what time does yosemite entrance open

by Terence Wiegand Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. However, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station is open only during daylight hours (approximately) and some roads are closed due to snow from around November through May or June.Feb 16, 2022

Which entrance to Yosemite should I take?

Which Entrance to Yosemite Should I Take?

Hetch Hetchy Entrance (Hwy. 120)
Big Oak Flat Entrance (Hwy. 120)
Arch Rock Entrance (Hwy. 140)
South Entrance (Hwy. 41)
Tioga Pass Entrance (Hwy. 120)

Is a day pass required for Yosemite?

For everyone who has reservations at a Yosemite campground, Yosemite hotel or private lodging or vacation rental reservation in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta, you do not need a day pass. If you have a Half Dome permit or wilderness permit, you do not need a day-use pass. However all of the above mentioned places do require a park entrance fee.

Is HWY 120 open to Yosemite?

When the Tioga Road is closed, it is not possible to drive to Tuolumne Meadows or enter Yosemite National Park from the east. All other park entrances, including those along Highway 120 from the west, Hetch Hetchy, Highway 140, and Highway 41, remain open all year.

When is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?

What is the best time to visit Yosemite? Yosemite is a destination for every season, depending on what you're looking for. ...
When is peak season in Yosemite? The busiest time in the park is summer, especially from mid-June to mid-September. ...
When are the waterfalls flowing in Yosemite? ...

How early can you enter Yosemite?

If you enter Yosemite before 6 am or after 4 pm, you do not need a reservation. You can remain in the park during peak hours if you arrive during these non-peak hours. If you are planning to arrive after 4 pm, please do not arrive at a park entrance station until after 4 pm.

Can you enter Yosemite before 5am?

They become available on recreation.gov starting April 21, where they are listed as “Day Use Entry” under “Yosemite National Park Ticketed Entry.” Only one is needed per vehicle and the pass covers everyone inside from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

What time are Yosemite gates manned?

The gates are open 24 hours so you can drive through. (The exception is Hetch Hetchy where they do lock the access road at night). The entrance booths are manned from 8 am to 8 pm from what I observed.

What time do Yosemite reservations open?

Reservations are available each day at 8 am Pacific time. Reservations are taken almost immediately. Be sure to have a Recreation.gov account and be logged in and ready to get a reservation promptly at 8 am Pacific daylight time.

Can you enter Yosemite at night?

Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Can you walk into Yosemite without a reservation?

A reservation is required to drive into or through Yosemite during peak hours. A reservation is required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park from 6 am to 4 pm daily. If you are planning to arrive after 4 pm, please do not arrive at a park entrance station until after 4 pm.

Can you drive into Yosemite right now?

You can drive your car into and around Yosemite, although some roads are closed from around November through May/June and tire chains may be required on open roads from around October through April (depending on conditions). You can use public transportation to get to and around Yosemite all year.

What is the most popular entrance to Yosemite?

Big Oak Flat Entrance Your most direct route to Yosemite is through the Big Oak Flat Entrance or the Arch Rock Entrance, which is located southeast of Big Oak Flat.

Which entrance to Yosemite is best?

Tioga Pass Entrance (Lee Vining) Entering the park through the Tioga Pass Entrance is the most dramatic way to enter Yosemite! Highway 120 from Lee Vining to Tioga Pass is a steep, curvy mountain road that climbs 2500 feet in 8 miles.

How long does it take to drive through Yosemite National Park?

Driving straight through takes around one and a half hours, but we recommend adding a few scenic lookouts along your route. Whether you enter from the west or the east of the park, you are immediately greeted with jaw-dropping views.

What time is it in Yosemite National Park now?

Current Local TimeYosemite National Park, California is officially in the Pacific Time ZoneThe Current Time in Yosemite National Park, California is: Sunday 5/29/2022 4:14 PM PDT Yosemite National Park, California is in the Pacific Time ZoneView Current Times in All California Cities and Towns

How much does it cost to get into Yosemite park?

Yosemite Entrance FeesDescriptionGood For:CostIndividual (on foot, horseback, or bus)7 Days, Yosemite National Park$15Motorcycle7 Days, Yosemite National Park$30Automobile7 Days, Yosemite National Park$35Yosemite Pass (automobile)1 Year, Yosemite National Park$702 more rows

When will reservations be required for Yosemite?

To better manage heavy visitation in Yosemite National Park while California continues to experience the COVID-19 pandemic, reservations will be temporarily required to enter Yosemite every day through February 28, 2021. Starting March 1, reservations will not be required to enter Yosemite.

How long is a vehicle permit valid for in Yosemite?

Your overnight vehicle permit is valid for seven days starting on the date of your campground or lodging reservation. Upper Pines Campground reservation. Yosemite Valley Lodge, or The Ahwahnee reservation. Private lodging or vacation rental reservation in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta.

How many reservations can you make in a day?

Each user can make one reservation per day. Only one reservation is needed per vehicle (regardless of the number of people in the vehicle). An occupant of the arriving vehicle must be the reservation holder (with photo ID).

How long is a day use permit valid in the park?

Day-use permits are valid for seven consecutive days for unlimited entries.

Where to stay in Yosemite Valley?

In-Park Camping, Lodging, or Vacation Rentals 1 Upper Pines, Lower Pines, or North Pines Campgrounds, Camp 4, Wawona Campground, Bridalveil Creek Campground, or Tuolumne Meadows Campground 2 Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, or the Wawona Hotel 3 Private lodging or vacation rental reservation in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta#N#Reservations for lodging or vacation rentals outside the park and in communities other than these three do not provide access to Yosemite.

When are day use reservations available?

Beginning at 8 am Pacific time two days prior to a day-use reservation date, the remaining 20% of day-use reservations will be available. For example, on February 8 at 8 am, day-use reservations for February 10 will be available. Reservations are taken almost immediately.

Do you need a reservation for in-park camping?

In-Park Camping, Lodging, or Vacation Rentals. If you have a reservation for one of the following, you do not need an additional reservation. You still pay the $35/car entrance fee upon arrival (credit card only) unless you have an annual or lifetime pass.

How far in advance do you need to make reservations for Yosemite National Park?

Campgrounds: When needing reservations from May through September, you'll need to make them five months in advance. The campgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis really fill quickly, so ensure you get there early. There is no unrestricted camping in Yosemite to prevent damage to the park.

When is the best time to visit the National Park?

The best time to come to the park depends on what you want from your visit. Summer: If you want to see wildflowers, come in summer (June to September). June is the best time for the blooms. The temperatures range from 87 degrees to lows of 51 at elevations of 4,000 feet.

Why are some roads closed in the park?

Of course, some roads close because of snowstorms, usually around November through May or June. You can drive through the park (except for any roads that are closed in winter), but you are encouraged to use the shuttle buses to avoid traffic and any potential parking hassles.

When is Tioga Road closed?

Dates are approximate, depending on conditions. Tioga Road closed from about November through late May or June. Glacier Point Road closed from about November through late May. The road to Badger Pass ski area is open when the ski area is open (mid December to March).

Can you camp in Yosemite?

There is no unrestricted camping in Yosemite to prevent damage to the park. You will find showers only at Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite Valley, and in the summers for limited hours in the afternoon at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge.

Is Yosemite National Park open?

Yosemite National Park is open all year, 24 hours a day. You don't need reservations to visit the park, but you should make reservations for lodging and campgrounds well in advance.

When is day use reservation for Yosemite?

Starting on May 21, 2021 Day Use Entry reservations will be required to enter Yosemite National Park. First day to purchase a day use reservation is April 21, 2021 at 8 am PT. April 21st for arrivals May 21st through June 30th. Each week a new month of day use reservations will be available. April 28th for arrivals July 1st through July 31st.

When will Yosemite National Park open in 2021?

Beginning Friday, May 21, 2021 visitors to Yosemite National Park will need a day-use reservation to enter the park. The temporary day-use reservation system will allow the park to manage visitation levels to reduce risks associated with exposure to COVID-19.

How much is the Yosemite pass?

Current pass holders and those who plan on purchasing a pass upon arrival at Yosemite will be required to pay the $2.00 reservation fee. If you plan on purchasing your annual or lifetime pass upon arrival, you must come prepared with a credit card.

When was Yosemite National Park first protected?

First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. Starting on May 21, 2021 Day Use Entry reservations will be required to enter Yosemite National Park.

How long are day use reservations valid?

Day-use reservations are valid for three consecutive days. Visitors arriving on foot or bicycle do not require a day use reservation. Day use reservations must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Reservations will not be sold at the park.

Where is the entrance to Yosemite?

Your most direct route to Yosemite is through the Big Oak Flat Entrance or the Arch Rock Entra nce, which is located southeast of Big Oak Flat. To enter through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east via Manteca, Calif.

How many entrances are there to Yosemite National Park?

There are five entrances into Yosemite National Park, and the road to each of them offers unique sights to see along the way. To give you a lay of the land, four of Yosemite’s entrances are located on the western side of the park while the fifth, the Tioga Pass Entrance, is on the more remote eastern side of the park.

Where is the Hetch Hetchy entrance?

Hetch Hetchy Entrance. Highway 120. Footbridge past Wapama Falls in northwest Yosemite Shutterstock. Leave the crowds behind at this entrance. The farthest north of all entrances on the west side of the park, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance leads you to one of the park’s quieter areas.

How many people visited Yosemite National Park in 2012?

In 2012, only 50,000 visitors ventured this far north in the park during all 12 months of the year in comparison to the 24,000 daily visitors to the Yosemite Valley that same year, according to the Sacramento Bee. Access it via 120 and by Evergreen Road.

What is the closest town to Yosemite National Park?

Closest to the Park is El Portal. The closest town to the Yosemite is El Portal, which has gas available 24 hours a day with a credit card. There’s also the El Portal Market, a picnic area and campgrounds.

How to enter Arch Rock?

To enter via Arch Rock Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 140 east into the park. When you enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance, your road turns into El Portal Road, which leads you in Yosemite Valley.

Where is Fish Camp in Yosemite?

Thirteen miles from Fish Camp is the more bustling town of Oakhurst, which has national chain hotels and restaurants for those looking for familiar sights. It has art galleries, bookstores and gold panning activities. Swing by the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau for up-to-date info on park conditions; in summer, a park ranger is on hand to answer questions.

How to get into Yosemite National Park?

Get into the park without a day-use vehicle reservation. 1 Take regional transportation. YARTS busses run from all of the major gateway communities into Yosemite National Park. This affordable option even allows you to bring bikes with you in the under-bus cargo area for transportation around Yosemite Valley as needed. (Bikes are also available for rent in Yosemite Valley at Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge.) 2 Take a tour. Local tour guides know Yosemite best and provide a wide range of itineraries. Plus, letting experienced tour guides do the driving frees everyone in your group to relax and enjoy the scenery. 3 Join Yosemite Conservancy for an Outdoor Adventure, Custom Adventure, or art class. These special programs include entry to the park for the duration of the program. 4 Hoof it. The day-use vehicle reservations only apply to vehicle entries. If you have a lot of energy, you can walk, ride a bike, or take a horseback ride with Yosemite Trails into the park without a reservation.

When do you need a day use permit in Yosemite?

How To Get a Day-Use Yosemite Reservation Permit. You’ll need a day-use reservation for your vehicle to enter Yosemite between May 21 and Sep. 30, 2021. Make sure you get one online ahead of time at recreation.gov. The reservation is good for three consecutive vehicle access days.

Where to ride on horseback in Yosemite?

From the region around Fish Camp and Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, you’ll want to explore the sequoias by horseback with Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures. There is even a backdoor trail from this area into the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias that makes for a great ride on horses or mountain bikes.

Do you need a day use reservation for Yosemite?

If you have a lodging or camping reservation inside the park, you will NOT need an additional day-use reservation. This includes hotels like The Ahwahnee (pictured), Curry Village, or Wawona Hotel, vacation rentals in Yosemite West, Wawona or Foresta, or campgrounds inside the park.

Where is the wildflower display in the High Sierra?

In fact, the area’s most spectacular spring wildflower display is west of the park on the Hite Cove Trail.

Do you have to arrive on the first day of your reservation?

Unlike 2020, you don’t have to arrive on the first day of your reservation to validate it. As an example, a reservation for May 22 allows unlimited park entries on May 22, 23, and 24. The day-use reservation allows one vehicle to enter the park regardless of how many people are in that vehicle. The person who made the reservation must be in ...

Do you need a permit to ride a horse in the park?

If you want to hike, bike, or ride a horse into the park, you don’t need a permit either. If you’re just passing through to get to a destination on the other side of the park, and don’t plan to stop. (You’ll get a time-stamped permit with enough time to get from one gate to another.

Where Is the Main Entrance to Yosemite National Park?

As mentioned earlier, there are five main entrances to Yosemite National Park. The four on the western side are Hetch Hetchy, Big Oak Flat, Arch Rock, and South Entrances. The last one, the Tioga Pass Entrance, is on the remote eastern side of the Park.

Which Entrance to Yosemite Should I Take?

Now, among the five entrances to Yosemite, there are several differences that you have to take note of. Based on different factors, one entrance may be more beneficial than the other. If you want to know which entry you should take, keep reading.

Which Entrance to Yosemite Is Least Crowded?

If you want to visit Yosemite and avoid the crowds, taking the Tioga Pass is the best way to go. It’s usually not crowded during early mornings. Aside from this, another entrance you can take is the Hetch Hetchy entrance. It’s known for giving visitors a peaceful drive, as Yosemite visitors do not usually take it.