Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, located in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range, covers an area of around 748,436 acres. It was established on October 1, 1890, as the third national park in the United States. Yosemite is renowned for its remarkable granite cliffs, waterfalls, ancient sequoia trees, and diverse plant and animal life.

The park's breathtaking landscapes can be found in its various regions, including Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove. Yosemite Valley, nestled between towering granite walls, offers iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. It is a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and photography enthusiasts.

Visitors can explore the towering Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove, a grove of approximately 500 ancient giant sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. Additionally, Tuolumne Meadows provides a serene landscape with its alpine meadows, rivers, and high-country lakes, attracting backpackers, campers, and hikers seeking a more secluded experience.

Outdoor activities are abundant in Yosemite, with over 750 miles of trails suitable for various skill levels, rock climbing routes for all abilities, and opportunities for camping, fishing, horseback riding, and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

The park's rich history includes the presence of Native Americans, such as the Ahwahneechee, who inhabited the region for thousands of years. European-American presence began during the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century, leading to increased interest in the area. Notable conservationist, John Muir, played a crucial role in advocating for the park's preservation and instrumental in its designation as a national park.

Yosemite's stunning landscapes have inspired numerous artists, photographers, and writers throughout the years. It has been a source of inspiration for legendary photographers such as Ansel Adams, who captured its beauty through his memorable black-and-white images.

Nearby Yosemite National Park, visitors can explore other attractions including the picturesque Tioga Pass, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. The Ansel Adams Gallery, located in Yosemite Village, showcases the iconic photographer's work and offers workshops and classes. The Yosemite Museum exhibits Native American artifacts, providing insight into the park's early inhabitants and their cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Yosemite National Park offers visitors a chance to appreciate nature's grandeur and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in a captivating and historic setting. Its unique landscapes and rich history have positioned it as a significant destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking inspiration from the awe-inspiring beauty of this iconic national park.

Yosemite National Park is situated in the central eastern region of the state of California, within the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It encompasses a vast area of approximately 1,169 square miles, making it one of the largest national parks in the state. Nestled in the heart of the park is the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley, carved out by glaciers and surrounded by towering granite cliffs, including the iconic 3,000-foot-tall El Capitan. The park's elevation ranges from 2,000 to over 13,000 feet, offering a diverse landscape of meadows, waterfalls, and crystal-clear alpine lakes. Additionally, Yosemite National Park is bordered by the Sierra National Forest to the south and the Stanislaus National Forest to the north, enhancing its natural beauty and tranquility.

Address & Contact

PO Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Driving Directions
Phone: 209/372-0200
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park would be during the months of June and September. In June, the average maximum temperature is 82°F and the average minimum temperature is 52°F. The average monthly precipitation is 0.5 in., making it a relatively dry month. Additionally, June has the highest average visitor count, indicating popularity but not overwhelming crowds. In September, the average maximum temperature is 84°F and the average minimum temperature is 51°F. The average monthly precipitation is 0.6 in., slightly higher than in June but still moderate. September also sees a significant visitor count, suggesting a good balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Overall, these two months offer favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities while avoiding large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Yosemite National Park are: Astronomy Food Guided Tours Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Climbing Hiking Boating Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Skiing Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Ice Skating Living History Tubing Snow Tubing Snow Play Snowshoeing Swimming

Topics

Learn about these topics at Yosemite National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Native American Heritage Transportation Tragic Events Floods Cats (wild) Fish Fire River and Riparian Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Unique Species Wilderness Watersheds African American Heritage Painting Photography Asian American Heritage Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Religion and Spirituality Churches Schools and Education Science, Technology and Innovation Women's History Climate Change Foothills, Plains and Valleys Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Grasslands Meadows Lakes Mountains Natural Sounds Astronomy Scenic Views Waterfalls Wetlands

Visitor Centers

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 center is located next to the Yosemite Village Parking and the Village Store in Yosemite Valley (Shuttle Stops 1 & 2.) Get help planning your visit and pick up free trail maps, junior ranger booklets, and more.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Yosemite Valley Welcome Center.

Campsites within or near Yosemite National Park

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 lodgepole pine. At an elevation of 7,200 feet (2,200m) the campground is located 7 miles west of Glacier Point, 9 miles east of the Wawona Road turnoff, and is approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The spectacular views from Glacier Point are nearby, and numerous hiking trails are located along the Glacier Point Road. There are no services nearby.
Fees (US$): 36.00 (Bridalveil Creek Campground Reservation Fee - Non-Group Site), 75.00 (Bridalveil Creek Campground Group Site Fee - Group Site), 50.00 (Bridalveil Creek Campground Stock Site Fee - Stock Site)
Total Campsites: 115
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 and boasts some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,200 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Camp 4 is within biking and walking distance of many services in Yosemite Valley and is located near the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Yosemite Valley Lodge and Yosemite Village.
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 61
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

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 6,200 ft (1,900 m) elevation. There is a gas station and minimal convenience items located nearby at Crane Flat. Trailheads for both the Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are located within a short drive of the campground.
Fees (US$): 36.00 (Crane Flat Campground Reservation Fee – Regular Sites), 60.00 (Crane Flat Campground Reservation Fee - Double Sites)
Total Campsites: 151
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 m), the campground is located along the western edge of the park, 25 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. There is a gas station and minimal convenience items located nearby at Crane Flat. Trailheads for both the Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias are located within a short drive of the campground.
Fees (US$): 36.00 (Hodgdon Meadow Campground Reservation Fee - Non-Group Site (approx. mid-April through mid-October)), 28.00 (Hodgdon Meadow Campground First-Come, First-Served Fee - Non-Group Site (approx. mid-October through mid-April)), 75.00 (Hodgdon Meadow Campground Group Site Fee - Group Site (open approx. mid-April through mid-October))
Total Campsites: 105
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

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 iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Lower Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village.
Fees (US$): 36.00 (Lower Pines Campground Reservation Fee – Regular Sites), 60.00 (Lower Pines Campground Reservation Fee – Double Sites)
Total Campsites: 73
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 iconic features. This campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. North Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village.
Fees (US$): 36.00 (North Pines Campground Reservation Fee - All Sites)
Total Campsites: 80
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 Trailers are not recommended for the narrow roads in this more primitive campground. At an elevation of 8,100 feet (2,500 m) elevation, the campground is near Porcupine Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). The Porcupine Creek Trailhead is nearby. There are no visitor services close to the campground.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Porcupine Flat Campground Fee - All Sites)
Total Campsites: 52
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

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 and is tucked away in the forest 3 miles off Tioga Road. RVs and Trailers are not recommended for this harder to access, and more primitive campground. At an elevation of 6,300 feet (1,900 m) elevation, the campground is near Tamarack Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). There is a gas station nearby at Crane Flat.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Tamarack Flat Campground Fee - All Sites)
Total Campsites: 52
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

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 (2,600 m) this campground is open seasonally and has wonderful summer access to many hikes, lakes, and prominent viewpoints. The campground is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley but a small store, grill, and post office are located nearby in Tuolumne Meadows.
Fees (US$): 36.00 (Tuolumne Meadows Campground Fee - Non Group Site), 75.00 (Tuolumne Meadows Campground Group Site Fee - Group Site), 50.00 (Tuolumne Meadows Campground Stock Site Fee - Stock Site)
Total Campsites: 304
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 iconic features. This large campground is located at 4,000 feet (1,219 m) elevation and can be accessed from all park roads. Upper Pines is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in Yosemite Valley and is located on the free shuttle route. There are food and grocery services nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village.
Fees (US$): 36.00 (Upper Pines Campground Reservation Fee - All Sites)
Total Campsites: 235
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

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 is located in the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is just a short drive away and the Yosemite History Center is in nearby Wawona where you can see some of the park’s oldest structures. Wawona offers a visitor center, hotel, and a market.
Fees (US$): 36.00 (Wawona Campground Reservation Fee - Non-Group Site (approx. mid-April through mid-October)), 28.00 (Wawona Campground First-Come, First-Served Fee - Non-Group Site (approx. mid-October through mid-April)), 75.00 (Wawona Campground Group Site Fee - Group Site)
Total Campsites: 99
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

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 camp is located in the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approximately 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley. The majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is just a short drive away and the Yosemite History Center is right next door where you can see some of the park’s oldest structures. Wawona offers a visitor center, hotel, and a market.
Fees (US$): 50.00 (Wawona Horse Campsites)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 m). The campground is tucked into the forest about a mile from Tioga Road near White Wolf Lodge. Trailheads nearby lead to Lukens and Harden Lakes and the area is popular for those accessing other wilderness destinations. Minimal services may be available at White Wolf Lodge (if open). There are no other visitor services close to the campground.
Fees (US$): 36.00 (White Wolf Campground Fee - All Sites)
Total Campsites: 74
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

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 over an hour from Yosemite Valley. Located in the forest at 7,700 feet (2,300 m) many campsites are close to Yosemite Creek, which is the only water source (must be filtered, treated, or boiled). RVs and Trailers are not recommended for this harder to access, and more primitive campground. There are no visitor services close to the campground.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Yosemite Creek Campground Fee - All Sites)
Total Campsites: 75
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

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 elevation of 8,600 feet. The site is situated along the scenic Tioga Road just eight miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance Station and 55 miles from Yosemite Valley. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas, and so much mo
Fees (US$): 50.00 (Tuolumne Horse Campsites)
Total Campsites: 4
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Yosemite National Park

Yosemite West Scenic Wonders Vacation Rentals

With a stay at Yosemite West Scenic Wonders Vacation Rentals in Yosemite National Park (Yosemite West), you'll be a 1-minute drive from Yosemite National Park and 6 minutes from Sierra National Forest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7540 Henness Circle, Yosemite National Park, California 95389
Web: Link

Yosemite Valley Lodge

With a stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge in Yosemite National Park, you'll be in a national park, just a 4-minute walk from Yosemite Falls and 5 minutes by foot from Cook's Meadow. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, California 93727
Web: Link

Scenic Wonders Alpine Aerie 3 Bedrooms

With a stay at this cabin in Yosemite National Park (Yosemite West), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7306 Yosemite Park Way, Yosemite National Park, California 95389
Web: Link

Scenic Wonders Yosemite Park Place 3 Bedrooms

Located in Yosemite National Park (Yosemite West), this cabin is within a 5-minute drive of Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7507 Yosemite Park Way, Yosemite National Park, California 95389
Web: Link

Curry Village

With a stay at Curry Village in Yosemite National Park, you'll be in a national park, just a 4-minute walk from Merced River and 8 minutes by foot from Yosemite Mountaineering School. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 9010 Curry Village Dr., Yosemite National Park, California 93727
Web: Link

Yosemite Delight-b208

With a stay at this cabin in Yosemite National Park (Yosemite West), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7540 Henness Cr, Yosemite National Park, California 95389
Web: Link

Running Wolf-a104

With a stay at this apartment in Yosemite National Park (Yosemite West), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7540 Henness Cr, Yosemite National Park, California 95389
Web: Link

Cozy Corner Studio-a112

With a stay at this apartment in Yosemite National Park (Yosemite West), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7540 Henness Cr, Yosemite National Park, California 95389
Web: Link

Scenic Wonders El Capitan Loft 3 Bedroom

With a stay at this cabin in Yosemite National Park (Yosemite West), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7306 Buck Brush Lane, Yosemite National Park, California 95389
Web: Link

Scenic Wonders Blue Sky Lodge 3 Bedrooms

With a stay at this cabin in Yosemite National Park (Yosemite West), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest.
Address: 7594 Azalea Lane, Yosemite National Park, California 95289
Web: Link