Do you need a car in Yosemite?

You can drive your car into and around Yosemite, although some roads are closed from around November through May/June and tire chains may be required on open roads from around October through April (depending on conditions). You can use public transportation to get to and around Yosemite all year.



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Reservations are not required to visit Yosemite National Park. As always, we strongly recommend that you make a reservation if you plan to stay overnight in Yosemite.

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There are a few options for how you can explore Yosemite National Park once you arrive. You can access the park with your own car and use that to get around. Or you can drive into the Valley in your own vehicle but then opt to take the park shuttle buses to various trailheads and lookouts.

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The average trip duration for Yosemite tourists Most Yosemite visitors stay between three to four days. After all, there is so much to do and see! Even if you're coming to Yosemite for a specific purpose like a wedding, it's more than worth it to extend your trip.

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Where should you stay while visiting Yosemite? If you want to be close to the best hikes and viewpoints in the park, try to stay in Yosemite Valley. If you're looking for something outside of the park, the El Portal area is a fantastic option.

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May through September is the most popular time in Yosemite These months correspond with the best weather and are also when all the roads, trails, lodging, shuttles and attractions in the park are open. That includes its most famous drive, Tioga Rd, a 64-mile-long scenic byway that closes when the snow begins to fall.

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The park entrance fee is $35 per car (valid for seven consecutive days).

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The short answer is absolutely! Of all the places we have been in the world, there are few that rival the natural beauty of Yosemite. It is with good reason that the park is world famous.

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However, two days will be enough time for one great hike (the best way to see Yosemite) and a few other glimpses into what this 1,200 square-mile UNESCO World Heritage site and natural wonder reveals to visitors.

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One of the most popular routes is Tioga Pass, a 54-mile drive that connects two entrances on opposite sides of the park. If you drive straight through, Tioga Pass takes about an hour and a half, but we highly recommend taking your time and making some stops.

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Yosemite is about 170 miles away from San Francisco and about a 4-hour drive. So, we recommend starting your day as early as 5 AM or 6 AM to have full experience in the park. If you prefer to sleep in while on vacation, something we're all guilty of, you can easily book a hotel.

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Reservations are not required to visit Yosemite National Park. As always, we strongly recommend that you make a reservation if you plan to stay overnight in Yosemite. The park entrance fee is $35 per car (valid for seven consecutive days).

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