VISITING YOSEMITE

The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The entrance station to Hetch Hetchy is only open during daylight hours

Entrance fees are required year-round, excluding fee-free holidays.

Permits are NOT required for day hikes within the Park, unless you are hiking to the top of Half Dome.

Wilderness permits are required for any backpacking or camping within the Park. Go to recreation.gov.

2026 PEAK HOURS RESERVATIONS

Yosemite National Park will not require vehicle reservations in 2026

Locations: Yosemite National Park
Date Released: 2026-02-18

Yosemite National Park today announced it will no longer use a timed reservation system in 2026. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.

Wilderness and Half Dome Permits

Apply at Recreation.gov.

OUR FAVORITE HIKES

MODERATE TO STRENUOUS:

Four Mile Trail switchbacks 3,200 feet up from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, providing wonderful views of the valley, Half Dome, North Dome, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, the Royal Arches, Tenaya Canyon, and Yosemite Falls.

The Mist Trail is a very popular hike known for its stunning views of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. It's moderately strenuous with a mix of paved and rocky paths and many stairs. Continue on to Half Dome for the ultimate hiking experience. (requires permit)

EASY TO MODERATE:

All trails in Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne Grove are excellent and are host to some of the tallest giant sequoias in the world.

The trailhead to Lower Yosemite Fall is about a mile west of the village and the .5-mile trail brings you to the base of the Lower Fall.

MUST-SEE AREAS OF THE PARK

Tunnel View provides one of the most famous views of Yosemite Valley, showcasing the immensity of the granite walls that surround Yosemite Valley and providing a classic view of El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Rocks, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Fall.

After leaving Tunnel View and continuing into the Valley, stop by Bridalveil Fall and walk the half mile to the base of the waterfall.

Yosemite Valley is a world-famous glacial valley in YNP, known for its towering granite cliffs. It is the heart of the park and where you will be able to get a good view of Yosemite Falls.

Photo credit to: Dave Richie

TOUR AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL

To learn more about 4x4 Tours and Rentals, go to Yosemite Adventure Co | Jeep Tours, UTV Rentals, Rykers and more! - Yosemite Adventure Co
833-533-7494

Hiking gear equipment rental can be found at Alpenglow Gear Co., 40680 CA-41, Unit A, Oakhurst.
559-800-8099
https://alpenglowgearco.wixsit...