Yosemite National Park: The Ultimate Guide
Yosemite National Park is my favorite national park of all time and one of the most iconic parks in the world. Yosemite is known for the famous Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. And don't get me wrong, those places are amazing, but there is SO much more to this park that often gets overlooked. Don't do what everyone else is doing — travel to parts of the park that are less explored!
I've been to Yosemite 10+ times and this guide holds map pins and information for all of my favorite hikes, camp spots, hotels, and best places to explore in Yosemite. Use it to craft one big trip, or multiple small trips and choose your own adventure! I've included both the iconic places you have to see (especially if it is your first visit to Yosemite) and also the less touristy spots that you don't want to miss.
View of Nevada Falls on the John Muir Trail
Entrances
Yosemite is a MASSIVE national park and there are multiple entrances into it, so you want to make sure you align the way you get into the park with your plans and what you want to see. The first time I went to Yosemite, we stayed near an entrance that was hours away from a lot of the stuff we wanted to see which was a huge mistake and cost us hours of driving. It isn't fun to finish a 15+ mile hike and then have a 2 1/2 hour drive back to your hotel for the evening! Since the park is so big, you will naturally be driving a lot, but having a rough idea of what you want to see while you're in Yosemite and staying near an entrance relative to that will help make your experience much more seamless.
Hetch Hetchy Entrance
The Hetch Hetchy entrance is the farthest north of all entrances on the west side of the park. This is a quieter area of the park, which only sees 1% of total park visitation. If you're traveling from Northern California, it is possible this is an entrance you'll use.
Hetch Hetchy is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from the valley floor and the road is open only during daylight hours. When the road is closed, there is no access to Hetch Hetchy trailheads.
Big Oak Flat Entrance
If you're driving from Northern California, this is the most direct route into Yosemite. To enter through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east via Manteca, California.
The main town closest to this entrance is Groveland (24 miles away) which is a great spot to grab a hotel or Airbnb for your trip.
Arch Rock Entrance
If you're coming from Northern California, another entrance option is the Arch Rock entrance. When you enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance, your road turns into El Portal Road, which leads you to the valley floor. This entrance is really cool as you have two house-sized boulders situated on either side of the inbound road, which form an archway for visitors to pass through.
The closest town to this entrance is El Portal, which has gas available 24 hours a day, a market, and campgrounds. It is also near the historic town of Mariposa.
South Entrance
The South Entrance is one of the more popular gateways into Yosemite Park, and the one that I use most frequently. If you are traveling from southern California or LAX, this is your closest entrance. The closest town to the park entrance on this route is Fish Camp, but I often stay in Oakhurst which has a ton of gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Tioga Pass Entrance
If you're coming from Lake Tahoe, Vegas or Death Valley area (anywhere east) this is the entrance to use. However, this entrance is only open May-October (depending on snow) and usually closes in November. It if is closed, your best bet is to drive toward the South Entrance.
Where To Stay
Spring Cove Campground located near Bass Lake
Campgrounds:
Getting a campsite in Yosemite National Park is extremely difficult and competitive. If you are lucky enough to get a campground in the park, you can't be picky, so I'd recommend just taking a site at whatever campground you can get. However, I have listed two below that I've stayed at in the area, including one right outside the South entrance.
Upper Pines Campground
Upper Pines is located near the Merced River in Yosemite Valley, which is centrally located in the park and gives you easy access to some of Yosemite’s most iconic features. The campground is within biking and walking distance of many services and trailheads in the Valley. There are also food and grocery services within walking/biking distance nearby at Curry Village and Yosemite Village.
Getting a campsite here is extremely difficult but if you are able to find availability, I highly recommend staying here! It is one of the top campgrounds in the park, if not the best! You can make a reservation here.
Summerdale Campground
Summerdale Campground is located just 1.5 miles from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. It is a great campground option for those who want to camp but are unable to get a campsite inside the park. I stayed here in 2018 when I summited Half Dome and had a great experience, especially because of how close it is to the entrance which made waking up early for hiking easy.
It is a small campground with only 29-sites and is located in a meadow surrounded by fir, cottonwood and cedar trees. Because there are limited sites and it is so close to Yosemite, I highly recommend booking early to secure your spot. You can make a reservation here.
Spring Cove Campground
Spring Cove Campground is located across the street from Bass Lake in Oakhurst, which is a few minute drive from the South Entrance of Yosemite. This campground has 61 campsites in a mixed forest which provides ample shade. Because of narrow roads, short parking spurs, and sharp turns, the campground is best suited for tents or small RVs.
I stayed here with friends during the summer of 2023 and had a great time! If you want to explore Bass Lake and Yosemite during your trip, and are up for camping, this is a great home base. You can make a reservation here.
Hotels:
Selecting a hotel for your trip to Yosemite will depend on two major factors: what entrance will you be entering the park from (refer to the 'entrances' list I listed above to determine this) and what you want to explore while you're there (which depends on how much time you have).
Hotels In Yosemite National Park:
The Ahwahnee
This historic landmark hotel dates back to 1927 and is set on a valley floor with views of Half Dome, Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls. It's 1.5 miles from Yosemite Village. If you want to stay at a hotel in the park, this is the best of the best! You can make a reservation here.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Yosemite Valley Lodge is a good choice for families and large groups. Its close proximity to Yosemite Falls which makes it the perfect base camp for exploring the valley and surrounding area. Yosemite Valley Lodge includes 245 available accommodations with rooms ranging from traditional, family size, and ADA accessible options. You can make a reservation here.
Wawona Hotel
This hotel is close to the South Entrance. It is 27 miles from the valley and is near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center. You can make a reservation here.
Hotels near Big Oak Flat Entrance:
Hotel Charlotte
Hotel Charlotte is a great option for those who love historic buildings and are planning to enter Yosemite from the Big Oak Flat entrance. This historic old-west boutique hotel is right in the heart of downtown Groveland where there are a ton of bars and restaurants, including the 'Iron Door Saloon' which was built sometime before 1852.
The hotel is located 30-minutes from the Big Oak Flat entrance and is less than 5-minutes away from Pine Mountain Lake. All rooms include Wifi. You can make a reservation here.
Yosemite Westgate Lodge
If you're looking to stay somewhere a bit more modern, check out Yosemite Westgate Lodge. This hotel is a bit closer to the Big Oak Flat entrance while still being extremely close to the center of Groveland. You can make a reservation here.
Hotels near South Entrance:
Tenaya at Yosemite
Tenaya at Yosemite is one of the closest hotel option to the South Entrance and it is an absolutely stunning hotel. It is located 8 minutes away from the South Entrance and a little over an hour away from the valley floor.
Tenaya at Yosemite offer three different types of accommodations including lodges, cottages, and cabins. If you want to be as close as possible to the south entrance, I'd recommend staying here. You can make a reservation here.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst-Yosemite Park Area
This hotel is located in Oakhurst and is 25 minutes away from the South Entrance and 1 hour and 20 minutes from the valley floor. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, gym and free WiFi. Plus a continental breakfast is available daily. It is a great, affordable option for those interested in staying near the South Entrance (which is the entrance I usually use when visiting Yosemite). You can make a reservation here.
Hotels near Arch Rock Entrance:
AutoCamp Yosemite
Set in Midpines near the Arch Rock Entrance, AutoCamp Yosemite offers luxury airstreams, cabins, and glamping tents situated in a beautiful forest. All accommodation come with access to bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and free WiFi. There is a kitchen serving hot and prepared meal options (and pre-packed s'mores kits!), a bar with happy hour, and complimentary granola. You can make a reservation here.
Hikes
The ridge at Clouds Rest
I've been to Yosemite 10+ times and have done a fair amount of hiking in the park. These are my absolute favorite hikes that I'd recommend to anyone going there for the first time. Several of them are off-the-beaten-path a bit and lesser known hikes, while some of them are more popular meaning more crowds (but shouldn't be missed!).
Clouds Rest
Clouds Rest is an amazing hike and while popular, it is not a hike that often becomes crowded due to its length and how far northeast it is in the park. The summit, which sits at roughly 1,000 feet above Half Dome, gives you 360-degree panoramic views of many Yosemite landmarks including Tenaya Lake, Half Dome, Mt. Hoffman, Sentinel Dome, North Dome, and bits of Cathedral Rocks and El Capitan, plus Merced Lake.
You can hike to Clouds Rest from many starting points throughout the park, including from the valley floor, but my recommendation is to start the hike at the Sunrise Trailhead near Tenaya Lake. Here you'll find a large parking lot and several bathrooms. This trailhead is off the Tioga Road so make sure the road is open before you head out (roughly June through October). Plus, after you've finished your hike, you can stop at Tenaya Lake (just a few feet off the trail) and take a refreshing swim!
This hike is 12.5 miles, has 2,700 feet of elevation and is rated strenuous. Be prepared with 3 – 4 liters of water and sunscreen. Also if it has rained recently definitely permethrin for your clothes and strong bug spray so you don’t get eaten alive. A mosquito net may even be helpful to have on hand just to be extra prepared. Depending on the rainfall, there may be a few river crossings as well so your hiking shoes will get wet but don't worry, they'll dry fast.
Upper Yosemite Falls
The Upper Yosemite Falls hike is an incredible hike that I've done multiple times both in summer and winter. Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in the continental US, dropping 2,425 feet to the bottom of the valley from the top.
This hike consists of three sections: upper falls, middle cascade, and lower falls. If you're strapped for time, you could make this hike short and only go to lower falls or middle cascade, but if you have the time I recommend going all the way to Upper Falls where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, and the valley.
This hike is out-and-back and about 8 miles, with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. It starts near the famous Camp 4 and quickly ascends along multiple switchbacks through the trees.
Nevada Falls
The Nevada Falls hike is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite because it passes by three major waterfalls in the park: Mist Falls, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls. Because it is so popular, the beginning of the trail is often packed! But don't get overwhelmed -- as you continue on there are less and less people (usually once you get past Vernal Falls).
Nevada Fall is a 594-foot high waterfall on the Merced River located below granite dome, Liberty Cap, at the west end of Little Yosemite valley. The hike is about 7-miles roundtrip and is one of Yosemite's signature hikes. You can do it as an out and back or take the John Muir trail down from the top of Nevada Falls which will loop you back at the beginning of the Mist Trail.
The best time to hike this trail is in Spring or early Summer, while the snow runoff is high and the falls are full of water.
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point
This 5.1 mile loop is rated easy and reward you with hitting two top lookout points in Yosemite: Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. You'll get a 360-degree view of the park at Sentinel Dome and hike to an expanse on the south rim of Yosemite Valley, getting a close view of El Capitan and Yosemite Valley, at Taft Point.
Things To See
Tenaya Lake
Glacier Point
Glacier Point is an iconic viewpoint above Yosemite Valley. It sits at an elevation of 7,214 feet, 3,200 feet above Half Dome Village. You can hike to this viewpoint from the valley floor and climb the 6,400 feet of elevation change or you can drive here via Glacier Point Road (which I prefer to do). The path to the viewpoint is paved and much of it is wheelchair accessible.
I recommend coming here for either sunrise or sunset, though sunset will be much more crowded so if you're able to wake up early enough try to experience it during sunrise!
Tenaya Lake
Tenaya Lake is an alpine lake located between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. The lake basin was formed by glacial action, which left a backdrop of light granite rocks, making it a beautiful place to spend a few hours relaxing and taking in all the views. It is a popular place for picnicking, swimming, and canoeing, and there is plenty of parking nearby on Tioga Road.
The lake is located in Tuolumne, which is a lesser-traveled part of the park, making it not crowded and giving you a chance to really enjoy peace and nature.
I recommend stopping here after you've completed your Clouds Rest hike for a post-hike swim, or driving here to spend an afternoon swimming and enjoying a picnic.
El Capitan Meadow
A lot of people drive by the El Cap meadow and admire it from their car window, or park and take a quick picture in it and then drive away. But one of my FAVORITE activities to do whenever I'm in Yosemite is to bring a bottle of wine (or two), some snacks, a picnic blanket, and binoculars and spend some time sitting in the meadow. Pour yourself a glass of wine, have some snacks, and use your binoculars to look for rock climbers climbing the famous El Cap. They're tough to spot but it is so rewarding once you do find them!
I recommend doing this near the end of your day, about 2-hours prior to sunset. You won't regret it!
Note: if you forget to pack yourself wine and you're already in the park, you can usually find some for sale at Curry Village which is right near the meadow.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is a must stop for any first time visit to Yosemite! Find it just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41. No hiking is required, you simply park at one of the lots and make your way to the vista. This spot can be very popular in summer, so try to arrive early (sunrise or shortly after is recommended).
From this vista you can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. This vista changes with each season to show something new but the best times to see Tunnel View are early spring (when Bridalveil Fall is at peak flow) and winter, when the beautiful granite domes are draped in snow and mist.
Bass Lake
Bass Lake is not located in Yosemite, but it is a short drive outside the South Entrance in Oakhurst and somewhere I visit whenever I go to the park!
Bass Lake is a 5-mile-long lake surrounded by beautiful pine trees and mountains. The water reaches temperatures near 80 degrees during the summer months which make it ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. I love to paddle board here. It is also a great spot to bring the family. If you don't have your own boat, there are several companies surrounding the lake where you can rent one or any other equipment you need to spend time out on the water.
If your trip allows for it, spend an afternoon here swimming and relaxing.
