Granite cathedrals, waterfalls and the most photographed valley in America.
Reservations · High demand
2026 Entry and Separate Stay Reservations
Yosemite does not require an entrance reservation in 2026; the standard entrance fee still applies. Check NPS for requirements in other years and for separate activity permits. Reservations for in-park lodging and campgrounds are managed through separate official portals and typically fill months in advance.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
Fresno Yosemite International Airport · 2 h 30 min drive
Partner link · Aviasales
Checks availability with the partner directly — not a confirmed booking on our end.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Vrbo
Expedia
Photos are illustrative, not actual listings. Opens Vrbo's or Expedia's own search. Minialife may earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Traveling by RV near Yosemite National Park?
Harvest Hosts membership: 5,000+ unique RV stops. Minialife readers get 20% off the first year.
Partner link · Harvest Hosts
Minialife may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Checks availability with the partner directly — not a confirmed booking on our end.
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245 / day
Sprinter Adventure Van
From $189 / day
Car rental · Car rentals at FAT
Est. from $45/day · estimate
Partner link · Aviasales
Partner link · EconomyBookings
Partner link · QEEQ
Partner link · BikesBooking
Partner link · Klook
Partner link · Tiqets
Partner links via Travelpayouts. Prices are estimates; the partner's site shows live prices. Minialife may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
A little structure. Plenty of freedom.
Suggested: 8 AM from Oakhurst
Tunnel View
Capture the classic vista of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall from this historic viewpoint.
Mariposa Grove
Walk among over 500 mature giant sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
Allow 3 to 4 hours including the Wawona Road transit; traffic may delay arrival
Access to Mariposa Grove requires a seasonal shuttle from the Welcome Center; check operations before heading to the grove.
Suggested: 7:30 AM from Yosemite Valley
Mist Trail
Climb the stone stairs to the brink of Vernal Fall for close-up views of the powerful Merced River descent.
Lower Yosemite Fall
Take the easy loop trail to stand at the base of North America's tallest waterfall system.
Use the Valley Shuttle; allow 5 to 7 hours for hiking and transit
The Mist Trail is extremely wet in spring; footwear with good traction is essential for the granite steps.
Suggested: 8:30 AM from Yosemite Village
Glacier Point
Look down 3,200 feet into Yosemite Valley for an aerial perspective of the High Sierra and Half Dome.
Olmsted Point
View the northern side of Half Dome and Tenaya Lake from the boulders along Tioga Road.
Allow 5 to 6 hours round trip; these roads are seasonal and weather-dependent
Glacier Point and Tioga Roads typically open in late May or June and close with the first significant snow in autumn.
Pick up rental at Fresno Yosemite International (FAT); purchase groceries in Oakhurst before the final 90-minute climb into the park.
Standard cars are fine for summer, but check rental contracts for restrictions on the steep, winding mountain passes; RVs over 40 feet have restricted access to certain roads.
Sentinel Dome provides a 360-degree sunset view, though hikers must bring headlamps for the return walk in twilight.
From Fresno Yosemite International Airport
2 h 30 min
about 93 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
Parking in Yosemite Valley often fills by 9 AM during peak season. Park once at Yosemite Village or Curry Village and utilize the free shuttle to move between trailheads.
Expect very limited to no cellular service throughout the park, including the High Country. Print or download essential maps and reservation QR codes before leaving gateway towns like Oakhurst or Groveland.
No fuel is available in Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows. Refuel before entering the high country; check current service information for Crane Flat and Wawona before relying on either station.
Waterfall volume peaks in May and June with the spring snowmelt. By late August, Yosemite Falls may be a trickle or completely dry depending on the previous winter's snowpack.
Tire chains may be required on any park road at any time during the winter months, regardless of vehicle type. Check the current chain control status via the official park road line before entering the mountains.
2 hrs
Half Dome turning gold, five minutes from your parking spot.
Half day
Waterfall spray in your face at every switchback — kids love it.
Full day
Cooler, quieter and greener than the valley floor in peak season.
