roads. There are three entrances (west, south and north) that remain open all year round. The east entrance (Tioga Pass) is closed from approximately Oct-May each year. Please call (209) 372-0200 to check road conditions just prior to your visit.

The entrances of the park remain open 24 hours a day. If you arrive late and no ranger is available to take your entrance fee simply drive through, you will be asked to pay when you exit the park.

Has Yosemite ever closed? Yes, in the extraordinarily rare case of a government shutdown. However, even when threatened by wildfires, power outages, or flooding, many parts of the park will remain open, so long as the conditions are safe. The park is 1,200 square miles so please be sure to check with your lodging prior to arrival if you think your visit may be impacted by one of these types of events.

What is the fee to enter Yosemite?

When you enter the park you will pay a fee of $35.00 per non-commercial vehicle, and your pass is valid for seven days. (The cost is less if you arrive by motorcycle, bicycle, on foot, by horseback, or in a van with more than 15 passenger seats.) A Yosemite annual pass is available for $70.00, or you can get an American the Beautiful Pass valid for all national parks and federal fee areas for $80.

Yosemite reservations will not be required during the summer of 2023. Simply pay your entrance fee at the gate when you enter Yosemite National Park.

Are permits required to climb Half Dome?

Permits to hike to the top of Half Dome are required seven days per week when the cables are up. This is a measure to address crowding and safety along the Half Dome Trail while the park develops a long-term plan to manage use on the Half Dome Trail.

What is the best airport for visiting Yosemite?

There are two airports we recommend for visiting Yosemite National Park. The first is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). It is located 200 miles west of Yosemite National Park. You can arrive at SFO and take public transportation all the way to Yosemite by using Amtrak from the Bay Area or rent a vehicle.

The closest airport with links to ground transportation is Fresno/Yosemite International Airport. It is located about 2 hours drive from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. You can fly into Fresno and either rent a car or take the YARTS bus to Yosemite Valley.

The Mariposa Airport is also an option for private planes.

Is there public transportation to Yosemite National Park from Mariposa County?

Yes, along State Highway 140 and 41 the Yosemite Area Regional Transport System (YARTS) offers transportation. For more information call (877) 989-2787, or visit http://yarts.com/.

The YARTS bus has connections to Amtrak and Greyhound in Merced and Fresno.

When is Tioga Pass open?

Clearing of the Tioga Road begins on or around April 15 each year and usually takes between one and two months. Predicting when the road will open is not possible, even in late spring, because weather in April and May can affect plowing progress significantly.

Is there a grocery store in Mariposa?

Yes, there are two. Pioneer Market is located at 5034 Coakley circle and High Country Health Food Store is located at 5190 State Highway 49 North.

Are there places to dine and shop in Mariposa County?

Mariposa County and Yosemite National Park offer a wide range of dining and shopping options to satisfy every taste or item a visitor is looking for. From four diamond restaurants to diners, Mariposa County has everything a tourist could want and more.

Are there lakes in Mariposa for fishing/swimming?

Lake McClure and Lake McSwain are both available for a variety of water recreation activities including camping, fishing and swimming. Contact (800) 468-8889 for more information.

Also local to Mariposa County is Lake Don Pedro (209-852-2396), and the Merced Wild and Scenic River (209-379-9414).

Where can I find a Visitors Center?

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center & Bookstore
Yosemite National Park CA 95389
Phone: (209) 379-2646

Mariposa County Visitor Center
5158 State Highway 140 (corner of Highway 140 and 49)
Mariposa CA 95338
Phone: (209) 966-7081

Northern Mariposa County Visitor Center
10301 State Highway 49
Coulterville, CA 95311
Phone: (209) 878-3015

Where can I find a public shower?

In Yosemite Valley, there are showers at Curry Village (open all year) and at Housekeeping Camp (closed in winter). The Tuolumne Meadows Lodge has public showers in summer only with very restricted hours. There are no public showers in Wawona. All showers require a fee.

Where can I find a public laundromat?

Yosemite

Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite Valley (open spring through autumn).

Mariposa

PD Quick
4964 Joe Howard St
Mariposa CA 95338
(209) 966-7746.

Oakhurst

Sierra Suds
40423 State Highway 41 Ste
Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 683-1464

Where can I find a post office?

In Yosemite Valley, the main post office is in Yosemite Village (near the Visitor Center), and there are branch offices at Curry Village (seasonal) and Yosemite Valley Lodge (open all year). There is a year-round post office in the Wawona Store, and a summer-only post office in Tuolumne Meadows at the grocery store there.

In Mariposa there is a post office located off of Coakley Circle Road.

Where can I find an ATM?

In Yosemite Valley, there are ATMs in Yosemite Village inside the Village Store and to the south of the store at the Art Activity Center, at Yosemite Valley Lodge inside the main registration area, and at Curry Village inside the gift/grocery store. In Wawona, the ATM is inside the Wawona store, and at Tuolumne Meadows, it’s inside the grocery store.

Where can I find a dog kennel?

From May through September, a daytime only kennel is available at the Yosemite Valley Stable. You must provide written proof of immunizations (rabies, distemper, parvo, and bordetella) from your veterinarian. No food is allowed, due to wildlife management concerns. Because of limited kennel space, advanced reservations are highly recommended.

For other daytime or overnight options in Mariposa (40 miles from Yosemite) see below:

Clouds Rest Pet Sitting
(209) 966-6087
Open until 7:00 PM

Animal Care Center
4741 Hirsch Rd
(209) 742-7387

Where can I find a storage locker?

Please visit the link below for information on lockers:

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/lockers.htm

Where can I find a copy machine or a fax machine?

In Yosemite Valley, contact the front desk of Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, or The Ahwahnee hotel. A fee is charged for these services.

Are segways allowed in Yosemite?

Segways are not allowed, except for people with disabilities.

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