Parks / Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park
National Park · CA
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (1)
Yosemite Traffic Updates
When the park is very busy, you can get updates on current traffic conditions in Yosemite by texting ynptraffic to 333111.
Entrance Fees
We accept major credit cards and mobile payment services (we do not accept cash) when you arrive. If you are arriving in a private vehicle, you only need to pay the vehicle fee (not the $20 per-person fee; non-residents pay an addition $100 per-person fee). All park entrances (except Hetch Hetchy) are open 24 hours per day. America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Passes do cover park entrance fees (but not reservation requirements or fees if they are in place).
The Yosemite Annual Pass provides free entrance to Yosemite for 12 months from the date of purchase for US citizens and residents.
Campgrounds (16)
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.
Details →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.
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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →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.
Details →Upcoming Events
Giant Sequoia Hike (Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias)
Aug 31, 2026 · The Tuolumne Grove is located near Crane Flat, about 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley. From Big Oak Flat Road, turn onto Tioga Road. Drive less than a mile to the parking area and trailhead for the Tuolumne Grove.
Ranger Talk: Welcome to Tuolumne! (Tuolumne Meadows)
Aug 31, 2026 · Tuolumne Meadows is located on Tioga Road, about 1.5 hours from Yosemite Valley.
Forest Walk (Tuolumne Meadows)
Aug 31, 2026 · Tuolumne Meadows is located on Tioga Road, about 1.5 hours from Yosemite Valley.
Campfire Program (Wawona)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet at the amphitheater inside the Wawona Campground. Wawona is located about one hour from Yosemite Valley, near Yosemite's South Entrance.
Guided Nature Walk (Yosemite Valley)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet at The Ahwahnee Hotel on the back lawn. (Limited parking at The Ahwahnee—use shuttle stop 3 or walk 15 minutes from Yosemite Village Parking.)
Domes and Meadows (Tuolumne Meadows)
Aug 31, 2026 · Tuolumne Meadows is located on Tioga Road, about 1.5 hours from Yosemite Valley.
Historic Ahwahnee Hotel Tour (Yosemite Valley)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet at The Ahwahnee hotel, on the back lawn. (Limited parking at The Ahwahnee—use shuttle stop 3 or walk 15 minutes from Yosemite Village Parking.)
Kids' Open Art Studio (Happy Isles Art & Nature Center)
Aug 31, 2026 · Happy Isles Art & Nature Center is located near Shuttle Stop 16 in Yosemite Valley. The nearest parking is at Curry Village.
Yosemite After Dark (Yosemite Valley)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meetup location provided upon registration.
Jr. Ranger Discovery Table (Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias)
Aug 31, 2026 · The Tuolumne Grove is located near Crane Flat, about 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley. From Big Oak Flat Road, turn onto Tioga Road. Drive less than a mile to the parking area and trailhead for the Tuolumne Grove.
Art Class (Happy Isles Art & Nature Center)
Aug 31, 2026 · Happy Isles Art & Nature Center is located near Shuttle Stop 16 in Yosemite Valley. The nearest parking is at Curry Village.
Nature Walk (Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias)
Aug 31, 2026 · Park at the Welcome Plaza, near Yosemite's South Entrance. Take a free shuttle to the Arrival Area, two miles up the Mariposa Grove Road from the parking area. (ONLY vehicles with a disability placard may drive to the Arrival Area.) Visitors to the grove may also hike two miles from the parking area to the Arrival Area on the Washburn Trail. Pets are not allowed on shuttles or anywhere in the Mariposa Grove.
Family Ranger Talk (Yosemite Valley)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet outside the welcome center, located next to Yosemite Village Parking. Use Shuttle Stops 1, 2, or 4.
Evening Programs (Yosemite Valley)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet at the Curry Village Amphitheater (use shuttle stop 14 or 19.)
Jr. Ranger Walk (Yosemite Valley)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet outside the welcome center, located next to Yosemite Village Parking. Use Shuttle Stops 1, 2, or 4.
Ranger Walk (Yosemite Valley)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet in front of the Welcome Center, located next to Yosemite Village Parking or shuttle stops 1/2/4.
Ranger Walk: Wild About Bears (Yosemite Valley)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet in front of the Welcome Center, located next to Yosemite Village Parking or shuttle stops 1/2/4.
Explore Yosemite's Night Sky (Yosemite Valley)
Aug 31, 2026 · Meeting location provided upon registration.
Junior Ranger Talk (Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias)
Aug 31, 2026 · Park at the Welcome Plaza, near Yosemite's South Entrance. Take a free shuttle to the Arrival Area, two miles up the Mariposa Grove Road from the parking area. (ONLY vehicles with a disability placard may drive to the Arrival Area.) Visitors to the grove may also hike two miles from the parking area to the Arrival Area on the Washburn Trail. Pets are not allowed on shuttles or anywhere in the Mariposa Grove.
Campfireside Chat (Tuolumne Meadows)
Aug 31, 2026 · Tuolumne Meadows is located on Tioga Road, about 1.5 hours from Yosemite Valley.
Things to Do
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.
Go Skiing at Badger Pass
The Badger Pass Ski Area is open from mid-December through March (weather and conditions permitting). You can downhill ski, cross-country ski, go tubing, or snowshoeing all from this historic winter resort.
Hiking in Yosemite
From a short walk to the base of a waterfall to a multi-day hike deep into the Yosemite Wilderness, taking a hike is one of the best ways to experience Yosemite's spectacular scenery. Yosemite has an extensive network of over 800 miles of hiking trails.
Learn Art in the Park
Yosemite has a long history of inspiring visitors to create art. From world-renowned artists like Ansel Adams and Chiura Obata to everyday people who love art for fun, pausing to create something beautiful is a special way to experience Yosemite's towering cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, enormous trees, and granite high country.
Ride a Bike in Yosemite Valley
Cycling is a great way to experience the park and allows you to cover more ground during your time here. You can rent a bike, bring your own, or borrow one through the bike share program (2-hour limit). Hand-crank and tandem bicycles are also available for rent. Over 12 miles of paved bike paths are available in Yosemite Valley (speed limit is 15 mph). In addition, bicyclists can ride on regular roads (if they obey traffic laws).
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.
Visit the Yosemite Cemetery
The Yosemite Cemetery is full of stories, told and untold. Some of those laid to rest here are well-known figures in the history of the park. Some spent their entire lives in Yosemite and are now almost forgotten. Others were visitors about whom very little was known, even at their time of their deaths.
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!
Visit the Yosemite History Center
Go back to a time of horse-drawn wagons, a covered bridge, and rustic cabins. The Yosemite History Center is a collection of historic buildings where outdoor interpretive signs tell the stories of people who moved here from around the world and shaped the park’s development. During the summer, visit exhibits inside the Chinese Laundry and the Acting Superintendent's Office, take a ride on our horse-drawn wagon, or watch blacksmiths forge iron tools on a coal forge!
Visit the Yosemite Museum
Open year-round, the Yosemite Museum has displays that interpret the cultural history of Yosemite's native Miwok and Paiute people from 1850 to the present, demonstrations of stone tool making, basket-weaving, beadwork, and traditional games. In front of the museum is a cross-section of a giant sequoia tree that visitors can touch and a re-creation of an umacha, a Miwok and Paiute cedar bark house. The gallery inside the museum is open periodically with rotating exhibits.
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.
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.
Visitor Centers
- Big Oak Flat Information Station
- Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
- Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio
- Yosemite Valley Welcome Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.