Yosemite National Park
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Trip length
- 4–7 days
- Budget
- $300–$1,200
- per person · excl. airfare
- Best months
- May–Oct
Park entrance: $35 (Entrance - Private Vehicle) · source: NPS
Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.
Highlights
- Granite giants — El Capitan & Half Dome
- Waterfalls peaking in late spring
- High-country lakes on the Tioga Road
Photos
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective licences.
Map
Trails (5)· Moderate
- View →North Dome TrailRepresentative4.5 mi1,345 ft gainModerate~2.2 h
- View →Old Tioga RoadRepresentative3.2 mi1,148 ft gainModerate~1.6 h
- View →Glen Aulin - May Lake TrailRepresentative3.1 mi1,001 ft gainModerate~1.5 h
- View →Ten Lakes TrailRepresentative2.7 mi1,483 ft gainModerate~1.6 h
- View →Lukens Lake TrailRepresentative1.7 mi535 ft gainModerate~0.8 h
Getting there
- FAT Fresno Yosemite Intl · 75 mi
- RNO Reno-Tahoe Intl · 115 mi
- SMF Sacramento Intl · 125 mi
Straight-line distances to nearby airports. Airfare and drive times are not included.
Permits & access
Quota / lottery permit
Wilderness permit (lottery) required for overnight; Half Dome day-use permit; peak-season day-use reservations may apply — confirm current rules on the official site.