Yosemite National Park is situated in the north-eastern part of California on the Sierra Nevada range of mountains. It is just north of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It is huge and encompasses an area of nearly 1200 square miles and elevation range from the low lying valley to over 10,000 feet.
The park is open year round. It is also very popular and extremely busy, especially during spring, summer and fall. The famous waterfalls are at their greatest flow during spring. More than 4 million people visit every year, making it one of the top 5 most popular National Parks in the US. The National Park Service had introduced a reservation system in 2020, but as of the time of this writing (2026), this has been discontinued, leading to overcrowding and long lines of cars to enter. Just be patient and prepared to wait.
AIRPORTS:
The nearest major airports (distance and driving times) are San Francisco International (170 miles) – 3 + hours, Oakland International (151 miles) – 3 hours, Los Angeles International (286 miles) – 5 hours.
WHEN TO VISIT:
Yosemite National Park is a year round destination and open 24 hours a day/365 days a year. However, the summer months are the most crowded and to get the best experience it’s best to avoid visiting from June to September and on long weekends.
The higher elevations of the park are closed from September/October to May, however the Valley is open year round.
The chances of viewing wildlife are highest early in the morning and early in the evening.
DRIVING AROUND THE PARK:
Yosemite Valley is small and congested. Parking can be difficult to find especially during peak times. Once you find parking, consider taking the Free Shuttle to get around the valley.
DINING:
Other than the restaurants at the lodges (Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge) the dining options are limited. There are several options around Curry Village including: Degnan’s Bakery, The Loft at Degnan’s, Village Grill, Meadow Grill, Curry Village Pavilion, Curry Village Pizza Patio and Village Store.
WHERE TO STAY:
Inside the National Park:
The lodging inside the park is limited and fills up very quickly as soon as bookings open, so plan well in advance. Here are the lodges inside the park:
The Ahwahnee: Historic and luxurious, the most upscale property inside the park. Has a swimming pool and onsite bar and restaurant. Rooms start from $700 per night.
Wawona Hotel: closed as of the time of writing (June 2026). Check the NPS site for reopening.
Yosemite Valley Lodge: Family friendly, swimming pool and restaurant. Great views of waterfalls. Rooms start at $360 per night.
Camps, Cabins and Tent Sites:
Curry Village: Excellent views, nearby dining and stores, outdoor pool, family friendly. Options include hotel rooms, cabins and tents, which start from $200 per night.
Housekeeping Camp: More basic accommodations starting at $106 per night.
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge: Tent cabins open from June to September. Tents start at $150 per night.
RV and Campsites: The park has various camp grounds for RVs and tents. Check the NPS website for further information. (https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm)
Staying outside the National Park:
There are many hotels, lodges and camps outside the park.
Here are some of the popular places to stay and some hotel recommendations:
Mariposa: Off Highway 41 and about 30 miles from the National Park entrance, offers a few hotels, motels and glamping sites, as well as restaurants, shops and bars.
Here are a few:
Wildhaven: A glamping site with tents as well as cabins, about 1 mile outside town. Pet Friendly. Tents start at $200 per night.
Autocamp: Offers tents or Airstream trailers, Pet Friendly, Outdoor Pool. Rooms start from $271 per night.
Mariposa Lodge: Standard rooms start at $121 per night.
Other hotels include: The Yosemite Inn, Quality Inn, Monarch Inn and Best Western.
El Portal: Off Highway 140, next to the scenic Merced River, a few miles outside the National Park entrance.
Yosemite View Lodge: River view rooms, Pet Friendly, Swimming Pool, rooms start from $ 365 per night.
Cedar Lodge: Pool, hot tub, No Pets. Rooms start at $261 per night.
Fish Camp: Off Highway 41, just outside National Park entrance.
Tenaya Lodge: Luxurious, Pet Friendly, multiple pools, hot tubs and spa. Shuttle service. Multiple restaurants and bars. Standard rooms start at $543 per night.
Narrow Gauge Inn: Pet Friendly, Pool, Restaurant. Starting from $227 per night.
Oakhurst: About 16 miles outside the National Park entrance, off Highway 41.
Holiday Inn Express: Pet Friendly, Pool, Rooms start from $144 per night.
Other hotels include: Best Western, Yosemite Southgate Hotel, Hampton Inn, etc.
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