Ultimate Guide to Planning a Smart Yosemite Trip in California

Too many Yosemite visitors fall into common time-wasters and fun-busters that can ruin their trip. They’re sleeping in their car because they can’t find a hotel room, stuck in summer gridlock, or standing dejectedly at the door of the restaurant because they can’t get in for Sunday brunch. We’re here to help you avoid these pitfalls and enjoy your trip to Yosemite without having to learn the hard way.

Follow these tips to be a smarter Yosemite trip planner, enhancing your vacation experience and spending less money while doing it.

Go at the Right Time

Yosemite is extremely busy during the summer, which can take away from the enjoyment of your visit. Solutions to this issue may take time to implement, such as enforcing visitor limits or establishing a reservation system. Therefore, it’s wise to avoid the park during the summer, especially on weekends. Alternatively, consider heading to Sequoia and Kings Canyon for similar beautiful scenery with fewer crowds.

Stay in the Right Place for You

You can choose to stay inside or outside the national park; however, be mindful of misleading hotel names. Some accommodations with “Yosemite” in their titles are located quite far from the park.

Reserve Ahead for Camping

Only half of the Yosemite camping sites require reservations. If you plan to camp at a first-come, first-served site, arrive early, as they tend to fill up quickly, often as early as 9 a.m. during peak times.

Know the Weather

Yosemite’s mountainous terrain can lead to misconceptions about the weather. Many first-time visitors expect cooler temperatures in summer and heavy snowfall in winter. However, Yosemite Valley can be quite hot from July to September and snow typically does not linger for more than a day or two. Understanding the Yosemite climate and weather is crucial for planning your visit.

Bring the Right Stuff

Observing the merchandise in Yosemite’s shops indicates that many visitors come unprepared. When packing, consider including essential items:

• Earplugs to block out noise in campgrounds.
• Motion sickness remedies for those sensitive to curving mountain roads.
• Moisturizing products—lotion, lip balm, and eye drops—due to dry air.
• A blister pack in your backpack to help manage hiking discomfort.

Be Smart About Sightseeing

• The most popular spots include Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove, Tunnel View, and Tuolumne Meadows. To avoid crowds and enjoy stunning views, visit these locations in the early morning or late afternoon. They are easy to locate on a Yosemite map. Furthermore, downloading an app can enhance your experience in navigating the park.

Don’t Drive in Traffic

If you’re staying along California Highway 140 between Mariposa and Yosemite, consider using the Yosemite Area Transit buses to enter the park. This option may not eliminate traffic, but it relieves you from the stress of driving and helps save on fuel costs.

Avoid Gridlock Inside Yosemite

Regardless of your entry method, make use of the free shuttle buses to explore the park. Additionally, the inexpensive buses and trams can assist in reaching Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point, and other attractions.

Fuel Up Before You Get There

Not only will fueling up beforehand save you money, but it also prevents the panic of a low fuel gauge in Yosemite Valley, where gas stations can be scarce. Consider checking for lower-priced fuel options on routes heading to Yosemite. Once inside the park, utilize the shuttle for convenience; a full tank should suffice for your trip.

Finding electric vehicle (EV) charging stations can be difficult, with only a few available near the Yosemite Village Store and the Ahwahnee Hotel. For more comprehensive options, Tenaya Lodge located just outside the park offers standard chargers and multiple Tesla Superchargers.

Take a Bike Ride

Yosemite Valley’s flat terrain is perfect for exploring by bicycle on 12 miles of paved trails. This eco-friendly alternative allows for enjoyment of the scenic beauty, such as iconic El Capitan, rather than a fleeting view from a speeding car. Bicycle rentals are available at Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge from spring through fall.

Beware of Bears

The precautions regarding bears at Yosemite are well-founded. A determined bear can quickly gain access to food inside your vehicle. It is essential to follow safety guidelines to protect yourself and preserve wildlife.

Don’t Go Hungry

Yosemite Valley restaurants tend to close early, and making advance reservations is typically limited to larger groups. Check the closing times upon your arrival and try to get to dining establishments at least an hour before they close. For Sunday brunch at the Ahwahnee Hotel, reservations are particularly recommended during peak seasons.

Days Are Shorter Than You Think

The length of days in Yosemite can be misleading based on your expectations of sunrise and sunset times. Due to the high mountains on the western side, shadows in Yosemite Valley can begin to cover the area roughly two hours before sunset. While light lingers, temperatures will dip and the atmosphere will begin to quiet as the sun sets.

Money Matters

The entry fee for Yosemite National Park is charged per vehicle, providing access for seven days. If you’re planning to visit more than two national parks within a year, inquire about an annual pass. Entry fees are waived during National Parks Week in April at over 100 parks nationwide, including Yosemite National Park. Additionally, there are select days each year when entry is free.

If you are accompanied by someone aged 62 or older, you will benefit from a reduced fee for their one-year pass compared to a standard admission.

Traveling With Your Pet

It may be best to leave your pet at home due to the numerous restrictions present in the park that can hinder your enjoyment. However, if you decide to bring your dog, the kennel at Yosemite Valley Stable operates from May through September. Written proof of immunizations is required, and while dogs must weigh at least 20 pounds, smaller dogs can be accommodated if placed in provided kennels.

Get High Safely

Yosemite’s elevation varies significantly, with the highest points reaching up to 10,000 feet. This can lead to altitude sickness for sensitive individuals or discomfort for others, so it’s essential to ascend cautiously.