Should You Visit Yosemite National Park?

Is Yosemite National Park worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this national park for three to seven days because of the many great activities. Yosemite National Park is an iconic national park in the state of California. It has many world-class hikes that take you by waterfalls and grand views. Within the park you'll also find many world-renowned rock climbing areas as well as groves of the giant Sequoias. Amenities and supplies can be found in Yosemite Village. This is also where you'll find the Yosemite Museum and the Ansel Adams Gallery. We first visited in 2011 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its dramatic views, world class hikes, and incredible natural beauty. Yosemite National Park is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Time Magazine's World's Greatest Places in 2023.

Yosemite Valley

Reasons to Visit Yosemite National Park

Hiking
This park has many famous hikes that take you by Half Dome, near Yosemite Falls, and through breathtaking landscapes. Popular hikes in the area include Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall and Mirror Lake Trail.

Resorts
There are several grand hotels and lodges within the park. Reservations are a must, especially if you're traveling during peak seasons.

Is Yosemite National Park worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Yosemite National Park, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too. Summer can be warm and crowded at Yosemite so make reservations in advance.

The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to go hiking and relax at a luxurious resort.

Is Yosemite National Park worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Yosemite National Park. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

During this season it's fun to experience the beautiful scenery and the hiking.

Is Yosemite National Park worth visiting in the Winter?

The low season for travel in Yosemite National Park is during the winter. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit. Winter is a beautiful but challenging time to visit Yosemite as many roads are trails close for the season.

This is a great time of year to .

Is Yosemite National Park worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Yosemite National Park. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Yosemite National Park

Food: Yosemite National Park doesn't top the list for most foodies. There are a few varied restaurants in the park that offer casual food or packaged meals that you can take away. The food is generally expensive and not always the best, so you'll likely enjoy packing your own picnic food to enjoy within the park.

Lots of Tourists
Yosemite National Park sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Yosemite National Park might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Yosemite National Park here or see if Yosemite National Park is expensive here.

Related

What is Yosemite National Park most famous for?

Yosemite National Park is most famous for its stunning hikes, giant Sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and the granite cliffs of Half Dome. The national park is very popular for its hiking. Also, it's known for resorts. It is often described as breathtaking, popular, world-famous, and stunning.

What is the most famous sight in Yosemite National Park?

The most popular sight in Yosemite National Park is El Capitan. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Yosemite National Park on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for El Capitan and other attractions here.

How touristy is Yosemite National Park? Is it a popular national park to visit?

Yosemite National Park is a very touristy national park that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Yosemite Winter Highlights Small Group Tour: $190
• Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Adaptive Tour: $180
• Yosemite Full Day Small Group High Country / Mariposa Tour: $299
• Yosemite Panorama Trail Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
• Yosemite Valley Full Day Small Group Tour: $299
• Big Trees Hike & Riverside Cookout Adventure: $180
• Yosemite’s High Country Adaptive Tour: $180
• El Capitan, Yosemite: A Rock Climber's Odyssey - Private Tour: $300

How long should I spend in Yosemite National Park?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Yosemite National Park is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Yosemite National Park has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Yosemite National Park?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Yosemite National Park?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Yosemite National Park?.