Yosemite National Park Information
Plan with Clarity, Arrive with Confidence
Yosemite rewards those who come prepared. Whether you’re mapping out your route, checking current conditions, or understanding how the park flows throughout the day and seasons, this is your guide to the details that shape a smoother visit. You’re free to move through the park at your own pace—lingering longer, exploring deeper, and experiencing more along the way.
Entrance Fees & Passes
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Entrance Fees
Yosemite National Park charges a $35 entrance fee per vehicle, valid for three consecutive days, for U.S. residents. This pass provides access to all areas of the park during that time. Passes can be purchased in advance or upon arrival and are required at all entrance stations. Reservations are not required.
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Annual Passes
The America the Beautiful Pass provides access to Yosemite and other popular national parks. We recommend non-U.S. residents purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass in advance to streamline your visit.
- For U.S. Residents: U.S. citizens and permanent residents can purchase the annual America the Beautiful Pass for $80, which covers entrance fees at Yosemite and other included locations for 12 months. Passes must be accompanied by valid photo ID upon entry.
- For Non-U.S. Residents: A non-resident annual America the Beautiful Pass is available for $250. This pass provides the same park access as the resident annual pass and covers entrance fees at Yosemite and other locations without additional non-resident surcharges. Visitors who do not purchase the non-resident annual pass may be charged the standard $35 Yosemite entrance fee and a $100 per-person non-resident fee (16 and older).
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Fee-Free Entrance Days
On select days of the year, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to U.S. residents. Mark your calendar for these National Park entrance fee-free dates in 2026:
- February 16: Presidents Day
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day
- July 3–5: Independence Day Weekend
- August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17: Constitution Day
- October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday
- November 11: Veterans Day
Transportation
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Getting Here
The nearest airport to Yosemite National Park is Fresno Yosemite International Airport. It is a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from the airport to Tenaya at Yosemite and an additional 10 minutes to the Park’s south entrance. Yosemite Valley is an additional 45-minute drive from the south entrance. If you are visiting for the day, look for parking in Yosemite Village. There are multiple parking lots and free shuttles to take you to your preferred destination within Yosemite Valley.
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Public Transit
You can also take public transportation into Yosemite. The YARTS bus runs year-round along Highway 140 from Merced, or from May to September along the following routes: Highway 41 from Fresno; Highway 120 from Sonora; Highway 120/395 from Mammoth Lakes. Each route ends in Yosemite Valley. Summer service tickets on Highway 120, 140, and 41 will require advance reservations, with a fraction of seats being available for same-day purchase.
Weather
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Summer
Summers are generally dry and hot during the day with cooler temperatures in the evening. Occasionally, there may be an afternoon thunderstorm. During this season, temperatures in Yosemite Valley usually range from 51° F to 87° F.
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Fall
Much like spring, fall is highly variable, with temperatures ranging from hot and dry to rainy or snowy — sometimes within the same week. Average low temperatures in the fall are 35° F and average high temperatures are 54° F.
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Winter
Yosemite receives most of its precipitation from January through March. Yosemite’s winters are typically snowy and cold, but can have pockets of sunshine. In Yosemite Valley, average temperatures typically range from 28° F to 53° F.
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Spring
Springtime in the Park can be unpredictable, with sunny and warm days followed by winter storms. In Yosemite Valley, average temperatures range from 39° F to 69° F.
Peak Season Crowds
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How to Avoid Peak Season Crowds
Timing and approach can shape your entire Yosemite experience. From visiting during off-peak seasons to exploring lesser-known areas and entering the park at optimal times of day, a few thoughtful choices can lead to quieter trails, easier access to iconic viewpoints, and a more immersive connection to the landscape. Discover simple ways to experience Yosemite with more space, more ease, and more moments that feel like your own.
Dining
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