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Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited on earth. Since moving to San Francisco in 2016, I’ve visited over a dozen times and I still find myself taking trips back every year. There’s something special about walking the valley floor where I can’t help but feel beautifully small among the granite giants such as El Capitan and Half Dome. It’s where I fell in love with photographing the outdoors and now I’m sharing everything I know in this Ultimate Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park.

Quick Facts about Yosemite National Park

Location: California, USA
Land Acknowledgement: Yosemite Valley came to be called Ahwahnee, meaning gaping mouth-like place. The people called themselves Ahwahneechee.
Land Mass: 759,620 acres (or 1,187 square miles)
Designated Wilderness: 677,600 acres (or 1,059 square miles; 94.45% of the park)
Annual Visitors: 4.5 million (2019)
Established: October 1st, 1890, making it the third national park in the United States
Entrance Fees: $35 non-commercial car, truck, RV. $30 per motorcycle. $20 foot, bicycle, horse per person
Senior Pass: $80 (valid for life) or $20 (valid for 12 months) for those who are age 62 or older
Other Passes: 70$ Yosemite Pass, entrance for 12 months. $80 America the Beautiful National Parks pass.

Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park Map

I’ve bookmarked my favorite hikes, places to grab a bite to eat, picnic areas, and campgrounds!

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Yosemite National Park

reservations for visiting

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reservations are required to drive into the park starting May 21st, 2021 through Sept 30, 2021. Day-Use reservations are available on recreation.gov. Be sure to stay up to date and learn more at Yosemite’s Plan Your Visit.

When to visit Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is open year round, it’s hard to say which season is my favorite to visit because each season offers a completely unique and delightful experience.

In the spring time, it is the best time to experience Yosemite’s countless waterfalls. In May, the snow starts to melt and the waterfalls flow powerfully and roar around the valley floor. One of my favorite waterfalls to photograph is Yosemite Falls, standing at 2,425 ft, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. You’ll also be surrounded by lush green meadows and wildflowers starting to bloom.

Visiting Yosemite National Park in summer will guarantee you full access to all trails and locations. By this time of year, the road to Glacier Point will be open and the snow at high elevations will completely have melted away. In early summer, you can still expect the waterfalls to be full. If California does experience dry months, by late summer the waterfalls may only be trickling or even completely dry. In the summer months, the average sunset time is 8:30pm which allows for fuller days of exploring the park. Take a trip to Tunnel View at night for incredible star gazing and you may even experience seeing the Milky Way core.

In the fall, Yosemite is often overshadowed by a nearby favorite Mammoth Lakes in search of Fall colors (check out my blog for: Best Places to See Fall Colors in Mammoth Lakes). Little do people know Yosemite fully experiences Fall with trees changing color in every direction lining the valley floor. The weather is a bit cooler and you may find yourself needed a light jacket and pants. Other than Winter, it’s the quietest time of year to visit Yosemite with less crowds.

Winter in Yosemite is truly delightful. It does make accessing trails and higher elevations more difficult but, with the right gear most of the trails remain open. The road to Glacier Point generally closes after the first snow fall and remains closed until the next year. Grab yourself a warm cup of coffee, tea, or cider and wander around the valley floor. Take time to visit popular sights such as Tunnel View, Valley View, and Bridalveil Falls. These scenic popular vista points looks completely different after a fresh dusting of snow. In the winter, the waterfalls create ice cones which provides a stunning look to them!

Best Yosemite Hiking Trails, Viewpoints, and photography spots

If you’ve never been to Yosemite National Park with hundreds of trails and viewpoint you might be overwhelmed with too many options! Don’t worry, let’s go over my favorites and a few must dos while visiting!

Yosemite Valley

Tunnel View (Viewpoint), if you only had enough time to see one thing in Yosemite you must visit Tunnel View. It’s the legendary view that made Ansel Adams famous. You’ll find it just outside the Wawona Tunnel on Highway 41 and no hiking is required! There’s a parking lot just steps way from this stunning vista point. Looking out into the valley you’ll see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.

Valley View (Viewpoint), provides a stunning carved out mini-valley view point. It’s much more quiet than the popular Tunnel View. Providing scenic views of the river, trees, and granite formations. There’s a small parking lot at the view point and you’ll instantly be greeted with stunning views.

Bridalveil Falls (Hike), It’s a quick and easy 0.5 mi (0.8 km) round trip hike with only 80 ft. of elevation gain. If you’ve been to Tunnel View, chances are you’ve seen Bridalveil and now is your chance to get up close! Plunging 620 feet and a easy hike, makes it an all time favorite among visitors.

Four Mile Trail (Hike), for those looking for a serious hike, this one is for you! The hike is 9.6 mi (15.5 km) round trip with a staggering 3,200 ft. (975 m) elevation gain! The trail was originally 4 miles but has changed over the years and is now closer to 5 miles each way! It takes you all the way to the Glacier Point. As you stride up the switchbacks you’ll be greeted with amazing views of Yosemite Falls and the valley.

Mirror Lake (Hike), is a fun hike for everyone! Get ready to be dazzled by a picture perfect reflection of the surrounding cliffs, that is if its not dried up. A dry California summer will make Mirror Lake appear more as Mirror Pond. It’s an easy 2 mi (3.2 km) round trip hike, with only 100 ft. (30 m) of elevation gain.

Sentinel Bridge (Viewpoint), an easy accessible bridge that offers a famous viewing of Half Dome. Perfect to catch sunset and watch the alpine glow fade over Half Dome or just enjoy walking across taking in the views.

Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail (Hike), for those that enjoy chasing waterfalls Vernal and Nevada falls are a must do! This hike is 7.2 mi loop trail with 2,217 ft. (675 m), your legs may be screaming at the end but you’ll thank me later! These are two of the most stunning waterfalls I’ve ever seen, when the waterfalls are raging the mist trail can feel like taking a shower as get closer to the falls. Be sure to consider wearing a rain jacket or a poncho. For whatever reason every time I hike Vernal and Nevada there’s stunning rainbows.

Lower Yosemite Falls (Hike / Viewpoint), Yosemite Falls is iconic and you’ve probably seen it on a few postcards. You can easily enjoy it from nearby paths or opt for an easy 1 mi (1.6 km) loop hike to the base of the falls. But did you know you cam climb to the top of Yosemite Falls?

Upper Yosemite Falls (Hike), for those looking for a serious hike be sure to put this at the top of your list. This 7.6 mi (12 km) roundtrip hike climbs over 2,600 ft. (2,114 m) in elevation to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. The only time I’ve done this hike was in the winter, which I personally don’t recommend without the proper gear (none of which I had). This hike ended with me sliding down on my butt in the snow, losing my keys, and towing my car several hours away to the nearest dealership. They always say every time you visit Yosemite, it’s a new experience.

Glacier Point Road

Taft Point (Hike), when visiting Yosemite’s Glacier Point road Taft Point is my number one hike on this side of the park. It’s a quick 2.2 mi (3.5 km) round trip that offers the most stunning vistas and dramatic views of Yosemite Valley. Get as close to the edge of the cliffs as you wish or even dangle your feet off if you dare (be careful!).

Sentinel Dome (Hike), best paired with Taft Point take time to climb Sentinel Dome. The hike is exactly what it sounds like, you’ll be climbing an enormous dome. It’s a 2.2 mi (3.5 km) round trip hike. Once you’re on top you can look out for miles in any direction! Gazing down Yosemite Valley and beyond to the Merced River.

Glacier Point (Viewpoint), I know I said earlier if I only had time to do one thing in Yosemite I would visit Tunnel View and that’s still true! If I only had time to catch one sunset it would be looking out at Glacier Point gazing at Half Dome. Watching Half Dome illuminate and seeing the alpine glow fade across is breath taking. This viewpoint is easily accessible by a nearby parking lot.

Road Closures, be aware Glacier Point Road usually closes after the first snow fall of the year until the following spring. Be sure to stay updated at nps.gov for Road Status.

Tuolumne Meadows

Cathedral Lakes (Hike), If you’ve been to Yosemite to a few times or looking for less crowds I always recommend visiting Tuolumne Meadows in the summer. This is a fun half day hike at 8 mi (12.8 km) round trip to both upper and lower Cathedral Lakes. Stunning lakes wrapped around granite vistas.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Camping

Yosemite National Park has 13 popular campgrounds with a combination of reservation, lottery, and first come first serve basis. Below are seven of the campgrounds that require either lottery or reservations. Camp 4 is the most iconic campground nestled perfectly in Yosemite Valley and remains on a lottery system. Camp 4 has a lot of history as being the center of rock climbing enthusiasts, where famous climbers congregated for years learning from each other.

Upper Pines Campground
Lower Pines Campground
North Pines Campground
Camp 4
Bridalveil Creek Campground
Wawona Campground
Tuolumne Meadows Campground

Reservations can be made through recreation.gov and be sure to visit nps.gov for COVID-19 Camping Reservation updates.

Glamping

There’s quite a few options to choose from when it comes to Glamping but AutoCamp is the winner. Located in Midpines, CA about an hour from the valley. Wide variety of accommodations ranging from Airstream suites, luxury tents, and cabin suites. You’ll be surrounded by beauty of the nearby forests with easy access to all Yosemite has to offer. Some of AutoCamp amenities includes memory foam mattresses, electric blankets for chilly nights, and heater, mini-refrigerator, sofa, WiFi and your own outdoor fire pit with grill. Easy access to mid-century modern Clubhouse which offers spa-inspired shared restrooms and showers.

Luxury Hotels

Yosemite has many hotel options but most notably is the famous luxury hotel The Ahwahnee, is said to be the crown jewel of national park lodges. It is best described from their site as, The Ahwahnee is surrounded by many of Yosemite’s most famous icons. You won’t need to go far to experience the iconic views that travelers come from around the world to see. A casual stroll of the hotel grounds reveals views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point. Offering amenities such as heated swimming pool, WiFi, dining, lounge, bar, and much more!

The Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite also deserves a mention. It’s a full-service resort nestled in the middle of the Sierra National Forest, just 2 miles from the park’s South Gate. Their site advertises that Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite Tours offers a tour service that guarantees entry into the national park. Tour vans have a convertible roof so you’ll get plenty of fresh air and an unobstructed view. You can join a traditional guided tour or book a custom private tour. Cool off and have some fun in one of Tenaya Lodge’s four swimming pools or four hot-tubs.

Outside the Park

During the summer months it can be difficult making hotel or camping reservations. There are tons of nearby options outside the park. Consider hotel and lodging in the following areas -

El Portal, CA (29 mins)
Yosemite West, CA (36 mins)
Wawona, CA (54 mins)
Mariposa, CA (1 hr 10 mins)

Where to eat in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite offers a variety of places to eat everything from food courts, restaurants, bars, and grocery stores.

Base Camp Eatery, is my favorite place to refuel in the valley. It includes a Starbucks Coffee bar and the eatery offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s tons of options from grab-and-go selection to front of house cooking.

The Mountain Room Lounge, slightly upscale lounge where you can get warm against a Swedish-style fireplace, enjoy a refreshing beer or cocktail, and order some delicious food!

Yosemite Valley Lodge Gift Shop, easy place to grab snacks, cold drinks, picnic supplies, firewood, and be sure to pick up souvenirs!

Village Grill, seasonal over the counter place to grab burgers, sandwiches, and a patio to have a relaxing lunch.

Getting Around Yosemite National Park

Depending on the season, but the best way to get around Yosemite National Park valley floor is with the shuttle system. The shuttle system is completely FREE! When visiting other parts of the park such as Glacier Point road or Tuolumne Meadows I would recommend driving. The shuttle system is extremely easy to use and will help you avoid sitting in traffic during those peak summer months.

Special events

Firefall

Thousands gather every year for a chance to witness one of Yosemite National Park’s most incredible natural phenomena known as Firefall at Horsetail Fail. If you’ve ever visited Yosemite National Park in the summer, you may not have noticed or heard of Horsetail Fall. It’s a thin silver of a waterfall that flows off the face of El Capitan. Just a few weeks every year in February, this magical event occurs where the sun directs a beam of light at the waterfall turning in into what can only be described as molten lava. You can read more about it here in my other blog post Photographing Yosemite Firefall - Here’s How to See It.

climbing half dome

If you’ve ever been to Yosemite, you’ve seen Half Dome. Have you ever looked closely and seen people climbing it? Half Dome is nearly 5,000 ft. above Yosemite Valley. Every year Yosemite National Park issues permits to climb it. It’s a grueling 14.2 mi (22.7 km) round trip hike, via Mist Trail. For many Californians and visitors it’s a bucket list item. No climbing experience is required, there’s a cable system in place to allow treks up to the top. It offers incredible panoramic vistas and is the perfect challenge for those wanting to test their courage and strength.

You must have a permit to climb Half Dome Cables. The preseason lottery application occurs throughout March, with results announced mid-April. A smaller number of day hike permits are available every day the cables are up, via a two day in advance daily lottery. You can learn more here at recreation.gov - Cables on Half Dome.

If you decide to visit Yosemite and need any tips feel free to direct message me on Instagram @nickfjord!