Millions of people visit Yosemite every year to experience its jaw-dropping views and hike its breathtaking trails. The 30 tips for visiting Yosemite National Park that you will find in this post will make planning your next Yosemite trip a breeze.
In this post you will find Yosemite tips in the following categories. Each category is linked to its corresponding section below.
Yosemite Tips for Entering the Park
Below are 5 Yosemite tips for reaching and entering the Park’s entrance.
1. Do Drive up to Yosemite National Park the night before your first day in the park. By staying near the park entrance, you can start seeing Yosemite’s highlights first thing in the morning and catch the glow of the morning light. Options for places to stay include towns like Oakhurst, Fresno, or Mammoth Lakes.
My visit to Yosemite started with a stay in Fresno the night before our Yosemite reservation. The next morning, we were at our first stop inside Yosemite by 9:00 am. Otherwise, I might not have reached the south entrance until closer to 1:00 pm. By staying near the entrance the night before, I was able to see more of the Park’s highlights.
2. Do book a stay inside Yosemite National Park, if possible, to maximize your experience. While staying outside Yosemite is a possibility, it’s not the best option. After all, you are there to immerse yourself in the Park.
Accommodation options include camping, hotels, cabins, and the ability to rent a house.
3. Don’t plan on using your cell phone while visiting Yosemite. Unfortunately, or depending on your perspective, fortunately, cell service and WiFi are spotty at best.
4. Do print a hard copy of your reservation (day park pass or accommodation) to show the gate agent. Don’t rely on your cell phone to access your reservation.
5. Do stop at Mariposa Grove (if you are coming from the south entrance) to see the Sequoias and the Grizzly Giant Tree, which is about 2,500 years old.
- Pro Tip: By staying in Yosemite National Park, you don’t have to pay a separate entrance fee.
Yosemite Tips for Getting Around in the Park
Yosemite National Park is close to the size of Rhode Island. With these tips, Yosemite will seem a little smaller and easier to navigate.
6. Do check if Tioga Pass is open before you leave for your road trip. Tioga Pass doesn’t usually open until late spring/early summer due to the intense snowfall. Tioga Pass and the stops along the way are a must-do when the pass is open. You can view Yosemite’s road conditions and closures here.
7. Do get a map of Yosemite National Park at the gate to orient yourself with the Park. Who knows, there might be an additional highlight you want to see on your way to your accommodations.
8. Do download the GyPSy Guide to Yosemite. It’s a GPS based app, so cell service is not an issue. The app provides directions, great stories, information, and points of interest during your drive through the Park. We loved the GyPSy Guide to Yosemite, and it made our drive even more enjoyable!
9. Do go for a bike ride if there is traffic in Yosemite Valley. You can rent bikes or bring your own to get around the Valley. Bike rentals are first-come, first-serve.
10. Do drive slowly in Yosemite National Park. Wild animals can be around the next bend. Plus, you will want to see the incredible views along the drive.
11. Do plan to enter and exit the park at different points so you can see more of Yosemite.
12. Do get gas before entering Yosemite National Park. There are no gas stations in Yosemite Valley. On Big Oak Flat Road, there is a gas station, but it is a little bit of a drive from Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Tips for Visiting the Park’s Highlights
First-time visitors to Yosemite often want to visit the same highlights. Places like Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, Half Dome, and Glacier Point are popular, which means these places can have crowds. The tips below are designed to help you navigate Yosemite and avoid some of the masses.
13. Do have a plan or ideas of the places you want to visit. To help you figure out which Yosemite highlights you want to see and the order you should see them, check out my itinerary for two days in Yosemite Valley and a drive through the Tioga Pass.
14. Do hit the trails early to avoid crowds. In general, many people do not start hiking until after 9:00 am. If you get an early start, you might bypass some of the crowded parts of the trails.
15. Do hike at sunset or sunrise for optimal pictures and viewing and stay for stargazing. First light and last light are special places times in Yosemite and worth getting up early to enjoy. Once the sun goes down, the day is not over. Head over to Glacier Point for stargazing and enjoy the Milky Way!
16. Do try to avoid driving in Yosemite Valley between 9 am – 5 pm when traffic can be heavy.
17. Do obtain a permit in advance if you plan to hike Half Dome. You can only hike Half Dome with a permit.
18. Do take a picture of the trail map with your cell phone before starting your hike to have an accessible map. We consulted the pictures we took at the trailhead several times while hiking in Yosemite. You do not need cell service to access pictures on your phone.
Yosemite Tips for Food and Drinks
You will work up an appetite while you are in Yosemite. These Yosemite tips are designed to keep you full and well-hydrated during your visit.
19. Do bring lunch, order a picnic lunch, or stop by the general store for food to bring on your hike. We had a picnic lunch at the top of Vernal Fall where the view was incredible. Don’t forget to bring a few snacks too like trail mix or a piece of fruit.
20. Do pack a small cooler bag that fits in a backpack. There are so many terrific places for a picnic or a lunch stop on a hike. Plus, it’s nice to have a cold beverage on a hot day.
21. Don’t leave food in your car. Bears and other animals can smell food left in your car. You’ve seen the State Farm commercials, these guys can do significant damage to your car.
22. Do bring a Camelback to keep your hands free while hiking. It’s also so much easier to use a Camelback than continually stopping to take a water bottle out of your backpack. I used a Camelback in Yosemite and loved it!
23. Do stop by The Ahwahnee for a drink or have dinner at The Ahwahnee Dining Room. The Ahwahnee is located at the base of Glacier Point and has incredible views.
- Pro Tip: Make a reservation for dinner at The Dining Room at The Ahwahnee as far in advance as possible. The Dining Room is grand. Brunch is supposed to be good too. Sadly, during our visit, the restaurant was closed for dine-in due to COVID-19.
- Pro Tip: There is a dress code at The Ahwahnee Dining Room, so don't forget to pack a collared shirt.
Yosemite Tips for Gear and Accessories
It’s important to have the right gear before heading out to Yosemite. Therefore, the following tips are designed to help you think about what gear you might need.
24. Do bring layers. The temperature can drop quickly in Yosemite as the sun goes down. Therefore, to stay warm, you might want to pack a fleece you can put in your backpack.
25. Do bring gallons of water to refill your Camelback bladder or reusable water bottles. You will drink several liters of water a day. If you don’t have room in your car, you can buy water at the general store in Half Dome Village.
26. Do break in your hiking shoes before your trip to Yosemite National Park. Blisters can ruin your trip.
27. Do bring a headlamp in case you plan to hike at sunset.
28. Do bring binoculars so you can see the hikers climbing El Capitan.
29. Don’t forget a camera and a portable tripod. There are so many fantastic places to take pictures in Yosemite. Even a novice can capture the perfect shot with a camera and portable tripod. Plus, the pictures come out better than selfies.
30. Do make sure you have comfortable clothing and essential gear.
Yosemite Tips for Clothing
The right clothing and gear can make all the difference between a good trip and a great trip. Here are a few things to help keep you comfortable while hiking the trails.
Yosemite Tips for Gear and Accessories
Sometimes, it’s the small things that make a difference in your hiking experience. Being prepared for your hike is essential. I became dehydrated in Yosemite while hiking at a high altitude. Even though I was drinking tons of water, it wasn’t enough. I used a hydration pack and quickly began to feel better. In addition to the hydration packs below, these hiking essentials can come in handy.
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Are there any additional Yosemite tips you suggest we add to this list? I’d love to hear from you.
For suggestions about things to do in Yosemite, check out my two-day itinerary for visiting Yosemite Valley and Yosemite’s Tioga Pass highlights.
Before you head out on your next road trip, read my tips for planning the perfect road trip!
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I would love to visit Yosemite one day. These are thorough and helpful tips. They can be used for visiting this great national park but are also useful for other hikes. Thank you for sharing.
Yosemite is a must! The park is definitely worth the visit!
What a great blog post, bravo! I would love to visit Yosemite one day 🙂
Thank you!
Beeeeautiful! I would love love looooove to visit (and hike in) Yosemite! That scenery is just incredible isn’t it!? I like the idea of eating at the Ahwahnee Dining Room after exhausting myself on the trails. 🙂
I was really sad to see the damage from the flooding this spring…I hope they’ll manage to re-fix the roads to allow people to explore again.
A hike in Yosemite followed by a good dinner in a beautiful setting is the perfect way to end the day.
We’re hoping to visit Yosemite next year. Thanks for these tips!
I have not been to Yosemite for a million years. After reading your blog, its time to go back.
Thank you for the great information.
Yay! I love hearing that my blog post is inspiring you to visit Yosemite.
Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.
Yosemite is beaulitful. If you enjoy hiking or the outdoors, Yosemite is a bucket list destination.
Great tips. Thanks for sharing. I especially like the tip referring to the GyPsy guide to Yosemite. Definitely a must know before hand.
I am so happy you liked my tips about visiting Yosemite!
Great information! Beautiful photos! Thanks for the guide!
Thanks so much, Cathy!
I love Yosemite! Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome!
I have been to Yosemite once but only for a couple days. Would love to go back and your blog had great tips! Thank you!
Thanks, Denise! I hope you get to go back and visit Yosemite soon!
My husband and I Love hiking and Yosemite is on my list. Thanks for the tip! I will be using your guide when we decide to make the trip over there! Thanks!
Terrific! Have fun.
Wow! This was so thorough and helpful! I was eyeing Yosemite for this spring but it didn’t happen this year. However, I think I may have needed the extra time to prepare anyway from what you mentioned ! 🙂 Thanks for sharing so much helpful info! I’ll be referencing this again!
Wonderful! I am happy to hear you found my tips helpful.
Thanks Michelle, this is great information! Yosemite is on our bucket list! We are not hikers (motorcycle riders) but this has inspired me to maybe try a little hiking!
A motorcycle ride through the park sounds amazing. You could even stop for a quick hike along the way. Lower Yosemite Falls is a short easy walk and when the falls are running, it’s a site to see!
Love Yosemite! Great tips for visiting the park! I didn’t know you could rent bicycles there!! Will have to do that if I ever go again. I’d also suggest talking to the rangers and the park staff! They helped us decide between a few trails and gave some gave info and tips 🙂
Thanks for offering another tip! I love the idea of talking to the park rangers and staff.