Yosemite is famous for a valley walled by granite cliffs almost a kilometer high, with waterfalls pouring over the edge and two rocks anyone would recognize: El Capitan and Half Dome. It sits in California's Sierra Nevada, about four to five hours by car from San Francisco. In 2026 it brought two changes for visitors from abroad: you no longer need a reservation to get in, because the park dropped that system, but every nonresident visitor aged 16 or older pays a $100 surcharge on top of the entrance fee. This guide covers what it costs to enter Yosemite, how to get there from San Francisco with or without a car, what to see, when to go and which roads close in winter. Last checked October 27, 2026.
At a glance
- Entrance. $35 per car for seven days, plus a $100 surcharge for each foreign visitor aged 16 or older.
- Reservations. Not needed in 2026. The park dropped them in February.
- From San Francisco. About four to five hours by car to the valley, depending on the route and traffic.
- Without a car. Amtrak train with a bus connection, or the YARTS bus from Merced.
- Inside the valley. A free shuttle every 12 to 22 minutes, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Best season for waterfalls. May and June, with the snowmelt.
How much it costs to enter Yosemite in 2026
According to the National Park Service, entry costs $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle and $20 per person on foot or by bike, and it is valid for 7 days. Children under 16 are free.
On top of that comes the $100 per person surcharge for visitors aged 16 or older who are not US residents. Two foreign adults in one car pay $235. The only way to avoid it is to enter with the $250 America the Beautiful nonresident annual pass, which is also valid at the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce and Yellowstone. When it is worth buying is explained in our guide to US national parks for international visitors.
Do you need a reservation for Yosemite in 2026?
No. In previous years Yosemite required entry reservations on its busiest dates. On February 18, 2026, the park announced it would not use that system in 2026 and would instead manage traffic with real-time monitoring, parking management and more staff at the busiest intersections.
In practice, that means lines at the entrance and full parking lots by mid-morning in summer and on long weekends. Arrive early, park once and get around on the free valley shuttle.
What you do need to book, far in advance, is lodging and camping inside the park. If you can't get a spot inside, the towns near the entrances, such as El Portal, Mariposa or Oakhurst, have hotels within an hour of the valley. Sleeping nearby lets you enter early, which in Yosemite is the best strategy against the lines.
How to get to Yosemite from San Francisco
By car
According to a park route guide, the San Francisco Bay Area is about 195 miles (314 kilometers) and four to five hours from Yosemite Valley via Highway 140. Other routes, such as Highway 120, can be a bit shorter depending on where you start and the season. Leave very early to beat Bay Area traffic and arrive before the parking lots fill up.
Without a car
- Amtrak. Combines train and bus all the way to Yosemite Valley on a single ticket.
- YARTS. The regional bus that enters the park. The Highway 140 route from Merced runs year-round; the Highway 120 and 41 routes run only in summer.
Check schedules and fares on the Amtrak and YARTS websites. There are also day tours from San Francisco, but they make for very long days: almost half the time is spent on the road.
What to see in Yosemite
- Tunnel View. The overlook at the end of the Highway 41 tunnel, with the whole valley in front of you: El Capitan on the left, Bridalveil Fall on the right and Half Dome in the distance.
- El Capitan. The most famous rock-climbing wall in the world. From the valley meadows you can sometimes spot climbers as tiny dots.
- Yosemite Falls. The park's tallest waterfall. A short, flat trail leads to the base of the lower fall.
- Half Dome. The split dome at the end of the valley. Climbing to the top requires a separate permit and a very tough hike.
- Glacier Point. A viewpoint high above the valley, facing Half Dome, reached by a road that closes in winter.
- Mariposa Grove. A grove of giant sequoias near the south entrance.
When is the best time to visit Yosemite?
- May and June, to see the waterfalls at their fullest thanks to the snowmelt. This is also when the high season starts.
- July and August, with every road open, but more people and waterfalls starting to dry up.
- September and October, with fewer visitors and good weather, although several waterfalls are dry or nearly so.
- Winter, with snow in the valley and far fewer people. High-country roads close, and tire chains may be required.
In February, if the sky is clear and there is water, the small Horsetail Fall glows orange at sunset, a phenomenon that draws crowds. Check the park website to see whether special rules apply that year.
Roads that close in winter
Two park roads close with the snow:
- Tioga Road, which crosses the Sierra to the east. In 2026 it opened on May 15.
- Glacier Point Road, to the Glacier Point overlook. In 2026 it opened on May 9.
According to the park, both usually close at some point in November, when the snow arrives. As of October 23, 2026, they were still open. If your plans depend on them, check the park's road conditions page the day before. Yosemite Valley itself can be visited all year.
If you travel in winter, bring a warm jacket, gloves and snow-ready shoes, and keep in mind that nights in the valley drop below freezing. A fall or a car accident in a mountain park can be very expensive without coverage, as our guide to travel insurance for the US explains. And if your route continues to Arizona, the Grand Canyon guide has that park's fees and free shuttles.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter Yosemite?
A car pays $35 for seven days, and each adult who does not live in the US adds a $100 surcharge. Two tourists in one car pay $235.
Do you need a reservation to enter Yosemite in 2026?
No. The park dropped the reservation system for 2026 and manages traffic on site.
How do you get to Yosemite from San Francisco?
By car, in about four to five hours. Without a car, by Amtrak with a bus connection or on the YARTS bus from Merced.
When is the best time to visit Yosemite?
May and June to see the waterfalls at their fullest, or September and October to avoid the crowds.
What is Yosemite famous for?
Its granite valley, with El Capitan, Half Dome and waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls, and its giant sequoias.
Is there transportation inside Yosemite Valley?
Yes, a free shuttle that runs every 12 to 22 minutes, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.