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Yosemite National Park is a must for any fan of the National Parks! I have included my list of Yosemite National Park Travel Tips before you head out and see some of the most iconic views in the National Parks System including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

Yosemite National Park Travel Tips to help you plan your trip to California! Things to do, lodging, hiking, camping, photography and more!

Yosemite National Park Travel Tips

Size – 761,268 acres, over 94% of the park is designated wilderness.

Over 4 million visitors in 2014. 67% of visitors journey to Yosemite between May and September. This is something to keep in mind while planning your trip.

Established in 1890

Getting to the park

From Los Angeles – 6.25 hours, 313 miles
From Fresno – 2.5 hours, 94 miles
From San Francisco – 4.5 hours, 219 miles
From Sacramento – 4 hours, 199 miles
From Stockton – 3.5 hours, 140 miles
From Las Vegas – 8 hours, 460 miles
From Reno – 5 hours, 218 miles

How much does it cost to visit Yosemite National Park?

Seven-day pass if entering via…

Non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats $30 per vehicle (no per-person fee)
Motorcycle $20 per motorcycle (no per-person fee)
Foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus or van with more than 15 passenger seats: $15 per person aged 16 and older
(fee waivers may be available for curriculum-based educational trips)
Other pass options:
- Yosemite Pass: $60
  Annual pass providing free entrance to Yosemite for 12 months from the date of purchase
- America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass: $80
  Annual pass covering entrance and standard amenity fees for national parks and other federal fee areas. This replaces the National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Pass.
- Annual 4th Grade Pass: Free
  Annual pass covering entrance fees for 4th-grade students for 2016-2017 school year.
- Annual Pass for US Military: Free
  Annual pass covering entrance and standard amenity fees for all active military personnel and their dependents. (For active duty military personnel and dependents with proper identification (CAC Card or DD Form 1173).)
- Access Pass: Free
  Lifetime admission and discount pass for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.
- Senior Pass: $10
  Lifetime admission and discount pass for US citizens or permanent residents who are age 62 or older.

Free Entrance Days in 2017 The National Park Service offers the following Entrance Fee Free Days this year:

January 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 20: Presidents’ Day
April 15-16 and 22-23: Weekends of National Park Week
August 25: National Park Service Birthday
September 30: National Public Lands Day
November 11-12: Veterans Day Weekend

Other fees such as reservation, camping, lodging, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

Yosemite National Park Travel Tips to help you plan your trip to California! Things to do, lodging, hiking, camping, photography and more!

Visitor Centers

The Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is on Northside Drive in Yosemite Village.

Where can I find out about staying/camping in Yosemite?

For the most up to date information visit the National Park Website and the Yosemite Lodging website. These sites will give you the most up to date information on making a reservation and what is available during your visit. Just as an FYI a few of the lodges changed names over the past few years. Don’t be surprised if you see a new name listed for a lodge you have stayed at before.

Yosemite Lodge at the Falls to become: Yosemite Valley Lodge
The Ahwahnee to become: The Majestic Yosemite Hotel
Curry Village to become: Half Dome Village
Wawona Hotel to become: Big Trees Lodge
Badger Pass Ski Area to become: Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area

Can I bring my Dog/Pet with me to Yosemite?

Pets Are Allowed

In developed areas
On fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bicycle paths (except when signed as not allowing pets)
In all campgrounds except walk-in campgrounds (e.g., Camp 4) and in group campsites

Pets must be restrained on a leash not more than six feet long or otherwise physically restrained.

Pets Are Not Allowed

On trails, including the trail to Vernal Fall (however, pets are allowed on the Wawona Meadow Loop)
On unplowed roads covered in snow
In undeveloped and wilderness areas
In public buildings
On shuttle buses
In lodging areas
In all walk-in and group campgrounds/campsites, including Camp 4
In any other areas, as signed.

Can you still drive through a tree in Yosemite National Park?

Unfortunately, there is no longer a tree that can be driven through in Yosemite National Park. The Wawona Tree fell over in early 1969. Visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon can drive through Sequoia Park’s fallen “Tunnel Log” located along the Crescent Meadow Road in Giant Forest.

Is there a way to tour Yosemite National Park without driving my car?

YES! You can take a free shuttle or a tour. Check out the National Park Website detailing the current shuttle schedule and tours.

Interesting Facts

Half Dome is a 4,737-foot sheer granite face is one of the most famous sites for the park.

The first tourists arrived in Yosemite in 1855

John Muir visited Yosemite in 1868

Yosemite Falls at over 2,400 feet is the highest free-falling waterfall in the United States.

The highest peak in Yosemite is Mt. Lyell at 13,114 feet

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant Act in 1864, eight years before Yellowstone became the first national park. Many people credit Yosemite as the birthplace of the National Park idea.

Travel Tips

The Village Store in Yosemite Village is a great place to pick up picnic supplies or camping supplies. They have a wide range of products including wine, beer, and spirits.

If you are visiting Yosemite National Park in the summer be prepared for crowds! The early bird gets the worm or the parking spot in this case. Getting to the park early is a great way to see some of the sites in the park without having to fight over parking spots or getting elbowed trying to get the perfect shot.

Looking for more information about Yosemite National Park? Check out these great books and maps!