Entrance Fee
$35.00
/ Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Hours (Today)
All Day
Yosemite Valley Welcome Center: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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About the Park
Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.
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What to See & Do
Visit the Yosemite Exploration Center
The Yosemite Exploration Center features interactive displays and exhibits highlighting Yosemite's many stories and resources. Bring the family and learn more about Yosemite's history, the people who originally called this place home, as well as more about meadows, animals, and sequoias!
Watch the "Spirit of Yosemite" Film
The park film, The Spirit of Yosemite, is shown daily on the hour and the half hour in the theater behind the Yosemite Exploration Center. The first showing is at 9:30am, and the last showing is at 4pm.
Become a Yosemite Junior Ranger
Kids can become a Yosemite Junior Ranger by taking a self-guided handbook with them as they travel around the park and complete the activities that are the best fit for them. The Yosemite Junior Ranger handbook is available for free at visitor centers. When you are done, share your booklet with a park ranger at any Yosemite visitor center during operating hours to receive your badge.
Rock Climbing in Yosemite
Yosemite is one of the world's greatest climbing areas. Climbers here can enjoy an endless variety of challenges--from the sustained crack climbs of the Merced River Canyon to pinching crystals on sun-drenched Tuolumne Meadows domes to multi-day aid climbs on the big walls of the Valley. Yosemite is not just a climber's playground, however: its walls and crags are an integral part of a larger ecosystem, protected as Wilderness.
Scenic Driving in Yosemite
All of the roads in Yosemite National Park are scenic, but the most famous scenic drive is along the Tioga Road, a 46-mile (62 km) drive from Crane Flat to Tioga Pass. The road is typically open from late May or early June through sometime in November.
Wildlife Safety in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park supports more than 400 species of vertebrates including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The high diversity of species is the result of diverse habitats in Yosemite that are largely intact. The park’s rich habitats range from thick foothill chaparral to conifer forests to expanses of alpine rock. Animals feel at home in each location.
Self-Guided Tours
Yosemite Valley - Lower Yosemite Fall Self-Guided Tour
Lower Yosemite Fall is the final 320-foot (98-meter) drop of one of the world's tallest waterfalls, Yosemite Falls. Deafening in spring and early summer when the waterfall peaks in volume, you can expect to get sprayed with water when standing on the footbridge near its base. This paved loop trail offers different vantage points of Yosemite Falls, and you can stop at several exhibits along the way to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area. The eastern trail is accessible.
Yosemite Valley - Cook's Meadow Loop Self-Guided Tour
This walk is about three kinds of change. First, there is the inevitable, natural, gradual change throughout nature; this is the essence of the life of rocks, plants, and animals. Second, there is the ever-increasing change caused by a growing public eager to enjoy the sublime features of Yosemite. Finally, there is change in society's understanding, sensitivity, and attitudes toward the special needs of Yosemite's environment.
Yosemite Valley - Architectural Tour - Yosemite Village and Northside
This tour highlights the architectural history and design characteristics of Yosemite Village and other nearby buildings by using the free shuttle bus and short walks. From the origins of National Park Service rustic style to modernist mid-century motifs, discover the rich "parkitecture" of Yosemite.
Visitor Centers
Yosemite Valley Welcome Center
The Yosemite Valley Welcome Center is the destination for visitor information in Yosemite Valley. The welcome center has an information desk, informational exhibits, and a Yosemite Conservancy bookstore. The welcome center is located near Yosemite Village Parking and the Village Store in Yosemite Valley (shuttle stops 1 and 2.) In the winter, self-registration wilderness permits for Yosemite Valley trailheads are available. This facility is wheelchair accessible.
Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio
The Wawona Visitor Center has an information desk, wilderness permit desk, and Yosemite Conservancy bookstore. It includes an exhibit of Thomas Hill’s work, recreating a "salon hanging"—paintings covering the wall from floor to ceiling, typical of Victorian galleries in the nineteenth century. In the winter, self-registration wilderness permits are available on the front porch. You must bring your own bear canister when the information station is closed. This facility is wheelchair accessible.
Big Oak Flat Information Station
The Big Oak Flat Information Station has an information desk, wilderness permit desk, and Yosemite Conservancy bookstore. In the winter, self-registration wilderness permits for the Crane Flat area and Tioga Road trailheads only, are available on the front porch. You must bring your own bear canister when the information station is closed. Designated accessible parking spaces are available in front of the facility. This facility is wheelchair accessible.
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center has an information desk, Yosemite Conservancy bookstore, and an exhibit area detailing the area's geology, plant and animal life, and history. A designated accessible parking space and entrance are available. From the main parking lot, drive up the service road to the visitor center. Park in the designated accessible parking space and follow the paved path in front of the visitor center to the rear entrance. Accessible restrooms are adjacent to the main parking lot.
Where to Stay
Upper Pines Campground
Upper Pines is located near the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This large campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Upper Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village.
Hodgdon Meadow Campground
Hodgdon Meadow Campground is conveniently located along the Big Oak Flat Road at the Big Oak Flat Entrance. At an elevation of 4,900 feet (1,219 m), the campground is located along the western edge of the park, 25 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. There is a gas station and minimal convenience items located nearby at Crane Flat. Trailheads for both the Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are located within a short drive of the campground.
North Pines Campground
North Pines is located along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. North Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village.
Lower Pines Campground
Lower Pines is located along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Lower Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village.
Wawona Campground
The Wawona Campground is located along the South Fork Merced River close to historic Wawona. At an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,219 m), the campground is located in the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is just a short drive away and the Yosemite History Center is in nearby Wawona where you can see some of the park’s oldest structures. Wawona offers a visitor center, hotel, and a market.
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
Tuolumne Meadows Campground is Yosemite’s largest, and is located along the Tioga Road, with some areas located near the Tuolumne River. At 8,000 feet (2,600 m) this campground is open seasonally and has wonderful summer access to many hikes, lakes, and prominent viewpoints. The campground is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley but a small store, grill, and post office are located nearby in Tuolumne Meadows.
Crane Flat Campground
The Crane Flat Campground is located along the Big Oak Flat Road, just west of Crane Flat, about 30 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley, at 6,200 ft (1,900 m) elevation. There is a gas station and minimal convenience items located nearby at Crane Flat. Trailheads for both the Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are located within a short drive of the campground.
Camp 4 Campground
Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near the base of granite cliffs close to Yosemite Falls. Yosemite Valley is centrally located in the park and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,200 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Camp 4 is within biking and walking distance of many services in Yosemite Valley and is located near the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Yosemite Valley Lodge and Yosemite Village.
White Wolf Campground
White Wolf Campground is located off the Tioga Road between Tuolumne Meadows and Crane Flat, approximately an hour from Yosemite Valley at 8,000 feet (2,400 m). The campground is tucked into the forest about a mile from Tioga Road near White Wolf Lodge. Trailheads nearby lead to Lukens and Harden Lakes and the area is popular for those accessing other wilderness destinations. Minimal services may be available at White Wolf Lodge (if open). There are no other visitor services close to the campground.
Porcupine Flat Campground
Porcupine Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road about 30 minutes west of Tuolumne Meadows and over an hour from Yosemite Valley. RVs and Trailers are not recommended for the narrow roads in this more primitive campground. At an elevation of 8,100 feet (2,500 m) elevation, the campground is near Porcupine Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). The Porcupine Creek Trailhead is nearby. There are no visitor services close to the campground.
Yosemite Creek Campground
Yosemite Creek Campground is located nearly 5 miles off the Tioga Road (via a rough unpaved road) 26 miles west of Tuolumne Meadows, and a little over an hour from Yosemite Valley. Located in the forest at 7,700 feet (2,300 m) many campsites are close to Yosemite Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). RVs and Trailers are not recommended for this harder to access, and more primitive campground. There are no visitor services close to the campground.
Tamarack Flat Campground
Tamarack Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat. The campground is approximately 20 miles (45 minutes) from Yosemite Valley and is tucked away in the forest 3 miles off Tioga Road. RVs and Trailers are not recommended for this harder to access, and more primitive campground. At an elevation of 6,300 feet (1,900 m) elevation, the campground is near Tamarack Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). There is a gas station nearby at Crane Flat.
Bridalveil Creek Campground
The Bridalveil Creek Campground is located along the Glacier Point Road near Bridalveil Creek and is surrounded by a beautiful forest of red fir and lodgepole pine. At an elevation of 7,200 feet (2,200m) the campground is located 7 miles west of Glacier Point, 9 miles east of the Wawona Road turnoff, and is approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The spectacular views from Glacier Point are nearby, and numerous hiking trails are located along the Glacier Point Road. There are no services nearby.
Wawona Horse Camp
The Wawona Horse Camp is located along the South Fork Merced River adjacent to historic Wawona. At an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,219 m), the camp is located in the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is just a short drive away and the Yosemite History Center is right next door where you can see some of the park’s oldest structures. Wawona offers a visitor center, hotel, and a market.
Tuolumne Meadows Horse Camp
Tuolumne Meadows Horse Campsites are located within Tuolumne Meadows Campground along the Tioga Road. At 8,000 feet (2,600 m) this campground is open seasonally and has wonderful summer access to many hikes, lakes, and prominent viewpoints. The campground is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley but a small store, grill, and post office are located nearby in Tuolumne Meadows.
Bridalveil Creek Horse Camp
The Bridalveil Creek Horse Camp is within Bridalveil Creek Campground located along the Glacier Point Road near Bridalveil Creek and surrounded by a beautiful forest of red fir and lodgepole pine. At an elevation of 7,200 feet (2,200m) the campground is located 7 miles west of Glacier Point, 9 miles east of the Wawona Road turnoff. The spectacular views from Glacier Point are nearby, and numerous hiking trails are located along the Glacier Point Road. There are no services nearby.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
You can drive to Yosemite year-round and enter via Highways 41, 140, and 120 from the west. Tioga Pass Entrance (via Highway 120 from the east) is closed from approximately November through late May or June. Hetch Hetchy is open all year but may close intermittently due to snow. Please note that GPS units do not always provide accurate directions to or within Yosemite.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Bridalveil Fall
The Bridalveil Fall Parking area is located in the west end of Yosemite Valley and offers access to the Bridalveil Fall trail and viewpoint.
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Curry Village (Orchard)
This parking area is located in the east end of Yosemite Valley near Curry Village. Parking here is located within the historic apple orchard. Parking spaces are loosely marked and the lot is unpaved. Free shuttle service, proximity to east valley trails, and a bike/pedestrian path are nearby.
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Glacier Point
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Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
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Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza
Open in MapsWashburn Point
Open in MapsWawona Store and Post Office
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Yosemite Falls
The Yosemite Falls Parking Area is located just west of Yosemite Lodge. Free shuttle services are available nearby. There is also access to some trails and bike/pedestrian paths near this parking area.
Open in MapsYosemite History Center (Forest Drive)
Open in MapsYosemite Valley Trailhead Parking
This parking area, located east of Curry Village is for overnight wilderness users only.
Open in MapsYosemite Valley Welcome Center
Parking here is closest to the Welcome Center located in Yosemite Village.
Open in Maps
Yosemite Village
The Yosemite Village Parking Area is located just south of Yosemite Village and easily allows access to all facilities in Yosemite Village, and the free shuttle.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
You can drive to Yosemite year-round and enter via Highways 41, 140, and 120 from the west. Tioga Pass Entrance (via Highway 120 from the east) is closed from approximately November through late May or June. Hetch Hetchy is open all year but may close intermittently due to snow. Please note that GPS units do not always provide accurate directions to or within Yosemite.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Yosemite National Park — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$35.00This fee is valid for seven consecutive days for a non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats. This fee covers the vehicle and everyone inside of it. Per-person nonresident fees still apply.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$30.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Per-person nonresident fees still apply.
Entrance - Per Person
$20.00This fee is valid for seven consecutive days for people entering on foot, a bicycle, a horse, or a non-commercial bus or van. People 15 years and younger are free.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$300.00The per-person fee is $20 to a maximum of $300 per vehicle. People 15 years and younger are free.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
$0.00An educational fee waiver is available for educational and scientific groups that are accredited or tax-exempt for educational purposes planning a trip for educational or scientific purposes related to Yosemite that is not primarily recreational.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
$20.00The fee is $20 per person for any resident 16 years or older. For any nonresident the fee is $100 per person for anyone 16 years or older. This fee is valid for seven consecutive days.
Nonresident
$100.00Each 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.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$200.00This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. For any nonresident there is an additional fee of $100 per person for anyone 16 years or older. A commercial use authorization is required.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$300.00This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. For any nonresident there is an additional fee of $100 per person for anyone 16 years or older. A commercial use authorization is required.
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$70.00Annual pass providing free entrance to Yosemite for 12 months from the date of purchase for US citizens and permanent residents.
Operating Hours
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Live Webcams
Click any camera to open the live feed on the NPS website.
Turtleback Dome & Air Quality
This air quality camera shows the view to the west from near Yosemite Valley and also displays current air quality and weather data.
Merced River at Happy Isles
From here, you can see the Merced River as it flows past Yosemite Valley's Happy Isles Gaging Station, which the US Geological Survey has maintained for over 100 years.
El Capitan
Located on a dome near the Wawona Tunnel, this webcam provides a nice view of Yosemite Valley. This webcam image is provided courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy.
Half Dome
This view of Yosemite Valley from just east of Yosemite Village gives a sense of conditions of the floor of Yosemite Valley. This webcam image is provided courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy.
El Capitan
Located on a dome near the Wawona Tunnel, this webcam provides a nice view of Yosemite Valley. This webcam image is provided courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy.
Yosemite High Sierra
This webcam, located at about 8,000 feet in elevation, shows Half Dome and the surrounding high country. This webcam image is provided courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy.
MR a HIB
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls, a combination of Upper Yosemite Fall, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall, has a total height of 2,425 feet. In May, you may see Pacific dogwood in bloom just below the waterfall.
Photos
Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring
A mountain reflecting in a lake.
A rainbow over a mountain in the distance.
Cluster of tall trees with cloudy sky.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning Yosemite
These common questions go deeper into logistics and planning. For real-time updates on road closures and current conditions, always check the Alerts section above.