Yosemite National Park Vacation Guide

If you're planning a Yosemite vacation, these resources will help you plan your trip like a pro.

Yosemite National Park is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, on the east side of California. Almost due east of San Francisco, it's a four-hour drive from there and about six hours' drive from Los Angeles. All the ways to get there, from San Francisco, are summarized in this guide: how to get to Yosemite.

What to Expect at Yosemite

Yosemite's heart is a glacier-carved valley. Soaring granite monoliths, cliffs, and waterfalls surround you—and a river runs through the middle of it all. Mile for mile, it offers some of the most spectacular scenery you're likely to see anywhere. Elsewhere in the park, you'll find groves of giant sequoia trees, high mountain meadows, and panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.

Visitors go to Yosemite National Park for the natural beauty and outdoor recreation. You don't have to be a hyper-fit backpacker to enjoy it. There are plenty of things to see on short, easy hikes or even from the windows of your automobile. Families also enjoy taking the kids there.

How Long to Stay on Your Vacation

You can get a nice look around in just one day. To make the most of such a short visit, use this guide to one day in Yosemite. If you can stay for a weekend, try the Yosemite weekend getaway planner.

If you only plan to do a few hikes and drive around to see the sights, three days is enough to see most everything. If you'd like to linger, you'll have time to enjoy more ranger-led activities, attend evening programs, take tours, and hang around enjoying the scenery.

Key Locations in Yosemite National Park

The best way to get a sense of where things are located is to take a look at the Yosemite map. It shows all the lodging in the park, entrance stations, and major sights, but here's a summary:

• Yosemite Valley: Sights to include are El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, and the visitor center. You'll find a variety of hotels here, plus a campground and tent cabins.
• Glacier Point: A viewpoint just above the Valley, giving a different perspective on its sights—along with sweeping views across the surrounding mountains and a great view of Half Dome.
• Wawona and the Mariposa Grove: Located here is the classic hotel Wawona Lodge, and the biggest and most easily accessible grove of giant sequoia trees is nearby.
• Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road: Drive east through the park on CA Highway 120, which takes you through a high mountain meadow and the Tioga Pass. You'll get some excellent views along the way at Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake.
• Hetch Hetchy: Accessed by a separate entrance from the rest of the park, Hetch Hetchy's main feature is a lake, created as a water supply for the city of San Francisco.

How to Support Yosemite and Save Money

The non-profit group Yosemite Conservancy restores trails and lookouts and protects habitat and wildlife. Get a membership before you go, and you'll not only support their work, but you'll also get a bunch of discount coupons that will save you money on lodging, food, and activities. Visit their website to find out more.