Yosemite National Park Guide
QUICK GLANCE
Location: Yosemite National Park, North Seirra Nevada, California, United States
Time needed (minimum noted): 1 day
When to Visit: Year-round; activities and Park accessibility are season dependent
Activities: Biking, Birding, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Camping, Climbing, Scenic Drive, Viewpoints, Water Activities, Winter Activities
Advanced Reservations Required: Maybe (Activity and time of year dependent)
Lodging Style: Budget, Mid-range, Camping
Where to Stay: In the Park (camping, mid-range, budget), Mariposa, Oakhurst
Fixed Costs: Park Entrance Fee
Transportation: Car
Road Trip Option: Yes
Accessible Activities: Limited (See the Yosemite National Park website at Accessibility – Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) for details)
INTRODUCTION
This guide covers Yosemite National Park and will purposefully discuss more trails than you could sensibly do in a day. The goal is to review a variety of hikes so you can construct the perfect day, or two, based on your interests, time, and fitness level. While perhaps obvious, Yosemite is a valley. So, there is intensive uphill hiking involved in many of the hikes. Even if you’re not hoofing it up the side of a hill you are going to spend a majority of the day looking up. Another important point is that Yosemite is divided into distinct sections, and while they may be close as a crow flies, they are not quick to access by car. I am dividing Yosemite into the following distinct sections: the Yosemite Valley Floor, Glacier Point, Wawona Area, Tuolumne Meadow Area, and the Hetch Hetchy Area. This guide focuses on points of interest and things to do in Yosemite Valley and the Glacier Point area.
WHY GO
Yosemite was the third designated National Park in 1890 after Sequoia (number two) and Yellowstone (number one). Yosemite is an outdoor lover’s playground. Many regard Yosemite as one of the most beautiful areas in California, and the United States as a whole. With many things, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Yosemite has a number of famous features to include Half Dome, El Capitan, a long list of impressive waterfalls including Horsetail Fall that appears to run like fire in mid to late February when the sunset hits just right. Yosemite offers a number of activities such as hiking, rock climbing, camping, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding, backpacking, water activities, and winter activities (skiing, snowshoeing, etc.). Yosemite also changes dramatically with the seasons. So, the activities you can do and the areas of the Park that are open will vary greatly on the time of year you visit.
LOCATION
Yosemite National Park is in California’s northern Seirra Nevada. Yosemite is ~4 hours or 194 miles from San Francisco International Airport and ~3 and half hours or 179 miles from Sacramento International Airport. The closest towns with abundant food and lodging options are Mariposa, ~1 hour away or 43 miles, and Oakhurst, ~1 hour and 20 minutes away or 47 miles. All times are to the Yosemite Valley.
TIME NEEDED (MINIMUM NOTED)
You can see the Yosemite Valley and the Glacier Point areas of the Park in one very long, and satisfying, day. If you have your heart set on exploring areas beyond the Valley or Glacier Point parts of the Park, such as the Valley and the Tuolumne Meadow Area, or hiking to Upper Yosemite Falls and Navada Falls, then you will need more than one day. With the vast number of activities and changing flora throughout the seasons, Yosemite is a Park you could visit year-round and have very different experiences. I’ll make recommendations for a one day itinerary in the Tips section, and you can always add additional days to your trip based on your interests.
WHEN TO VISIT
Spring, April and May, is known for raging waterfalls and beautiful wildflowers. Summer, June through September, is typically hot and dry. This means a majority of the park is free of snow by June and hiking is widely accessible. Spring and Summer are busy times in the Park (pack your patience busy). During the Fall, October and November, water levels are usually very low with some waterfalls like Yosemite Falls containing little or no water. Some waterfalls run all year, but their flow may slow to a mere trickle by Fall. Since most of the trees in Yosemite are evergreens, the valley is not known for fall leaf colors. The deciduous trees that are in the valley usually put on a show mid-October through early November. Winter conditions can start as early as November, and tend to run December to March. The Badger Ski Pass area off of Glacier Point Road offers skiing during the Winter. Skis, snowshoes, or crampons are needed for snow and ice covered trails during these months.
BEST THINGS TO DO & MUST SEE
Great things to do in the Yosemite Valley Floor Area:
Half Dome
The Mist Trail (see Vernal and Navada Falls)
Yosemite Fall Trails (Includes Lower Yosemite Falls and Columbia Rock)
Mirror Lake
Valley Loop Trail
Yosemite Village
Tunnel View
Sentinel Falls
Ribbon Fall
Horsetail Fall (runs like lava in February)
Bridalveil Fall
Illilouette Fall
Great things to do in the Glacier Point Area:
Sentinel Dome
Taft Point
Washburn Point
Glacier Point
(This is a great area during sunsets)
The Yosemite Valley Floor is accessible year-round. Trails leading up from the Valley floor accumulate snow and ice through the winter months. Check the Yosemite National Park Web page at Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) for current conditions and road closures.
Yosemite Village is just that – a village of shops, a market, food, lodging, and a post office. This is a great place to get your Park souvenirs, refuel on any supplies, and mail your postcards.
Half Dome
A permit is required to hike Half Dome when the cables are up. The Half Dome lottery runs 1-31 MAR. The daily lottery starts once the cable goes up. The cables are generally up the Friday before Memorial Day to the second Monday in October. When the cables are down, you do not need a permit. Climbing Half Dome when the cables are down is not advisable unless you are a very experienced climber. This is a physically and mentally demanding hike. This hike qualifies as more of a spiritual adventure than hike. Climbing Half Dome is not for everyone and that is OK. There is no shame in getting to the sub-dome and turning around or starting the climb up the Dome and deciding it’s not for you.
The Cables
Two 16mm metal cables are installed on Half Dome to allow people to climb the last 400 feet, at a 45 degree angle, to the top of the summit without rock climbing gear. Poles are placed about every 10 FT in holes drilled into the granite and prop the cables up a few feet off the granite. The poles are not fixed into the granite. So, people can and do pull the poles out as they climb. At each set of poles there is a wooden 2×4 plank resting on the granite. The board is secured to the poles with a small metal bracket, and is not secured to the granite. The boards also are not flush with the granite and wobble. When the cables are up it means the poles and wooden planks are installed, which creates something similar to a handrail. When the cables are down, both the poles and wooden planks are gone.
A lot of people just show up and climb the cables. Other people wish they had additional gear. Highly recommended gear for the Half Dome summit climb includes gloves, a via ferrata climbing lanyard, and a climbing harness. When it comes to personal safety, better to have the items to keep you safe and not need them, than not have the gear and risk injury or death.
I have not personally climbed Half Dome. Full hike details with gear reviews are coming as soon as I can score a permit!
Distance: 17 miles round trip, 4800 FT elevation gain, 10-14 hours (includes Mist trail and John Muir Trail)
Trailhead: Happy Isle Trailhead. Use Shuttle Stop #16, start on the John Muir Trail (The closest Parking is Yosemite Trailhead Parking)
The Mist Trail (All distances from Shuttle Stop)
Happy Isle Trailhead elevation is 4000 FT. The Top of Nevada Fall is 6000 FT. That’s 2000 FT of elevation gain for those that don’t like doing public math. This is an intense hike. The 400 FT elevation gain in .8 mile from the trailhead to the Vernal Fall Footbridge can be humbling, and it just get more intense from there.
Distance to Vernal Fall Footbridge: 1.6 miles round trip, 400 FT elevation gain
Distance to Vernal Fall return via John Muir Trail: 3.8 miles round trip; 1000 FT elevation gain, 3 – 4 hours
Distance to Nevada Fall with return via John Muir Trail: 5.8 miles round trip; 5 – 6 hours, 2000 FT elevation gain, 3-5 hrs.
The Mist Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite. The hike takes you up a stone staircase along Vernal Fall. The views of the waterfall are beautiful and wet. The mist from the roaring waterfall keeps the stairs slippery, and aptly gives the trail its name – Mist Trail. For a great experience hike up the Mist Trail to Navada Fall and then return via the John Murr Trail.
Trailhead: Happy Isle Trailhead. Use Shuttle Stop #16, start on the John Muir Trail (The closest Parking is Yosemite Trailhead Parking)
Mirror Lake Trail – 5.6 miles round trip, 480 ft EG, shuttle stop #17. This trail is best in the spring, early summer, or timed perfectly in the Fall when the leaves change color.
Yosemite Fall Trails (Includes Lower Yosemite Falls and Columbia Rock)
To Lower Yosemite Falls: 2 miles round trip, 1000 FT elevation gain
To Upper Yosemite Falls: 7.2 miles round trip, 3,900 FT elevation gain, max elevation 6,710 ft, 5-7 hours
Trailhead: Yosemite Falls Trail (Parking: day use parking west of Yosemite Lodge, or take the free shuttle to stop #7, hike starts in Camp #4)
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip, 50 FT elevation gain, this is a paved loop trail that is primarily flat. The trail let’s you walk to the bottom of the waterfall and view the final 320-foot drop, and provides a view of the Upper Fall. This trail is within walking distance from the Visitor Center or Shuttle Stop #6. Bathrooms are available on the western side of the trail.
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail
Distance: 11.5 miles round trip (full loop, 5-7 hours), 7.2 miles roundtrip (half loop, 2.5-3.5 hours)
There are a number of entry and exit point to this trail, which makes it customizable. It’s also flat, which is a nice change of pace compared to other trails in the Park.
Trailhead: Start at Lower Yosemite Fall, Shuttle Stop #6
Cook’s Meadow Loop
Total Distance: 1 mile roundtrip, flat, 30 minutes
Trailhead: Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (shuttle stop #5) or Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (shuttle stop #6)
Four Mile Trail
Total Distance: 9.6 miles round trip, trail leading from the Valley Floor to Glacier Point. This is a steep trail with stunning views of the Valley.
Tunnel View
Tunnel view is an iconic viewpoint that looks out over the Yosemite Valley offering views of El Capitan and Half Dome. There are small parking lots on both the East (entrance) and West (exit) sides.
About 1.7 miles before Tunnel View, and before entering the Wawona Tunnel, there is a pull out on left hand side of road that I think has better views of Half Dome then Tunnel View. It may have been the early morning light, but Half Dome looked stunning from this viewpoint.
Tunnel View – Artist Point
If you want Tunnel views with less crowds, cross the road to the parking lot across from the main viewing area. In the center of the lot follow the stairs leading to a trail. This is Artist’s Point that offers a similar view as Tunnel View, but without the crowds. This trail was not will maintained. For less crowds, and less climbing, it’s worth crossing the street and at a minimum hiking up about .10 mile. You get the same great views as Tunnel View, slightly elevated, and way less people or no one.
Total Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip, 750 FT elevation gain, budget 90 mins- 2 hours
Glacier Point
Glacier Point Road is typically open May to November depending on weather conditions. You can drive the Glacier Point Road with a private vehicle or you can take a tour from the Valley to Glacier Point (Round Trip or One-way). During the busy summer months you may be required to take the shuttle from Yosemite Ski Resort (Badger Pass). Why would anyone want a one-way ticket you ask? Some folks hike from the Valley floor to Glacier Point via Four Mile Trail and take the bus back and others take the bus to Glacier Point and then hike down.
Glacier Point Viewpoint – Park and take a short walk out to the point for beautiful views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. This overlook is located 30 miles (one hour) from the Valley.
Distance: .34 miles roundtrip, gentle elevation gain, paved path
Washburn Point Viewpoint – Park and view, no hiking, stunning views of Half Dome with views of Vernal and Navada Falls.
Sentinel Dome – 2.2 miles, 530 feet elevation gain, max elevation 8,123 feet, 1 hour total. This was my favorite experience in Yosemite. It’s an easy trail with minimal elevation gain to the Dome. Once you get to the Dome, keep the Dome on your left and keep walking. The trail loops around to the front of the Dome and from there it’s a walk/scramble up to the top. Once at the top you have a 360 degree view of Yosemite Valley to include Half Dome and El Capitan. The views are absolutely amazing. This is a low-effort hike with maximum pay-off reward.
Trailhead: Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Trailhead (It’s 13.4 miles from the start of Glacier Point Road to the trailhead – it is not well marked). There are outhouses (non-flush) toilets available with parking at this trailhead. There is additional parking further up the road. If you only plan hiking to Sentinel Dome, then park at the next pullout. If you’re going to hike both Sentinel Dome and Taft Point, then park here.
Taft Point – 2.2 miles roundtrip, 200 FT elevation gain on return. Provides views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. This is a favorite spot for sunset.
Trailhead: Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Trailhead (It’s 13.4 miles from the start of Glacier Point Road to the trailhead. There are outhouse (non-flush) toilets available with parking at this trailhead. There is additional parking further up the road. If you only plan hiking to Sentinel Dome park at the next pullout. If you’re going to hike both Sentinel Dome and Taft Point, then park here.
ACCESSIBLE ACTIVITIES
Accessible activities are limited in the Park. The Valley Floor does have some accessible trails like the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. This is a ~1.0 mile loop, and the eastern portion is wheelchair-accessible. To reach the trail park in Yosemite Valley (Visitor Center) and take the shuttle to the Lower Yosemite Fall stop). The best time to experience this trail is spring to early summer when the trail will be free of snow or ice and the waterfalls are at peak flow. For additional accessibility details, activities, and the latest information please visit the Yosemite National Park website at Accessibility – Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
LODGING STYLE AND WHERE TO STAY
In the Park (camping, mid-range, budget).
- Yosemite Lodge
- May be reserved 366 days in advance
- Must cancel 7 days before reservation for refund
- Dining options on site
- Private bath
- Mini-fridge
- No AC; fans provided
- ~$289 per night – 2 double beds
- The Ahwahnee
- May be reserved 366 days in advance
- Must cancel 7 days before reservation for refund
- Dining options and bar on site
- ~$521-591 per night (cottages have AC) (Prices vary widely based on time year. Plan on paying a lot for the convenience of staying in the Park)
- Private baths
- Mini-fridge
- Curry Village
- No heat and no private baths (shared baths)
- Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
- No heat and no private baths (shared baths)
Mariposa, about 1 hour from the Park, and Oakhurst, about 1 hour and 20 minutes away, both have mid-range and budget options. There are a number of lodging options between Mariposa and Oakhurst and the Park. Keep in mind that the more isolated the lodging is the more limited the food options will be. Fuel is also limited outside of Mariposa and Oakhurst.
RESTAURANTS/FOOD
There are a few food options in the Park in Yosemite Village, and the general store in the Village is well stocked. Yosemite Village, and dining options are packed during peak season. If you plan on eating in the Park plan on waiting in line for food/service. The Ahwahnee does have a dining room and bar, but can be pricey.
Yosemite is at least 2 hours, round trip, from a major city. So, jetting back to Mariposa or Oakhurst in the middle of the day for lunch or snacks is not advisable.
FIXED COSTS
The standard entrance fee to the Park is $20-$35.00 or a Park Pass (Standard, Annual, or America the Beautiful Pass). Starting in 2026, Yosemite is one of a handful of parks that will charge non-US residents an additional $100 per person fee if they do NOT have a Non-resident American the Beautiful Annual Pass. The Park only accepts major credit cards – no cash. There are additional fees for permitted hikes such as Half Dome.
TRANSPORTATION
You will need a vehicle to reach the Yosemite. Allegedly you can reach the Park via bus, but this will take a painful amount of time. See tips for information on the Park Shuttle.
ROAD TRIP OPTIONS
Yes! Yosemite can easily be combined with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Kings Canyon National Park is about two hours from Oakhurst. You can depart Yosemite early in the morning and see Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in a long day.
TIPS
Yosemite implements an entrance reservation system for the busiest parts of the year, which starts in the Spring and lasts until the Fall. Reservations are also needed to view the Horsetail Fall in February when the sun lights it up to look life fire or lava flowing. You will also need a permit to hike Half Dome.
Once you are in the Valley area of the Park and have found parking, then utilize the shuttle to move around. Yosemite is popular year-round and finding parking can be challenging. Once you’ve found a spot it is advisable to use the shuttle.
Bears. Follow all signs and instructions for storing food, water, and any scented items (lotions, hand sanitizers, sunscreen, etc.). This protects you, your vehicle, and the bears.
My recommendation for one day in Yosemite is to pick one or two activities that fit your interests and fitness levels. For a perfect day in Yosemite start early and arrive in the park no later than 0700. Hike the Mist Trail to Navada Fall. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail to view the waterfalls from the ground, and then head back to the Visitor’s Center via Cook’s Meadow Loop. These hikes will let you see a lot of the Park in several hours from different vantage points. Stop at the Visitor’s Center for souvenirs and anything else you might need. On your way out of the Valley stop at Tunnel View for pictures. Aim to leave the Valley at least three hours before sunset. This will give you time to drive to Glacier Point do a few short hikes, and pick a spot to watch sunset. Drive to the Glacier Point area and stop at Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Trailhead. Hike both Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. Spend sunset at either Glacier Point or Washburn Point. This is a long day that will have you do about 15 miles of hiking with several thousand feet of elevation gain.
Any of the stops discussed, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, Washburn Point, and Glacier Point, are fantastic spots for sunset. If you decide to watch sunset from Sentinel Dome or Taft Point make sure you have a headlamp to navigate back to your vehicle.
A Post Office is located in the Park in Yosemite Village. Buy post cards from the gift shop and mail your cards from the Park. I recommend bringing stamps and a pen just in case the Post Office is closed.
GO FURTHER
You could visit the same are of Yosemite in every season and have a completely different experience. Below is just a sampling of additional great things to do and see in Yosemite.
Clouds Rest
Tuolumne Meadow Area
Tioga Road is closed by November
The Hetch Hetchy Area (The Hetch Hetchy area is located in the northwest corner of Yosemite National Park)
Wawona Area (accessible year-round)
Grizzly Giant (no camping) – 1.2 miles
Wawona Tunnel Tree (no camping) – 2.8 miles
Wawona Point (no camping) – 3.3 miles
Mariposa Grove
