About Yosemite National Park
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.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
This fee is valid for seven consecutive days for a non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats. This fee covers the vehicle and everyone inside of it. Per-person nonresident fees still apply.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Per-person nonresident fees still apply.
This fee is valid for seven consecutive days for people entering on foot, a bicycle, a horse, or a non-commercial bus or van. People 15 years and younger are free.
The per-person fee is $20 to a maximum of $300 per vehicle. People 15 years and younger are free.
An educational fee waiver is available for educational and scientific groups that are accredited or tax-exempt for educational purposes planning a trip for educational or scientific purposes related to Yosemite that is not primarily recreational.
The fee is $20 per person for any resident 16 years or older. For any nonresident the fee is $100 per person for anyone 16 years or older. This fee is valid for seven consecutive days.
Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Yosemite National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. For any nonresident there is an additional fee of $100 per person for anyone 16 years or older. A commercial use authorization is required.
This fee is valid for seven consecutive days. For any nonresident there is an additional fee of $100 per person for anyone 16 years or older. A commercial use authorization is required.
Operating Hours
Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Activities
Getting There
You can drive to Yosemite year-round and enter via Highways 41, 140, and 120 from the west. Tioga Pass Entrance (via Highway 120 from the east) is closed from approximately November through late May or June. Hetch Hetchy is open all year but may close intermittently due to snow. Please note that GPS units do not always provide accurate directions to or within Yosemite.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Annual pass providing free entrance to Yosemite for 12 months from the date of purchase for US citizens and permanent residents.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
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.…
Hiking in Yosemite
From a short walk to the base of a waterfall to a multi-day hike deep into the Yosemite Wilderness, taking…
Scenic Driving in Yosemite
All of the roads in Yosemite National Park are scenic, but the most famous scenic drive is along the Tioga…
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…
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…
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…
Visitor Centers
Big Oak Flat Information Station
The Big Oak Flat Information Station has an information desk, wilderness permit desk, and Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore. In the winter, self-registration wilderness permits for the…
Hours: Open approximately late May through early October.
Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center
The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center has an information desk, Yosemite Conservancy Bookstore, and an exhibit area detailing the area's geology, plant and animal life, and…
Hours: Open approximately late May to late September. OPENING DAY 2025: JUNE 10.
Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio
In winter, the Wawona visitor center is temporarily relocated to 7771 Chilnualna Falls Rd. Open 9 am – 12 pm & 1 pm – 4…
Hours: The visitor center is typically open from late May to early October.
Yosemite Valley Welcome Center
The Yosemite Valley Welcome Center is the NEW destination for visitor information in the Valley. Stop here before you begin your Yosemite adventure! The welcome…
Hours: Open year-round
Campgrounds
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Tuolumne Horse Campsites
Tuolumne Meadows Horse Campsites are located within Tuolumne Meadows Campground in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an…
Tuolumne Meadows Campground
Tuolumne Meadows Campground is Yosemite’s largest, and is located along the Tioga Road, with some areas located close to the Tuolumne River. At 8,000 feet…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Yosemite Creek Campground
Yosemite Creek Campground is located nearly 5 miles off the Tioga Road (via a rough road) 26 miles west of Tuolumne Meadows, and a little…
🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences
Discover Yosemite National Park with expert-led tours
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
🏨 Find Hotels Near Yosemite National Park
Compare accommodation options for your visit
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
More Parks in California
Plan Your Trip From a Nearby City
Find national parks near these cities, including Yosemite National Park.