Where to base yourself
Yosemite Valley. The best base by far — you wake up among the sights. Lodging ranges from The Ahwahnee to Yosemite Valley Lodge and the tent cabins of Curry Village, and it books out months ahead.
El Portal (Highway 140). Motels and lodges along the river just outside the Arch Rock entrance, about 30 minutes from the valley floor.
Groveland and Buck Meadows (Highway 120). Convenient if you arrive from San Francisco; 45 minutes to an hour from the valley.
Oakhurst and Fish Camp (Highway 41). The widest choice of rooms, near Mariposa Grove; allow 60 to 90 minutes to reach the valley.
Food & drink
Eating in the park means cafeterias, a pizza deck, a grill and a village store with groceries, plus the grand dining room of The Ahwahnee, where dinner reservations are advisable. Choice is limited and queues are long at midday in summer, so bring picnic food from a gateway town. Refill water bottles at the taps around the valley.
Money-saving and safety tips
- If your trip includes three or more national parks, buy the America the Beautiful annual pass at the entrance gate instead of paying each fee.
- Black bears are active throughout the park. Never leave food, cool boxes or scented items in a car overnight — use the metal food lockers provided.
- Rivers and waterfalls are the park’s biggest danger. Stay behind railings and out of fast water, especially in spring.
- The valley is at 1,200 m (4,000 ft) and Glacier Point at 2,200 m (7,200 ft). Carry water, sun protection and a warm layer whatever the season.
- Fill the tank before you enter, and expect delays for roadworks on the park’s roads in summer.
Sample plans
One day
- Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall on the way in
- Walk to Lower Yosemite Fall
- El Capitan Meadow and a picnic by the Merced River
- Valley View at sunset
Two days
- Day one as above
- Morning hike on the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
- Afternoon drive to Glacier Point when the road is open
Three days
- Days one and two as above
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Or, in summer, a day on Tioga Road to Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows
Where to stay in Yosemite
Rooms inside the park put you minutes from the trailheads and are worth the premium; book them as early as possible. Otherwise choose the gateway on the road you will arrive by and expect a drive of 30 to 90 minutes each morning.
