Yosemite
Stop 29 of 51 on the loop. Stay in Yosemite Valley CA, give it 2 nights, and plan the day around Valley Loop / Glacier Point if open.
- State
- CA
- Stay in
- Yosemite Valley CA
- Nights on this route
- 2
- Month on this route
- June
- Don't miss
- Valley Loop / Glacier Point if open
- Getting here
- 146 mi from Grant Grove CA, about 3 h 40 min.
- Next stop
- Lassen Volcanic, 314 mi, about 7 h 8 min.
On This Route
Yosemite comes in early June, after Kings Canyon. That’s peak waterfall season, when Yosemite Falls, Vernal and Nevada run at full power. The high country is the gamble. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road open when the snow clears: often by early June, but weeks later after a big winter.
Plan the Day
- Sunrise: Tunnel View, the classic look at El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall.
- Morning: the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Fall, about 3 miles round trip and steep. You will get soaked in June.
- Afternoon: the Valley loop by car or shuttle. Lower Yosemite Fall, El Capitan Meadow, and Cook’s Meadow for Half Dome reflections.
- Evening: Glacier Point, if the road is open. It’s an hour from the Valley, and sunset over Half Dome is worth it.
Rules for 2026
No entry reservation is required in 2026. Yosemite dropped its peak-season system. Expect full lots in the Valley by mid-morning, and use the free Valley shuttle once you’ve parked.
Yosemite is one of 11 parks with a $100 per-person surcharge for visitors who aren’t U.S. residents in 2026.
Where to Stay
This route stays in Yosemite Valley at Yosemite Valley Lodge, the Ahwahnee or Curry Village, because driving in from a gateway town costs 1 to 2 hours a day. Valley rooms open about 13 months ahead and go fast. The backups are El Portal (15 minutes) and Mariposa (an hour).
Entrance Fees
- $35 Private Vehicle
- $30 Motorcycle
- $20 Per person (walk or bike in)
Visitors who aren't U.S. residents pay an extra $100 per person here in 2026.
An $80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry at every national park; on a trip like this it pays for itself after three parks. Fees from the NPS, checked 2026-10-18.
Nearby Parks
- Kings Canyon about 78 mi as the crow flies
- Sequoia about 98 mi as the crow flies
- Pinnacles about 132 mi as the crow flies
Sources
Official site: https://www.nps.gov/yose/. Guide reviewed 2026-10-18. Route data checked 2026-10-19.