A Beginner's Guide to Yosemite National Park

Amid Yosemite's majestic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and ancient mountains, you truly feel the embrace of nature. While the crowds, campsite reservations, and hiking permit lotteries—resulting from the park's 4 million visitors each year—can be a hassle, the vibrant meadows and expansive valleys make it all worthwhile.

More than just a national park, Yosemite represents a pivotal moment in the history of conservation in the United States. The Yosemite Grant, signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864, marked one of the earliest instances of land being preserved for public enjoyment, laying the foundation for the national parks system. The passionate advocacy and poetic writings of John Muir helped cement Yosemite's place in the hearts of the public, calling it 'the grandest of all the special temples of Nature.'

If this is your inaugural visit to Yosemite, prepare to be inspired to express your awe—or perhaps left speechless by the vastness of its 1,187 square miles of forests, flowing rivers, and granite formations.

Here’s how to embark on your first adventure in Yosemite National Park.

When is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?

No exaggeration: Yosemite is a truly year-round destination, expansive enough to keep outdoor enthusiasts engaged even during the off-peak season. Its peak popularity spans from spring through fall, with a noticeable uptick in midsummer.

Due to unpredictable snow conditions, the beginning of spring hiking season varies each year. However, by May, the waterfalls are at their most spectacular. This is the ideal time to visit the 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls, especially if you're up for the challenging 3.4-mile hike to its summit, along with the impressive multi-tiered Sentinel Falls (1,920 feet) and Ribbon Fall (1,612 feet).

Peak visiting seasons, especially during summer, necessitate some planning. Park reservations are mandatory from July 1 to mid-August, as well as on weekends and holidays during spring (mid-April to late June) and late summer to fall (mid-August to late October). Check the specific date restrictions and secure your pass via the park website. If you don’t have a reservation, set your alarm: you’ll need to enter the park before 5 AM.

Winter offers a much quieter experience, with snow-draped forests and fewer crowds, although some roads (like the one to Glacier Point, typically closed from November to early June) may be inaccessible. However, February draws crowds for the Yosemite Firefall, where Horsetail Falls glow with a fiery light, creating a stunning cascade down El Capitan. On clear evenings, make your way to the El Capitan Picnic Area to witness this breathtaking sight.

How long should I plan to stay in Yosemite National Park?

You could easily spend a month traversing Yosemite’s trails without encountering the same rock twice. However, with strategic planning, you can maximize a short visit—whether it’s just a few days or even just 12 hours.

In just one day, you can experience Yosemite’s most breathtaking sights on a driving tour, leaving time for one or two short hikes or bike rides. Start in Yosemite Valley, making a stop at the iconic Tunnel View for a thrilling view of climbers ascending El Capitan.

Utilize Yosemite’s bike-sharing program to cycle part of the way to Mirror Lake. Afterward, hop in your car and drive up to Glacier Point for breathtaking views of Half Dome and the expansive Tenaya Canyon.

If you have two days, hike to Glacier Point via the challenging Four Mile Trail for those stunning vistas. In late spring, consider dedicating your second day to the Vernal & Nevada Falls Trail, a loop featuring beautiful, rainbow-hued waterfalls.

With a third day at your disposal, delve deeper into the park. Start your morning with a half-day hike in Yosemite Valley, choosing between the Cook’s Meadow Loop or the Yosemite Falls Trail. Later, explore Native American baskets at the Yosemite Museum and experience the park through a photographer’s eye at the Ansel Adams Gallery.

If you’re fortunate enough to have more time, embark on overnight hikes for a more immersive experience. The coveted 16-mile Half Dome trail is a challenge, provided you secure a permit. For a comprehensive tour of the park, try the Vogelsang Pass Loop (27 miles), offering stunning access to the Cathedral Range in all its granite splendor.

Is getting into and around Yosemite National Park easy?

Yosemite draws large crowds, especially from April to early October, so be prepared for traffic. It’s advisable to visit without a car by using the Yarts bus, which connects Mammoth Lakes to the east, Sonora and Merced to the west, and Fresno (via Oakhurst) to the south. Once inside the park, convenient free shuttles transport visitors between key centers and trailheads.

If you’re driving from spring to early fall, careful planning is crucial. This includes booking a reservation and rising early. Make sure to fill your gas tank before arriving, as prices near the park are exorbitant. Expect winding roads with stunning views and crowded parking lots (tip: arrive at Glacier Point’s lot before 9am). If you’re in an RV, consider parking outside the park and taking a bus in.

Self-driving is less daunting in late fall when reservation restrictions ease. However, from November to April, winter weather can be unpredictable in the High Sierra. Ensure your vehicle has winter tires or carry chains and know how to install them.

Must-do activities in Yosemite National Park

Aim for the heights! Yosemite showcases breathtaking scale, so meet these granite giants at stunning viewpoints like Glacier Point or by tackling hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks. If you didn’t secure a permit for the Half Dome hike, consider the Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Trail instead: its nearly 4000ft cliffs provide a thrilling finish to this 5.1-mile (one way) trek.

Make sure to experience at least one waterfall, especially in late spring or early summer. Bridalveil Fall, a stunning 620ft cascade that dances in the wind, is a must-see and just a short walk from the parking area (Wawona Road & Southside Drive). However, the Yosemite Falls loop hike (7.2 miles round-trip) offers challenging inclines and refreshing bursts of waterfall mist that we highly recommend.

Next up is Tuolumne Meadows, the largest sub-alpine meadow in the High Sierra, typically opening in May. It boasts a stunning landscape of sapphire-blue lakes, vibrant grasslands, and a riot of flowers in spring and summer, all crisscrossed by a variety of trails. For a brief yet delightful hike, try the Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge Trail, an easy 1.5-mile path. For something more challenging, consider the John Muir Trail leading to Lyell Canyon, which stretches 8 miles one way.

My top activity in Yosemite National Park

After soaking in the iconic sights of Yosemite, I relish exploring the quieter trails around Wawona. Easy paths like the Wawona Meadow Loop and the more challenging but breathtaking Chilnualna Falls offer a serene experience that many visitors miss. This area is also close to Mariposa Grove, where I can't resist the allure of the towering sequoias. On the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (2 miles), I find myself gazing up in awe at unique trees like the Clothespin Tree and the California Tunnel Tree—definitely a perfect selfie opportunity!

What is the budget for Yosemite National Park?

Basic expenses such as entry fees, meals, and lodging within the park are similar to those of other national parks across the US. Keep your budget in check by camping in groups and steering clear of last-minute hotel bookings during peak season, as well as high gas prices near the park. Late fall often offers great deals on accommodations in nearby towns.

• Park entry fee per vehicle/person: $35/$20

• Round-trip bus fare from Oakhurst to Yosemite Valley: $28

• Tacos at the Meadow Grill: $10

• Tent site within the park: $24-36

• Basic double room at Wawona Hotel: $154

• Dinner buffet at The Ahwahnee Dining Room (adult/child): $32/$14.50

• Ansel Adams Gallery photography walk: free

• 1-hour Glacier Point starry skies program: $20

• Double room in Oakhurst: $180-250

Do I need to book a reservation to enter Yosemite National Park?

Yes, if you're visiting during peak times, you must make reservations for your Yosemite trip in advance. This requirement is in effect daily from July to mid-August, and on weekends and holidays from mid-April through June and from mid-August to late October. The park implemented this system to address increasing traffic and environmental concerns due to high visitor numbers. Reservations can be made on the park website.

What is the best entrance to Yosemite National Park?

You can enter the park from the west via the Arch Rock entrance (Hwy 140) or Big Oak Flat (Hwy 120 W), or approach from the east through Tioga Pass (Hwy 120 E). If you’re coming from the south, the South Entrance is located just north of Fish Camp (Hwy 41). The northernmost entrance is at Hetch Hetchy (Hwy 120), but be mindful of seasonal road closures.

What are the best accommodations in Yosemite National Park?

Camping in Yosemite offers a magnificent way to wake up amidst nature's splendor, with 13 campgrounds available. Popular choices include scenic Upper Pines and conveniently located Bridalveil Creek Campground, but all sites are highly sought after; the best campsite is simply the one you manage to reserve. Keep in mind that some camps may be inaccessible during flood conditions in May and June, making reservations even more competitive.

You can also find lodging in nearby towns. Yosemite Bug Resort, located 27 miles from Yosemite Valley, offers a variety of dorm beds, tent cabins, and en-suite rooms in a historic campsite from the 1930s. The charming towns of Mariposa and Oakhurst feature a range of chain hotels and motels, conveniently about an hour's drive from the park, ideal for day visitors.

How do I reserve a campsite in Yosemite National Park?

Be prepared to constantly hit 'refresh' on the recreation.gov site. Campsite availability usually opens one to two weeks in advance, typically at 7am PST, so set your alarm and ensure you're logged in—options vanish within minutes, or even seconds! Demand is high from the start of the camping season in April through October. The reservation system lightens up between late fall and early spring, with campgrounds like Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona, and the popular Camp 4 switching to first-come, first-served.

How can I visit Yosemite National Park sustainably?

With increasing wildfires, storms, and droughts impacting Yosemite and its surrounding areas, the park faces risks from heightened visitor numbers, such as soil erosion. To lessen your footprint, visit during the off-peak season, opt for buses over cars, and drive slowly (those Red Bear-Dead Bear signs serve as a reminder!). Always store food in bear canisters to avoid attracting the native black bears to human food.

You can even plan your entire trip around conservation efforts. The park offers drop-in volunteer days, typically on Earth Day (April) and mid-August, or you can participate in the Yosemite Climbing Association’s Facelift project. If you have a month or longer, look for volunteer positions for researchers and campground attendants advertised on the NPS website.

How can I steer clear of the crowds in Yosemite National Park?

If possible, avoid weekends when the crowds peak. To dodge the heaviest traffic, aim to arrive early (before 5am) and linger until the golden hour (just before twilight): it's fantastic for photography and even better for missing the rush to leave the park before 4pm.

What should I wear and bring when visiting Yosemite National Park?

No matter if you're visiting in early spring or late fall, be sure to bring sunblock and warm layers for your Yosemite adventure. Sunburn can strike quickly on high-altitude hikes, even outside of the peak summer months, and unexpected cold snaps can occur at any time of year. And remember, never drink water directly from streams and lakes, no matter how clear it looks; it's best to carry water purification tablets or a Steripen instead.