The destination guide
Yosemite National Park
National / State Park in United States, North AmericaUpdated
- Overall6/10
- Best forAdventure seekers, Solo travelers
- PeakJan–Apr
- CurrencyUSD
Yosemite has El Capitan’s 3,000-foot granite face, Yosemite Falls dropping 2,425 feet, and a valley floor that John Muir called the grandest of all special temples of nature.
Travel guides for Yosemite National Park
Travel tips & costs (1)
More guides featuring Yosemite National Park (18)
At a glance
- English
- Granite cliffs
- Giant sequoia groves
- Waterfalls
- Mountain meadows
How Yosemite National Park scores
Editorial scores on a 10-point scale, weighed against destinations of the same kind.
Travel safety snapshot
SafePlace indicators use their source 100-point scale; higher is more favourable. Planning context, not a live travel advisory — check official government guidance before you go.
When to go
Best months to visit: April, May, June, July, August, September and October.
- January: -3.3 to 5.5 degrees Celsius, 35.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- February: -4.8 to 3.4 degrees Celsius, 39.1 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- March: -3.4 to 4.8 degrees Celsius, 32.1 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- April: -3 to 7.1 degrees Celsius, 12.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- May: 2.3 to 12.6 degrees Celsius, 34.3 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- June: 7.6 to 19.2 degrees Celsius, 3.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- July: 12.5 to 25.4 degrees Celsius, 0.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- August: 11.3 to 24.6 degrees Celsius, 3 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- September: 8.5 to 19.7 degrees Celsius, 6.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- October: 5.6 to 17.1 degrees Celsius, 8.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- November: -1.6 to 8.1 degrees Celsius, 42.1 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- December: -6.3 to 2.5 degrees Celsius, 48.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
Month-by-month conditions and packing advice
- January
- Cold weather, some rain January in Yosemite National Park: winter and early spring travel can be beautiful but road, snow, and service limits make it less flexible. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for hiking, photography, and exploring the park's iconic trails. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain high despite cooler temperatures, so sunscreen and protective clothing are essential. Pack: Warm, insulated layers for temperature variation; Waterproof hiking boots for trails; Waterproof jacket for rain protection; Wide-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Lightweight rain poncho; Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics
- February
- Cold weather, some rain February in Yosemite National Park: winter and early spring travel can be beautiful but road, snow, and service limits make it less flexible. Crowds: Peak winter tourist season with excellent conditions for snowshoeing, ice climbing, and wildlife photography. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain low despite cooler temperatures. Pack: Warm winter jacket for temperature variation; Insulated gloves for cold weather; Waterproof boots for snowy trails; Thermal layers for warmth; Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunscreen; Waterproof backpack for rain protection
- March
- Cold weather, some rain March in Yosemite National Park: winter and early spring travel can be beautiful but road, snow, and service limits make it less flexible. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for winter activities including snowshoeing, ice climbing, and scenic drives. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain low despite cooler temperatures. Pack: Warm waterproof jacket for rain protection; Insulated hiking boots for icy trails; Waterproof backpack for wet conditions; Thermal layers for temperature variation; Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunscreen; Moisture-wicking base layers
- April
- Cold weather, mostly dry April in Yosemite National Park: conditions can be excellent, though summer crowds or spring closures need planning. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for winter sports including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain low despite cooler temperatures. Pack: Warm winter clothing for temperature variation; Insulated boots for snow and ice; Wide-brimmed hat and SPF 30+ sunscreen; Light jacket for air-conditioned spaces; Layered clothing for thermal comfort; Waterproof outerwear for wet conditions
- May
- Cool weather, some rain May in Yosemite National Park: waterfalls, Valley hikes, Tioga-season access, cooler fall hiking, and photography are strongest. Crowds: May and June mark the peak tourist season in Yosemite, with moderate rainfall enhancing the natural beauty of the park. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints without the extreme heat of summer. However, expect higher crowds and potential trail closures due to flooding. Accommodation prices and guided tours are at their highest during this period. Pack: Waterproof jacket for rain protection; Hiking boots with good traction; Quick-dry clothing for wet conditions; Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunscreen; Lightweight rain poncho; Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics
- June
- Cool weather, mostly dry June in Yosemite National Park: waterfalls, Valley hikes, Tioga-season access, cooler fall hiking, and photography are strongest. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for all outdoor activities including hiking, photography, and exploring waterfalls. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain high despite cooler temperatures. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable hiking boots for trails; Wide-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light rain jacket for unexpected showers; Modest clothing for cultural sites and nature reserves; Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
- July
- Warm and pleasant, mostly dry July in Yosemite National Park: conditions can be excellent, though summer crowds or spring closures need planning. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for all outdoor activities including hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain high despite cooler temperatures. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable hiking boots for trails; Wide-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light rain jacket for unexpected showers; Modest clothing for cultural sites and nature reserves; Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
- August
- Warm and pleasant, mostly dry August in Yosemite National Park: conditions can be excellent, though summer crowds or spring closures need planning. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for hiking, photography, and exploring the park's diverse ecosystems. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain high despite cooler temperatures. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable hiking boots for trails; Wide-brimmed hat and SPF 50+ sunscreen; Light rain jacket for unexpected showers; Modest clothing for cultural sites and nature trails; Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
- September
- Cool weather, mostly dry September in Yosemite National Park: waterfalls, Valley hikes, Tioga-season access, cooler fall hiking, and photography are strongest. Crowds: September marks the peak tourist season for Yosemite National Park, with excellent weather conditions for hiking, photography, and exploring iconic sites like El Capitan and Half Dome. The park experiences moderate crowds, with higher rates during peak times. Visitors should prepare for cooler temperatures and potential fog, especially in the mornings. Pack: Lightweight layers for temperature variation; Comfortable hiking boots for rugged terrain; Waterproof jacket for unexpected rain showers; Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses; Moisture-wicking base layers; Breathable, quick-dry fabrics
- October
- Cool weather, mostly dry October in Yosemite National Park: waterfalls, Valley hikes, Tioga-season access, cooler fall hiking, and photography are strongest. Crowds: January marks the peak tourist season for Yosemite, with excellent conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing. The park sees moderate visitor numbers, with hotel rates and guided tour bookings peaking during this time. Despite cooler temperatures, UV levels remain high, so sun protection is essential. Visitors should plan for potential early morning fog and check weather forecasts for optimal hiking conditions. Pack: Warm layers for temperature variation; Waterproof hiking boots for rugged terrain; Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunscreen; Light rain jacket for unexpected showers; Comfortable thermal socks for cold mornings; Moisture-wicking base layers
- November
- Cold weather, some rain November in Yosemite National Park: quiet travel is possible, but weather and access are less dependable. Crowds: Peak tourist season with excellent conditions for winter activities including snowshoeing, ice climbing, and wildlife viewing. Hotel rates and crowd levels are highest during this period. UV levels remain high despite cooler temperatures. Pack: Warm, insulated layers for temperature variation; Waterproof hiking boots for trails; Waterproof jacket for rain protection; Thermal gloves and hat for cold weather; Camera with waterproof housing for capturing winter scenes; Moisture-wicking base layers
- December
- Cold weather, some rain December in Yosemite National Park: winter and early spring travel can be beautiful but road, snow, and service limits make it less flexible. Crowds: Winter season with limited tourist activity due to harsh weather conditions. Ideal for experienced hikers and photographers seeking solitude and stunning winter landscapes. Accommodation rates are lower, but facilities may be limited. Visitors should prepare for cold temperatures and potential snow, ensuring they have appropriate gear. Pack: Warm winter clothing including thermal layers; Insulated hiking boots for snow and ice; Waterproof jacket and snow pants; Thermal gloves and hat; Camera with winter lens; Backpack with extra food and water
- March
- February
- January
- April
- September
- August
- July
- June
Know before you go
About
Yosemite National Park, California, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sierra Nevada mountains, renowned for its towering granite monoliths, plunging waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias across more than 1,100 square miles. Its glacier-carved valley is framed by two of the most iconic rock formations on Earth: El Capitan, a sheer 3,000-foot granite wall that is a mecca for climbers, and Half Dome, which rises nearly 5,000 feet above the valley floor and is summited via a famous cable route. Yosemite Falls, dropping 2,425 feet in three tiers, ranks among the tallest waterfalls in North America, while the Mariposa Grove shelters towering sequoias including the ancient Grizzly Giant. The park’s preservation traces to an 1864 land grant signed by Abraham Lincoln, predating Yellowstone, and today its meadows, alpine high country along Tioga Road, and Glacier Point overlooks draw millions of hikers, climbers, and nature lovers each year.
Neighbourhoods
Yosemite Valley is the main visitor area, with iconic views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls clustered along 11 km of valley floor. Glacier Point, reached by road or trail, offers 360-degree views from 975 m above the valley. Tuolumne Meadows at 2,620 m is the high-country base for backcountry hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail. Wawona in the south is home to the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. Hetch Hetchy, the park’s quieter northwestern corner, features a reservoir and uncrowded trails.
Best time to visit
Timing is critical in Yosemite. Late May through June is the sweet spot for maximum waterfall flow, blooming dogwoods, and accessibility, though crowds are building. September is fantastic for hiking: the weather is mild, all roads (including Tioga and Glacier Point) are open, and crowds dip after Labor Day, though waterfalls may be trickles.
Winter (January-March) offers solitude and stunning snowscapes but limited access (Trans-Sierra roads close). Important for 2025: Entry reservations are required for driving into the park on weekends/holidays in May and August/September, and every day from June through mid-August. Check Recreation.gov religiously.
Season by season
Spring: Massive waterfalls, blooming dogwoods, potential road closures high up.
Summer: Full access, warm days, busy trails, reservation system in effect.
Fall: Golden light, dry waterfalls, cool nights, perfect hiking weather.
Winter: Snow-covered valley, Badger Pass skiing, solitude, tire chain requirements.
Crowds
Yosemite National Park sees its highest crowds in May–September and holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July) with long lines and full parking at Yosemite Valley; quietest in December–February when snow limits access and visitation drops sharply though winter visitors still come for snowy scenery.
Getting there and around
Getting there
From San Francisco, drive 290 km east via I-580 and CA-120 (4 hours). From Fresno, drive 100 km north via CA-41 (2 hours). YARTS regional buses run from Merced, Fresno, and Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Valley. The nearest airports are Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) and San Francisco International (SFO). Amtrak’s San Joaquins train connects to Merced, from where YARTS buses continue to the park.
Getting around
Free YARTS shuttle buses loop through Yosemite Valley year-round. Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road (CA-120) open seasonally (usually May/June through October/November). Private vehicles are allowed but parking in the Valley fills early. Bike rentals are available at Yosemite Village and Curry Village. In winter, ski shuttles run to Badger Pass. Timed-entry reservations may be required during peak summer months.
Top experiences in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Falls
The tallest waterfall in North America at 739 m, dropping in three cascades from the valley rim. The Lower Yosemite Fall trail (1.6 km loop) is flat and paved, accessible year-round. The Upper Yosemite Fall trail (11.6 km round trip, 820 m gain) climbs steeply to the brink, where a guardrail overlook offers vertigo-inducing views straight down. The falls are at their most powerful in May and June during snowmelt; they can dry to a trickle by late summer.
Half Dome
Yosemite’s most iconic granite formation, Half Dome rises 1,444 m above the valley floor. The 22.5-km round-trip hike gains 1,463 m and includes a final 120-m ascent up steel cables bolted into the rock face (permits required, allocated by lottery). The summit offers views of Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest, and the High Sierra. The cables are up from late May through mid-October. It is one of the most sought-after day hikes in the US national park system.
El Capitan
A sheer 900-m granite monolith on the valley’s north side, El Capitan is the world’s most famous big-wall climbing destination. The Nose route (31 pitches, typically 3-5 days) was first free-climbed by Lynn Hill in 1993. Alex Honnold’s free solo ascent in 2017 was documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo. From the meadow below, binoculars reveal climbers inching up the face. Non-climbers can hike to the summit via a trail from Tamarack Flat.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
A grove of over 500 mature giant sequoia trees in the park’s southern section, including the Grizzly Giant—estimated at 1,900 years old with a base circumference of 29 m. The California Tunnel Tree, hollowed in 1895 for stagecoach passage, still stands. A 3.2-km loop trail winds through the upper grove. A free shuttle runs from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza during peak season. The grove underwent a USD 40 million restoration completed in 2018.
Glacier Point
A viewpoint 975 m directly above the valley floor, offering an unobstructed panorama of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the High Sierra crest. The Glacier Point Road (26 km from Chinquapin junction) is open May/June through November. At sunset, the granite walls glow orange-gold. The Four Mile Trail (7.7 km, 975 m gain) climbs from the valley floor, and the Panorama Trail (13.6 km) descends to Nevada Fall.
Editor-curated picks carried over from our original guide. Where a full place guide exists, the card links to it.
Where to stay
The Ahwahnee
1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
The Ahwahnee is the crown jewel of National Park lodges, a National Historic Landmark that famously blends Art Deco, Native American, and Middle Eastern design elements. Located centrally on the valley floor with direct views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point, it offers an immersive park experience. The hotel features grand public spaces with massive stone fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and tapestries. Dining in the majestic Ahwahnee Dining Room is a bucket-list experience. While the rooms retain a historic charm, the real luxury here is the history and the unparalleled location within the park gates.
Chateau du Sureau
48688 Victoria Ln, Oakhurst, CA 93644, USA
Chateau du Sureau implies a touch of Provençal magic in the Sierra Nevada foothills, located just 16 miles from the park’s south entrance in Oakhurst. This Relais & Châteaux property offers a stark contrast to the rustic park lodges with its European elegance, manicured gardens, and the renowned Elderberry House Restaurant. With only 10 rooms and a private villa, it provides an intimate, ultra-luxury retreat. Guests enjoy fireplaces, canopy beds, and a serene pool area, making it the perfect sophisticated base for day trips into the rugged wilderness.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
1122 Highway 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623, USA
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite offers a full-service resort experience just two miles from the park’s South Gate. This AAA Four Diamond property caters to families and couples alike with three pools, the Ascent Spa, and multiple dining options. Accommodations range from classic lodge rooms to modern Explorer Cabins nestled in the forest. The resort organizes tours, archery, and nightly flashlight hikes. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and Wawona, with easy access to the rest of the park.
Editor-curated stays carried over from our original guide. Where we have reviewed the hotel, the card links to the review.
Tips from the field
Highlights
- Yosemite Valley – The heart of the park with El Capitan and Yosemite Falls
- Glacier Point – Unmatched panoramic views of the High Sierra
- Mariposa Grove – Ancient Giant Sequoias
- Tunnel View – The iconic postcard vista
- Mist Trail – Hiking right into the spray of Vernal and Nevada Falls
- Tioga Road – High alpine scenic drive (summer only)
- The Ahwahnee – Historic luxury lodge
- Half Dome – Iconic granite dome (permits required for hiking)
Best activities
- Yosemite is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is premier, ranging from the flat Valley Loop Trail to the strenuous Mist Trail (getting soaked by Vernal Fall) and the epic Half Dome cables route. Rock Climbing here is legendary; even non-climbers enjoy watching pros scale El Capitan from the meadow below.
- Photography is world-class, with Ansel Adams' legacy inspiring amateurs and pros alike at Tunnel View and along the Merced River. In summer, Rafting down the gentle Merced River allows for unique views of the granite walls. Winter Sports at Badger Pass Ski Area offer family-friendly skiing and snowshoeing to Dewey Point for winter vistas. visiting the Giant Sequoias involves peaceful walks among ancient giants.
Practical tips
- Reservations: Crucial for 2025 summer entry. Book 6+ months ahead for lodging inside the park.
- Driving: Gas is available only in El Portal, Crane Flat, and Wawona (none in the Valley). Use turnout lanes to let faster traffic pass.
- Bear Safety: Food storage rules are strict. Use bear lockers; never leave food (or scented items like toothpaste) in your car overnight.
- Cell Service: Spotty to non-existent. Download offline maps.
- Altitude: Valley is 4,000ft, Tuolumne Meadows is 8,600ft. Drink water and take it easy if acclimating.
Photography tips
- Golden Hour is essential here.
- Tunnel View: Best at sunset or during clearing storms.
- Valley View: Sunrise or late afternoon for reflections in the Merced River.
- Glacier Point: Sunset for alpenglow on Half Dome.
- Yosemite Falls: Late morning to early afternoon for rainbows in the spray (spring/early summer).
- Horsetail Fall: Mid-to-late February at sunset for the 'Firefall' effect (requires luck and specific conditions).
- Use a polarizing filter to pop the blue sky against white granite and reduce water glare.
- A wide-angle lens (16-24mm) captures the scale, while a telephoto compresses the layers of ridges.
Keeping it authentic
- Yosemite's authenticity lies in its raw scale — a place where human presence feels insignificant against the geology. While the valley floor can be crowded, true connection is found just a mile up any trail or in the quiet pre-dawn hours. The park's history is deeply tied to the Ahwahneechee people and later conservationists like John Muir, whose spirit still permeates the wilderness. To experience the real Yosemite, one must leave the car and walk into the mist of a waterfall or sit quietly in a meadow. The 'Firefall' phenomenon at Horsetail Fall in February has become famous, but the daily play of light on granite walls is the park's enduring magic.
Culture, customs and safety
Safety notes
Yosemite is wild bear country. Keep all food within arm’s reach or in a locker. Do not approach wildlife.
• Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death; rivers are colder and swifter than they look. Stay back from slippery edges.
• Stay on trails. Scrambling off-trail on granite can be deadly due to loose gravel (‘scree’) on slopes.
• Driving: Watch for wildlife. Chains may be required in winter even with massive snow clearance efforts.
• Hantavirus: Avoid stirring up dust in enclosed rustic cabins or tents (though rare).
