Whether you want a 1, 2 or 7-day Yosemite itinerary, we’ve bought you lined with our VIDEO that highlights the must-see points of interest, plus, suggestions to your tour to Yosemite National Park and interactive maps.
We have been requested, “What should we see when we visit Yosemite National Park?”
Our reply … it will depend on how a lot time you will have, the time of yr you’ll be there and your private pursuits!
One of a very powerful tenting suggestions is to simply GO! The websites in YNP are jaw-dropping! Everywhere you flip there’s something to expertise that may completely take your breath away!
Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.
Yosemite National Park Must-See Attractions VIDEO And Tips
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Entrance Reservations Needed Just To Enter Yosemite National Park (2023)
From the web site:
- A reservation can be required to drive into Yosemite in February 2023
- A reservation can be required to drive into Yosemite for guests arriving February 10–12, February 17–19, or February 24–26, 2023. A reservation is not going to be required in summer season 2023.
- Reservations for Summer 2023
- Reservations is not going to be required to go to Yosemite National Park throughout the summer season of 2023. Reservations have been required within the summers of 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic and in summer season 2022 when quite a few key customer points of interest have been closed for essential infrastructure repairs.
Learn extra about Yosemite’s entrance reservations.
Our Top 10+ Yosemite National Park Must-See Attractions
Yosemite National Park contains nearly 1,200 sq. miles so that you received’t be capable to see all of it!
NOTE: Our most up-to-date go to to Yosemite National Park was in July of 2018 so our suggestions are primarily based on a summer season busy season go to to the Park when the waterfalls are abundantly flowing together with the crowds! LOL
I would like “5 Secrets To Successful Camping Trips” plus weekly tenting suggestions & recipes.
Most of us have been doing the “first time visit to Yosemite National Park thing” (I used to be on this group) however one was fortunately visiting once more. ALL of us had a good time!
Our private favourite experiences & well-liked locations.
We spent every week tenting contained in the park in our RV so we had loads of time to expertise this particular place. We suppose staying contained in the park is the best choice to get probably the most out of your go to since you received’t spend additional time ready within the traces with all the opposite guests simply to get via the doorway gate.
1. Tunnel View.
Our RV tenting journey to Yosemite National Park included coming into Yosemite’s south entrance and persevering with on State Route 41 via the Park.
We heard in regards to the tunnel years in the past and the long-awaited expertise didn’t disappoint!
Upon exiting the darkish tunnel, the iconic and expansive views stuffed our windshield … WOW!!!
Just watch out as you drive as a result of the small parking space requires pedestrians to cross the street to get to the overlook.
There is a little bit of a site visitors bottleneck with a number of folks, autos and views that don’t give up!
The viewpoint is on the east finish of the Wawona Tunnel and has views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and views of Half Dome within the background. This is normally the primary cease for guests coming into the park from the south and a compulsory cease when you’re simply visiting on a day move.
2. Merced River.
This river is soooooo clear you possibly can’t consider it’s actual!
You’ll discover it a refreshing place to cool your ft throughout summer season visits to Yosemite.
In addition to cooling your ft, you possibly can cool your beer within the water!
That is only one of our 19 hacks we share on learn how to preserve drinks chilly when tenting!
The Merced can be an awesome place for folks watching as they float down the river on tubes, inflatable rafts and paddle boards … or you possibly can partake your self!
We arrange our camp chairs in a location the place the water was a bit of low and the rocks created an impediment course for the unsuspecting floaters.
Come to think about it, the people who find themselves experiencing the Yosemite National Park points of interest are literally points of interest in and of themselves!
Don’t overlook to deliver a pair of water sneakers as a result of the rocks within the river are actually onerous to stroll on!
3. Mariposa Grove.
There are a number of areas in Yosemite National Park to see the large Sequoias however Mariposa Grove has probably the most timber in a single place.
You’ll see the well-known Grizzly Giant, the California Tunnel Tree and extra!
A free shuttle supplies service from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (the place you will have to park your automobile) to the Mariposa Grove.
If you will have restricted time in Yosemite, Mariposa Grove undoubtedly qualifies as a type of “Yosemite must see one day” kind of points of interest!
4. Glacier Point.
You can get to Glacier Point by mountaineering (in case you are in adequate form and have the time), driving your private automobile (and combating the site visitors on the roads and within the car parking zone) or taking a tour bus (which requires superior reservations and one of the simplest ways to go throughout the busy summer season season.)
Whatever manner you get there … go to Glacier Point!
You’ll expertise mind-blowing 360 diploma views together with Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls (the very best waterfall in North America) and Yosemite’s excessive nation.
You’ll have to go to Glacier Point on cross-country skis in case you are there within the low season as a result of Glacier Point Road is closed November to May.
Glacier Point is without doubt one of the hottest locations in Yosemite so deliver your endurance and be prepared for the crowds.
If you might be in search of a bit of solitude, we have now 12 Tips To Avoid Crowds In National Parks So You Don’t Go Crazy!
You is likely to be stunned to know that Yosemite National Park is NOT the busiest Park within the nation … see which one tops the checklist in that weblog publish too!
5. Waterfalls.
Some of the most well-known waterfalls in Yosemite National Park embody the Upper Yosemite Falls, Lower Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls.
The falls don’t run all yr … so, in case you are actually anxious to see these magnificent thunderous our bodies of falling water, you’ll must be there earlier than they dry up for the season.
Snowmelt creates runoff and the falls start flowing within the spring with the height runoff normally taking place in May or June … most are dried up by August.
You can verify the Yosemite National Park Webcams for real-time views together with the Yosemite Falls webcam and different iconic landmarks inside Yosemite.
Our private favourite waterfall expertise at Yosemite was mountaineering the Mist Trail … and sure, you actually do hike via the mist generated by the waterfalls!
It’s an effective way to refresh your self on a sizzling summer season Yosemite hike.
Make certain you will have good socks, mountaineering poles and comfy mountaineering boots earlier than trying Yosemite’s mountaineering trails … particularly those who have moist rocks!
6. Wildlife.
Critters are EVERYWHERE in Yosemite! You’ll see tons of birds, squirrels, deer, fish, geese and an occasional bear!
It is clear the wildlife is protected as a result of the animals act extra like home pets than wild beasts.
There are indicators posted all through Yosemite National Park and the rangers do their greatest to teach folks … however … sadly, some folks suppose the foundations don’t apply to them they usually feed the animals despite the directions on the contrary.
Because the wildlife is used to being round people and consuming from the treats thrown to them, you don’t should earnestly search for the critters, they’re roaming out within the open and nearly pose for footage!
The bears are a number of the most well-known … and notorious … residents inside Yosemite National Park!
Yosemite’s campgrounds present bear-proof meals storage containers on the campsites. Using them protects you, your meals, your neighbors and the bears.
It’s straightforward to have a look at them and suppose they’re cute and innocent however they’re wild animals and must be handled with respect.
Check out our Safety Tips While Camping In Bear Country publish for useful details about tenting in bear nation!
7. Climbers.
If you aren’t into mountaineering your self, you’ll need to take a while to catch a glimpse of the CRAZY people who find themselves ascending the shockingly steep monolith rock formations all through Yosemite National Park.
These climbers look smaller than ants when they’re hanging on the facet of huge stone faces!
It’s even onerous to see them with the bare eye!
So, while you encounter a gaggle of individuals standing on the bottom and gawking at a formation off within the distance, you possibly can be part of them and ultimately you will notice the climbers shifting ever-so-slowly up the stone.
It makes my coronary heart race simply fascinated with it!
8. Visitor Centers & Museums.
The Valley Visitor Center is the very best place to go to in Yosemite National Park BECAUSE you may get a fast overview of the Park and speak to rangers to find out which points of interest are most attention-grabbing to you personally … which ones you need to see … and … which websites you could make it to “IF” you will have sufficient time.
There are so many choices to expertise Yosemite National Park via arts and tradition.
Our private favorites have been the Spirit of Yosemite movie proven within the Valley Visitor Center (it was so shifting I nearly cried and I’m NOT a type of individuals who cries on the drop of a hat)!!!
We additionally liked the little stroll between the Happy Isles Art & Nature Center and the Happy Isles (sure, they are surely islands!)
I felt like I used to be receiving an awesome massive hug as I used to be fully surrounded by the dashing water and astounding great thing about Yosemite!
There are so many issues to do and see within the areas of customer facilities and museums … youngsters can shoot off right into a crowd earlier than you recognize it.
Our Camping Safety Tips For Families publish has tons of priceless data to maintain your total tenting group glad, protected and having enjoyable!
9. Attractions Along Biking Trails.
We can’t even start to checklist the entire cool views and greatest issues to see all through Yosemite whereas driving a bicycle!
There are over 12 miles of paved bike paths in Yosemite Valley!!!
You can lease bikes within the Park or deliver your personal (which is what we did.)
Think about this … You can drive your personal automobile contained in the Park however the site visitors congestion and parking choices will provide you with a headache!
The free shuttle buses that run in Yosemite Valley are tremendous crowded in the summertime and it’s not unusual to listen to the bus driver shout out the door “You’ll have to wait for the next bus because this one is full!”
Walking will get you round however you possibly can solely cowl a lot floor by yourself two ft.
All of that’s the reason we’re sooooo glad we introduced our personal bikes as a result of we used them for sightseeing in addition to another mode of transportation that moved us round Yosemite Valley … shortly, effectively and safely.
We simply loaded them on our bike rack that mounts to the again bumper on our RV as we traveled from our house in Phoenix to Yosemite.
We used a bike lock to safe our bikes to the racks that have been on the trailheads, outlets and eating places all through Yosemite Valley.
Our bikes have been the BEST transportation … and a part of our tenting enjoyable too!!!
Want extra recommendations on conserving your valuables safe? Check out our publish: A Secure Campsite Protects Valuables From Theft.
10. Valley Floor Tour.
This open-air tram tour is the one formal tour we took on our week-long tenting journey in Yosemite National Park.
It was AWESOME!!!
Our solely remorse is that we waited just a few days earlier than we took the tour … it could have been higher to start out our week with this tour as a result of it offers an awesome overview of issues to do in Yosemite.
It excursions Yosemite National Park on the Valley Floor stage.
You can make be aware of the locations you need to expertise later throughout your go to.
After the tour was completed, we created our personal private Yosemite trip information to verify we had time to do and see every part that appealed to us earlier than we ran out of time (did I point out every week goes by in a flash when you find yourself in Yosemite?!?)
Our tour was led by a educated park ranger who shared the historical past, flora, and fauna as we have been driving and stopping for images all through the Valley.
The tour runs within the winter however the automobile used is a heated bus reasonably than an open-air tram.
11. Camping.
You know we love tenting … wherever the tenting location occurs to be … BUT … not all campsites are created equally!
If you might be planning to see the entire iconic points of interest in Yosemite National Park, we have now one actually robust advice … YOU HAVE TO CAMP INSIDE THE PARK IN ONE OF THE CAMPGROUNDS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY!!!
There is nothing like waking as much as the sights and sounds of Yosemite.
It is unimaginable to expertise all 761,266 acres of Yosemite in a single go to and the most iconic spots are positioned within the Yosemite Valley.
The site visitors congestion on the Park entrance gate and on the roads inside the Park is heavy throughout the busy summer season months.
Even although it’s actually troublesome to get a reservation at one of many Yosemite Valley campgrounds, we’re actually glad we didn’t accept something much less!
Don’t surrender!
You can e book instantly on the Recreation.gov web site or use the app which is without doubt one of the greatest tenting apps for planning and reserving your campsite and actions.
Keep attempting and ultimately you’re going to get a spot contained in the Park on the campground of your selection … You will profit from your go to to this magnificent place on earth referred to as Yosemite National Park!
Stay tuned … we have now a weblog publish within the works to provide the inside scoop in tenting inside Yosemite National Park!
3 Areas Of Yosemite
Because the park is so giant, nearly 1,200 sq. miles, you’ll need to consider it in three areas with the valley being within the heart with the most points of interest and folks:
Yosemite Valley:
Main Roads: Tunnel and Glacier Point Roads
- Between the north and south sides of the park
Main Attractions:
- Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and Theater
- Yosemite Museum
- Valley Wilderness Center
- Happy Isles Art and Nature Center
- The Ansel Adams Gallery
- El Capitan Meadow
- Yosemite Chapel
- Yosemite Valley Lodge
- Cook’s Meadow: Located between Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge
- Sentinel Meadow: Located west of the chapel
- Stoneman Meadow: Located throughout from Curry Village
- Leidig Meadow: Located west of Yosemite Valley Lodge
- Sentinel Bridge: Views of Half Dome, the reflection within the Merced River and Yosemite Falls
- Four Mile Trail: One of the very best hikes for views however you want an early begin and good conditioning for this 9.6 mile spherical journey strenuous hike starting on the trailhead close to the bottom of Sentinel Rock and climbing to Glacier Point with a 3,200 foot elevation achieve. This path supplies a number of the greatest views of Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley and a panorama of Half Dome and Sierra mountain peaks.
- Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Trails could be mixed right into a 4.9 mile loop journey hike with a 1,000 foot elevation achieve with views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and a 360-degree view of the park (Sentinel Dome is a superb spot to see the dawn or sundown however you’ll want a flashlight for the portion of the hike at the hours of darkness.)
- Mirror Lake Trail: 2 mile spherical journey straightforward hike with solely 100 ft elevation and views of Tenaya Canyon, Mount Watkins and Washington Column.
South of Yosemite Valley:
- Towards Fresno through Route 41
Main Road: Wawona Road
Main Attractions:
- Wawona Visitor Center
- Yosemite History Center
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Chilnualna Falls Trail: Strenuous hike offering many areas with views of the cascades
- Bridalveil Creek
North of Yosemite Valley:
- Towards San Francisco through Route 120
Main Road: Tioga Road
Main Attractions:
- Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
- Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center: Wilderness permits, bear canisters, maps, and guidebooks
- Tuolumne Meadows
- Hetch Hetchy Valley
- Tioga Pass Road: 47-mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass
- Parsons Memorial Lodge: Easy one-mile (30 minute) quick stroll from Lembert Dome parking space or from the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
- Siesta Lake
- White Wolf Campground
- Yosemite Creek Picnic Area
- Olmsted Point
- Tenaya Lake
- Soda Spring
- Lembert Dome: Steep however quick hike to the highest of the dome with view of Tuolumne Grove Meadows
FREE Trip Planner
Yosemite Itineraries
Don’t miss these spots whereas visiting Yosemite National Park.
1-Day Itinerary
With solely in the future within the park, you’ll need to spend all the time in Yosemite Valley. Spots to see on day 1:
- Tunnel View: Drive into Yosemite National Park from the south entrance gate and keep on Wawona Road till you undergo the tunnel and pull off into the car parking zone. Get out of the automobile to expertise the views from the Tunnel View lookout.
- Bridalveil Falls: Continue on the primary street and take the quick drive to the Bridalveil Falls car parking zone. There is a brief hike to the Bridalveil Falls Viewpoint. This is a half-mile spherical journey hike on a paved path that’s comparatively flat. It is taken into account a simple hike that solely takes about 20 minutes to finish. Bridalveil Fall is without doubt one of the first waterfalls you’ll see when coming into Yosemite Valley. Be cautious since you’ll discover moist situations on the base of the falls, so, within the winter you have to be ready for potential icy and really slick situations.
- Four Mile Trail: Continue on the primary street and veer onto Southside Drive. In about 4 miles you’ll come up on the Four Mile Trail. If you’re up for a strenuous hike, hit the path. The 9.6 mile journey hike supplies a number of the greatest views of the park. You solely should go about midway up the path to get views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. If you don’t need to do all the 9.6 mile spherical journey, the midway level is well worth the time and power.
- Yosemite Valley Chapel: Continue driving alongside the street and make a cease on the chapel which was designed by the completed church architect, Charles Geddes. It is the oldest construction in Yosemite Valley and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Sentinel Bridge: Continue driving alongside the street till you get to the parking space for Sentinel Bridge. The space is close to Cook’s Meadow and the shuttle cease. Here, you’ll be capable to get pleasure from a unbelievable view of Half Dome and also you’ll see its reflection within the Merced River.
- Yosemite Valley Visitor Center: Continue alongside the street, and comply with it because it begins a loop in the wrong way close to Curry Village (when you’re hungry you’ll find a chunk to eat in Curry Village.) At this level you’ll be on the Northside Drive which is able to lead you to the parking space for the customer heart. Make certain you watch the Spirit of Yosemite movie and stroll via the exhibit corridor.
- Yosemite Valley Lodge: Continue alongside the street and cease on the lodge. There are just a few eating choices right here and that is the place you’ll discover a schedule with the present calendar packages you could need to see throughout the late afternoon or night hours.
- El Capitan Picnic Area: As you proceed your drive alongside the North Drive, you’ll work your manner again towards Tunnel View and can move the El Capitan Picnic Area. It is a superb spot to replicate in your day as you sit on the picnic tables beneath El Capitan’s huge cliff wall. Grills can be found on this space which is open from daybreak to nightfall.
2-Day Itinerary
With two full days in Yosemite you possibly can discover Yosemite Valley on the primary day then head to the world to the south in your second day.
Enjoy the day 1 itinerary and relaxation as much as see extra thrilling sights in your second day within the park. Spots to see on day 2:
- Swinging Bridge Loop Hike: Park within the Wawona Store car parking zone and stroll to the trailhead to expertise this straightforward 4.8 mile loop. You’ll cross Swinging Bridge and can comply with the trail again to the Pioneer Yosemite History Center and its lined bridge earlier than returning to the Wawona Store. NOTE: If you like a extra strenuous hike, do the Chilnualna Falls Trail and luxuriate in many areas with views of the cascades.
- Yosemite History Center/Museum & Wawona Visitor Center: Drive down Wawona Road and park within the History Center/Visitor Center car parking zone. You’ll have already stopped right here whereas on the Swinging Bridge Loop Hike however when you skip the hike, don’t miss the History Center.
- Wawona Hotel & Thomas Hill Studio: Continue alongside Wawona Road to the Wawona Hotel and park there to see the Victorian-era lodge and its lovely property. Don’t miss the Thomas Hill Studio when you’re there. The lodge eating room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in addition to night musical performances within the lounge.
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Continue driving down Wawona Road and park on the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza. There you’ll take the free shuttle bus to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. There are literally 3 totally different groves of large sequoias inside Yosemite with Mariposa Grove being the biggest. The different two smaller groves are Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove. Take one of many 4 hikes to expertise these superior large timber:
- Big Trees Loop Trail (straightforward)
- Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (average): I like to recommend taking this one so you possibly can see the Bachelor and Three Graces, the Grizzly Giant, and the California Tunnel Tree.
- Guardians Loop Trail (strenuous)
- Mariposa Grove Trail to Wawona Point (strenuous)
- If you will have additional time: Wawona Stable Rides provide a singular view of Yosemite. You can trip mules or horses and when you take the 2-hour trip, you’ll be following the historic wagon street utilized by the early pioneers and also you’ll see the Wawona Hotel, the Wawona Meadow Loop, a former Miwok encampment, Wawona Dome, and plush forest. These rides require superior reservations and an extra charge.
7-Day Itinerary
Many households take their summer season holidays in Yosemite and are ready so as to add the north a part of the park to their checklist of issues to see. That additionally means you are able to do extra hikes and actions in every part of the park.
Enjoy the day 1 and day 2 itineraries then use day 3 to loosen up a bit with some native actions. Take time to notice the locations you loved probably the most that you could be need to see once more, or, these you have been unable to see but.
On day 4 head to the north facet of the park and spend the day exploring. This day you’ll be touring alongside Tioga Road which is positioned within the excessive Sierra Nevada space and is barely open to autos from late May or early June to someday in November, climate allowing.
Services are restricted on this a part of the park so ensure you have loads of gasoline in your automobile and pack a lunch, snacks and drinks for a beautiful picnic alongside the route.
This day begins close to the east entrance gate to the park on Highway 120 often known as Tioga Pass. This street is a 47-mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tioga Pass. Spots to see on day 4:
- Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center: Drive alongside Tioga Pass Road and cease on the wilderness heart when you want any kind of wilderness permits, bear canisters, maps or guidebooks.
- Tuolumne Meadows/Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center: Continue down Tioga Pass and pull off on the scenic spots to benefit from the views of Tuolumne Meadows which is without doubt one of the largest within the Sierra Nevada. As you proceed down the street you’ll get to the guests heart.
- Tenaya Lake: Continue your drive on the primary street till you get to the biggest lake in Yosemite National Park. Tenaya Lake has spectacular blue water set in opposition to a backdrop of granite domes and the expansive Sierra Nevada sky. You can simply benefit from the views or cease for a picnic or swim.
- Olmsted Point: Keep driving on Tioga move till you attain Olmsted Point the place you’ll cease and see views of Half Dome, Tenaya Lake and Clouds Rest.
- Yosemite Creek Picnic Area: Drive alongside the primary street and cease to relaxation at one of many picnic tables when you get pleasure from your packed lunch below the shade timber alongside Yosemite Creek.
- Siesta Lake: Continue driving down Tioga Pass and cease to view, swim, picnic or take a nap at Siesta Lake.
- Tuolumne Grove: Keep driving down the primary street till you get to the Tuolumne Grove car parking zone. In the grove you’ll see about two dozen large sequoias. There is a average hike and a straightforward, half-mile, self-guiding nature path within the grove.
- Hetch Hetchy Valley: Drive additional down Tioga Pass to the northwest nook of the park the place you’ll discover Hetch Hetchy Valley. During the spring months you’ll discover flowing waterfalls and vibrant wildflowers. The space is thought for spectacular peaks, secret canyons and distant lakes.
On day 5 take a break and make an inventory of the locations you need to revisit, or these you need to see for the primary time earlier than your journey ends.
On day 6 revisit the components of the park you loved probably the most or these you haven’t but seen. Pack a picnic lunch so you possibly can leisurely take-in your favourite websites and sounds.
On day 7 get your final glimpses of the park and prepare to move house or wherever your journey takes you subsequent.
Yosemite Camping
Find details about campsites inside Yosemite at Recreation.gov.
- Campgrounds In Yosemite Valley:
- Upper Pines Campground
- Lower Pines Campground
- North Pines Campground
- Camp 4
- Campgrounds South Of Yosemite Valley:
- Wawona Campground
- Bridalveil Creek Campground
- Campgrounds North Of Yosemite Valley:
- Hodgdon Meadow Campground
- Crane Flat Campground
- Tamarack Flat Campground
- White Wolf Campground
- Yosemite Creek Campground
- Porcupine Flat Campground
- Tuolumne Meadows Campground
- Backcountry Campgrounds (require a wilderness allow): Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, Merced Lake, Vogelsang
During the busy season it’s troublesome to get a camp spot contained in the park. You can normally discover a spot in close by Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Parks.
- South Fork Campground is a small, primitive campground that has about 10 websites for tent tenting, trailers and RVs should not permitted. This distant space is positioned close to the foothills on the South Fork of the Kaweah River.
There are additionally many personal campgrounds and RV parks within the space.
Boondocking Near Yosemite
Some of Yosemite’s campgrounds are open year-round however that doesn’t imply it’s straightforward to get a reservation contained in the park’s boundaries.
By venturing outdoors of Yosemite National Park, campers usually tend to discover a place to remain that’s shut sufficient to go to the park’s points of interest on day journeys (however be ready for the lengthy traces on the entrance gates).
Nearby National Forests provide campsites in developed campgrounds that usually have potable water, dump stations, vault rest room services and websites normally have a hearth ring and presumably a picnic desk. In some areas, having campfires could require a campfire allow.
If these websites are full, otherwise you want a dispersed camp expertise, you possibly can typically discover free dispersed tenting choices. These usually require you to be totally self-contained. So, ensure you run your complete tenting guidelines so that you don’t overlook to pack something.
Also, verify the laws for utilizing boondocking websites on the governing company’s web site.
If you will have by no means camped on National Forest or BLM land, bigger rigs must proceed with warning. You’ll typically be touring alongside a mud street and your RV size, width and peak could not safely journey in these distant areas. Get our suggestions for tenting in National Forests.
Stanislaus National Forest
Hardin Flat Road (off of Highway 120) has FREE boondocking choices about 3 miles from Yosemite’s western facet.
- Not really helpful for trailers or RVs
- Operated below a concession settlement, charges do apply
- Vault bathrooms can be found
- Closest cities: Groveland, Big Oak Flat, Buck Meadows, Yosemite Lakes
- Not really helpful for trailers or RVs
- Operated below a concession settlement, charges do apply
- Vault bathrooms can be found
- Closest cities: Groveland, Big Oak Flat, Buck Meadows, Yosemite Lakes
Inyo National Forest
- FREE tenting obtainable
- Closed within the winter season
- No water, no hookups
- Vault bathrooms can be found
- Maximum RV measurement: as much as 45 ft
- Near June Lake, CA. About 35 miles from Yosemite
- FREE tenting obtainable
- Closed within the winter season
- No water, no hookups
- Vault bathrooms can be found
- Near June Lake, CA. About 35 miles from Yosemite
- FREE tenting obtainable
- Closed within the winter season
- No water, no hookups
- Vault bathrooms can be found
- Near June Lake, CA. About 35 miles from Yosemite National Park
Sierra National Forest
- Open all yr
- Camping charges do apply
- Tent solely tenting, walk-in tent websites on the Merced River
- Vault bathrooms can be found
- Near El Portal, CA. About 10 miles from Yosemite National Park
- Open all yr
- Camping charges do apply
- Tent solely tenting, walk-in tent websites on the Merced River
- Vault bathrooms can be found
- Near Mariposa, CA
- Open all yr
- FREE tenting obtainable
- Maximum RV measurement: as much as 25 ft
- Vault bathrooms can be found
- Located about 55 miles northeast of Fresno, CA
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
This location is north-east of Yosemite National Park. To get to YNP you’ll drive via the city of Lee Vining and up Tioga Pass Road.
Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground
- Open topic to climate situations
- FREE tenting obtainable
- Maximum RV measurement: as much as 25 ft
- Vault rest room is offered
- Near Lee Vining, CA
Lower Virginia Creek Primitive Campground
- Open topic to climate situations
- FREE tenting obtainable
- Several websites can accommodate giant trailers or motorhomes
- Vault bathrooms can be found
- Near Lee Vining, CA
Toiyabe National Forest
Take benefit of the Green Creek Road dispersed tenting on this space.
- Open topic to climate situations
- Camping charges do apply
- Maximum RV measurement: as much as 35 ft
- Vault bathrooms can be found
- Near Bridgeport, CA
Merced River Recreation Management Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages three developed campgrounds alongside the Merced River. A suspension bridge simply previous the BLM Campgrounds Briceburg Visitor Center should be crossed to get to the campgrounds. It is NOT really helpful that trailers and RVs over 18 ft cross the suspension bridge.
- Walk-in camp websites
- Vault rest room is offered
- Trash and recycling assortment cans
- Self-pay charge system
- There are picnic tables, fireplace grills, and meals storage lockers in any respect camp websites
- All campsites are inside 200 ft of the river
- Walk-in and drive-up camp websites can be found
- Vault bathrooms can be found
- Trash and recycling assortment cans
- Designated swimming seashore
- Self-pay charge system
- There are picnic tables, fireplace grills, and meals storage lockers in any respect camp websites
- All campsites are inside 200 ft of the river
Yosemite Lodging
There is a variety of lodges, cabins and tenting throughout all the park.
In Yosemite Valley:
The Ahwahnee (previously generally known as The Majestic Yosemite Hotel): Upscale lodge with spectacular inside design and structure. Recognized as a crown jewel of the nationwide park lodges.
Yosemite Valley Lodge: Popular with households and huge teams.
Curry Village (previously Half Dome Village): Various lodging decisions.
- Standard lodge rooms
- Wood cabins
- Canvas tent cabins
- You’ll additionally discover a number of eating choices, a present store, bar, mountaineering faculty and an outside swimming pool.
South of Yosemite Valley:
Wawona Hotel (previously Big Trees Lodge): National Historic Landmark, Victorian-era lodge commonplace lodge rooms with personal or shared baths.
North of Yosemite Valley:
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge: Canvas-tent cabins well-liked with guests beginning or ending an prolonged backpacking journey.
White Wolf Lodge: Remote lodge with canvas-tent cabins and conventional wooden cabins with personal baths.
Best Time To Visit Yosemite National Park
Determining your schedule has so much to do with the climate and the forms of actions you need to expertise in addition to the provision of lodging and the dimensions of the crowds.
Weather
There is a wide selection of climate patterns in Yosemite as a result of there’s a big vary between the decrease and better elevations. The lowest factors within the valley are roughly 2,000 ft MSL whereas the highest peaks on the mountains rise as much as roughly 13,000 ft MSL. That being mentioned, the annual climate reported for Yosemite National Park is as follows:
| Month | Average High | Average Low |
| January | 48° F | 28° F |
| February | 53° F | 30° F |
| March | 58° F | 33° F |
| April | 65° F | 37° F |
| May | 73° F | 44° F |
| June | 82° F | 50° F |
| July | 90° F | 56° F |
| August | 90° F | 55° F |
| September | 84° F | 50° F |
| October | 72° F | 41° F |
| November | 57° F | 32° F |
| December | 48° F | 27° F |
Crowds
The peak season with probably the most guests in Yosemite begins in early summer season and runs via early fall when 75% of individuals come to the park. The two highest months are July and August.
| Month | % of Visitors | # of Visitors |
| January | 3% | 108,026 |
| February | 3% | 112,897 |
| March | 4% | 153,289 |
| April | 6% | 224,276 |
| May | 10% | 353,062 |
| June | 13% | 488,594 |
| July | 16% | 592,990 |
| August | 16% | 600,349 |
| September | 13% | 465,231 |
| October | 9% | 327,667 |
| November | 4% | 158,278 |
| December | 3% | 118,889 |
Entrance Fees
There is an entrance charge to get into the park along with the price of tenting, lodging,
guided excursions and different fee-required actions. Rock climbers and backcountry backpackers are sometimes topic to particular use permits obtained via a lottery system. Learn extra about Yosemite’s charges and passes.
Yosemite is the proper place to hike two of probably the most iconic trails within the nation. Portions of the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail run via Yosemite. Learn about Yosemite’s John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails charges and guidelines.
Discounts are usually obtainable to holders of one of many America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.
Fuel Availability
You could not take into consideration fueling your automobile … however it is best to.
- Gas is offered at Wawona, Crane Flat, and El Portal 24 hours per day with a bank card.
- Gas just isn’t obtainable in Tuolumne Meadows or in Yosemite Valley.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations can be found in Yosemite National Park. See the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations supplied by the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
- Get further driving data.
The Best Guide Book For Visiting Yosemite National Park
There is little doubt that if we didn’t analysis Yosemite NP earlier than we arrived on the entrance gate, we would have felt fully overwhelmed!
I’m a planner and I get greater than a bit of uneasy after I go into data overload! LOL
So, upfront of our journey, we purchased many books to get a normal thought of what we needed to see and do throughout our Yosemite tenting journey.
BY FAR, this Yosemite: The Complete Guide: Yosemite National Park e book was our favourite information e book.
Yosemite: The Complete Guide: Yosemite National Park (Color Travel Guide)
It lined adventures, mountaineering, historical past, wildlife and waterfalls (the issues we have been most all for) and the full-color images have been unbelievable!
You’ll have such a good time in Yosemite, I’m guessing you received’t need to cease after that go to! May we advise heading off to the Canyon?
Check out our The Grand Canyon – There’s No Better Place To Get Edgy And Go Camping! publish for extra data.
