Embrace nature and experience the majesty of Yosemite National Park. Nestled amidst the grandeur of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, Yosemite offers a picturesque landscape that has captivated travelers for generations.
Driving through this natural wonderland unveils an array of stunning vistas, towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. Imagine driving through Yosemite with the windows down, wind blowing through your hair, and the sweet sounds of nature’s melodies surrounding you. Here’s your guide to the top spots for a scenic drive through Yosemite National Park, and essential tips to make the most of your journey.
Start Your Journey Here
Did you know that you can drive all the way through Yosemite National Park? It’s true! It encompasses an extensive road network that allows you to explore its diverse beauty from the comfort of your own vehicle. When the weather allows, consider keeping your car windows down in order to let the invigorating scents of wilderness infuse your car with fragrances of wildflowers and fresh air.
Driving through Yosemite provides the freedom to stop at various points along the way, capture breathtaking photographs, and immerse yourself in the park’s unparalleled splendor. While there are many stops worth making, a direct drive from the park’s entrance to its exit takes an average of roughly two hours. To truly savor the experience, plan for at least a full day to capture the best photos, hike some trails, and simply relish in the peace and quiet of nature.
Yosemite National Park Tips
These helpful tips will assist with planning your Yosemite National Park adventure, ensuring you arrive prepared and have a clear picture of what to expect.
1. In Yosemite reservations are not currently required to visit the park. Visit the Yosemite National Park page on nps.gov or download the NPS app before you go for the most up-to-date information.
2. Plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the park’s attractions, hiking trails, and seasonal closures. Plan for congestion if you are visiting during peak season.
3. Beat the crowds by starting your day early to enjoy the popular viewpoints with fewer people. Consider visiting during the off season for a quieter experience — it’s definitely the best time to drive through Yosemite to avoid crowding and congestion.
4. Pack essentials in your backpack, including water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing.
5. It’s important to respect and protect the park’s natural beauty. Follow the principles of Leave No Trace by disposing of waste properly and refraining from picking flowers or disturbing wildlife.
6. Keep in mind that many sections of Yosemite are closed seasonally due to winter weather conditions. Tioga Road, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove are major park sectors that are regularly closed because of winter weather impacts.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is one of the most famous and iconic viewpoints in Yosemite National Park. It offers unparalleled vistas that perfectly encapsulate the park’s beauty. As you enter Yosemite National Park via Highway 41, be prepared for your first breathtaking encounter with Tunnel View. This iconic vista offers a postcard-perfect, panoramic view of some of Yosemite’s most renowned natural rock formations.
El Capitan — a massive granite monolith popular among rock climbers — dominates the left side of the view. Half Dome — the world-famous and most-recognized symbol of Yosemite — sits in the center and makes the backdrop for the view. Bridalveil Fall — a stunning waterfall that cascades gracefully into the valley — sits on the right as you enter. Since the Tunnel View is easily accessible from the park’s entrance, it’s usually a first stop for visitors. It’s also close to the Wawona Tunnel, allowing for an easy place to pull over and park with minimal effort.
If you’re looking for that picture-perfect photo to encompass the magnificence of Yosemite, Tunnel View is undoubtedly that spot. With a dramatic landscape of the iconic rock formations and blue skies or colorful sunsets, Tunnel View is the awe-inspiring viewpoint that’s a definite must-see for all visitors to Yosemite.
Glacier Point
Continuing along the Yosemite Valley Loop, take a detour toward Glacier Point Road. This scenic side trip rewards you with incredible views from Glacier Point. The elevated vantage point offers panoramic views of the park’s most famous landmarks, including the Half Dome where you can see the face rising dramatically above the valley floor. The elevation is about 7,214 feet and makes you feel tiny surrounded by so much natural majesty. The drive up to Glacier Point is approximately 16 miles from Yosemite Valley, but the vistas at the top are well worth the journey.
Plus Glacier Point serves as the trailhead for several popular hiking trails, including Panorama Trail that brings you to Illilouette Fall, Nevada Fall, and Vernal Fall. You can also stop inside the park’s visitor center before embarking on your trail or continuing your drive. The visitor center has park information, maps, and restrooms.
Mariposa Grove
A visit to Mariposa Grove is an opportunity to witness the park’s magnificent giant sequoias. Take the Mariposa Grove Road and meander through a grove of towering sequoia trees, including the famous Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. Grizzly Giant is estimated to be over 2,700 years old, and its circumference is about 96 feet. The California Tunnel Tree was carved through the trunk in the late 1800s to attract tourists, and although it’s no longer possible to drive through, you can still walk through the tunnel for an awe-inspiring experience of just how massive these trees are.
This stop immerses you in the serene beauty and sheer grandeur of these ancient giants, some that exceed 3,000 years of age and reach heights of more than 250 feet! Conservation and restoration efforts have increased at Mariposa Grove to preserve the ancient trees and the delicate ecosystem. Measures have been taken to reduce human impact on the grove and ensure the longevity of these precious giants for generations to come.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Located in Yosemite Valley, it can be admired from various viewpoints and offers different perspectives throughout the year. The height is approximately 2,425 feet and consists of three main sections: the Upper Fall, the Middle Cascades, and the Lower Fall. The Upper Fall alone plunges about 1,430 feet into the pool below. Yosemite Falls is a landmark that can be enjoyed all year long. Thanks to the snowmelt from surrounding high peaks, the flow is most impressive during spring and early summer when the snowmelt rushes down — resulting in a thundering cascade of water that is truly stunning to behold.
If you’re looking for a trail to Yosemite Falls, the Mist Trail is a popular hiking path that leads directly to the base of the falls. Hiking to the base is a great way to get up close and embrace the refreshing experience of one of the world’s tallest and most majestic waterfalls. Let the soothing soundtrack of the cascading water, rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze, and birds chirping lull you into a tranquil state.
Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows
If you have the opportunity and are visiting during the warmer months, driving through Yosemite along Tioga Road will reward you with stunning alpine scenery. Make sure to stop at Tenaya Lake, a sparkling gem nestled amidst granite peaks, for a peaceful picnic or a refreshing dip. The lake is surrounded by granite domes and towering peaks which make the lake’s crystal-clear waters a reflection of the landscape. You can even swim, kayak, and paddleboard in the lake, and then relax on the shore for a fun picnic with incredible views.
Continuing east you’ll reach Tuolumne Meadows, a picturesque subalpine meadow offering hiking trails, wildflower displays, and a serene atmosphere. This vast, open meadow is a hub for several exceptional hiking trails which will lead you to Cathedral Lakes, Elizabeth Lake, and Lyell Canyon. You’ll even find more advanced trails that include Mount Dana and Mount Lyell.
The park’s diverse ecosystem, from the ancient giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove to the alpine landscapes of Tuolumne Meadows, will constantly amaze you with their beauty and variety.
Where To Stay With RCI
These top-notch resorts offer close proximity to Yosemite National Park, plus cozy accommodations to return to when your scenic Yosemite drive is done.
Oakhurst: 30-Minute Drive
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakhurst - Yosemite
June Lake: 30-Minute Drive
Bass Lake: 30-Minute Drive
WorldMark Yosemite Northshore Estates
Angels Camp: 1.5-Hour Drive
