During my years working as a ranger in Yosemite Valley, I was asked A LOT of questions. When I was answering phones or emails, visitors overwhelmingly asked about things they needed to know before visiting Yosemite. And that was great! It was my job to help out visitors, and I loved being able to share my experiences and knowledge of the park with travelers. I would much rather answer questions all day long (even if they’re silly questions), than have a family miss out on an amazing hike because they didn’t want to ask. Remember that when you’re in the park! There’s no such thing as “ranger danger”, we’re there to help!
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Since you’re clearly interested in visiting Yosemite if you’ve found yourself on this page, thank you for researching ahead of time! Below are 10 things to know before visiting Yosemite. Hope this helps!
1. Can I get Groceries in the Park?
Yes. There are several grocery and convenience stores located throughout the park. The largest store, and the one with the most options is the Village Store in Yosemite Valley. I was so pleasantly surprised the first time I visited the Village Store. There was a great selection of fresh produce, dry goods, meat, dairy products, and the plethora of organic and natural products available. However, since there are around 400 permanent employee residents in Yosemite Valley, it makes sense that there would be a pretty decent grocery store.
There are also smaller convenience stores in Yosemite Valley at Curry Village and the Yosemite Lodge. These have a smaller selection of goods available (think gas station selection), but are great to grab something quick close by.
Additionally, there are small convenience stores in Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, and Crane Flat.
2. Is there Gas Available in the Valley?
No. There is no gas available to the public in Yosemite Valley. However, there are four gas stations located in and around the park. Gas stations are located in El Portal on Hwy 140, Crane Flat at the Hwy 120 / Big Oak Flat Road Intersection, Tuolumne Meadows on Hwy 120 (Tioga Road), and Wawona on Hwy 41.
If you do run out of gas in Yosemite Valley you can purchase it from the park concessionaire at the Garage, but it’s about $10/gallon. Don’t let that happen to you!
3. Can I get to the Park by Public Transportation?
Yes, but it’s tricky. If you fly into the San Francisco Airport (SFO), you can take Amtrak to Merced for about $26 (a little over an hour ride). From Merced, you can catch the YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transit System) Bus to Yosemite Valley for $25 (little over a 2 hour ride). Once in Yosemite Valley, you can take the Valley Shuttle bus throughout the Valley for free. You might have a small layover at one of the stations, but it can be done.
4. What are the Nearest Airports?
The closest airport is Fresno International (FAT), which is a little over a 2 hour drive from Yosemite Valley. Fresno is a small and very manageable airport with a number of car rental options to drive into the park.
San Francisco Airport (SFO) is a popular airport for Yosemite visitors to fly into because you also have the option of spending a day or two in the city. It’s about a 3.5 hour drive to the park from SFO, and will likely be your cheapest option.
Other options in the 3-4 hour range are the Sacramento Airport (SMF), Oakland Airport (OAK), and the San Jose Airport (SJO).
5. Do I Need to Carry Tire Chains?
Yes… Technically you are supposed to carry tire chains in the park. If you’re visiting in the late fall, winter, or spring, I highly recommend having chains in your car, especially in the winter. During the summer it’s extremely unlikely that you would need to use tire chains, however, it has been known to snow in Tuolumne Meadows in July.
Good to Know: If you find yourself in the park during a snowstorm, and the roads change to having chain control, there are several vendors who will sell and install tire chains for you. If there are areas of the road under chain control, the vendors will usually station themselves at those checkpoints with a Ranger.
Also Good to Know: If you’re renting a vehicle to drive in to the park, the rental companies usually do not allow customers to use tire chains on their vehicles. If you’re visiting in the winter, or you have checked the weather and there is a chance of storms, spend the extra money and get a vehicle that has four-wheel-drive. If you have 4WD you are not required to put on chains, unless conditions get really bad, in which case you probably shouldn’t be driving.
Chain restriction codes:
R0 – Roads open, no chain restrictions
R1 – Chains required on vehicles without mud and snow tires (most vehicles have mud and snow tires).
R2 – Chains required on all vehicles, except vehicles with 4WD
R3 – Chains required on ALL vehicles (you shouldn’t be out driving)
6. Can I Bring My Dog to the Park?
Yes. Pets are allowed in the developed areas of the park. They’re allowed on the paved trails in Yosemite Valley (except up to Vernal Falls), and in campgrounds (except walk-ins). You must have your dog on a leash no longer than 6 ft, and you can’t leave it unattended. They’re not allowed on any back-country trails, so if you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking, it’s probably best to leave the pets at home. However, there are kennels in Yosemite Valley over by the horse stables. They fill up fast in the summer, but you can make reservations by calling 209-372-8326.
7. Do Bears Really Break into Cars?
Yes, but not if you don’t give them a reason to. The bears in Yosemite have learned over the years that cars have food in them. They’re smart, and will look in windows for coolers and groceries. Their sense of smell is about 20 times more efficient than a human’s, and they can smell that burrito wrapper you stuffed under your front seat.
Just make sure you get all the food out of your vehicle before you leave it at a trailhead, or in the parking lot, and you won’t have an issue. The Park Service has placed food storage lockers at most trailheads, and in each campsite to help prevent this problem.
8. Where Should I Park in the Valley?
There are a number of designated parking areas in Yosemite Valley. The largest and most centrally located parking area is the Camp 6 Day Use Parking Lot. When you drive into Yosemite Valley, turn left over Sentinel Bridge. Then turn right at the next stop sign. Turn right again at the next stop sign, and you’re at Camp 6 parking. There is a shuttle stop nearby which will take you anywhere you need to go in the Valley.
This is also the best place to park if you’re wanting to get to the “Mall” area (Visitor Center, Wilderness Center, Ansel Adams Gallery, Post Office, etc…). From the parking lot, cross the street (North Side Drive), and take a left on the bike path. Follow the bike path for about a quarter mile, and you’ll be in the main Yosemite Village area.
9. Can I get Internet Access or Cell Service in the Park?
Yes. Wireless internet access is available for public use in Yosemite Valley at the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls for a fee ($5.00), and free for guests. Curry Village also provides wireless internet access for guests at the Curry Lounge. There are computer kiosks at Degnan’s Deli in Yosemite Village, but they’re expensive ($5 for 15 minutes). The internet services at the Awahnee Hotel, and Wawona Hotel are for guests only.
Cell service is pretty good for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile customers in Yosemite Village. There’s 4G available throughout the Village area (best spot is around the Mall area from the Village Store to the Visitor Center). The coverage in the rest of the Valley is spotty. You might get full service in one spot, and none 5 feet over.
Cell Service is limited in Foresta, Crane Flat, Wawona, and from the Tuolumne Meadows Store to the Campground Reservations Office. There are also spots of coverage on park roads, and even some trails but it’s not reliable.
10. What Should I do if All Lodging in the Park is Full?
This is a very likely scenario for the last minute traveler to Yosemite, especially during the summer. If you’re camping you have a few options. The Valley campgrounds have a system for selling sites that people don’t show up for, or when people leave their site early. The park will sell those sites on a first-come-first-served basis, but they’re usually only for one night at a time. If you show up at the office early in the morning (the line usually begins around 6 or 7 AM), you can put your name on a waiting list for a site.
The catch is you have to be back at the campground office at 3:00PM to find out if you got one. If you’re just here to spend a few days in Yosemite Valley, this might be a good option. However, if you want to do some hiking, this system will cut your day in half.
There are several campgrounds outside of the park that might have some space available. On Hwy 140, try Indian Flat Campground, Dry Gulch, or Dirt Flat. If those are full, there’s also a KOA campground in Midpines, and there’s camping at the fairgrounds in Mariopsa. On Hwy 120 outside of the Big Oak Flat Entrance try the Yosemite Pines Campground.
On the East side of the park there are a few campgrounds on Tioga Road just outside of the Tioga Entrance Station. Ellery Lake Campground, Tioga Lake Campground, and Saddlebag Campground are all within 5 miles of the entrance. A little further down the canyon on the Poole Power Plant Road, you’ll find Lower Lee Vining Campground, Aspen Campground, and Big Bend Campground.
On Hwy 41 South of the park you can try Summerdale Campground which is about 2 miles south of the South Entrance Station, or there’s a Diamond O Campground a few miles beyond that.
If you’re looking for a roof over your head rather than a campsite, you have a number of possibilities as well. On Hwy 140 headed west, you can try either the Yosemite View Lodge or Cedar Lodge located in El Portal. There are also several hotel options in Mariposa, about an hour from Yosemite Valley. On 41 south try the Tenaya Lodge just south of Fish Camp, about 5 miles south of the South Entrance. There are also a number of hotel options in Lee Vining, about 10 miles East of the Tioga Entrance Station.
Some Final Things to Know Before Visiting Yosemite
Don’t be afraid to drink tap water here. Yosemite has some of the best water in the world! Instead of purchasing water, bring a reusable bottle from home and fill up from the tap. Litter picked up in the par often consists of plastic water bottles (especially the caps). Please don’t contribute to this problem!
Be aware of your surroundings on the roads. Every year there are several minor fender benders in the park. Not surprisingly, many drivers become distracted by the scenery in the park and forget to obey basic traffic laws. Pay attention to other drivers, pedestrians, and bikers on the roads. Pull-outs are available often if you want to look around or take a photo.
Protect the wildlife. Keep a lookout for wildlife on or near the road, and don’t feed them. When the animals become too habituated to humans, we’ve put them in danger. Feeding wildlife encourages them to hang around near roads and parking areas, making it more likely for them to be hit and injured.
Finally, while you’re enjoying your wonderful experience in Yosemite, please remember to be respectful to the environment. The natural ecosystems are very sensitive in this area, and humans have had an overwhelming impact. Practice “Leave No Trace” ethics, and try to leave the park in as good or better condition than when you arrived. Use the trash and recycle bins. The Park Service has diligently placed trash and recycle bins throughout the park. Help keep the park clean so future visitors can have a positive experience too.
I hope this information helps you have an amazing trip in the park!
Interested in learning about hiking in the Yosemite High Country? Start here!
Want to know what to keep in your daypack? Check here!