The Extensive Guide To Yosemite National Park

Intro

Yosemite National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth. There's no question why it attracts nearly 4.5 millions people annually (2019). This was the first national park I visited back in 2017 and since then have returned numerous times. If Yosemite is on your bucket list (like it should be) then this guide will help you plan your next trip there!

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Central California, USA, Yosemite is famous for its monumental granite cliffs, world renounce climbing, and ancient sequoia trees. Spanning 747,956 acres, it was established as a national park in 1890. Cost of entry is $30 per vehicle for a 7 day pass.

Over 4 million Tourists, Climbers, and Backpackers from all over the world flock to Yosemite each year. Yosemite really has something for everyone. It has been a place for me to escape to, to find solitude, for hiking and photography trips. Yosemite brings painters, people there for day trips, extreme climbers. It’s a place that lets you just be you, Yosemite is there for what you need it to be. When I drive down that windy Big Oak Flat Road, down into the valley it’s as if you’re entering another world.

When To Visit

Yosemite is one of those parks that is unique and special anytime of the year. Having visited in three out of four seasons I think either late spring would have to be my favorite time to visit for its lush meadows and rushing waterfalls. Also it's a good time to avoid the crazy summer vacation crowds. However there is no wrong time to visit. Late spring till early fall is the best time for hiking and backpacking as snowfall and road closures start mid November. The summer, like most national parks, will be the busiest time of the year. To avoid crowds consider visiting in another season, avoid holiday weekends, or visit on weekdays. Note that many roads, trails, and camping are closed in the winter, however the valley remains open.

Spring - Best for flowing waterfalls and a lush green valley. Yosemite in the spring has a very fresh feeling to it.

Summer - Best for hiking and backpacking especially at higher elevations.

Fall - A photographers dreams with all the changing colors in the valley.

Winter - Brings a unique calmness to a usually hustling park you'll find in the summer.

3 Must-Do Easy Yosemite Activities

Drive Tioga Road

Tioga Road is one of the most scenic roads in the park. There is a beautiful alpine lake where you can enjoy a nice afternoon at. Tioga road is closed in the winter preventing easy access from the east side of the sierras. However its a beautiful drive during the summer, make sure to stop at the pull offs and enjoy the views!

Glacier Point

Glacier Point is a must see when coming to Yosemite. It's a bit of a drive from the valley but definitely worth it! Glacier pass road leads you to a large parking lot. There you’ll find an easy paved path to a visitor center and insane views of Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and the valley below. If you’re visiting in the summer I recommend going early in the morning or get there early for sunset. There is only one road in and out and it can get very busy.

Drive The Valley Floor

The valley floor has some of the best views in the park. Visitors can stop at sites like Valley View, El Capitan Meadow, Cathedral Beach, Yosemite Falls, and many other pull-offs along the way.

Where To Stay

Yosemite has so many options for lodging both in and just a short drive from the park. From nice hotels to camping there's an option for everyone's preferred lifestyle.

Inside the park- Hotels

The Ahwahnee Hotel - Historical hotel in the valley. Features a bar, restaurant, pool, and easy access to hiking trails.
Curry Village - Tent cabins and cabins curry village also has a pool, showers and a restaurant.
Wawona hotel - Located on the south end of the park (coming from Highway 41) this vintage hotel has a pool, golf course, and restaurant.
Yosemite Valley Lodge - Located in the valley this lodge has a pool and restaurant. It's also located just a short walk from the famous Yosemite falls.

Inside the park- Camping

There are many campsites across the park. Many of them ment for backpackers. However there are a few in the valley including camp 4, upper pines, north pines, and lower pines. Reservations are required (Recreation.gov) for many of these campsites so I recommend planning ahead.

Outside the park - Hotels

There are a lot of hotels, lodges, and Rental houses within an hour or so from the park.

Highway 120-

Rush Creek Lodge - Just 45 min from the Valley Rush Creek offers a lot of entertainment on site as well. Features a pool, bar, restaurant and daily activities.
Yosemite Lakes Rv Resort - 50 min for the valley. Yosemite Lakes RV Resort offers cabins for rent. They also have a store, game room, fishing, and various sporting activities.

Highway 140-

Yosemite View Lodge - only 30 min from the valley. Yosemite view lodge has two restaurants and is just outside of the park's gates.
Yosemite Cedar Lodge - 35 min from the valley. They have a restaurant and small store for last minute items you might need. They also have a pool.

Highway 41-

Tenaya Lodge - 70 min from the valley. Tenaya Lodge offers a pool, spa, and restaurant. Perfect for a little getaway.
Narrow Gauge Inn - 70 min from the valley. Narrow Gauge Inn is a rustic cabin lodge with a restaurant and bar.

Outside the park - Camping

There aren't a ton of designated campsites outside of the park. But most RV resorts also offer campsites. I often stay at the Indian Flats RV park next to the Yosemite Cedar Lodge. Peak prices are only $30/night which includes access to the pool at the Lodge next door, flush toilets, and showers, many amenities not offered inside the park.

How To Get Around

There are several options to getting around Yosemite. You can drive your own car. You can drive your own car and then take the shuttle around. Bring or rent a bike and ride that around the valley. Finally you could take day trips to the park from nearby cities with their tour shuttles. These tours unfortunately offer much less flexibility with your day though. I usually drive my own car and drive around the park myself. Depending on crowds I would recommend taking the shuttle to get to trailheads as parking can be very limited at them especially in the summer.

Best Hikes In Yosemite

Lower Yosemite Falls (Easy)- 1.2 miles Loop from the trailhead.
Upper Yosemite Falls (Hard)- 7.6 miles RT from the trailhead and 3.218 ft elevation gain
Nevada Falls Via John Muir Trail (Hard)- 5.4 miles RT from trailhead and 2,200 ft elevation gain
Taft Point (Easy)- 2.3 miles RT from the trailhead and 370 ft elevation gain
Clouds Rest (Hard)- 14 miles RT from the trailhead and 3,170 ft elevation gain
North Dome (Moderate)- 10.4 miles RT from the trailhead and 2,024 ft elevation gain
El Capitan (Hard)- 15.4 miles RT from the trailhead in the valley and 4,800 ft elevation gain
Tuolumne Grove Trail (Moderate)- 2.8 miles RT from the trailhead and 656 ft elevation gain.

Best views

Yosemite is famous for its granite cliff faces and the valley is packed full of insane views of them all! Valley view point is a great spot to check out in the valley, or head to the El Capitan Meadow and watch some climbers up on the famous face. The most popular view has to be the Tunnel view and for good reasons, the view of the whole valley that you get there is something else. Also check out glacier point for an amazing view of half dome and the valley below.

3 Day plan

If you only find yourself with three days in yosemite. Here are the must sees and do’s to make the most of your short time. There is so much to see in the park and adventures for everybody but here is what I would recommend.

Day 1- Head up to tunnel view and take in the sunrise as it peaks over the granite and lights up the valley below. Then drive down to the valley and have breakfast at Degnan's Deli or make your own! You will want to then go hike up to Nevada falls in the morning while you can still get parking. Take a walk through the valley breathing in the brisk mountain air. Take a drive on your way out of the valley and stop and some of the viewpoints on the way through taking in everything the valley has to offer. Enjoy the short hike up to lower yosemite falls (1.2 miles). Spend a little time relaxing in the afternoon sun watching the climbers on El Capitan or even walk the trial up to watch them up close. End the day watching the sunset at the valley view point.

Day 2- Drive out to either Glacier Point or Taft point for sunrise and then head to the other one after! This is one of the most beautiful ways you can start your day. I recommend spending some time out that way checking out some other trails like mono lake or Dewey Point. Plan to bring lunch with you as there isn’t anywhere to get food out that direction. End your second day up at tunnel view for sunset. Get there early as it gets very busy fast! I recommend hiking up above the tunnel a little bit to get away from the crowds and be able to take in the stunning sunset in peace.

Day 3- On your way out of the valley stop at valley view for sunrise. Then head up Tuolumne Grove for a short 2.8 mile hike through giant sequoias. Then drive tioga pass road out to Tenaya Lake where you can enjoy the day at this beautiful alpine lake. Choose to go for a hike around the lake or a little swim! Head back towards Tuolumne grove stopping at viewpoints as you go. Then take highway 120 back towards San Francisco.

Add more days! - Yosemite is a massive park with so much to explore. It's easy to add a few more days here. Consider adding in a backpacking trip for a night or two. Head up to some of the many incredible climbing routes or continue to just take in the amazing valley relaxing.

Best Photo Spots

It won't take long until you're taking a bunch of photos here. Yosemite is a photographers dream. These are some of my absolute favorite spots to capture every time i’m here. Tunnel view is a must! An easy drive up spot makes it very accessible. I prefer shooting here in the morning for sunrise but is equally amazing for sunset.

A few of my other favorite photography spots:

Cathedral Beach: Great for sunrise or just after when the morning light starts to hit El Capitan
Glacier Point: Great for sunset when Half Dome lights up pink
Yosemite Falls: Best in the morning when light first starts to light it up
Valley View: Great both for sunrise and sunset
Taft Point: Best for sunrise and about a 2.5 mile hike.

Other Places Near Yosemite

Yosemtie is located in a great spot to see some other places nearby.

Consider checking out:

San Francisce (4 Hours from Yosemite valley)
Lake Tahoe (4.5 Hours from Yosemite valley)
Sequoia National Park (3.75 Hours from Yosemite valley)
Kings Canyon National Park (3.5 Hours from Yosemite valley)
Mammoth Lakes (2 Hours from Yosemite valley)
Big Sur (4 Hours from the Yosemite valley)