Entrances
Arch Rock Entrance· Start here
Visitors arriving from Merced, Mariposa and much of the Bay Area
CA Highway 140 / El Portal Road, immediately east of El Portal, California · The usual direct approach to Yosemite Valley; often congested.
Big Oak Flat Entrance
Visitors arriving via Groveland or heading toward Crane Flat/Tioga Road
CA Highway 120, east of Groveland and west of Crane Flat, California · Not necessarily a shortcut to Yosemite Valley during holiday traffic.
South Entrance
Visitors arriving from Fresno or the southern San Joaquin Valley
CA Highway 41, near Fish Camp/Oakhurst, California · Practical entrance for Wawona and Mariposa Grove before Yosemite Valley.
Tioga Pass Entrance
Visitors arriving from Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes and US 395
CA Highway 120 at Tioga Pass, west of Lee Vining, California · Seasonal eastern entrance; verify Tioga Road status before committing to this route.
Hetch Hetchy Entrance
Visitors accessing Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and its trails
Hetch Hetchy Road via Evergreen Road/Mather, California · Does not access Yosemite Valley; no public transport, and the access road is open only sunrise to sunset.
4726 Mariposa Grv Trl, Fish Camp, CA 93623, USA
Getting there
Car
CA Highway 140 / El Portal Road · Arch Rock Entrance
Most direct western approach from Merced and Mariposa; continue directly toward Yosemite Valley.
Car
CA Highway 120 · Big Oak Flat Entrance
Western approach via Groveland, useful for Crane Flat and Tioga Road when open.
Car
CA Highway 41 · South Entrance
Best approach from Fresno/Oakhurst; use for Wawona and Mariposa Grove.
Bus
YARTS · Yosemite Valley
Car-free service from Fresno, Merced/Mariposa, Sonora/Groveland and, seasonally, the eastern Sierra; Yosemite entrance fees are not included.
Car
CA Highway 120 · Tioga Pass Entrance
Eastern approach from Lee Vining/US 395; normally closed by snow from roughly November into late May or June.
At the door
Step 1
Choose the correct approach and check road conditions
Do not rely blindly on GPS around or inside the park; Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road are seasonal, and weather can affect all routes.
Step 2
Drive or walk through an entrance station
All entrances except Hetch Hetchy are open 24 hours, though staffed booths and road conditions vary.
Step 3
Show a qualifying pass or pay the entrance fee
Yosemite is cashless: use a major credit card or mobile payment, or arrive with a digital Recreation.gov pass. There is no general vehicle-entry reservation for 2026.
Step 4
Carry ID when using a named/eligibility-based product
Bring photo ID with an America the Beautiful pass; Half Dome hikers must carry the named permit-holder or alternate's photo ID and permit confirmation for the Subdome check.
Step 5
Park once in Yosemite Valley
In peak season, aim to reach Valley parking before 8 a.m. Entrance waits can exceed an hour, and Valley traffic can add two to three hours.
Bags & what’s allowed
Fine
- Daypacks and ordinary personal items
- Food and coolers for daytime use, provided food remains within arm's reach while hiking or picnicking
Not allowed
- Leaving food in a vehicle overnight
- Leaving food unattended while hiking or picnicking
No luggage storage is available in Yosemite. Overnight wilderness users need an approved bear-resistant canister for food and scented items.
Source: nps.gov
Accessibility
- Step-free access
- Partly
- Lifts
- No
Yosemite Valley has accessible parking, restrooms, visitor facilities and shuttle service, but much of the park has uneven surfaces, granite steps, slopes and long distances. The accessible Big Trees Loop in Mariposa Grove is a 0.3-mile wide, level trail/boardwalk from the Arrival Area. When operating, a free accessible shuttle connects the Welcome Plaza and Arrival Area; visitors with a disability placard may drive Mariposa Grove Road when it is seasonally open. Check current trail and road status before travel.
Source: nps.gov
Parking
- Yosemite Village parkingRecommended early-day base for a Yosemite Valley visit; park once rather than moving between sights.
- Yosemite Falls / Yosemite Valley Lodge parkingAlternative Valley parking area for the Lower Yosemite Fall and Cook's Meadow area; arrive before 8 a.m. in peak season.