Yosemite National Park
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Yosemite National Park

Granite cathedrals, waterfalls and the most photographed valley in America.

Arrival airport
FAT
Airport drive
2 h 30 min · estimate
Suggested stay
3–5 days
Reservation demand
High · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
Standard cars are fine for summer, but check rental contracts for restrictions on the steep, winding mountain passes; RVs over 40 feet have restricted access to certain roads.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Yosemite National Park

Know before you go

Valley Floor Congestion

Parking in Yosemite Valley often fills by 9 AM during peak season. Park once at Yosemite Village or Curry Village and utilize the free shuttle to move between trailheads.

Disconnected Wilderness

Expect very limited to no cellular service throughout the park, including the High Country. Print or download essential maps and reservation QR codes before leaving gateway towns like Oakhurst or Groveland.

High Country Fuel

No fuel is available in Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows. Refuel before entering the high country; check current service information for Crane Flat and Wawona before relying on either station.

Waterfall Peak

Waterfall volume peaks in May and June with the spring snowmelt. By late August, Yosemite Falls may be a trickle or completely dry depending on the previous winter's snowpack.

Winter Chains

Tire chains may be required on any park road at any time during the winter months, regardless of vehicle type. Check the current chain control status via the official park road line before entering the mountains.

Check current conditions:Yosemite National Park Official Site

2RVs, campervans & cars near FAT

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
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Flights to FAT

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at FAT
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at FAT

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at FAT
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at FAT
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at FAT

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at FAT
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Yosemite National Park

  1. 01

    Introduction to the Granite Cathedral

    Suggested: 8 AM from Oakhurst

    • Tunnel View

      Capture the classic vista of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall from this historic viewpoint.

    • Mariposa Grove

      Walk among over 500 mature giant sequoias, including the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.

    Allow 3 to 4 hours including the Wawona Road transit; traffic may delay arrival

    Access to Mariposa Grove requires a seasonal shuttle from the Welcome Center; check operations before heading to the grove.

    Pick up your vehicle at FAT →
  2. 02

    Waterfalls and Valley Vistas

    Suggested: 7:30 AM from Yosemite Valley

    • Mist Trail

      Climb the stone stairs to the brink of Vernal Fall for close-up views of the powerful Merced River descent.

    • Lower Yosemite Fall

      Take the easy loop trail to stand at the base of North America's tallest waterfall system.

    Use the Valley Shuttle; allow 5 to 7 hours for hiking and transit

    The Mist Trail is extremely wet in spring; footwear with good traction is essential for the granite steps.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    High Country and Alpine Meadows

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Yosemite Village

    • Glacier Point

      Look down 3,200 feet into Yosemite Valley for an aerial perspective of the High Sierra and Half Dome.

    • Olmsted Point

      View the northern side of Half Dome and Tenaya Lake from the boulders along Tioga Road.

    Allow 5 to 6 hours round trip; these roads are seasonal and weather-dependent

    Glacier Point and Tioga Roads typically open in late May or June and close with the first significant snow in autumn.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · High demand

2026 Entry and Separate Stay Reservations

Yosemite does not require an entrance reservation in 2026; the standard entrance fee still applies. Check NPS for requirements in other years and for separate activity permits. Reservations for in-park lodging and campgrounds are managed through separate official portals and typically fill months in advance.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

FATYosemite National Park

Fresno Yosemite International Airport · 2 h 30 min drive

Find flights to FAT

Plan your road trip

From Fresno Yosemite International Airport

2 h 30 min

about 93 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Yosemite National Park

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RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Yosemite National Park on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

RV parks near Yosemite National Park on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Yosemite National Park

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Yosemite National Park

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Viator

Tours & experiences near Yosemite National Park

Explore guided activities around Yosemite National Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Yosemite National Park

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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