Yosemite National Park is one of California’s most recognized landscapes, with Yosemite Valley, granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, high-country roads and extensive wilderness.
Before you go
Check current National Park Service alerts, road conditions, seasonal closures, weather, reservation requirements and parking guidance immediately before travel. Yosemite’s access rules and congestion-management measures can change by season and year.
Yosemite Valley
The Valley contains many of the park’s most famous viewpoints and trailheads, but it is also the area most likely to experience heavy traffic and limited parking. Shuttle systems and seasonal access rules can help reduce driving.
High-country roads
Tioga Road and other high-elevation routes are seasonal and may remain closed by snow well into spring or early summer. Never assume a cross-Sierra route is open without checking current conditions.
Waterfalls, rivers and hiking
Water levels and trail conditions change dramatically through the year. Spring snowmelt can create powerful water and hazardous stream crossings, while late summer conditions may be much drier.
Camping, lodging and reservations
Yosemite is a high-demand destination. Campgrounds, lodging and certain permits can fill far in advance. Verify current reservation rules through official National Park Service and Recreation.gov sources.
Bears, food storage and pets
Food-storage rules are strictly enforced because of black bear activity. Pet access is limited to designated areas and paved routes under current park rules.
Live conditions
Yosemite maintains official webcams that can help users check visibility, snow and selected viewpoints. California58 also links Yosemite planning with road conditions, weather alerts and Sierra travel information.
California58 connections
Yosemite spans parts of Mariposa, Tuolumne and Madera counties and connects to gateway communities on several sides of the Sierra.