“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” — John Muir
Yosemite is a definite “must visit” national park. Having visited many, MANY national parks, I would definitely list it within my Top 5 favorites due it its immense, size, variety of activities to do and overall beauty.
But—Yosemite requires advanced planning. Like 6 months to a year in advance (and no, I’m not kidding).
Already panicking because you weren’t aware of the timeline? Don’t worry! That’s why I’m here! Keep reading and I’ll post some tips that will help you out with your planning!
Tip #1: Where to Stay
If you’re traveling in the summer months (and plan to stay within Yosemite Valley)—book your accommodations a year in advance! I tried to book a room at Yosemite Lodge, The Ahwahnee and Curry Village 8 months in advance and everything was already booked solid. Do your homework and book early!
BIGGEST PIECE OF ADVICE: Do your best to stay within the park. Lines at the entrances of Yosemite can be VERY long in the summer months, so if your planning to visit during June-August do yourself a favor and cut down your time in the car by staying inside the park boundary.
Click here to view your in the park options:
**Note: I would also highly recommend staying near Yosemite Valley. The Valley is where the action is and it’s really the starting point for visiting some great trailheads, drives and adventures. The lodging offered within Yosemite Valley includes: The Ahwahnee (luxury hotel), Yosemite Valley Lodge (mid-level hotel style) and Curry Village (rustic tents).
However if you absolutely can’t find somewhere to stay within Yosemite Valley–look for Airbnb’s in “Yosemite West”. This is a private community technically outside the park boundary, but it’s only 15 min. from Yosemite Valley and you won’t have to drive back and forth through the park entrance stations.
Here’s the Airbnb that we stayed at (and loved!) within Yosemite West.
Tip #2: Get Your Entrance Pass
If you’re planning to visit Yosemite in the summer months, you will probably need to get an Entrance Pass. The NPS requires that all vehicles seeking to enter Yosemite from 6am-4pm (high traffic times) reserve an Entrance Pass in advance. The pass is valid for 3 consecutive days, but it is NOT required if you have accommodations within the park.
THIS ENTRANCE PASS IS DIFFERENT THEN SIMPLY PAYING TO ENTER THE PARK. You must let the park know ahead of time that you intend to visit, in order to help them manage the number of visitors coming into the park.
Click here for more details regarding the Entrance Pass Requirements
**Note: If you are staying within the park somewhere, make sure to bring proof. Airbnb has a printout for Visa purposes that will qualify as proof of lodging. If you’re staying at one of the hotels in Yosemite Valley, make sure you have a copy of your reservation.
Tip #3: Visit Yosemite Valley
As soon as you step foot into beautiful Yosemite Valley, you’ll understand why thousands of people flock to this sacred place. It’s magnificent in every way.
Ok great Bethany, but what should I see?
Well, I’m glad you asked! Here’s a quick list of sites that will make your trip to the valley memorable.
Highlights Inside Yosemite Valley:
- Yosemite Valley Visitors Center Area: Museums, Ansel Adams Gallery, Theater, Restaurants
- Vernal Falls Mist Trail
- Nevada Falls
- Curry Village
- Yosemite Falls
- Tunnel View
- Bridalveil Falls
- Happy Isles Art and Nature Center
- Cook’s Meadow Loop
- Four Mile Trail
- Half Dome (do your research: permits are required!)
- Mirror Lake (this lake is dried up in the summer so not as scenic)
- Various meadows and trails. Take time to slow down, find a place to park your car and walk.
- Ride a bike around the valley! This a rental station at Curry Village that even has buggy’s that hook up to bikes for children to ride in.
Tip #4: Utilize Yosemite Valley’s Shuttle Service
Pro tip: Yosemite Valley has a shuttle service in the summer!
Parking in Yosemite Valley in the summer can be a nightmare. Expect to loop the valley a few times before finding a coveted spot UNLESS you get to the valley early in the morning and use the shuttle. Take my advice, park somewhere in the morning and ride the shuttle all day to your destinations. Much better than battling for a parking spot!
Tip #5: Get Out of Yosemite Valley
Before heading to Yosemite, I read in some travel guides that about 90% of Yosemite’s Valley’s visitors only tour what’s in the valley. Big mistake. Yes, Yosemite Valley is stunning and it deserves your attention BUT there are so many other things to see outside of it too!
Don’t believe me? Scroll through my gallery above and you’ll see what you would be missing!
Highlights Outside Yosemite Valley:
- Glacier Point
- Olmsted Point
- Tenaya Lake
- Tioga Road Drive
- Tuolumne Meadows
- Soda Springs
- May Lake
- Dana Meadows
- Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
- Mariposa Grove
- Wawona’s Swinging Bridge
- Pioneer Yosemite History Center
- Historic Wawona Hotel
- Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad–a fun train ride!
- Badger Pass Ski Area
- And soooo much more!
Do yourself a favor and schedule some time to see the less visited areas of Yosemite. Take a trek up to Hetch Hetchy. Voyage across Tioga Road. Climb up to Glacier Point. Relax in the tranquility down in Wawona.
It will feed your soul.
Tip #6: Relax and Enjoy
I remember being told that Yosemite’s size is comparable to the state of Rhode Island. So if this is your first trip, pace yourself! Just do what you can and plan a return trip if needed.
Here’s a link to my favorite map of Yosemite to help plan your adventure!
Get out there and enjoy beautiful Yosemite National Park!
