The majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park will take your breath away. Many people visit the park each year and camp, hike, climb and sight-see. With so many options it can be difficult to determine how to vacation in Yosemite. Whether this is your very first time or you have been a hundred times before take a look at the following tips and find out how to vacation in Yosemite successfully.

The masses in America say that “risking it all” is the only option to see the big payoff. But there’s a different way to see your big payoff, and it’s less risky. That way is called figuring out how to vacation in Yosemite National Park from the comfort of a local’s home . Staying in vacation rental accommodations is a great way to explore Yosemite National Park while enjoying the amenities of a home away from home. Plus, it’s often more affordable than staying in traditional hotel accommodations.

Do you want to go to Yosemite? I hear it’s beautiful, and a great place for families. There are a lot of things to enjoy in Yosemite, from hiking to waterfalls and camping. Are you planning on camping while you’re there? It’s fun, but sometimes there can be a lot of mosquitoes. You’ll only have so much room in your bag to take along with you, so plan carefully before you decide what you’ll be taking with you. Things like bug spray, hiking boots, and flashlights are important pieces of equipment that I would highly recommend bringing along with you.

How to Plan a Trip to Yosemite

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When considering a trip to any National Park, a little planning goes a long way. There are a ton of things to factor in before you plan a trip to Yosemite. This guide is here to help you start your trip off on the right foot.

If you have been to another National Park before like Olympic National Park, The Everglades or even Redwood National Park, you might think you have it all figured out. However, Yosemite is different. 

Not only is it one of the largest National Parks in the US, but it is also home to some of the best hikes and best photo spots in the country. However, you may miss out on seeing some fantastic sights or a chance to raft along the Merced River if you visit at the wrong time.

How To Vacation In Yosemite

Don’t despair as below you can find everything you need to know about Yosemite and how to plan a trip any month of the year. Whether it is the quiet months of December, January, February or March or the busy months of May, June, July and August.

This guide walks you through how to get there when to visit Yosemite, where to stay, what to pack and what to include in your 2 day or 3 day Yosemite Itinerary.

How to Get There When Planning a Trip to Yosemite

Driving is the easiest way to get to Yosemite. If you have a car or an RV then this is probably a no brainer. If you don’t then you may consider renting one for the trip. Having a car makes the trip straightforward and allows you some flexibility especially if you are visiting Yosemite with kids.

Best Things To Do In Yosemite

   Things To Do In Yosemite National Park

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It’s not your only option though if you are coming from the Bay area. The bus is a common means of transportation for tourists when they want to visit Yosemite.

There are two different ways to get to Yosemite by bus. The first option is Highway 99, which is usually the quickest way but also the most expensive. Highway 99 costs $40 and takes about 4 hours.

The second option is highway 120, which can take up to 8 hours but costs only $10.

The Highway 120 route offers stunning views of Yosemite National Park and takes you through Merced, Mariposa, and other small towns along the way.

There is also the option of one of the many Yosemite tours. They pick you up and drop you off. The great thing about a guided tour is that you get to know more about the park along the way, they take the stress out of planning and many of them are kid-friendly.

They are also perfect if you just have one day in Yosemite.

There are several options to choose from including a day trip and the option to stay for two nights.

Click here to find out more about guided tours.

Which Entrance When You Plan a Trip to Yosemite

Getting to Yosemite is pretty easy from the west side of the country. Most of the main highways lead you straight there and there really is no need for a map.

San Francisco is the closest major city to the park and it is a four-hour drive.

Those travelling from San Francisco may want to take the most direct route along Highway 120. Most visitors then enter the park using Arch Rock Entrance or Big Oak Flat Entrance. However, they are not your only option. 

Further north is Hetch Hetchy Entrance. This entrance takes a little longer, but it is a great way to avoid the crowds and the scenery is also stunning.

You could also visit Yosemite from Los Angeles or San Diego. As you travel along Highway 41 you can enter the park using the South Entrance. All of these entrances are open all year round so there is no need for detours. 

On the other hand, things are a little tricker on the east side of the park. There is only one entrance, Tioga Pass Entrance and it is only open from May or early June until October.

Don’t worry you can still plan a trip to Yosemite Park from Death Valley or Las Vegas if you are visiting Yosemite in April or any other time of year. You could enter using the South Entrance off Highway 41.

Your road trip would take a little longer, but there are plenty of places to stop along the way. 

It costs around $35 to enter the park with a vehicle at any of the entrances. However, if you can also use America the Beautiful Pass to enter the park. In fact, the annual pass allows you to visit over 2000 sites around the US.

It is relatively inexpensive and a great investment if you plan on visiting a few federal sites throughout the year.

For more information about America the Beautiful Pass click here.

Travelling Around When You Plan a Trip to Yosemite

There are many ways to get around Yosemite, some of which are free! Walking is great, but biking might be a better option. You can take bikes on the trails and through the valley.

In Yosemite Valley, visitors can hop on the shuttle bus too. Visitors can access the shuttle buses at any of the 19 stops. The buses run all year round with a reduced schedule in winter months, December, January, February and March.

They are pretty frequent in high season and run every 10-20 minutes. There is even a bus stop on Highway 120!