Plan Your Visit

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. Learn how to best prepare for your visit to Yosemite.

Top Trip Planning Tips

Plan Ahead

A reservation is not required to enter Yosemite in 2026. The park entrance fee still applies when you arrive. We strongly recommend that you make a reservation for lodging, camping, and backpacking.
Pack your Patience and be Flexible

Millions of people visit Yosemite from April through October. Yosemite Valley is the main destination for most visitors but there are many places to go in the park.
Early Birds Avoid Traffic!

From spring through fall, arrive in the park before or after peak hours (before 9 am and after 5 pm) to avoid delays and traffic congestion. It's a good idea to see check current conditions to check road status including what road construction may be happening in the park during your visit.
Download and Install our Free Park App Before you Get Here

Be sure to follow prompts for downloading offline content. Cell service in the park is limited, and you'll want to have content available on your phone so it's accessible anywhere in the park.
Keep Wildlife Wild

Do not approach or feed animals (or let them approach you). Getting close to park animals can have negative results for both you and them. Squirrels and deer injure far more people in Yosemite than bears and mountain lions. Being close to wildlife also exposes you to diseases. So, respect wildlife from a distance. Always practice proper food storage and follow speed limits.
Enjoy Rivers and Waterfalls Safely

Make smart decisions around Yosemite's waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. If you're thinking of cooling off or crossing a river or creek, choose a place with calm water. Look downstream to see where you'll go if you get swept away by hidden currents: if it's into rapids or over a waterfall, choose a safer place. Stay back from swiftly flowing water: a slip on wet (or even dry) rock is all it takes to get swept away.
Be Prepared for your Adventure

Going for a hike or climb? Great! Plan ahead and be sure you're prepared. Bring appropriate footwear and clothing for various conditions, plenty of water and food, a headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries), and a good map and compass. Be sure someone knows where you're going and when you plan to return so they can let us know where to look for you if you fail to return.
Plan Ahead Before Packing your Pet

Pets are allowed in Yosemite on leashes and in most campgrounds, but they are not allowed on most trails. Sometimes these furry family members are best left at home. Find out what you can (and can’t) do with your pet.
Prepare to Disconnect

Cellular service is limited. Don’t be surprised if you can’t receive calls or texts in the park.
Drive responsibly

Observe posted speed limits and use pullouts to take pictures and let other cars pass.
Tips for a Fun Visit

Learn how to visit Yosemite in a way that is fun, memorable, and safe.

Current Wait Times

Basic Information

Entrance fees, weather forecasts, hours of operation and more.
Planifique Su Visita

Obtenga más información sobre cómo planificar una visita a Yosemite.
Traffic in Yosemite

Yosemite is a busy place! You may find yourself stuck in traffic, waiting at the entrance, or unable to find parking. Plan accordingly.
Fees and Passes

Learn more about park fees, what pass is right for you, and how to purchase a digital pass if desired.
Where to Eat and Sleep

Hoping to spend the night in Yosemite? Learn more about lodging, camping, obtaining wilderness permits, and where to eat in the park.
Pets

Thinking about bringing your four-legged friend on vacation? Learn more about Yosemite's pet policies.
Places to Go

Which area of Yosemite will you explore next?
Things to Do

Find activities that fit into your Yosemite adventure!
NPS App

One app, every park at your fingertips. The NPS App offers tools to explore more than 400 national parks nationwide.
Directions & Transportation

Find your route to Yosemite, check the status of roads, and view park maps.
Accessibility

Yosemite's goal is to provide the highest possible level of accessibility to our visitors.
Hours & Seasons

Is there a best time to visit Yosemite? It depends what you're looking for, and each season has its advantages.
Safety

Whether you're sightseeing by vehicle or trekking into the wilderness, read our tips on staying safe in Yosemite.
Park Videos

Check out a video to help you plan your trip! Videos include visiting Yosemite in one day, Yosemite Valley hikes, and more!
Guiding and Transportation Companies

Find authorized guiding and transportation companies that operate in Yosemite. Authorization to operate is not a recommendation by the NPS.

The Yosemite Conservancy bookstore specializes in the very best Yosemite guides, maps, and books. Many of our titles are written by park based experts, making them some of the most comprehensive resources you will have.

When you shop at Yosemite Conservancy bookstore you are also supporting the park. Proceeds go straight back into helping preserve and protect the park, and provide a wide range of visitor services.

Last updated: June 23, 2026

Contact Info

Phone:

209/372-0200

Plan Your Visit

Top Trip Planning Tips

Plan Ahead

Pack your Patience and be Flexible

Early Birds Avoid Traffic!

Download and Install our Free Park App Before you Get Here

Keep Wildlife Wild

Enjoy Rivers and Waterfalls Safely

Be Prepared for your Adventure

Plan Ahead Before Packing your Pet

Prepare to Disconnect

Drive responsibly

Tips for a Fun Visit

Current Wait Times

Contact Info

Phone:

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected

Contact Us

Plan Your Visit

Top Trip Planning Tips

Know Before You Go

Plan Ahead

Pack your Patience and be Flexible

Early Birds Avoid Traffic!

Download and Install our Free Park App Before you Get Here

Keep Wildlife Wild

Enjoy Rivers and Waterfalls Safely

Be Prepared for your Adventure

Plan Ahead Before Packing your Pet

Prepare to Disconnect

Drive responsibly

Tips for a Fun Visit

Current Wait Times

Park footer

Contact Info

Phone:

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected