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.

Most of Yosemite is covered in snow during winter. Before planning a wilderness trip during this time, please ensure you're prepared for winter conditions. Wilderness permits are required all year. You can get a wilderness permit the day before or day you intend to start your hike at the permit issuing station nearest the trailhead.

Yosemite Valley Duration: 3 minutes, 6 seconds Each year, Yosemite National Park welcomes over four million visitors. If you are planning to visit Yosemite, plan ahead and arrive early. In summer, expect extended traffic delays and extremely limited parking. Expect delays of an hour or more at entrance stations and two to three hours in Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite National Park, Public Domain “It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.” —John Muir Found on the west slope of the central Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, Yosemite National Park preserves an area of outstanding scenic beauty and great wilderness value.

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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. Maps Driving times and mileages to Yosemite Driving times within Yosemite Winter road closures ...

First-come, first-served: None Closed: Bridalveil Creek, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Tuolumne Meadows View estimated opening and closing dates in 2026 for all campgrounds. Reservations are available up to five months in advance and are strongly recommended. If you don't have a reservation, get details about camping without a reservation.

Entrance Reservations Yosemite National Park today announced it will no longer use a timed reservation system in 2026. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.

All park entrances (except Hetch Hetchy) are open 24 hours per day. America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Passes do cover park entrance fees (but not reservation requirements or fees if they are in place).

Yosemite has 10 campgrounds that can accommodate RVs and trailers (including fifth wheels) of varying lengths. If you plan to spend the night in your RV, you must be in a designated standard or RV campsite—you can't park in a parking lot, along the side of the road, or in a tent-only campsite.