There’s something about planning a trip to Yosemite National Park that feels exciting and overwhelming at the same time.
Maybe it’s because Yosemite is one of those places you’ve seen hundreds of photos of before visiting, including towering cliffs, waterfalls crashing into the valley below, giant sequoias, and those iconic viewpoints that somehow look unreal. But once you actually start planning, you realize there’s a lot more to think about than simply choosing a few hikes.
If Yosemite is on your travel list, here are a few things worth keeping in mind before you go.
1. Yosemite is Actually Kind of Hard to Get to
Maybe this one is only relevant for me, because I’m used to going to the 5 Utah national parks. I found it to be kind of difficult to get in the park. Between the switchbacks (depending on which way you’re coming from), the hour drive up the mountain, the fact that one of the entrances is closed for most of the year, and the really long lines if it’s at all busy, it can feel really difficult to get to.
I drove all the way there from Utah which was quite the drive, but wasn’t too bad in the grand scheme of things. Maybe having driven so long before getting to the base of the mountain you drive to get to the park made it seem more difficult to me.
I was suprised, however, that one of the closest AirBnbs that we found and stayed in was about an hour and 15 minutes away from the official entrance of the park, and we had to take alternate routes than we were planning the first day because the eastern entrance was closed (due to the risk of snow.)
Of course, if you stay in the park through either camping or staying at one of the hotels in the actual park, you won’t have to really worry about this. That’s why it’s good to keep it in mind while you’re planning your trip and figuring out where you’re going to stay/camp.
Also, if you’re flying into a nearby city rather than driving, the drive up the mountain will probably feel less long/overwhelming.
And, despite it being a little bit difficult to get into the park, the long drives to get to the things you want to see are so worth it! Yosemite truly is gorgeous, and I can’t wait for you to see it.
2. Yosemite Is Much Bigger Than It Looks
One of the easiest mistakes to make when planning Yosemite is underestimating just how large the park really is. Looking at a map, it can seem manageable, especially if most of the places you’ve heard of appear clustered together. In reality, Yosemite covers nearly 1,200 square miles, and getting from one area to another often takes longer than people expect.
Yosemite Valley is where many first-time visitors spend most of their trip, and for good reason. It’s home to some of the park’s most recognizable sights and waterfalls. But there are also places like Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and Mariposa Grove that each feel completely different from one another and require additional driving time to reach. (There’s an awesome shuttle that takes you around Yosemite Valley which is really good since parking is difficult to find, but you will have to drive to different areas to see these other things.)
Instead of trying to see everything, choose a few priorities and allow yourself time to actually enjoy them. The last trip I took to Yosemite, we spent all of our time in Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley.
3. Decide What You Want Your Trip to Feel Like
Before building an itinerary, it helps to think less about what everyone else says you should do and more about what kind of trip you actually want.
Do you want long hikes and full days outdoors? Are you hoping for scenic viewpoints with shorter walks? Is photography the goal, or do you want a slower trip with time to sit by the river and take everything in?
Two people can spend three days in Yosemite and have completely different experiences, and both can be amazing. Make sure that the hikes you’re planning on will be fun and manageable for your entire group, or make plans to split up and meet at certain points throughout or at the end of the day.
Trying to squeeze every popular stop into one trip usually leaves people feeling rushed. Yosemite tends to reward slower travel, at least in my experience.
4. Start Earlier Than You Think You Need To
You don’t have to wake up before sunrise every day to enjoy Yosemite, but getting an earlier start can completely change your experience, especially if you’re not staying in the park.
Like I mentioned earlier, it can take a while to get into the park, so for me, even when I left at 7 am, I didn’t get to Yosemite Valley until 9:30. I was still able to see a lot, but I had slightly less time than I expected to have on my hikes.
As the day goes on, parking fills up, viewpoints become crowded, and traffic builds throughout the valley. Arriving earlier often means cooler temperatures, easier parking, and a calmer experience overall.
Some of my favorite moments in national parks happen before the busiest hours of the day, when trails are quieter and you feel like you have a little more space to take everything in, though it can be tricky to wake up that early. No matter what time you go to the park, you’ll be able to see the stunning views, so do what is best for your style of travel!
5. Build More Flexibility Into Your Schedule
When planning a national park trip, it’s tempting to fill every hour with activities. Yosemite is one of those places where that approach doesn’t always work well.
You may unexpectedly stop for a scenic pullout. You might spend longer than expected at a waterfall or decide to sit by the river instead of rushing to the next stop. Traffic, weather, and simple curiosity all have a way of changing plans.
Leaving space in your itinerary often creates the best memories, or at least being ok with not hitting everything you originally planned to. Hopefully, if there’s a lot that you missed and want to see, you can plan another trip back soon!
6. Timing Matters More Than People Realize
Yosemite changes dramatically depending on what time of year you visit.
If seeing powerful waterfalls is high on your list, late spring and early summer are usually the best times to go. By later summer, many waterfalls become smaller or dry up altogether. Fall brings different scenery and fewer crowds, while winter creates an entirely different experience with snow and seasonal closures.
The “best” time to visit depends more on what you want to experience than on a calendar. For me, I prefer going in the spring when the waterfalls are at their best and it’s not super cold or super hot outside, even though that means I have to be there along with a lot of other people (large crowds).
7. Don’t Rely on Cell Service
It’s easy to forget how dependent we are on our phones until we’re in a place with no cell service.
Cell service can be limited throughout Yosemite, so it’s worth downloading maps ahead of time and saving reservation confirmations before you arrive. Having directions, trail details, and important information available offline can make the trip feel much smoother.
Of course, it can be really nice to disconnect from everything when you’re out in nature, especially when it’s as beautiful as the nature in Yosemite.
I also find the maps in Yosemite pretty easy to navigate with, so as long as you’ve downloaded what you need, you should be fine!
8. Pack for More Than the Forecast Says
Weather in Yosemite can change more than people expect, especially when moving between elevations or spending time outdoors all day.
Even in warmer months, mornings and evenings can feel cool, and shaded areas can feel completely different from exposed trails. Bringing layers, water, comfortable shoes, and a few extra essentials usually makes the day more enjoyable than trying to pack as lightly as possible. Especially if you’re hiking during heavy waterfall season, having an extra outfit to change into can make your day a lot more comfortable.
9. Know That, Unless you’re Spending More than a Month There, You Won’t See Everything
This might be the hardest part of planning a Yosemite trip. There will probably be viewpoints you skip, trails you don’t have time for, and places you save for another visit.
The trips people remember most usually aren’t the ones where they checked every box. They’re the ones where they slowed down enough to enjoy where they were.
That being said, if you don’t mind rushing through hikes and really really want to see everything, then just make sure you set aside enough time for yourself. You might be able to do it!
Final Thoughts
Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park doesn’t have to mean creating the perfect itinerary or fitting every attraction into a single visit.
Choose a few things you’re excited about, give yourself time to enjoy them, and leave room for unexpected moments along the way. Yosemite has a way of making even ordinary moments feel memorable, and that’s part of what makes people want to come back.
Thanks for reading! Check out my other Yosemite National Park content for more.
