Yosemite National Park, United States travel guide

Granite cliffs, giant sequoias, waterfalls and alpine meadows in the Sierra Nevada.

Best time to visit: May-June and September-October
Average daily budget: $150 to $350 USD
Ideal trip length: 2 to 4 days

Yosemite National Park is one of the most celebrated landscapes in the United States, a 1,200-square-mile wilderness of granite domes, deep valleys, ancient giant sequoias and thundering waterfalls in California's Sierra Nevada. El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls define the Yosemite Valley, while Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove and the high country offer space and wildflowers. The park is busy in summer, magical in spring when waterfalls peak, and quietly snow-dusted in winter. It is a destination for hikers, photographers, climbers, and anyone who wants to stand beneath a 3,000-foot granite wall.

Yosemite National Park itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Tunnel View. Classic overlook framing El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome; best at sunrise or late afternoon.

Afternoon: Explore Yosemite Valley, The heart of the park with El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and the main lodges.

Evening: Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The park's most popular waterfall hike, steep, wet and unforgettable in spring.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Mariposa Grove. Giant sequoia forest with the Grizzly Giant and the Fallen Monarch; a boardwalk loop is accessible.

Afternoon: Explore Wawona / Mariposa Grove, Quiet southern area with the largest sequoia grove and the historic Wawona Hotel.

Evening: Glacier Point. Cliff-top viewpoint with the most dramatic aerial view of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: El Capitan Meadow. Open meadow directly below El Capitan, perfect for watching climbers and photographers.

Afternoon: Explore Glacier Point Road, Scenic overlook area with panoramic views down into Yosemite Valley; access seasonal.

Evening: Mirror Lake in spring, when it reflects Half Dome and the valley walls before drying up in late summer.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Best neighbourhoods

Yosemite Valley: The heart of the park with El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and the main lodges.
Wawona / Mariposa Grove: Quiet southern area with the largest sequoia grove and the historic Wawona Hotel.
Glacier Point Road: Scenic overlook area with panoramic views down into Yosemite Valley; access seasonal.
Tuolumne Meadows: High alpine meadow area along Tioga Road, best in summer, with wildflowers and high-country hikes.
El Portal: Gateway town just outside the park with motels and restaurants for budget stays.

Must-do experiences

Tunnel View: Classic overlook framing El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome; best at sunrise or late afternoon.
Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls: The park's most popular waterfall hike, steep, wet and unforgettable in spring.
Mariposa Grove: Giant sequoia forest with the Grizzly Giant and the Fallen Monarch; a boardwalk loop is accessible.
Glacier Point: Cliff-top viewpoint with the most dramatic aerial view of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
El Capitan Meadow: Open meadow directly below El Capitan, perfect for watching climbers and photographers.

Hidden gems

Mirror Lake in spring, when it reflects Half Dome and the valley walls before drying up in late summer.
The May Lake trail, a shorter high-country hike with a backcountry lodge and fewer crowds than the valley.
Swimming holes along the Merced River, such as Cathedral Beach and the sandy stretch at Swinging Bridge.
Badger Pass in winter, a small ski area with snowshoeing and cross-country trails in the park.

Daily budget

$150 to $350 USD per day.

What to eat

A picnic lunch from the Yosemite Valley Village Store
Breakfast at the Ahwahnee before a full day of hiking
Pizza and beer at a casual spot in Curry Village
A post-hike burger at a gateway diner in Mariposa or Oakhurst

Getting around

A car is the most flexible way to reach Yosemite, but parking in the valley is limited. From spring through fall, use the free shuttle buses to connect valley trailheads, lodges and viewpoints. The Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are seasonal and close in winter. YARTS buses run from Merced, Mammoth Lakes and Sonora into the park. Biking on the valley's flat paths is a great way to avoid shuttle waits. Entry reservations are required for peak season day visits; check the park website before you go.

Safety

Yosemite is wild, not a theme park. Stay on trails, carry water and bear canisters, and never feed wildlife. Black bears are active; store food and scented items properly. Waterfalls are dangerous: rocks are slippery, currents are strong, and people die at Vernal Fall every year. Altitude and heat can cause exhaustion; start early, carry more water than you think, and know your limits. Winter brings snow and ice; tire chains may be required. Check trail and road conditions before driving remote roads.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Yosemite?

Two to four days. Two days covers the valley's main viewpoints and one waterfall hike. Three or four days let you add Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point and a high-country or Half Dome-area hike.

When is the best time to visit Yosemite?

May and June for peak waterfalls and wildflowers; September and October for pleasant weather, fewer crowds and golden light. Winter is beautiful but many roads close; summer is busiest.

Do you need reservations to enter Yosemite?

During peak season, day-use reservations are required and sell out. Overnight guests with lodging or camping reservations do not need a separate day-use reservation. Always check the park's official website for current entry rules.

What is the best hike in Yosemite?

The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall is the signature moderate hike. For a bigger challenge, the Half Dome cables route requires a permit. Easy options include the Valley View Loop and Mirror Lake.

Where should you stay in Yosemite?

Inside the park is best: Yosemite Valley Lodge, Ahwahnee or Curry Village put you near the action. Outside the park, El Portal, Mariposa and Oakhurst have cheaper motels 30 to 60 minutes from the valley.

Is Yosemite expensive?

The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for seven days. Lodging inside the valley runs $200 to $500+ in summer; gateway towns are cheaper. Camping is the best budget option if you can reserve far in advance.

What should I pack for Yosemite?

Layers, sturdy hiking shoes, a rain jacket, sun protection, a refillable water bottle, snacks, and a small daypack. Even in summer, mornings are cool and higher elevations can be windy.

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