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Yosemite USA

YOSEMITE MADE EASY

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Yosemite USA

YOSEMITE MADE EASY

Things To Do in Yosemite

Camping

Tent and visitor

Camping is extremely popular in Yosemite. Plan ahead and figure out what options you have for this enjoyable activity.

Hiking

Hiker at Cathedral Lakes

One of the best ways to experience Yosemite is by taking a hike. With over 750 miles of trails to explore, your options are endless!

Backpacking

Backpacker's at Merced Lake

Nearly 95 percent of Yosemite National Park is designated Wilderness. The best way to experience the Yosemite Wilderness is to explore.

Tours

Yosemite Valley Tram Tour

Looking for a guided tour? Yosemite Hospitality, the park concessioner, offers tours year-round. All tours begin in Yosemite Valley.

Ranger and Interpretive Programs

Ranger showing visitors a plant during a program

Yosemite offers a range of informative and inspiring walks and talks to learn about Yosemite.

Yosemite Guide – Plan Your Visit!

Image of the front of the Yosemite Guide newspaper

The Yosemite Guide contains information about trip planning, activities, scheduled events, and hours of operations for different facilities

Places to Go

River and reflection

So many places to go and so little time! Learn more about all the areas and attractions in Yosemite.

Art and Photography

Artist painting a picture of Half Dome

Yosemite’s epic scenery freely lends itself to the artist’s eye like only a few places can. There are options for everyone!

Auto Touring

RV driving along Tioga Road

Sightseeing in Yosemite by car? Plan ahead.

Biking

Bicyclists in Yosemite Valley

Explore Yosemite on two wheels. Rent a bike or bring your own – just make sure you know your options of where to go.

Birdwatching

Visitors looking for birds

Yosemite provides essential habitat for over 165 species of migrating, wintering, and breeding birds.

Fishing

Fisherman in Tuolumne Meadows

Fishing is an enjoyable activity in Yosemite; just make sure that you are aware of special regulations that exist within the park.

Horseback Riding & Stock Use

Stock train

You can bring your horse to Yosemite, or join a guided ride; just make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations before your trip!

Picnicking

Picnic table with Raven on it.

Looking for a place to eat? Picnic areas are available throughout Yosemite on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rock Climbing

Climber on El Capitan

Yosemite is one of the world’s greatest climbing areas. Climbers here can enjoy an endless variety of challenges.

Stargazing

Visitor enjoying the night sky

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.

Volunteering

Volunteers on MLK Day 2016

Yosemite has a large and vibrant volunteer program, welcoming people from all over the world into a variety of positions.

Water Activities

Visitors floating in rafts in the Merced River

Rafting along the Merced River is popular during summer. Fishing, swimming, and boating area all enjoyable summer activities.

Winter Sports

Skier tracks in fresh alpine powder

Looking for a unique way to visit Yosemite? Strap on some skis, snowshoes, or hit the slopes for some downhill adventure!

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Yosemite National Park Information

Yosemite Info

Basic Yosemite Park Information

Get the basics you need to know for your Yosemite visit.

Directions to Yosemite

You can drive to Yosemite all year and enter via Highways 41, 140, and 120 from the west. Tioga Pass Entrance (via Highway 120 from the east) is closed from around November through late May or June. Hetch Hetchy is open all year but may close intermittently due to snow. Please note that GPS units do not always provide accurate directions to or within Yosemite.

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Yosemite National Park Hours

Operating hours and seasons: Yosemite National Park is always open. Reservations are not available or required to enter the park. However, during summer, it’s best to arrive by mid-morning to avoid traffic.

Standard Hours

  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours

Yosemite Park Weather

Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (600 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May (and over 75% between November and March). Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May. (Yosemite Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)

Yosemite Park Entrance Fees and Passes

Entrance Fees:

  • Non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats: $30.00. This fee is valid for seven days.
  • Motorcycle: $20.00 The fee is valid for seven days. Cost is per motorcycle (not per person).
  • Foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus or van with more than 15 passenger seats: $15.00. This fee is valid for seven days. People 15 years and younger are free.
  • Commercial Tour (sedan up to six seats): $25.00. The fee is $25 plus $15 per person.
  • Commercial Tour (van, 7-15 seats, regardless of occupancy): $125.00.
  • Commercial Tour (mini bus, 16-25 seats, regardless of occupancy): $200.00.
  • Commercial Tour (motor coach, 26 or more seats, regardless of occupancy): $300.00

Entrance Passes:

  • Yosemite Annual Pass: $60.00. Annual pass providing free entrance to Yosemite for 12 months from the date of purchase.

More Info

Yosemite National Park includes nearly 1,200 square miles of mountainous scenery, including high cliffs, deep valleys, tall waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and a large wilderness. Millions of people visit Yosemite each year to experience its beauty and its many opportunities for enjoyment.

  • Learn some tips for a fun visit to Yosemite.
  • Check out Yosemite’s current conditions and weather forecast.
  • Learn about what Yosemite is like in the different seasons (we’re always open).
  • Reservations are not required to enter Yosemite National Park, but we strongly recommend that you make reservations for lodging, camping, and backpacking. You can pay the park entrance fee upon arrival (there’s no need to pay it in advance).
  • Permits and Reservations
  • How to get around Yosemite, including information about public transportation and tire chain use (if you’re visiting October through April)
  • Safety, public health, and park regulations
  • Pets
  • Accessibility for people with disabilities
  • Bears and food storage and what to do if you see a bear
  • Internet access and cell service
  • Brochures

Courtesy of the National Park Service

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