Yosemite Nationa Park is huge, spanning throughout an space of three,081 sq. miles. However solely 5 Yosemite entrances can be found to guests. When planning your Yosemite journey, you have to be strategic when selecting the doorway to the park. It can prevent helpful time and even cash.
Relying in your start line and what you wish to see, one entrance might higher swimsuit you than others, so which Yosemite entrance must you take?
If you’re driving from Sequoia or Los Angeles, the very best Yosemite entrance is South Entrance. The Large Oak Flat entrance is the very best in case you come from San Francisco. Tioga Cross entrance is your solely selection in case you drive from the East (Thoe, Las Vegas, Bishop).
When planning a winter journey to Yosemite, remember that some areas of the park could also be inaccessible as a result of seasonal closures. Be sure your car can deal with the tight turns and low tunnels contained in the park earlier than you go.
Contemplating the kind of car, you’re driving and the time of 12 months, right here’s a information that will help you determine which is the very best entrance in your wants.
5 Yosemite Nationwide Park Entrances
The 4 Yosemite entrances on the Park’s western aspect are Hetch Hetchy, Large Oak Flat, Arch Rock, and South Entrances.
The Tioga Cross Entrance is on the japanese aspect of the Park.
To obtain high-resolution printable maps of Yosemite Nationwide Park, examine my article: Yosemite Nationwide Park Maps.
1. Hetch Hetchy Entrance (Hwy. 120)
The Hetch Hetchy entrance is positioned the farthest north and is an effective selection if you wish to discover the Hetch Hetchy reservoir and different extra peaceable areas of Yosemite Nationwide Park. Take Freeway 120 and Evergreen Street.
- In winter, you should definitely arrive on the gate throughout daytime because it closes at sundown.
- There are not any customer facilities or full-service campgrounds in these components, however the climbing trails are spectacular and have the longest climbing season within the park.
- Accessibility for RVs and trailers: Not really useful for RVs – use the Large Flat Oak or Arch Rock entrance. The only car’s most size is 25 ft, with a most width of 8ft.
- Value visiting: The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It’s the supply of consuming water and hydroelectric energy for two.4 million San Francisco residents. Swimming and boating are prohibited in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, however fishing is allowed.
The northern space of the Yosemite Nationwide park has a decrease elevation (3,800ft; 1150m) than different areas, which leads to an prolonged climbing season from early spring by way of fall.
The realm is residence to distinctive specimens just like the incense-cedar and California black oak and is the pure habitat of the western mastiff, the biggest North American bat.
Trails to Discover From Hetch Hetchy Entrance
Please examine my detailed information right here to obtain the printable map for Hetch Hetchy Reservoir trails.
- Wapama Falls (5miles 8km) 2 hours – Reasonable
- The Lookout Level Path (2miles 3.2km) – Simple
- The Poopenaut Path (3miles 4.8km) 2 hours – Reasonable
Most Notable Vistas Accessible From Hetch Hetchy Entrance
The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir gives spectacular views from completely different spots. Generally it seems like you might be within the Yosemite Vally stuffed with water.
2. Large Oak Flat Entrance (Hwy. 120)
Bay Space residents benefit from the undemanding path to Yosemite’s Large Oak Flat entrance (though the Arch Rock entrance lies simply southeast of Large Oak Flat). Take I-580 east to I-205, then Freeway 120 east by way of Manteca, California. It can take roughly 45 minutes to get to Yosemite Valley from right here.
- Large Oak Flat entrance is open year-round, however chances are you’ll want chains to drive safely throughout the winter.
- The closest fuel station is in Groveland, 24 miles outdoors of Yosemite Nationwide Park.
- Accessibility for RVs and trailers: Large Oak Flat Street’s tunnel has a peak restriction of 13 ft 8 inches to get into the valley and 10 ft 3 inches to get out. The utmost single car size is 45 ft.
- Value visiting: Groveland is known for the oldest working saloon in California, the Iron Door Saloon, and the dwell music at completely different venues throughout summers.
Trails to Discover From Large Oak Flat Street
Please examine my detailed information right here to obtain the printable map for the Large Oak Flat trails.
- Lukens Lake (4.6 miles 7.5km) 3-4 hours – Reasonable
- Harden Lake (5.8 miles 9.3 km) 3-4 hours – Reasonable
- Might Lake (2.4 miles 4 km) 2 hours – Reasonable
- North Dome (10.4 miles 17 km) 6-8 hours – Strenuous
Most Notable Vistas Accessible From Large Oak Flat Street
3. Arch Rock Entrance (Hwy. 140)
Arch Rock entrance is an alternate path to Large Oak Flat Entrance for guests coming from the bay space. When driving from San Franciso, I all the time use the Large Oak Flat Entrance; I discover it much less crowded and takes me sooner to the park. However, the Arch Rock Entrance is an effective possibility as effectively.
Take the I-580 east to I-205, then hop onto Freeway 140 east. It can take round 25 minutes to get to Yosemite Valley.
- Arch Rock Entrance is open year-round, however chances are you’ll want chains to drive safely throughout the winter.
- The closest fuel station is within the small city of El Portal.
- Accessibility for RVs and trailers: The tunnel on the El Portal street has a peak restriction of 12 ft 10 inches and a max single car size of 45 ft.
Most Notable Vistas Accessible From Arch Rock Entrance
It is just 8 miles or 15 min to get from the Arch Rock Entrance to the Yosemite Vally, and also you received’t discover well-known viewpoints there. Nevertheless it means that you’ve the shortest drive to the well-known Yosemite Valley landmarks whenever you take Arch Rock Entrance.
4. South Entrance (Hwy. 41)
The South Entrance is most handy for San Diego or Los Angeles guests. Enable for a full day’s journey (San Diego is 8 hours away, and Los Angeles is 6 hours away.
See additionally: Finest Nationwide Park Scratch Off Maps
Take freeway 41 north (Fresno) to get to the South Entrance. It can take round 1 hour to get to Yosemite Valley from right here.
- The gate is open year-round, however the primary customer heart, Wawona, is simply out there throughout the summer season months. You could want chains to drive safely throughout the winter.
- The closest fuel station is at Fish Camp, simply outdoors the park.
- Accessibility for RVs and trailers: The utmost single car size is 45 ft. When driving to Yosemite Valley from the Wawona heart, the tunnel has a max peak of 10 ft 2 inches. The max peak from Wawona to the valley is 13 ft 6 inches.
Trails to Discover From South Entrance
Please examine my detailed information right here to obtain the printable maps of the paths you may entry from the South Entrance.
- Wawona Meadow Loop (3.5 miles 5.6km) 2 hours – Simple
- Swinging Bridge Loop (4.8 km 7.6 km) 2 hours – Simple
- Large Timber Loop Path (0.3 miles 0.5 km) 1 hour – Simple
- A number of trails at Glacier Level.
Most Notable Vistas Accessible From South Entrance
Once you use the South Entrance to Yosemite, you may entry the next areas: Wawona, Mariposa Grove, Glacier Level, and the Yosemite Valley.
5. Tioga Cross Entrance (Hwy. 120)
Tioga Cross is the one entrance on the japanese aspect of the Park. It’s the closest entrance for guests from Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, and Loss of life Valley (round 4 hours). Take US 395 to Lee Vinning, then hop on Freeway 120 west into Yosemite Nationwide Park. Attending to Yosemite Valley from right here will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- The Tioga cross entrance is closed from November to Might, and most amenities alongside the Tioga street additionally shut throughout wintertime. It is best to observe that cellphone service might be spotty alongside this route.
- The closest fuel station is Lee Vining.
- Accessibility for RVs and trailers: Tioga cross is steep and winding and might be very harmful for bigger automobiles throughout dangerous climate.
- There are not any peak restrictions.
Trails to Discover From Tioga Cross
Please examine my detailed information right here to obtain the printable maps of the paths you may entry from the Tioga Cross Entrance.
- Tuolumne Meadows (1.5 miles 2.4km) 1 hour – Simple
- Elizabeth Lake (4.8 km 7.6 km) 4-5 hours – Reasonable
- Mono Cross (8 miles 13 km) 4-6 hours – Reasonable
- Cathedral Lakes (7 miles 11 km) 4-6 hours – Reasonable
Most Notable Vistas Accessible From Tioga Cross
Yosemite Nationwide Park Entrance Charges
The entrance charge payable at Yosemite entrances varies based on the kind of car and the size of your go to.
The next prices are per car, not per individual:
- Non-commercial automobile, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats – $35.00 and is legitimate for seven days.
- Bike – $30.00 and is sweet for seven days
- Individuals on foot, bicycle, or horse – $20.00 is legitimate for seven days.
The doorway for a non-commercial bus or van with greater than 15 passenger seats is $20.00 per individual and is legitimate for seven days. Kids 15 years and youthful enter without spending a dime.
Route Solutions for Yosemite Entrances
From San Francisco to Yosemite
When you’re coming from San Francisco, chances are you’ll encounter appreciable site visitors throughout weekends, so attempt to get an early morning begin. The closest entrance to San Francisco is the Large Oak Flat by way of Freeway 120. The journey period is at the very least 4 hours, and the gap between Large Oak Flat and San Francisco is 170 miles. Bear in mind so as to add some further time for driving to your vacation spot within the park. The journey to Yosemite Valley will take round 45 minutes from the Large Oak Flat entrance.
From Los Angeles to Yosemite
When you’re coming from Los Angeles, the closest entrance is the South entrance by way of Freeway 41. The gate is open all 12 months spherical. The journey to Yosemite Valley takes round one hour from the South entrance.
From Las Vegas to Yosemite
Seasonal guidelines will decide your route in case you’re coming from Las Vegas. The closest entrance is the Tioga Cross, however it’s often closed between October and Might. Throughout different months we recommend you utilize the SR120. If the cross is closed, it’s an eight-hour drive across the Sierra Nevada mountains by way of central California.
Yosemite Entrances | Closing Ideas
Yosemite Nationwide Park is among the 9 California nationwide parks and essentially the most gorgeous. It’s a must-see vacation spot for any traveler and is ideal for spending a couple of days (or extra!). Nevertheless, the drive to get there might be fairly tiring. So, ensure to map out your route upfront and know the important particulars of every entrance to Yosemite earlier than you go.