Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, strength of granite, power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, 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.
San Francisco/Bay area Take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.
Sacramento Take Highway 99 south to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.
Reno & Lake Tahoe Take US 395 south to Lee Vining; take Highway 120 east into Yosemite National Park (open late May/June through October, depending on conditions).
All year Take I-80 or I-50 west to Sacramento; take Highway 99 south to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 west (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.
From the South
Los Angeles area Take I-5 north (or I-405 north to I-5) to Highway 99 north to Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park.
San Diego area Take I-5 north to Highway 99 to Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park.
Las Vegas Take I-15 west to Barstow; Highway 58 west to the junction with US 395; go north on US 395 to near Lee Vining; take Highway 120 west into Yosemite National Park (open late May/early June through October, depending on conditions).
November through May Take I-15 west to Barstow; Highway 58 west to Bakersfield; take Highway 99 north to Fresno. In Fresno, take Highway 41 north into Yosemite National Park.
Death Valley National Park Take Highway 190 west to US 395. Take US 395 north to Lee Vining; take Highway 120 east into Yosemite National Park (open late May/early June through October, depending on conditions).
November through May Take Highway 190 west to US 395; take US 395 south to its junction with Highway 14. Take Highway 14 south to Mojave. In Mojave, take Highway 58 to Bakersfield. From Bakersfield, head north on Highway 99 to Fresno. In Fresno, take Highway 41 north into Yosemite National Park.
Climate
Yosemite receives most of its precipitation in the months of January, February, and March. Summers are typically warm and dry. Spring and fall are transitional months, when warm, sunny days can suddenly become stormy. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity.
Yosemite National Park is open year-round (though some roads are closed due to snow from November through May or June). Is there a best time to visit Yosemite? It depends what you're looking for, and each season has its advantages.
Yosemite is always open, and you can enter or leave the park at any time (except for Hetch Hetchy Entrance, which is open approximately during daylight hours). No reservations are required (or available) to enter the park.
Fees
$20 per car
Reservations
Reservations necessary for overnight stays in the park.
Hiking
One of the best ways to experience Yosemite is by taking a hike. Here are some of hikes available in different areas of Yosemite: * Yosemite Valley * Glacier Point Road * Wawona and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias * Hetch Hetchy * Tuolumne Meadows
A few things to remember while hiking: * Stay on trails: taking shortcuts causes trail erosion--and is both dangerous and illegal. * Carry (and drink) plenty of water: a leading cause of injuries on the trail is dehydration. Be sure to treat river, stream, lake, or spring water. * Pets and bicycles are only permitted on bike paths. *Horses and mules have the right of way on trails. * Pack out what you pack in. * Trails are not maintained nor are they regularly patrolled: travel carefully and at your own risk. * Smoking while traveling on trails is prohibited, though you may smoke while stopped. (Crush out and dispose of cigarette butts in a trash receptacle.)
Fishing regulations for Yosemite National Park follow those set by the State of California, including the requirement that people 16 or older have a valid California fishing license.
The season for stream and river fishing begins on the last Saturday in April and continues through November 15. The only exception is Frog Creek near Lake Eleanor, where fishing season does not open until June 15 to protect spawning Rainbow Trout. All lakes and reservoirs are open to fishing year-round.
There are some special regulations that apply within the park:
No live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs, or roe may be used or possessed.
Fishing from bridges and docks is prohibited.
In Yosemite Valley and El Portal (Happy Isles to Foresta Bridge):
Rainbow Trout are catch-and-release only.
Brown Trout limit is five per day or ten in possession.
Only artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks may be used; bait fishing is prohibited.
Yosemite National Park provides essential habitat for about 150 species of migrating, wintering, and breeding birds, in addition to another 75 species recorded as transient or vagrant. Designated a World Heritage Site and an Important Bird Area, the park harbors diverse avian assemblages and habitats, numerous bird species of special concern, and prized habitat ranging from gently sloping foothill grasslands, through chaparral/oak woodland and giant conifer forests, up to windswept alpine meadows and peaks.
The most regularly seen resident birds include Steller's Jay, American Robin, Acorn Woodpecker, Common Raven, and Mountain Chickadee. In spring, look for the bright red wing patches on the Red-winged Blackbird (most often seen in wet meadows) or the tropical looking Western Tanager foraging in the conifers. Near rivers and streams, watch the American Dipper dart in and out of rapids and listen for their beautiful melodious song.
Some of the more sought-after birds to see in Yosemite include the Great Gray Owl, Spotted Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Pileated Woodpecker, and Northern Goshawk.
In general, quiet forests and meadows away from developed areas (particularly in the mornings) are the best places to see some of the less common birds. Keep in mind basic birding etiquette; tread lightly and quietly and please follow park rules by refraining from using broadcast bird calls to elicit responses.
Horseback Riding
You can bring your own horses or other stock to Yosemite and ride on most trails.
Guided mule rides are available through DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite from approximately spring through fall.
Over 12 miles of paved bike paths are available in Yosemite Valley. In addition, bicyclists can ride on regular roads (if they obey traffic laws). Helmets are required by law for children under 18 years of age.
Off-trail riding, mountain biking, and use of motorized bicycles or scooters on bike paths are not permitted in Yosemite National Park.
Bicycles are available for rent in Yosemite Valley.
Several marked winter trails are available, generally from mid December through March. (Yosemite Valley usually doesn't have sufficient snow for skiing or snowshoeing.)
Badger Pass and along the Glacier Point Road
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Crane Flat area
In addition, the National Park Service offers ranger-led snowshoe walks from mid-December through March (conditions permitting).
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Badger Pass Ski Area is home to the oldest downhill skiing area in California and offers downhill skiing and snowboarding from mid-December through March.
Lessons, Equipment Rentals, and Lift Tickets
DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite rents downhill and cross-country skis, snowboards, and snowshoes. DNC also offers skiing and snowboarding lessons.
Ice Skating
An outdoor ice skating rink in Yosemite Valley (at Curry Village) is open from mid-November to mid-March.
Places To Go
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is world famous for its impressive waterfalls, meadows, cliffs, and unusual rock formations. Yosemite Valley is accessible by car all year.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
The Mariposa Grove is located 36 miles (one hour) south of Yosemite Valley, near the park's South Entrance. The Mariposa Grove is the largest stand of giant sequoias (also known as Sierra redwoods or big trees) in Yosemite. The road to the Mariposa Grove is not plowed in winter and is often closed to cars (but not to hikers or skiers) from sometime in November through March or April.
Wawona
Wawona is the home to the historic Wawona Hotel, dating from the late nineteenth century. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center, a collection of historic buildings, is located just over the covered bridge from the hotel. Wawona is accessible by car year-round.
Glacier Point & Badger Pass
Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra is located 30 miles (one hour) from Yosemite Valley. The road ends at Glacier Point and it is a short walk to the viewpoint. The road is closed from sometime in November through early May or late June. From mid-December through early April the road is plowed only as far as the Badger Pass ski area and Glacier Point can be reached via skis or snowshoes only. Both downhill and cross-country skiing are available at Badger Pass from mid-December through early April.
Crane Flat
Crane Flat is a pleasant forest and meadow area located 16 miles (30 minutes) from Yosemite Valley. Nearby are the Tuolumne and Merced Groves of Giant Sequoias, which are only accessible by foot. Crane Flat is accessible by car all year. A snow play area is open during winter.
Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows
The Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park), is generally open to vehicles from late May or early June through sometime in November. It offers a 39-mile scenic drive between Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows through forests and past meadows, lakes, and granite domes. Many turnouts offer broad and beautiful vistas.
Tuolumne Meadows is a large, open sub-alpine meadow graced by the winding Tuolumne River and surrounded by majestic peaks and domes. From sometime in November through late May or early June, this area is only accessible by cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy, a lesser known twin to Yosemite Valley, is home to spectacular scenery and is the starting point for many less-used wilderness trails. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is the source of drinking water for much of the San Francisco Bay Area. Although the road to Hetch Hetchy is open year-round during daylight hours (approximately), it may close periodically due to snow in winter and spring.
