Yosemite National Park
The Park
With iconic waterfalls, giant sequoias and awe-inspiring cliffs, Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the country. No matter the time of year, there’s something to see, like the blooming wildflowers in the spring or the Horsetail Firefall in the winter. And no matter the type of traveler you are, there’s something to do–from enjoying an old-fashioned campfire under the stars to staying at a historic hotel while you tour the local wineries.
Getting There
When you take the Amtrak San Joaquins train, your Park admission is free and your Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) ticket is included! You can get to Yosemite by getting off the train at the Merced station and taking Route 15—a Thruway Bus serviced by YARTS—directly into Yosemite Valley.
Even without a car, you can still get around once in the Park! Just take the free Valley Shuttle, offering 19 stops throughout the Park. Shuttles run daily every 10 to 20 minutes, and they’re a great way to save on gas, meet other travelers and conveniently navigate the Park without having to worry about limited parking.
| Traveling From | Train to Yarts Bus Connection |
|---|---|
| Hanford | Take the Amtrak train from Fresno to Merced, then transfer to the YARTS Bus. |
| San Francisco | Take the Amtrak train from any Bay Area Amtrak station to Merced, then transfer to the YARTS bus. |
| Sacramento | Take Amtrak Thruway Bus Route 3 to Stockton station. Hop on the train to Merced, then transfer to the YARTS bus. |
| Los Angeles | Take Amtrak Thruway Bus Route 1, 1c, 10, or 19 to Bakersfield. Hop on the train to Merced, then transfer to the YARTS Bus. |
| San Diego | Take the Amtrak train from Santa Fe Depot to Los Angeles. Transfer to Thruway Bus Route 1 to Bakersfield. At Bakersfield, hop on the train to Merced, then transfer to the YARTS Bus. |
| Train to Yarts Bus Connection | |
|---|---|
| Traveling From Hanford | Take the Amtrak train from Fresno to Merced, then transfer to the YARTS Bus. |
| Traveling From San Francisco | Take the Amtrak train from any Bay Area Amtrak station to Merced, then transfer to the YARTS bus. |
| Traveling From Sacramento | Take Amtrak Thruway Bus Route 3 to Stockton station. Hop on the train to Merced, then transfer to the YARTS bus. |
| Traveling From Los Angeles | Take Amtrak Thruway Bus Route 1, 1c, 10, or 19 to Bakersfield. Hop on the train to Merced, then transfer to the YARTS Bus. |
| Traveling From San Diego | Take the Amtrak train from Santa Fe Depot to Los Angeles. Transfer to Thruway Bus Route 1 to Bakersfield. At Bakersfield, hop on the train to Merced, then transfer to the YARTS Bus. |
*Fresno has its own seasonal service to Yosemite. From May 9, 2022 – September 9, 2022, the Hwy 41 service operates daily. Board at the intersection of Howard and Fresno, the Fresno Amtrak/Greyhound Station or Fresno Yosemite International Airport. See the schedule here.
Schedules
PEAK HOURS RESERVATIONS
MARCH 23
Reservations open (70% for ALL reservation dates—with the remaining 30% released daily, 7 days before arrival date)
MAY 20 - SEPTEMBER 30
Peak hours, reservations required for 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
During peak hours, visitors can enter with:
- Regional transit or tour groups
- Peak hours reservation
- Wilderness or half dome permits
- In-park camping, lodging or vacation rentals
*Reservations are not required for entry into Hetch Hetchy
Things to do
There’s more than just beautiful hiking trails and epic waterfalls to experience at the Park. From fine dining at the Ahwahnee and horseback riding at Tenaya Lodge, to ice skating in Curry Village and luxury spa treatments at the Yosemite Bug Resort, the Park offers unforgettable experiences for the entire family. And with convenient stops throughout the Park, you can rely on the bus or shuttle to get you there—and even bring your bike along for the ride!
EXPLORE ITINERARY IDEAS BELOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR YOSEMITE TRIP.
YARTS ITINERARY
MERCED
STOPS
- Merced Airport
- Merced Transpo
- Merced Amtrak
ITINERARY IDEAS
- Drinks at the Partisan
- Merced Multicultural Arts Center
- Applegate Park Zoo
CATHEY’S VALLEY
STOPS
- Cathey’s Valley
ITINERARY IDEAS
- Biking trails
- Wildflowers (in spring)
- Historic Plaza Bar in Hornitos
- Yosemite Ziplines & Adventure Ranch
- Horseback riding
MARIPOSA
STOPS
- Mariposa Fairgrounds
- Midtown Mariposa
- Mariposa Park & Ride
ITINERARY IDEAS
- California State Mining and Mineral Museum
- Butterfly Creek Winery & Vineyards
- Horsetail Falls
- Poppy Hill Bed & Breakfast
MIDPINES
STOPS
- Highway 140 Autocamp
- Midpines County Park
- Midpines Post Office
- Yosemite Bug Resort
ITINERARY IDEAS
- Airstream, luxury tents & cabins
- Spa and yoga at Yosemite Bug Resort
- June Bug Cafe
- Outdoor recreation, hiking, picnic areas
- Scenic swimming holes
EL PORTAL
STOPS
- Cedar Lodge
- NPS Maintenance
- Barium Mine Road
- El Portal Post Office
- Yosemite View Lodge
ITINERARY IDEAS
- Stay at Cedar Lodge
- Stay at Yosemite View Lodge (Pools/Spas, Cocktail Lounge)
YOSEMITE VALLEY
STOPS
- Curry Village
- Yosemite Valley Vistor’s Center
- Yosemite Valley Lodge / Laurel Cottage
ITINERARY IDEAS
- Ice skating at Curry Village (in winter)
- Cabins, lodging
- Visitor’s Center: Nature exhibits, theater, bookstore
- Meadow Grill
- Pizza Deck
- Coffee Corner
- Seven Tents Pavillion
- Bar 1899
