YOSEMITE TIPS

There's no shortage of one-of-a-kind nature experiences inside Yosemite National Park. We've shared some of our favorites below.

Before you dive in, it's important to know that the park has again implemented mandatory entrance reservations for certain peak-traffic days in 2024. See below. Tickets to enter YNP on these days will sell out, esp. Fridays and Saturdays, so we recommend reserving ASAP (they're just $2).

Apr 13 to Jun 30: Weekends & holidays only
Jul 1 to Aug 16: Daily
Aug 17 to Oct 27: Weekends & holidays only

Nothing available for your dates? You still have options:

Take the YARTS shuttle (These sell out too from the nearby Mariposa Park N Ride stop, so book early)
Arrive before 5am or after 4pm
Book with a guided tour operator, such as Wildland Trekking
Visit Hetch Hetchy, a gorgeous section of the national park that doesn't require reservations
Explore the natural beauty & activities outside the park, such as Briceburg, Hite Cove, and Bass Lake. Contact us for tips!

HIKING

Easy: Take the flat Mirror Lake trail to the lake and a Half Dome reflection view
Moderate: Nothing beats the Mist Falls Trail in waterfall season to Nevada Falls (& the John Muir trail to loop back down)
Challenging: If it's a one-of-a-kind stair-master hike with a view you're seeking, try Yosemite Falls before late summer.

VIEWS

Tunnel View: Don't miss one of the most famous views of the park (pictured above)
Glacier Point: The long drive to this viewpoint is worth it to see the valley from above
Sentinel Meadow: Make a quick stop on the loop road to wander the valley floor with views of Yosemite Falls

PICNICS

Meadow: We love to bring a picnic to the meadow at the base of El Capitan, right beside the river
Beach: Bring your favorite snacks to Sentinel Beach for impressive river and waterfall views

FAMILY

Biking: Rent bikes or bring your own and cruise the very scenic (and flat) bike paths connecting the major views
Tram Tour: The National Park operates a 2-hour valley floor tour year-round, led by a ranger and great for kids.
Pool: If the river's too cold, bring the kids to the park's 3 swimming pools (Memorial to Labor Day)
Museum: Check out the park museum and adjacent movie theater at Yosemite Village
Ice Rink: In winter months, check out the park's very unique ice skating rink at Curry Village (Nov.-March)

ITINERARIES

Contact us after you book and we'll provide tips based on the season and length of stay. For example, in summertime, you'll want to avoid the crowds and traffic. During fall, you'll want the best locations for golden leaves. When winter comes, we recommend the tram tour, ice rink, museum, Mirror Lake hike, and photography by the Merced river. For spring, it's all about the waterfalls.

SHUTTLES

Ditch the car in Mariposa and shuttle to the park! Some tips for going car-free:

YARTS picks up 2 miles from Wildhaven
$24 round trip. Discounted fares for 5-17 and 62+. 5 & under are free.
No separate park entrance reservation required, but shuttle seats do sell out (reserve now!)
Visit their site for times and rates