Here are my top finds for Yosemite National Park:
🏨Hotels: Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge (In the park), The Pines Resort
📍Tours: Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad, Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Moonlight Yosemite Valley Floor Tour
If you are looking for an amazing way to check out Yosemite National Park at night you need to check out the Moonlight Yosemite Valley Floor Tour!
This tour is only offered during the summer around the full moon each month. The tour is two hours and we honestly loved it!
If you are worried about being out in the park at night with bears, cougars, and dark trails this is the perfect tour for you! You can enjoy a guided tour of Yosemite Valley in the safety of a semi-truck pulled open-air tram.
The tour guide shares stories of Yosemite and folklore about the moon.
One of our favorite parts of the tour was seeing people climb El Capitan at 10:30 pm. We could see their headlamps light up from the valley floor. The tour guide shared with us information on climbing El Capitan and the fastest routes that have been done.
We also stopped at Tunnel View for an epic nighttime view of the valley floor. This stop included a hot chocolate and time to stretch our legs.
The final stop of the tour was the swinging bridge to learn more about the constellations and stars we were seeing. During our tour, you could see Jupiter near the moon.
The moon was not quite full but still bright enough to light up the valley.
Things to know when booking the Moonlight Yosemite Valley Floor Tour
Moonlight Tram Tours are led by Yosemite Hospitality naturalists. The two-hour open-air tram tour covers all of the valley's most iconic viewpoints while your guide shares the history, flora, and fauna of the park. The tour runs the four nights before the full moon and the night of the full moon itself, when the moonlight is at its brightest, and the granite walls of the valley practically glow.
2026 Moonlight Tram Tour Dates Available
- September 22-24 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm
- September 25-26 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Ready to book? You can purchase tickets through Yosemite Hospitality. The dates do fill up quickly, so don't wait to book the Moonlight Tram Tour
In the park, reservations may be placed at any Tour and Activity Desk
Duration - 2 hours
Highlights - Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, and more.
Departure Location - Yosemite Valley Lodge
Tickets will need to be retrieved at the Yosemite Valley Lodge Tour and Activity Desk at least 15 minutes prior to your tour departure time.
24-hour cancellation notice required to receive a full refund!
DO NOT BE LATE for the tour! There was a gentleman who showed up for our tour a couple of minutes late because he couldn't find a parking spot and he was not allowed on the tram.
Give yourself enough time to find a parking spot and get to the tour meet up at least 15 minutes early.
During the tour count what row you are sitting in so you can get back to the same spot. I would like to say this is not a big thing but people started freaking out that other guests had moved seats on our tour. They started snipping at each other and it was just too much!
There is a bit of a step up into the tram. You will need to twist a bit to get into the rows.
Best Yosemite National Park Tours & Activities
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1-3.5 Hours | 🚂 Check Rates and Availability
Step back in time on this historic narrow-gauge railroad where powerful locomotives once hauled massive log trains through the Sierra National Forest, just 10 minutes from Yosemite's south entrance. The conductor-narrated rides (1 to 3.5 hours) take you through majestic woods while sharing the area's logging history, with options ranging from the classic steam train to special themed trips like the Moonlight Special and Yosemite Jazz Train. Perfect for families and multi-generational groups, the experience includes gold panning, a logging museum, and the Kids' Depot Toy Store, all wheelchair accessible with leashed dogs welcome on board.
Yosemite Highlights Small Group Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars (803+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 9 hours | 🚐
Check Rates and Availability
This is the tour for first-time visitors who want to see everything without the stress of figuring it out on their own. Operated by Discover Yosemite, a TripAdvisor Travelers Choice award winner for two years running, this small-group tour covers the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, Glacier Point, Yosemite Valley, and all the major viewpoints in one very full day. Lunch is included along with snacks and water.
Semi-Private Yosemite Tour with Ahwahnee Lunch and Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🚌Check Rates and Availability
This is an 8-hour tour that begins with a pick-up at your hotel or the meeting point.
The tour includes stops at Glacier Point(April-November), depending upon the weather, and several stops in the Yosemite Valley. The valley stops include Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Bridge, Chapel, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and more!
Check out more great tours of Yosemite. Tours include hiking, snowshoeing, roundtrip tours from San Francisco, and more!
Lodges In Yosemite National Park
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Ahwahnee Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The Ahwahnee stands as Yosemite's most iconic lodge, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted royalty and presidents while offering unmatched views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. This architectural masterpiece blends historic elegance with modern comfort, featuring fine dining, a heated outdoor pool, and artisan shops right at your doorstep. After a day exploring the valley's waterfalls and granite cliffs, you'll appreciate the world-class hospitality and luxurious amenities that make this more than just a place to stay.
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Yosemite Valley Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Yosemite Valley Lodge sits right at the base of Yosemite Falls, offering 245 rooms including family rooms and bunk rooms perfect for groups exploring the park together. The lodge's glass-and-wood architecture frames incredible views while keeping you close to trailheads, with shuttle access, multiple dining options, and seasonal bike rentals right onsite. After hiking to Vernal Fall or exploring the valley floor, cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool or grab a meal before heading to the outdoor amphitheater for evening ranger programs.
⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Curry Village Tent Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Nestled beneath Glacier Point since 1899, Curry Village tents offers an authentic lodging experience. This historic base camp puts you right in the heart of Yosemite Valley with multiple dining options, an outdoor pool, and easy shuttle access to trailheads and waterfalls.
Lodges near Yosemite National Park
There are several great lodging options near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Check out my Oakhurst Lodging Guide.
⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The Pines Resort at Bass Lake - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The only lakeside resort in the Yosemite area, sitting right on the shores of Bass Lake just 17 miles from Yosemite National Park's South Gate with a private beach, full marina, and some of the best sunsets in the Sierra Nevada!
Choose from lakeside suites with log-burning fireplaces, wet bars, and lake-view decks, two-story chalets with full kitchens, or a romantic Honeymoon Suite with an oversized jetted tub. Ducey's on the Lake serves farm-to-table cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with stunning water views, and the poolside beach bar is perfect for after-hike refreshments. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool with pool hoist, hot tub, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center, yoga classes, boat and kayak rentals, two tennis courts, billiards room, convenience market, live entertainment, coin-operated laundry, free WiFi, and free parking. Pet friendly and open year-round!
⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Chateau du Sureau - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A Forbes Five Star, AAA Four Diamond Provence-inspired castle tucked in the Sierra Nevada foothills just 20 miles from Yosemite's South Gate, widely regarded as the finest luxury hotel in the entire Yosemite region!
The 11 individually designed rooms and suites feature working fireplaces, pillowtop mattresses, down comforters, hypoallergenic bedding, separate soaking tubs and showers, Moulton Brown toiletries, slippers, robes, and private balconies overlooking nine acres of terraced French gardens. A bottle of local rosé awaits you on arrival, and a full gourmet breakfast is included each morning with fresh-squeezed orange juice. The legendary Erna's Elderberry House restaurant is one of California's most celebrated dining destinations, drawing food lovers from across the state for its tasting menus and wine pairings. Additional amenities include a full-service spa, seasonal outdoor pool, bocce court, concierge, valet parking, room service, free WiFi, and free parking. No children under 10. Pet friendly with a fee, open year-round!
Click on this link or the map below to see additional lodging options near Yosemite NP.
https://www.stay22.com/embed/61f07d51cbb4390015c70b0fYosemite National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yosemite National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$0.00 for Education/Academic Group
$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$40.00-$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)
$20.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Yosemite National Park No Longer Requires Peak Hours Reservations
Yosemite National Park will not require advance reservations in 2026, including during peak summer months and the February-March firefall period. The park will rely on real-time traffic management measures, including temporary traffic diversions when parking areas reach capacity and deployment of additional seasonal staff to manage high-use areas.
Additional Yosemite Resources
- Complete Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias - The grove is outside of the valley on Highway 41 next to the southern entrance to the park.
- Things to do in Yosemite
- 1-Day in Yosemite guide
- Yosemite Winter Guide
- Yosemite Lodging Guide
- Yosemite National Park Camping Guide
Things To Do Near Yosemite National Park
- Oakhurst, California, the Southern Entrance to Yosemite
- Bass Lake Travel Guide
- The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
- Wassama Round House State Historic Park
- Oakhurst Lodging Guide
- Oakhurst Restaurant Guide
- Madera Wine Trail
Check out all of the National Parks in California and neighboring National Parks in Oregon, National Parks in Nevada, and National Parks in Arizona.
Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok
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