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Jun 15, 2023 · Your most direct route to Yosemite is through the Big Oak Flat Entrance or the Arch Rock Entrance, which is located southeast of Big Oak Flat. To enter through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, you will take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east via Manteca, California.
What if the entrance I plan to use is closed? If a particular entrance is closed, you’ll need to use an alternative entrance. Always check the park’s official website or call ahead for current entrance statuses, especially during winter months or adverse weather conditions. Which entrance is closest if I’m coming from Nevada?
- BIG OAK FLAT ENTRANCE. Highway 120 | Best for you if: you’re driving from the Bay Area. Visiting from the Bay Area? One of the two direct routes into the park is through the Big Oak Flat Entrance.
- HETCH-HETCHY ENTRANCE. Highway 120 | Best for you if: you want to hike at Hetch-Hetchy Valley and a select few trailheads. Located on the northern edge of the park, this entrance is accessed via Evergreen Road and is closest to San Francisco and the Bay Area.
- ARCH ROCK ENTRANCE. Highway 140 | Best for you if: you’re driving from the Bay Area and are arriving at the park early. Located on the western edge of the park, this is the closest entrance to Yosemite Valley — where most visitors start their visit!
- SOUTH ENTRANCE. Highway 41 | Best for you if: you’re traveling from San Diego or the Los Angeles areas. If you’re traveling from San Diego or the Los Angeles area, your nearest entrance will be the south entrance.
- Hetch Hetchy Entrance. West Yosemite Entrance – a bit north. Northwest access. Accessible via Highway 120. via Stockton, CA area. The Hetch Hetchy Valley entrance is the least traveled of the 5 entrances, and is the only area not connected by the roads within the park boundaries.
- Big Oak Flat Entrance. West Yosemite Entrance. West access. Accessible via Highway 120 (just south of the Hetch Hetchy Entrance) via Stockon, CA area.
- Arch Rock Entrance. West Yosemite Entrance. West access. Accessible via Highway 140. via Merced, CA. The Arch Rock Entrance on the west side of Yosemite National Park is by far the most used, the easiest access, and quickest way to Yosemite Valley.
- South Entrance (Wawona) South Yosemite Entrance. South access. Accessible via Highway 41. via Fresno, CA. The South Yosemite Entrance is one of the closest ways to get to Yosemite National Park from San Diego or Los Angeles.
Best for encountering fewer crowds. The Hetch Hetchy Entrance of Yosemite National Park is the best entrance for those seeking an extra peaceful experience in Yosemite. The farthest north of all the entrances to the park, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance typically has fewer crowds. There are fish in the majority of the lakes for fishing.
Mar 28, 2024 · Here are some essential tips you should know before visiting Yosemite National Park. 1. How long do in need in the park? The park entrance fee ($20/35 on foot/in a car) is good for seven days, while the Yosemite Pass ($70) and the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ($80 for a full car) are valid for a year.
Jan 27, 2022 · The South Entrance to Yosemite National Park is open year-round and will be the closest way in if you’re coming from San Diego (8 hours) or Los Angeles (6 hours). Enter the South Entrance from highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite.
