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National Park

Yosemite National Park

Park ClosureFeb 23, 2026

Tioga Road (Hwy 120 through the park) and Glacier Point Road are closed

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Two tall waterfalls flowing down snow covered granite walls.

Yosemite Falls will sometimes only trickle at the end of summer, but wet winters can rejuvenate the flow.

Photo: NPS / Cindy Jacoby

About

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. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Activities

Arts and CultureAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyBikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingClimbingFishingFoodGuided ToursHands-On
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Ice Skating
Living History
Paddling
Junior Ranger Program
Tubing
Snow Tubing
Skiing
Snow Play
Snowshoeing
Swimming
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

You can drive to Yosemite year-round and enter via Highways 41, 140, and 120 from the west. Tioga Pass Entrance (via Highway 120 from the east) is closed from approximately November through late May or June. Hetch Hetchy is open all year but may close intermittently due to snow. Please note that GPS units do not always provide accurate directions to or within Yosemite.

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Weather

Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (600 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May (and over 75% between November and March). Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May. (Yosemite Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)

News

Feb 18, 2026

Yosemite National Park will not require vehicle reservations in 2026

Yosemite National Park today announced it will no longer use a timed reservation system in 2026. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of traffic patterns, parking availability and visitor use during the 2025 season.

Feb 10, 2026

Yosemite National Park Prepares for 2026 Horsetail Fall Viewing

Yosemite National Park is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for the annual viewing of Horsetail Fall, the natural phenomenon that occurs for a brief window each February when the setting sun can illuminate the waterfall on El Capitan with a striking, firelike glow. The projected viewing period for 2026 is Feb. 10–26, depending on natural conditions. 

Oct 24, 2025

Three BASE Jumpers Convicted for Base Jumping in Yosemite National Park

The National Park Service today announced three recent convictions for illegal BASE jumping in Yosemite National Park, underscoring the park’s commitment to visitor safety, resource protection and the enforcement of federal law.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$35.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$30.00
Entrance - Per Person$20.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$300.00