Yosemite National Park, CA
A valley floor you can circle in a day, with the high country and the big trees an hour's drive apart.
Best time: May to June, September to October
Best time to visit
May to June, September to October
Waterfalls run hardest in late spring, and early autumn is clear and quiet. The high country is under snow well into June.
Local gems
The kind of local gems Runes weaves into your plan — beyond the obvious landmarks.
- 01Tunnel View
- 02Glacier Point
- 03Mariposa Grove
Know before you go
Yosemite pairs a glacier-carved granite canyon on the valley floor with expansive, quiet high-elevation wilderness. Towering monoliths and plunging waterfalls anchor the postcard views, while the surrounding high country and ancient sequoia groves offer vast open space. It is a park of dramatic vertical scale that rewards early risers and those willing to stray beyond the pavement.
Inside Yosemite Valley, park your car once and use bicycles or the free shuttle to avoid gridlock. Exploring the high country, Glacier Point, or Mariposa Grove requires your own vehicle or seasonal park tours.
- Hit the trailheads before sunrise or after 4 PM to bypass heavy entrance gate queues and secure parking.
- Bring or rent a bicycle—it is by far the most efficient and enjoyable way to loop the Valley floor.
- Store all scented items and food inside designated bear lockers, never in your vehicle.
- High-elevation routes like Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road close seasonally for snow, so plan routes accordingly.
Neighborhoods to know
The dramatic center stage home to El Capitan, Half Dome, and roaring waterfalls, flanked by paved paths and dense visitor hubs.
High-rim perch with unmatched bird's-eye views over the entire valley and high peaks beyond.
The southern gateway characterized by historic cabins, pine forests, and trails weaving through ancient giant sequoias.
Expansive subalpine backcountry with granite domes, pristine lakes, and cooler summer temperatures.
What to eat
Frequently asked
When is the best time to see the waterfalls?
Late spring into early summer, when the Sierra snowpack melts at full speed. By late summer, many falls shrink to a trickle.
When is the best time to see the waterfalls?
Late spring into early summer, when the Sierra snowpack melts at full speed. By late summer, many falls shrink to a trickle.
Can you visit the park without a personal car?
Yes. Regional buses connect gateway communities to Yosemite Valley, where a free shuttle loop operates year-round.
How spread out are the different sections of the park?
Expect at least a 60- to 90-minute mountain drive between the Valley, Mariposa Grove, and the high country of Tuolumne Meadows.
Are advance entry permits required?
Peak-hours reservation systems are frequently used during busy summer months and specific winter weekends; always check requirements before driving in.
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