-: Towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves make Yosemite Valley one of the most iconic landscapes in America.

Park Pass

Join the National Parks Club

1 to 2 days covers Yosemite Valley's highlights, while 3 to 4 lets you add the high country or Mariposa Grove's sequoias.

There's no park-wide vehicle reservation for 2026, since that system was dropped in February — but Half Dome's cables still require a separate lottery permit, so plan ahead if that's on your list.

Mariposa, Oakhurst, and El Portal are the main gateway towns, each accessing a different park entrance.

The entrance fee is $35/vehicle (7-day) — a $100/person nonresident surcharge applies (2026) — or purchase a National Parks Yearly Pass.

Why Visit?:

Yosemite Valley is one of the most iconic landscapes in America — towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, thundering waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves, all within a relatively compact valley floor. It's easy to see why this single valley helped launch the entire national park idea.

Because of its popularity, timing matters here more than almost anywhere else — visiting on a weekday, arriving early, or focusing on the less-crowded high country can make a real difference in your experience.

Things to Do:

Walking (or driving) through Yosemite Valley, with views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall, is the essential introduction to the park. Hiking to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail is one of the most rewarding moderate-to-strenuous hikes in the entire park system.

For a quieter pace, Mariposa Grove's giant sequoias and the high-elevation Tuolumne Meadows both offer a genuinely different side of Yosemite away from the valley's crowds.

Get the Full Itinerary

Closest airports: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is closest to the south entrance, about 1.5-2 hours away; Mammoth Yosemite (MMH) offers seasonal access to the east side via Tioga Pass.

Nearby Attractions:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are both a few hours south and commonly combined with Yosemite on a broader Sierra Nevada road trip.