Yosemite Nationa Park is huge, spanning throughout an space of three,081 sq. miles. But solely 5 Yosemite entrances can be found to guests. When planning your Yosemite journey, you should be strategic when selecting the doorway to the park. It will prevent useful time and even cash.
Depending in your start line and what you wish to see, one entrance could higher go well with you than others, so which Yosemite entrance must you take?
If you’re driving from Sequoia or Los Angeles, the perfect Yosemite entrance is South Entrance. The Big Oak Flat entrance is the perfect should you come from San Francisco. Tioga Pass entrance is your solely selection should you drive from the East (Thoe, Las Vegas, Bishop).
When planning a winter journey to Yosemite, remember that some areas of the park could also be inaccessible attributable to seasonal closures. Make certain your car can deal with the tight turns and low tunnels contained in the park earlier than you go.
Considering the kind of car, you’re driving and the time of 12 months, right here’s a information that can assist you determine which is the perfect entrance to your wants.
5 Yosemite National Park Entrances
The 4 Yosemite entrances on the Park’s western facet are Hetch Hetchy, Big Oak Flat, Arch Rock, and South Entrances.
The Tioga Pass Entrance is on the japanese facet of the Park.
To obtain high-resolution printable maps of Yosemite National Park, examine my article: Yosemite National Park Maps.
1. Hetch Hetchy Entrance (Hwy. 120)
The Hetch Hetchy entrance is positioned the farthest north and is an efficient selection if you wish to discover the Hetch Hetchy reservoir and different extra peaceable areas of Yosemite National Park. Take Highway 120 and Evergreen Road.
- In winter, be sure you arrive on the gate throughout sunlight hours because it closes at sundown.
- There aren’t any customer facilities or full-service campgrounds in these elements, however the mountaineering trails are spectacular and have the longest mountaineering season within the park.
- Accessibility for RVs and trailers: Not really helpful for RVs – use the Big Flat Oak or Arch Rock entrance. The single car’s most size is 25 ft, with a most width of 8ft.
- Worth visiting: The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It is the supply of consuming water and hydroelectric energy for two.4 million San Francisco residents. Swimming and boating are prohibited in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, however fishing is allowed.
The northern space of the Yosemite National park has a decrease elevation (3,800ft; 1150m) than different areas, which leads to an prolonged mountaineering season from early spring via fall.
The space is residence to distinctive specimens just like the incense-cedar and California black oak and is the pure habitat of the western mastiff, the biggest North American bat.
Trails to Explore From Hetch Hetchy Entrance
Please examine my detailed information right here to obtain the printable map for Hetch Hetchy Reservoir trails.
- Wapama Falls (5miles 8km) 2 hours – Moderate
- The Lookout Point Trail (2miles 3.2km) – Easy
- The Poopenaut Trail (3miles 4.8km) 2 hours – Moderate
Most Notable Vistas Accessible From Hetch Hetchy Entrance
The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir affords spectacular views from completely different spots. Sometimes it appears like you’re within the Yosemite Vally stuffed with water.
2. Big Oak Flat Entrance (Hwy. 120)
Bay Area residents benefit from the undemanding path to Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance (though the Arch Rock entrance lies simply southeast of Big Oak Flat). Take I-580 east to I-205, then Highway 120 east through Manteca, California. It will take roughly 45 minutes to get to Yosemite Valley from right here.
- Big Oak Flat entrance is open year-round, however you might want chains to drive safely in the course of the winter.
- The closest fuel station is in Groveland, 24 miles outdoors of Yosemite National Park.
- Accessibility for RVs and trailers: Big Oak Flat Road’s tunnel has a top restriction of 13 ft 8 inches to get into the valley and 10 ft 3 inches to get out. The most single car size is 45 ft.
- Worth visiting: Groveland is known for the oldest working saloon in California, the Iron Door Saloon, and the stay music at completely different venues throughout summers.
Trails to Explore From Big Oak Flat Road
Please examine my detailed information right here to obtain the printable map for the Big Oak Flat trails.
- Lukens Lake (4.6 miles 7.5km) 3-4 hours – Moderate
- Harden Lake (5.8 miles 9.3 km) 3-4 hours – Moderate
- May Lake (2.4 miles 4 km) 2 hours – Moderate
- North Dome (10.4 miles 17 km) 6-8 hours – Strenuous
Most Notable Vistas Accessible From Big Oak Flat Road
3. Arch Rock Entrance (Hwy. 140)
Arch Rock entrance is an alternate path to Big Oak Flat Entrance for guests coming from the bay space. When driving from San Franciso, I all the time use the Big Oak Flat Entrance; I discover it much less crowded and takes me quicker to the park. But, the Arch Rock Entrance is an efficient possibility as nicely.
Take the I-580 east to I-205, then hop onto Highway 140 east. It will take round 25 minutes to get to Yosemite Valley.
- Arch Rock Entrance is open year-round, however you might want chains to drive safely in the course of the winter.
- The closest fuel station is within the small city of El Portal.
- Accessibility for RVs and trailers: The tunnel on the El Portal highway has a top restriction of 12 toes 10 inches and a max single car size of 45 toes.
Most Notable Vistas Accessible From Arch Rock Entrance
It is simply 8 miles or 15 min to get from the Arch Rock Entrance to the Yosemite Vally, and also you received’t discover well-known viewpoints there. But it means that you’ve the shortest drive to the well-known Yosemite Valley landmarks once you take Arch Rock Entrance.
4. South Entrance (Hwy. 41)
The South Entrance is most handy for San Diego or Los Angeles guests. Allow for a full day’s journey (San Diego is 8 hours away, and Los Angeles is 6 hours away.
See additionally: Best National Park Scratch Off Maps
Take freeway 41 north (Fresno) to get to the South Entrance. It will take round 1 hour to get to Yosemite Valley from right here.
- The gate is open year-round, however the primary customer heart, Wawona, is simply obtainable in the course of the summer season months. You might have chains to drive safely in the course of the winter.
- The closest fuel station is at Fish Camp, simply outdoors the park.
- Accessibility for RVs and trailers: The most single car size is 45 ft. When driving to Yosemite Valley from the Wawona heart, the tunnel has a max top of 10 toes 2 inches. The max top from Wawona to the valley is 13 toes 6 inches.
Trails to Explore From South Entrance
Please examine my detailed information right here to obtain the printable maps of the paths you possibly can entry from the South Entrance.
- Wawona Meadow Loop (3.5 miles 5.6km) 2 hours – Easy
- Swinging Bridge Loop (4.8 km 7.6 km) 2 hours – Easy
- Big Trees Loop Trail (0.3 miles 0.5 km) 1 hour – Easy
- Multiple trails at Glacier Point.
Most Notable Vistas Accessible From South Entrance
When you utilize the South Entrance to Yosemite, you possibly can entry the next areas: Wawona, Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point, and the Yosemite Valley.
5. Tioga Pass Entrance (Hwy. 120)
Tioga Pass is the one entrance on the japanese facet of the Park. It is the closest entrance for guests from Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, and Death Valley (round 4 hours). Take US 395 to Lee Vinning, then hop on Highway 120 west into Yosemite National Park. Getting to Yosemite Valley from right here will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- The Tioga go entrance is closed from November to May, and most services alongside the Tioga highway additionally shut throughout wintertime. You ought to word that cellphone service will be spotty alongside this route.
- The closest fuel station is Lee Vining.
- Accessibility for RVs and trailers: Tioga go is steep and winding and will be very harmful for bigger automobiles throughout unhealthy climate.
- There aren’t any top restrictions.
Trails to Explore From Tioga Pass
Please examine my detailed information right here to obtain the printable maps of the paths you possibly can entry from the Tioga Pass Entrance.
- Tuolumne Meadows (1.5 miles 2.4km) 1 hour – Easy
- Elizabeth Lake (4.8 km 7.6 km) 4-5 hours – Moderate
- Mono Pass (8 miles 13 km) 4-6 hours – Moderate
- Cathedral Lakes (7 miles 11 km) 4-6 hours – Moderate
Most Notable Vistas Accessible From Tioga Pass
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fees
The entrance charge payable at Yosemite entrances varies in response to the kind of car and the size of your go to.
The following prices are per car, not per individual:
- Non-commercial automobile, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats – $35.00 and is legitimate for seven days.
- Motorcycle – $30.00 and is nice for seven days
- People on foot, bicycle, or horse – $20.00 is legitimate for seven days.
The entrance for a non-commercial bus or van with greater than 15 passenger seats is $20.00 per individual and is legitimate for seven days. Children 15 years and youthful enter free of charge.
Route Suggestions for Yosemite Entrances
From San Francisco to Yosemite
If you’re coming from San Francisco, you might encounter appreciable site visitors throughout weekends, so attempt to get an early morning begin. The closest entrance to San Francisco is the Big Oak Flat through Highway 120. The journey period is at the least 4 hours, and the space between Big Oak Flat and San Francisco is 170 miles. Remember so as to add some additional time for driving to your vacation spot within the park. The journey to Yosemite Valley will take round 45 minutes from the Big Oak Flat entrance.
From Los Angeles to Yosemite
If you’re coming from Los Angeles, the closest entrance is the South entrance through Highway 41. The gate is open all 12 months spherical. The journey to Yosemite Valley takes round one hour from the South entrance.
From Las Vegas to Yosemite
Seasonal guidelines will decide your route should you’re coming from Las Vegas. The closest entrance is the Tioga Pass, however it’s normally closed between October and May. During different months we advise you utilize the SR120. If the go is closed, it’s an eight-hour drive across the Sierra Nevada mountains via central California.
Yosemite Entrances | Final Thoughts
Yosemite National Park is a must-see vacation spot for any traveler and is ideal for spending just a few days (or extra!). However, the drive to get there will be fairly tiring. So, be sure that to map out your route upfront and know the important particulars of every of the entrances to Yosemite earlier than you go.