How much does it cost to visit Yosemite?

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Yosemite Entrance Fees
Description Good For: Cost
Individual (on foot, horseback, or bus) 7 Days, Yosemite National Park $15
Motorcycle 7 Days, Yosemite National Park $30
Automobile 7 Days, Yosemite National Park $35
Yosemite Pass (automobile) 1 Year, Yosemite National Park $70



Also asked, how much does a trip to Yosemite cost?

You should plan to spend around $104 per day on your vacation in Yosemite National Park, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $32 on meals for one day and $33 on local transportation.

One may also ask, do you have to pay to go to Yosemite? If you're heading to the home of El Capitan and Half Dome, remember that there's a fee for entering Yosemite. A park pass costs $35/vehicle at the Yosemite National Park entrance stations and is valid for seven days. You also can purchase the Yosemite Pass for $70 for unlimited visits to the park for 12 months.

Herein, how many days do I need to visit Yosemite?

To make the most of such a short visit, use the guide to one day in Yosemite. If you can stay for a weekend, try the Yosemite weekend getaway planner. If you only plan to do a few hikes and drive around to see the sights, three days is enough to see most everything.

Can you drive your car through Yosemite National Park?

You can drive your own vehicle into and around Yosemite (shuttle buses are not mandatory, but are recommended).

39 Related Question Answers Found

What is the cheapest way to stay in Yosemite?

Recently Booked Cheap Hotels in Yosemite National Park
  1. Murphys Suites. 2 out of 5.
  2. Cedar Lodge. 2 out of 5.
  3. Country Inn Sonora. 2.5 out of 5.
  4. Heritage Inn Yosemite/Sonora. 2 out of 5.
  5. Mountain Trail Lodge & Vacation Rentals. 2 out of 5.
  6. Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. 4 out of 5.
  7. Evergreen Lodge Yosemite. 3.5 out of 5.
  8. Yosemite View Lodge.

What is the best month to visit Yosemite?

Best Times to Visit Yosemite. The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible but not too crowded. It's important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow.

Where should I stay when visiting Yosemite?

Best Yosemite National Park Hotels & Lodges
  • Lodging in Yosemite National Park. The best Yosemite hotels are located in the park itself.
  • El Portal & Midpines Lodging. El Portal and Midpines are the closest towns to Yosemite Valley.
  • Groveland Lodging.
  • Mariposa Lodging.
  • Fish Camp Lodging.
  • Oakhurst Lodging.
  • Lee Vining Lodging.

How do I use Yosemite for vacation?

Follow these tips to be a smarter Yosemite trip planner, enjoy your vacation more, and spend less of your hard-earned money doing it.
  1. Go at the Right Time.
  2. Reserve Ahead for Camping.
  3. Know the Weather.
  4. Bring the Right Stuff.
  5. Be Smart About Sightseeing.

Why is Yosemite so special?


Yosemite is a very special place because of its dramatic scenery in a pretty condensed space. Yosemite Valley is a glacial valley carved out of granite. The glacial valley plus the elevation of the Sierra Nevada also means there are tons of waterfalls, and really big ones.

Where can I sleep in Yosemite?

Outside the Valley, the first-come, first-served campgrounds are Bridalveil Creek, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat and half the sites at Tuolumne Meadows. Or you can stop by one of the other reservation offices: Wawona On Chilnualna Falls Rd.

Is it dangerous to drive to Yosemite?

Driving is dangerous: Yosemite, like anywhere, can be a dangerous place to drive, even in perfect conditions. Last month, a group of teenaged hikers was returning from Yosemite to Marin County after an excursion when their car left the road and crashed, killing one of them.

Is Yosemite worth visiting?


Yes. I personally prefer SEKI to Yosemite, but yes, Yosemite is definitely worth the hassle & crowds - especially if you're a hiker. There are lots of places to leave the crowds behind if you put in a little work (and start out early).

How do you get around Yosemite?

Getting Around Yosemite Valley
  1. Go Green! Ride the Bus.
  2. Avoid the Rush. In the peak season—during the warmer months and during school vacations—the roads in Yosemite Valley can be busy.
  3. Don't Depend on Your GPS.
  4. Use the Turnouts.
  5. Explore on Two Wheels.

Where do you fly in to go to Yosemite?

The closest airport is the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT), which is about 65 miles south of the park (about a 1½-hour drive). San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) are also within driving distance of park.

Can I drive to Yosemite Falls?

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. Some typical driving times from Yosemite Valley: Wawona/Mariposa Grove: about an hour.

How far is Yosemite from San Francisco?

Yosemite National Park is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 200 miles east of San Francisco, about 300 miles northwest of Los Angeles and a little more than 400 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The park is a three to four-hour drive from San Francisco and about six hours from Los Angeles.

Which entrance to Yosemite is the best?


Your most direct route to Yosemite is through the Big Oak Flat Entrance or the Arch Rock Entrance, which is located southeast of Big Oak Flat. To enter through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east via Manteca, Calif.

What is the best time to go to Yosemite National Park?

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is in the spring. It's a time when the flowers bloom, waterfalls are at their max, and it's not too crowded, especially during the week. Peak season at Yosemite is summer.

Can you drive to Half Dome?

No, you can't drive to the top of Half Dome. The parking lot at the Lodge has a sign saying that is is for guests of the Lodge only, but that's it.