Yosemite Park – routes and tips for visiting. When is the best time to go, what are the rules for visiting, where to look for accommodation and buy tickets.
Yosemite Park, founded in 1864, is a superstar of the US National Park System for a reason. A visit, whether you stay in Yosemite Valley or go on an independent trekking in the highlands, will be an unforgettable experience in the fantastically beautiful nature of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Despite the great popularity of Yosemite (the park receives about 4 million visitors annually), it is still surprisingly easy to find solitude and be one-on-one with nature. I highly recommend seeing with your own eyes the tumultuous waterfalls, tall granite cliffs, deep valleys, emerald green forests and giant Yosemite sequoias.
How to prepare for a visit to Yosemite Park
In order to visit Yosemite Park and plan a good trip there, you need to know some nuances. To do this, you need to understand how to move around the park, what is the situation with booking accommodation and campsites, what are the mandatory rules and the price of a ticket for visitors.
To be honest, every year a spontaneous visit to Yosemite becomes less and less possible. Because the rules for camping have changed, because hotels here are booked six months in advance. We were in Yosemite and still managed to get into the park without reservations – we were very lucky because there were places in the campground. But if you really want to see all the beauty of the park, you need to plan your visit. So here are some important tips you should know before visiting Yosemite National Park.
How much does a ticket to Yosemite Park cost?
The park entrance fee ($20/$35 on foot/by car) is valid for seven days. There is also the Yosemite Pass, which costs $70, and the America the Beautiful Pass, which covers national parks and federal recreational lands($80 for a full car). Passes are valid for a year.
The US will charge non-residents an additional $100 for visiting the most popular national parks from 01/01/2026
Till this moment fee for all people traveling in this mode of transportation for 7 days:
Non-commercial car, pickup truck, motor home or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats – $35
A motorcycle costs $30.
On foot, by bicycle, on horseback, or a non-profit bus or van with more than 15 passenger seats – $20 – the cost is per person. People under 15 years old are free of charge.
The ticket price includes most day hikes that can be done without a permit. But for hiking in the wild (including all overnight stays) and the popular Half Dome track (with its steep descents and ascents with safety ropes), you need a permit that must be paid separately – prices can be found on the park’s website.
Do I need any additional permits?
Three hundred permits are issued daily for the aforementioned trail (approximately 225 per day for day hikers and 75 for backpackers), which can be obtained by lottery (via recreation.gov) either during the pre-season from March 1 to March 31 or within two days. before you want to go hiking. The Half Dome cables are usually laid from the end of May to the first week of October, and only hikers are allowed to climb to the top of the Half Dome.
Most wilderness permits can be obtained by lottery 24 weeks in advance, while others can be booked seven days in advance. It costs $10 to apply for a permit (non-refundable), then $5 per person in the group if you are granted a permit. The size of the group must be specified in detail in your permit application, and only one member of each group may apply.
How many days does it take to visit the park?
How much time you spend in the park really depends on what you want to do here. You can come for one day without an overnight stay to see the sunrise over the valley and hike one of the routes to the waterfall. And in three days, you can see much more – go through 2-3 tracks, see all the main attractions, as well as some hidden beauties. Those who want to go trekking where wildlife reigns supreme can spend weeks or months in the park, depending on how long they want their adventure to last.
If you’re traveling in California and Yosemite Park is part of a bigger trip, then I recommend planning two full days and three nights in the park. It was enough for us to see the main sights and do some good tracks.
The best time to visit Yosemite Park
Winter in Yosemite is spectacular – the park turns into a frosty wonderland with snow-capped peaks and frozen lakes. But be prepared for temperatures below freezing and for some areas of the park to be closed (including roads through the High Sierra Mountains).
Spring is the time to visit if you want to see the rushing waterfalls as the snow melts from the mountains and flows into the rivers around the park. Keep in mind that the river level may be too high to cross on some trails. We were there at the end of May – it was already quite warm, but the waterfalls were amazingly violent – very beautiful!
Summer is the most popular time of year, with lots of people and congestion on the trails, queues at bus stops. But in early summer, there is still an opportunity to be a little alone in certain places in Yosemite.
The park is also very crowded in early fall, when fiery reds and golds begin to appear in the landscape. It’s a truly magical time of year, but the whole world seems to know it – there’s little loneliness in Yosemite Valley.
Where to stay in Yosemite
If you have a wilderness camping permit, you can camp anywhere in the Yosemite High Country (except for the areas around the five High Sierra Camps and the Little Yosemite Valley, where you can camp in designated areas). There are also equipped campsites in the wild. But they fill up very quickly, so be prepared to find your own camping spot.
The campgrounds in Yosemite Valley have restrooms and drinking water, camping sites, and accessible camping spaces(except Camp 4), but none of the park’s campgrounds have electrical hookups.
We spent the night in campsite #4. To do this, we needed to arrive early in the morning, when other tourists were leaving the campsite, to try our luck at standing in a live line. Free seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Maybe they will be as lucky as we were. But you may be left with nothing. You can’t pitch a tent anywhere in Yosemite – rangers keep an eye on it, checking labels on tents (everyone gets theirs when they check-in and pay) and in parking lots for car parking.
How to reserve in advance campsites?
Campsites in Yosemite Valley require reservations. It is advisable to reserve a campsite 3-4 months in advance. It’s not very convenient, but it’s the only way you can be sure that you’ll have room for a tent. Without prior reservation – as lucky as you like.
There may be places to visit in other areas, notably south of Yosemite Valley and north of Yosemite Valley, but they fill up quickly during peak season. Campsites cost from $10 to $36 per night. To take a shower in the Curry Village pool, you have to pay $5 per person. More than two dozen boarding houses and hotels are located along the perimeter of the park, so it is recommended to book places in advance.
On Booking.com there are several hotels and campgrounds located in Yosemite Valley:
Hotels and campgrounds outside Yosemite Valley – along its perimeter – are slightly cheaper:
How to get to the park – what are the transportation options?
Yosemite has some fantastic roads for driving. But most visitors come through Yosemite Valley, which can experience traffic jams during rush hour. If you’re traveling in California by car and staying overnight in the Valley, you can leave your car in a parking lot near a campground or hotel. You can get around the valley by shuttle bus. They run continuously from 7:00 to 22:00 around the Dolyna, stopping at 19 stops, close to the main routes. The Valleywide Shuttle runs every 12-22 minutes, while the East Valley Shuttle runs every 8-12 minutes. Buses are included in the ticket price.
If you decide to drive around the Valley by car, I recommend visiting the park early in the morning or late in the evening – during off-peak hours. Also, avoid holidays to avoid getting caught in the crowd. Otherwise, be prepared for delays of one hour or more at the park entrance stations and wait for parking spaces.
Some high-mountain roads are closed in winter due to snowfall – they usually open in spring. But it all depends on whether there was a lot of snow in the winter or early spring. Sometimes high mountain roads are opened only in June. Check for updates at the visitor center or on the park’s website before heading to these areas.
Fill up with gasoline before entering the park. There are two gas stations in Yosemite National Park, but none in Yosemite Valley.
What are the rules for visitors to Yosemite Park?
- Tourists should “pack in a bag” all (absolutely all!) garbage. That is, do not leave any traces of your stay – no garbage, food or anything else left in the wild.
- It also means not disturbing the flora or fauna to set up your camp. Motto: “Campsites are found, not made”.
- When in the wild, solid human waste should only be left in holes dug at least 15 cm into the ground (and at least 30 meters away from water, campsites, and trails), and all toilet tissue should be taken with you.
- You should also place your camp at least 30 meters away from water sources and any cultural or historical sites.
- Avoid building fires whenever possible and cook with a portable burner to avoid disturbing others. However, if you do have a fire, collect only dry wood from the ground that can be broken by hand. After use, the fire must be completely extinguished.
- When going up and down the stairs, those going up have priority. If you are going down, stop and let other tourists pass.
- You can’t follow wild animals in the park, you can’t feed them, and you can’t approach them – keep your distance.
- If animals come to the campsite, be careful. Use a metal bear locker or canister to store food away from your tent, especially in remote areas. Use a bell on the trails so that bears know you are approaching and are not frightened. Don’t leave food in the car overnight – bears can break doors and windows in the car. Also, don’t leave odorous liquids (shampoos, gels) – they also attract animals, including bears.
What hazards are there in Yosemite Park that I should be aware of?
The trails in Yosemite Valley are well-maintained and quickly maintained when there is danger. Tourists often face difficulties when they are in a remote area. This could be a change in weather conditions, fast-moving rivers overflowing their banks and blocking trails, fallen trees, fires, etc. This can make trails inaccessible or dangerous.
Before heading out into the wild, check the status of the route at the visitor center, which will have the latest information on weather and hiking routes.
If you encounter danger on the trail, go only on those routes where there is normal possibility and you can handle the difficulty of the route. And report the potential danger to the rangers when you finish the hike.
If you’re planning a multi-day hike, make sure you have enough food and water. Check where you can fill your bottles with water on the route and use sterilization tablets or a water filter when filling water from wild sources.
Do not rely on your cell phone, the signal is uneven and almost non-existent in the depths of the park. Take a waterproof paper map, use a GPS, or download offline maps before entering the park.
Take the right equipment for hiking. Temperatures in Yosemite can be warm and sunny during the day and plummet at night. To avoid hypothermia, bring waterproof outdoor clothing and equipment, as well as warm clothing and sleeping bags.
Be aware of elevation and distance differences. Don’t overestimate the distance you can cover at high altitudes and on steep climbs.
Hiking and climbing routes, observation decks in Yosemite Park
Yosemite National Park is a hiker’s paradise with over 1200 km of trails for trekking and hiking. But there are the most popular routes that are well suited to get the most vivid impressions of Yosemite Valley. Some of them are quite heavy and require a separate permit, which must be purchased in advance. And some places can be reached by car or by bus, which runs through the valley. Choose the ones that suit you and go for it!
Tips: Some routes involve climbing, walking along steep cliffs, or crossing rivers – if in doubt, don’t continue on the trail. A straight stretch of river is usually the safest to cross, but do not attempt to cross a river that is more than thigh deep. Never swim in the river in Yosemite, check at the visitor center to see if there are any swimming spots in the park.
See the Yosemite Valley from the Tunnel View observation deck
Not so heavy
The first thing you’ll see as you enter Yosemite Valley is the panoramic view from the Tunnel View observation deck. The name is given to the valley because the entrance to the valley leads through the long Vavona tunnel. Parking is located right off Hwy 41, just east of the Wawona Tunnel. You can see El Capitan Rock on the left, Bridalveil Falls on the right and Half Dome Rock in the distance. In the foreground is a sea of green trees and more granite rocks.
Try to visit this place shortly before dawn or at sunset, when the granite monoliths shine golden from the setting sun and the green of the trees is especially bright. In summer, however, the crowds can be serious. If you come in winter, you can see this place almost alone. Granite walls look especially charming under a blanket of snow. Come in May to see Bridalveil Falls during the peak water quantity.
See Yosemite Falls in spring
Heaviness **
One of the most memorable places in Yosemite is Yosemite Falls, one of the highest in the world, consisting of three cascades. Upper Yosemite Falls plummets 435 meters down a granite wall, then the middle cascades drop 205 meters before Lower Yosemite Falls falls from another ledge 106 meters.
It becomes more attractive to tourists because it exists only part of the year. Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls. And Yosemite Falls is the most powerful and photogenic from April to June due to melting snow. During the summer until August, the waterfall usually falls to a trickle or dries up completely. Late fall storms can bring more water to Yosemite Falls, and in winter you can see an ice cone at the base of the upper falls.
A 12 km long trail leads up to the top, which can take you to the waterfall in about three hours. It takes an hour or two to walk upstairs and about 2.5 hours to walk down. Plan a full day for this hike to enjoy the views of the waterfall, see it from above and below, and stand on the observation deck above the waterfall.
Planning tip: There are many places to photograph Yosemite Falls in the spring. If you want to hike, but don’t have the strength to climb to the top, you can walk 600 meters of the ring trail leading to the foot of Lower Yosemite Falls. It’s not that hard, and the viewpoint also offers great views.
Climb the iconic Half Dome or to its foot
Heaviness ***
If you’ve seen pictures or videos of Yosemite, you’ve seen the famous Half Dome granite rock. Rising almost 1500 meters above Yosemite Valley, it can be seen from several places in the park, but the most exciting experience is only from its top.
This is not a hike you should undertake if you are out of shape or unprepared. A 14-16-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 1463 meters, the hike to the summit is no walk in the park. Most tourists take 10 to 12 hours to climb Half Dome and return.
If you dream of your own challenge, this is a stunning hike that offers fantastic views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, as well as Cap Liberty. In fact, the route to these waterfalls is free and does not require a permit. Many tourists come here to admire the scenery near Nevada Falls. From the shoulder and summit of Half Dome, you’ll also have panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra Mountains.
The trail is well marked, but if you plan to start this hike before dawn, take a good topographic map and compass with you. If you are not a climber with equipment, you will also have to use a two-rope system to climb the last 120 meters to the top.
If there are too many people who want to climb the Half Dome (or you can’t get a permit), you can still climb all the way to the Sub Dome, where the cable section begins. The views from here are truly spectacular and the hike is intense.
Planning tip: You can only hike to the top of Half Dome between Memorial Day (05/29 ) and Columbus Day (09/10). You need a permit for such a climb. In order to get this route in May-June, apply online as early as March for one of the 225 hiking permits offered daily during the season. NPS gives them out through a lottery system, and the competition is fierce.
El Capitan rock
Difficulty – for climbers, or an easy trail to the foot
Another legendary rock in Yosemite is El Capitan, which has been attracting a lot of attention since Alex Hannold‘s free solo ascent in June 2017. The following Academy Award-winning documentary, Free Solo, told the story of how Hannold became the first person to climb El Capitan using only his hands, without ropes.
Today, this steep cliff, almost 1100 meters high, remains a Mecca for climbers. On the north side of Yosemite Valley, it can be seen from numerous points of interest around the park. Among them are the Tunnel View observation deck and El Capitan Meadow. The latter is the best place to photograph this massive rock.
Tip: There is a trail that is not officially authorized by the park, which is used by flocks of climbers every day. If you want to look at them or just put your hand on the rock wall, head to the trailhead on the right of NorthDrive, just past the El Capitan picnic area. You will see trail signs pointing to El Capitan all the way to the open field. From here you can climb small boulders to the base of the stone wall.
Take a walk to the Glacier Point observation deck
Easy * on foot, by car or bus – very easy
The route is Glacier Point Road, open only from late May to October. This is one of the most famous routes in the park. It will lead you to the Glacier Point observation deck. It offers one of the most spectacular views in the entire park – a view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the park’s highlands.
The observation deck itself, which is located 980 meters above Curry Village, can be reached from the Glacier Point parking lot via a short asphalt path accessible to wheelchairs. During the months when the road is open, you can also visit the viewpoint on the Glacier Point bus tour.
Tip: After visiting the observation deck, take the 6.5 km long trail to Yosemite Valley, a 975-meter descent. There is also a slightly longer trail – 8 km long, a steep trail with good views, passing near Sentinel Rock. If you have the strength and health, you can hike these trails to Glacier Point. In any case, check the bus schedule to see if you can catch a ride in the opposite direction.
Hiking to Columbia Rock and beyond
Easy*
One of the best moderate hikes in the park is the climb to Columbia Rock, which offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome to the east and the Cathedral Spires to the west.
The hike of about 5 km round trip starts at the beginning of the Lower Yosemite Falls trail and gains about 300 meters in elevation. Then, continuing along the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, which makes it a relatively difficult hike with switchbacks. The trip takes two to three hours, depending on how fast you walk.
Columbia Rock is also part of a system of trails that will first lead you to the top of Yosemite Falls, located another two-thirds of the way up the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. You won’t be able to see the waterfall from the observation deck, but continue another 800 meters and you’ll see a great view of it. You can also continue the route to the top, which is 12 km round trip.
Cycling to Mirror Lake
Easy*
If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly bike ride that also offers amazing scenery with views of Half Dome, check out the Mirror Lake Trail. The asphalt service road runs along the north bank of the river and is part of the 20 km of paved bike trails in Yosemite National Park.
About the hotel Curry Village you can rent bicycles. From here you can easily access the trailhead via Happy Isle Loop Rd to Mirror Lake Trailhead. The trail is also accessible on foot, so keep an eye out for pedestrians. Note that to get to the top of the lake itself, which is known for its Half Dome reflections, you will need to walk the last short part of the trail.
What you should definitely do before traveling to California
Secondly, do not skimp on your life insurance – medical care in the United States is very expensive. It is better to buy insurance than to pay thousands of dollars for a visit to the doctor. The easiest way to buy insurance online is on EKTA.
Traveling in the USA is impossible without a rental car. Rental prices there are moderate, and fuel is cheaper than in Europe. You can find a rental car on Rentalcars.com by comparing offers and reviews from different companies and choosing the best option.
Useful articles and links:
- Trekking to Everest Base Camp – how to prepare to hike in the Himalayas
- Dolomites – trekking along the most beautiful routes
- Via Francigena – Italian Camino, route details from Lucca to Rome
- Autumn in New York – 10 of the most beautiful locations
