Yosemite National Park: The Complete 2026 Guide
Yosemite's Valley concentrates the world's most famous granite scenery into seven square miles you can circle in a day. Below is what to do, when to go, where to stay inside the park versus in Mariposa, Groveland or El Portal, and how to reach it from San Francisco or Los Angeles.
How to plan your visit
One day: Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan Meadow, Lower Yosemite Fall walk, Cook's Meadow loop for Half Dome reflections, sunset back at Tunnel View or Valley View.
Two days: add Glacier Point Road (open late May-October) for the classic Half Dome view and Sentinel Dome sunset; or the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall (2.4 miles round-trip).
Three-plus days: Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road (open late May-October), a Half Dome cables day hike (permit lottery, March), or the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias.
A Yosemite day-use reservation is required for private vehicles during peak periods (typically weekends April-June and daily late-June through mid-August, plus February firefall windows). Check nps.gov/yose before you drive.
Where to stay: inside vs outside the park
Inside the park: The Ahwahnee (1927 grand lodge, Half Dome views), Yosemite Valley Lodge (walk to Lower Yosemite Fall), Curry Village (heated tent cabins), Wawona Hotel (south end, near Mariposa Grove), White Wolf and Tuolumne Meadows Lodge (summer only). Book 12+ months ahead through Aramark / Yosemite Hospitality.
El Portal / Yosemite View Lodge (Highway 140, 20 minutes to the Valley): the closest hotel outside the park, right on the Merced River.
Mariposa (45 minutes via Highway 140): the best base for a first-timer without a park reservation — historic gold-rush town with the widest hotel choice.
Groveland (60 minutes via Highway 120): the classic western approach through the Big Oak Flat entrance; best for combining Yosemite with the Tioga Road / Tuolumne.
Fish Camp / Oakhurst (south, via Highway 41): the Tenaya Lodge cluster; best for Mariposa Grove and families.
Getting there from San Francisco and Los Angeles
From San Francisco (SFO or the city): 195 miles / 3.5-4 hours via Highway 120 (Groveland) or 140 (Mariposa). Highway 140 is the low-elevation, all-season route and the easiest drive.
From Los Angeles: 280 miles / 5.5-6 hours via Highway 41 through Fresno and Oakhurst. Best combined with a Sequoia / Kings Canyon add-on.
There is no direct rail or airport shuttle. A pre-booked private transfer from SFO or Fresno is the easiest no-car option; YARTS public buses run seasonally from Merced, Mariposa, Fresno and Sonora.
Book gateway-city hotels via our licensed partner and choose Fresno (FAT) as the closest airport for a fly-in visit.
Check live hotel rates in Yosemite National Park, California
Real availability and prices from our licensed booking partner. No hidden fees.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Yosemite reservation to enter the park?
During peak windows (typically weekends April-June, daily late-June through mid-August and February firefall dates), yes — private vehicles need a day-use reservation booked through recreation.gov. In-park lodging guests, YARTS bus riders and after-hours arrivals are exempt. Check nps.gov/yose before you go.
When is the best time to visit Yosemite?
Late May-June for waterfalls at full flow and Tioga Road opening. September-October for warm days, thin crowds and fall colour. February for the Horsetail Fall firefall (permit required). Waterfalls run dry by mid-August.
How far is Yosemite from San Francisco?
195 miles / 3.5-4 hours by car via Highway 120 (Groveland) or 140 (Mariposa). No direct train; the YARTS bus runs from Merced Amtrak station year-round.
Can I stay inside Yosemite?
Yes — The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village and Wawona Hotel are all bookable through Yosemite Hospitality. Rooms release 366 days ahead and go within hours for summer weekends. Set alerts and check for cancellations.
Is Yosemite Valley wheelchair-accessible?
The valley floor loop, the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook's Meadow and Tunnel View are all accessible. A free accessibility placard opens some vehicle-restricted roads. See the park's accessibility page.
Related guides
Where to Stay in San Francisco: A Neighbourhood Hotel Guide
Where to stay in San Francisco by neighbourhood — Union Square, Nob Hill, SoMa, Fisherman's Wharf, the Mission and the Marina. Live rates and reviews.
Pacific Coast Highway: San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip
The complete Pacific Coast Highway road trip — San Francisco to Los Angeles day by day, best stops, where to stay, car rental tips and Big Sur logistics.
20 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles: A Local's Guide
The definitive Los Angeles guide — Griffith Observatory, Getty, Santa Monica, Malibu, Hollywood, Downtown food halls, day trips and where to stay.