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National Park

Yosemite National Park

InformationOct 16, 2026

No overnight parking on Tioga & Glacier Point Roads

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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

Oct 13, 2026

Dome Fire Update, October 13, 2026 (morning)

Progress on the Dome Fire continues, with no change to the perimeter in several days. Containment has increased to 86%. Fire activity remains minimal, and any visible smoke is coming from interior pockets of heat.

Oct 12, 2026

Dome Fire Update, October 12, 2026 (morning)

Containment on the Dome Fire increased to 73% yesterday as firefighters continued mop‑up and tactical patrol. All crews were flown out of spike camps in the wilderness by helicopter ahead of forecast rain and possible mountain snow. 

Oct 11, 2026

Dome Fire Update, October 11, 2026 (morning)

All control lines held during yesterday’s wind event, thanks to several days of steady work by firefighters. Crews conducted tactical patrol and watched for spot fires. Fire activity increased with the wind, but burning was limited to interior areas and did not threaten containment.

Entrance Fees

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