How To Visit Yosemite In Five Easy Steps

Like the granite stairs along the Mist Trail, a solid foundation is key whether you’re climbing to the top of Vernal Falls or planning your Yosemite journey. Here are some useful hints on how to visit Yosemite in five easy steps.

1. Picture This

This may not be the obvious first step in the world of How To, but picturing yourself amid the grandeur of Yosemite will provide the inspiration for your journey. From sunlight dancing in the thundering mist at the base of Yosemite Falls to cozy cabin cookouts, and from dream weddings to the Park’s iconic attractions, let your creativity guide you!

Need a little nudge? Check out our celebrated Yosemite Mariposa County stories for a deeper dive into a colorful range of topics, and Yosemite webcams to get a real-time glimpse of the Park.

2. When To Visit

With its range of elevations and wonderfully varied topography, Yosemite comes alive in unique ways depending on the season. Choosing the mood of your adventure is half the fun!

• Winter: A tranquil vibe with snow at higher elevations, mild temperatures at lower elevations, fewer visitors and affordable lodging rates.
• Spring: A season of reawakening with gushing waterfalls, adventure recreation, lush meadows and bountiful wildlife.
• Summer: High season with longer days that invite bike rides and swimming along the Merced River and High Country exploration, not to mention stargazing wonder.
• Fall: Colorful foliage signals reflection on wide open trails as virtually all areas of the park are open and accessible with fewer cars — the last call before winter’s return.

Midweek vs weekend travel is another important factor in planning. Midweek travel increases lodging availability everywhere from cabins, campgrounds to full service hotels, while guaranteeing more elbow room on hiking trails and at iconic attractions.  Even better?  Special offers abound midweek, especially in quieter seasons!

A novel approach is planning your getaway around Yosemite Mariposa County events where locals and visitors alike celebrate with verve. From holiday jubilees such as the Bracebridge Dinner and Tenaya at Yosemite’s bounty of offerings, to unique annual gatherings such as Coulterville’s Coyote Fest and the creative pursuit of Sierra Art Trails, pairing Yosemite’s stunning beauty with local culture will make your experience that much richer.

Important: During peak travel periods (June-August) and for certain holidays/events reservations into Yosemite National Park may be required. Be sure to check current requirements and factor this into your planning.

3. Know Your Regions/How Much Time Will I Need?

Covering a whopping 1,463 square miles and boasting over 800 miles of hiking trails, Yosemite Mariposa County is best explored in finer relief using our Regions Guide. This breakdown provides essential details on what attractions each region has to offer, informative videos, navigation and where to stay.

The Regions Guide also helps visitors determine how much time they’ll need from point-to-point, enabling them to build practical itineraries that cover the appropriate number of days.

4. Getting To Yosemite

With a quick peek at a map, how to get to Yosemite couldn’t be easier. There are five entrance gates and four highways leading into Yosemite National Park, each providing direct access to regional attractions.

• South Entrance (Hwy 41): Closest to Mariposa Grove, Wawona and Fish Camp.
• Arch Rock Entrance (Hwy 140): The “All Weather Highway” is closest to Yosemite Valley and the town of Mariposa.
• Big Oak Flat Entrance (Hwy 132 and Hwy 120): Enters from the northwest, commonly used by visitors from Sacramento and Northern California.
• Tioga Road Entrance (Hwy 120): Enters from the east, closest to Tuolumne Meadows and is the route to Las Vegas. Note: Due to snow, Hwy 120 is summer/fall only.
• Hetch Hetchy Entrance (out & back spur from Hwy 120): sole entrance to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir; open sunrise to sunset only.

The entrance fee to Yosemite varies on whether you are a resident or non-resident/international traveler, among other factors  To help budget your trip, be sure to check current fees and note that there are also multiple free entrance days every calendar year.

Transportation Options: Located 3.5 hours drive or 200 hundred miles from San Francisco and 4.75 hours or 275 miles from Los Angeles, getting to Yosemite Mariposa County is via private car, tour bus or public transportation. For more detailed information including nearest airports, train travel and distances/times, explore our transportation resources.

Important: Some roads in and around Yosemite are impacted by seasonal closures.  Be sure to review current conditions and plan accordingly.

5. Where To Stay

Lodging in Yosemite Mariposa County is a huge part of your travel experience.  From full-service resort hotels to budget motels, and RV/campgrounds to cabin rentals, there’s a comfort level and price point for every visitor. Pro Tip: For lower rates with a wider range of amenities to choose from, gateway towns such as Mariposa, Fish Camp and El Portal make a great home base, especially when accommodations inside the Park are fully booked.

RV/car camping in Yosemite Mariposa County is a proven tent-to-trail option, but campgrounds inside the Park book early.  If campgrounds are unavailable, find your Plan B Basecamp. Buckling that chest strap and backpacking in Yosemite immerses you in the Park’s stunning beauty just the way John Muir experienced it all those years ago.  Overnight stays in the backcountry require a Wilderness Permit, but the experience will stick with you for a lifetime.  Pro Tip: Consider the Backpacker’s Bookend before and after your adventure.

Plan For Paradise

From Ansel Adam’s celebrated photo “Moon And Half Dome” to the big wall climbers of El Capitan and the legion of boughs at the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Yosemite has long captured the collective imagination of travelers worldwide. Whether you’re a first-timer or return visitor, it’s easy to take it from concept to reality with the help of local know-how and mindful planning. Explore our website for inspiration and how-to tips (including our comprehensive Vacation Planner) then come on up for a Yosemite getaway that’s perfectly suited to your interests.