Yosemite National Park, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and iconic landmarks. Towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests characterize its landscape, drawing millions of visitors each year. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, camping, and wildlife viewing, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its pristine wilderness. Yosemite's cultural and historical significance, as well as its association with conservation pioneers like John Muir and Ansel Adams, further enhances its allure, making it a cherished destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Yosemite Valley, the park's centerpiece, showcases some of its most famous attractions, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Visitors can explore scenic viewpoints, meandering trails, and serene picnic areas while soaking in the awe-inspiring beauty of the valley. With its rich biodiversity, geological wonders, and timeless landscapes, Yosemite National Park offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking to connect with nature and marvel at its grandeur.
KNOW BEFOREHAND
Nearest Airport: There are actually a few different airports, all within similar driving distances of each other. We'd recommend searching flight info for each one to find the best deal!
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Best time to go: Yosemite National Park experiences a diverse range of weather and climate conditions due to its varied topography and elevation changes.
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Yosemite as the waterfalls are at their peak flow, especially in May. The weather is mild, and the park is lush and green with blooming wildflowers. However, some higher elevation trails may still be snow-covered in early spring.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Yosemite, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. All roads and facilities are typically open, and most hiking trails are accessible. However, the park can be crowded during this time, especially in popular areas like Yosemite Valley.
Fall is another excellent time to visit Yosemite, with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning fall foliage. But waterfalls can be relatively dry after the summers dry season. September is particularly pleasant, with comfortable weather and fewer visitors compared to the summer months.
Winter brings snow to Yosemite, transforming the park into a winter wonderland. While some areas of the park may be inaccessible due to snow closures, visitors can enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Yosemite Valley is usually open year-round, offering a quieter and more serene experience during the winter months.
Our recommendation though, would be some time between late winter and late spring as this will help reduce crowds and peak season pricing and you'll have flowing waterfalls and lush greenery.
Transportation: Since this is a road trip itinerary, a rental car will be needed. We've compiled this itinerary in a way that would start and finish at one of the San Francisco Bay Area airports listed above, all of which have car rentals available. So this would be our recommendation, but if you would prefer other modes of transportation, feel free!
OVERVIEW
Total mileage: 600 miles (965km)
Total drive-time: 12 hours
Estimated cost: $500-$3,000 (This estimate is largely based on the cost of accommodations, gas and meals. Outside of the park entry fee, all of the activities are free or low-cost. The largest factor will be accommodation. Staying at a campground will significantly decrease your overall cost, while staying at a hotel or lodge each night will significantly increase your cost.
Accommodations:
The hotels and accommodations in this itinerary were hand-picked by us. We tried to provide alternative options where possible to offer both family-friendly and pet-friendly options. If our options do not fit your needs, we know there are other options along the route that should fit your needs.
Food & Drinks
While there are hotel and Airbnb accommodations in this itinerary, much of it is geared towards spending time in the National Park. We are mostly excluding meals from the itinerary, and would recommend either planning to pack or make your own food, or search nearby restaurant options in or around the park. From our experience, there are a number of decent dining options inside the park, but they can be pricey for the quality of food, so we've also tried to include a few options just outside the park as well for alternative options.
National Park Fee
Standard entrance fees range from $20-$35 depending on vehicle type, with $35 being for a standard vehicle. During certain times of year, like February when the natural Firefall phenomenon is occurring, and during peak summer months, there may be additional timed entry reservations that are required. We'd recommend double checking the Yosemite National Park website to verify.
