Take I-205 east to Highway 120 east and then exit onto Big Oak Flat Road. Drive through the entrance for Arch Rock National Monument, and continue on Big Oak Flat Road until you reach the entrance for Yosemite National Park on your right.
From here, take Highway 140 west to Mariposa Grove before turning south onto Wawona Road and entering Yosemite Valley from the north side of the park. To get back out to civilization, turn left onto Hwys 41/49 (the only access road) and drive back into El Portal Village just past Curry Village; or continue driving east on Hwy 140 all the way out of Yosemite Valley to Groveland before turning south again toward Fresno/Madera County line where it becomes Highways 120 & 59 going towards Merced, CA .
Keep an eye out for signage directing you back home.
Which Is The Best Entrance To Yosemite National Park?
Eastbound I-205 and eastbound Highway 120 will both have a Big Oak Flat entrance, while the Arch Rock Entrance is for those coming from California. For those traveling on I-580, keep in mind that exit 17 (Arch Rock) leads to the park’s main entrances as well.
Keep your eyes open for signage as you travel through the park – it can be difficult to find your way without directions. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks with you, since there are no facilities inside the park except for a few picnic areas.
I-205 east
I-205 east is the best entrance to Yosemite National Park because it has fewer traffic jams and is less congested than other entrances. It’s also easy to get onto the parkway from I-5, which makes it a good option if you’re traveling from out of state or Canada.
The exit for Yosemite National Park is in Merced, so make sure you have directions before leaving your home area. If you’re looking for an alternative route into the park, take Highway 140 west until you reach Vernal Falls Road and turn left afterwards to enter the park on foot or by bike from there.
Be aware that some parking areas near Yosemite National Park are fill up quickly during peak season, so consider reserving a spot online in advance or using one of the many nearby public garages instead
Highway 120 east
Highway 120 east is the best entrance to Yosemite National Park because it’s less congested and has more access to facilities and services. Visitors who choose this entrance can also take advantage of other attractions in the park, like Half Dome and El Capitan.
The road conditions are good all year long, making it a viable option for both day trips and longer vacations. When traveling through California, it’s important to be aware of traffic updates so that you can plan your trip accordingly. Remember to bring plenty of water with you when visiting Yosemite National Park as there are no stores or food options within miles of the park entrances
I-580 east
I-580 east is the best entrance to Yosemite National Park because it has the fewest traffic congestion and less pollution. It’s also close to major cities like San Francisco and Sacramento, so you can easily get there by car or train.
You can save time by travelling during off-peak hours when traffic is lighter. Make sure to take note of closures and detours that may be in place due to weather conditions or other emergencies, so you don’t end up getting lost or stranded on your way in or out of the park.
Don’t forget your passport if you plan on visiting Yosemite – this iconic national park requires a valid ID for entry into United States territory
Big Oak Flat Entrance
The Big Oak Flat entrance is the best option if you want to experience Yosemite National Park from start to finish. It’s the most popular and easiest way to get into the park, so expect long lines during peak season.
If you can’t handle crowds, try visiting another section of Yosemite later in your trip or choosing a different entrance date/time. Make sure to pack enough water and sunscreen since it can be very hot inside the park during summer months.
Don’t forget your camera. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take amazing photos while exploring Yosemite National Park
Arch Rock Entrance
The best entrance to Yosemite National Park is the Arch Rock Entrance. This entrance is located in Tuolumne Meadows and it’s one of the most popular entrances because of its stunning views.
It can be difficult to get there, but parking lots are available near the entrance and shuttle buses run frequently throughout the day. If you want to hike some of Yosemite’s famous trails, make sure you enter through Arch Rock Entrance first.
Keep in mind that park regulations prohibit visitors from bringing pets inside Yosemite National Park, so plan your trip accordingly if this is a priority for you
What is the most scenic route to Yosemite?
The Tioga Road is the most scenic route to Yosemite National Park. It’s a long drive, but it’s worth it if you want to see the scenery at its best. Try driving through Crane Flat in May or early June, or take advantage of the cooler weather in November to visit Yosemite National Park without crowds.
Always check road conditions before heading out—the Tioga Pass section can be closed during severe winters storms.
How many entrances are there to Yosemite park?
There are a total of eight entrances to Yosemite National Park. Four of these entrances are located in California, while the other four are located in Nevada.
- There are five entrances to Yosemite National Park: Big Oak Flat Entrance, Tuolumne County’s Entrance, Highway 120 from Modesto and Manteca, Glacier Point Road from Yosemite National Park, California, and Wawona Road from Yosemite National Park.
- All of these entrances can be accessed via state highways or major roads in the area.
- The entrance fees for each park vary; however, all of them charge an entry fee per vehicle (car or truck). Fees for pedestrians/ bicyclists range between $10 – $18 depending on the season.
- Overnight parking is available at select locations throughout the park but it is not allowed at any of the entrances into Yosemite National Park itself- only along park roadways near stations such as Curry Village and Camp 4th Lake ($8 per night) or Crane Flat($5 per night).
- You must have a permit if you plan on camping outside of designated campgrounds within Yosemite NP- these permits can be obtained online or by calling 209-372-0200 ext 0
Can you drive through Yosemite without a reservation?
If you’re planning on visiting Yosemite National Park this summer, be sure to make a reservation. This park is known for its stunning scenery and large crowds, so it’s best to get there as early as possible.
You don’t need to make a reservation to drive through Yosemite National Park. The park entrance fee is $35/car and visitors are allowed seven consecutive days of access with no expiration date. So, even if you’re not planning on spending the entire day in the park, it’s still worth considering making an appointment.
What is the safest route to Yosemite?
There are a lot of different routes that you can take to get to Yosemite National Park. However, the safest route depends on your destination and what type of vehicle you’re driving. Some roads may be more dangerous than others because they have more traffic or steep inclines. If you’re not sure which route is best for you, ask a friend or search online for maps and directions.
- Highway 120 is the best route to Yosemite from Mariposa County. This highway has a number of switchbacks and curves, making it a safe and comfortable drive.
- Buck Meadows is another great option for those looking for an easy road trip to Yosemite National Park. The park entrance is located just off of this road, making it an ideal spot for exploring the area on foot or by bike.
- Groveland offers visitors yet another convenient route into Yosemite National Park from Mariposa County. It’s only about 30 minutes away from the town, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way for lunch or dinner if you’re planning on spending some time in the park later on in your trip.
- Finally, if you want to take your visit up a notch, consider driving all the way to Tioga Pass via State Route 108 instead. This scenic stretch of highway takes you right past some amazing viewpoints before entering Yosemite National Park itself- perfect if you’re wanting something more extreme than Buck Meadows or Groveland have to offer.
How long does it take to drive thru Yosemite?
It takes about 2 hours to drive through Yosemite National Park, but you can add scenic lookouts along your route for an extra few minutes of enjoyment. The best way to enter the park is by driving straight through it – this will minimize delays and maximize your viewing time.
Add a few scenic stops on your route if you want to take in more of the natural beauty of Yosemite. Allow plenty of time for winding roads and long stopovers.
Which entrance to Yosemite is least crowded?
The entrance to Yosemite Valley that is least crowded is the South Entrance, which is open from 7:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m. each day of the year. If you want to see some of Yosemite’s most beautiful landscapes, head to Mariposa Grove or Tioga Pass road trails early in the morning or late in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.
For an even more secluded experience, try visiting Tuolumne Meadows during off-peak times . Finally, don’t forget about popular visitor spots like El Capitan and Half Dome – they can get very crowded during peak season.
Is Mariposa or Oakhurst closer to Yosemite?
Mariposa is closer to the West Entrance of Yosemite National Park, while Oakhurst is closer to the South Entrance. This means that visitors who are traveling from Southern California will have a shorter drive to visit Yosemite National Park through Mariposa than those who travel through Oakhurst.
However, both locations offer stunning views of Half Dome and El Capitan in addition to plenty of recreational activities like hiking and biking trails. Whether you’re visiting Yosemite for the first time or revisiting it again, make sure that you choose one of these two destinations.
To Recap
There are a few different entrances to Yosemite National Park, but the most popular is probably from Highway 41. From there, it’s only about an hour and a half drive into the park.
If you’re arriving by air, you can also take Highway 120 out of Fresno which will lead directly into Yosemite Valley.
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