To be a smarter Yosemite visitor, enjoy your trip more and spend less of your hard-earned money doing it, try these tips:
- Sightseeing Savvy: The most popular stops are Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove, Tunnel View and Tuolumne Meadows. They're prettiest in early morning and late afternoon light, and they'll be less crowded then, too.
- Traffic-Buster On the Way In: If you're staying along Hwy 140 between Mariposa and Yosemite, use the Yosemite Area Transit buses to get into the park. It won't actually keep you out of traffic, but someone else will have to deal with it - and you'll save on gasoline.
- Avoid Gridlock Inside the Park: No matter how you get there, once you're inside the park, use the free shuttle buses to get around and try inexpensive buses and trams to reach Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point, and other sights.
- Gas Up Before You Get There: It will not only save you money, but will also prevent a last-minute panic when you check the gauge in Yosemite Valley and realize you've got only drops left and there are no gas stations. Find all the best gas-buying tips here. Use the shuttle in the valley and a tankful should get you in and out.
- Pedal Power: Yosemite Valley is quite flat and you can tour it by bicycle on 12 miles of trails. Not only is it an environmentally friendly way to get around, but you'll have time to get a good look at El Capitan instead of having a National Lampoon's Vacation moment pointing to it out the car window as you speed past. You can rent bicycles at Curry Village spring through fall.
- It Bears Attention: All the talk about bears in Yosemite isn't just a lot of fuss over nothing. A hungry bear can tear your car door off in minutes if they think there's food inside. These tips will keep you (and your stuff) safe.
- Watch the Weather: Thunderstorms are common in Yosemite, especially in the afternoon at higher elevations. If you get caught in one, don't risk turning into a human lightning rod. Avoid exposed places and metal railings at vista points - and don't take shelter under lone trees. If all else fails, lay down flat on the ground. It may not be dignified, but it's safe.
- Have Reservations: Reserve ahead for Sunday brunch at the Ahwahnee, especially during summer and school holidays.
- Catch and Release If might want to stay in one of the hotels in the park, don't delay while you make up your mind. You can reserve up to up to one year and one day ahead of time and cancel up to 7 days in advance with no penalty.
- Last-Minute Success: If you're looking for last-minute availability, try for reservations 7 days in advance, when people cancel to avoid penalties.
- The Early Camper Catches the Site: Only half of the Yosemite camping sites require reservations. However, if you want to stay in a campground that operates on a "first come, first served" basis, get there early. On busy days, they fill up as early as 9:00 a.m.
- Most of the Yosemite National Park campgrounds also require reservations (800-436-7275 - U.S. and Canada, 301-722-1257 international).
- Money Matters:The Yosemite National Park entry fee is charged per vehicle and is good for seven days. If your vacation plans include more than two national parks in a year, ask about an annual pass. During National Parks Week, held in April entry fees are waived in more than 100 parks nationwide, including Yosemite National Park. Get more information at the National Parks Week website. Entry is also free on selected other days that vary by year. You'll find the current year's list here.
- Doggy Business: It may be best to leave Bowser home. Pets are not allowed in the park accommodations or on any trails. If you do bring your dog along, you'll find a kennel at the Yosemite Valley Stable 209-372-8348.
- Get High Safely: Elevation at Yosemite varies, but can be as much as almost 10,000 feet. Before you go, take a look at our high elevation checklist. It will help keep you well and comfortable.
