FIELD GUIDE / SUMMER 2026

Yosemite National Park

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Conditions change. Follow signs and ranger orders.

Current conditions

Yosemite does not require an entrance reservation in 2026, though an entrance pass is still required. Mountain roads like Tioga Road can close unexpectedly for weather or other hazards, and you must store all food in bear-resistant lockers.

[$] No entrance reservation in 2026

Yosemite does not require a timed entrance reservation in 2026. You still need an entrance pass, and parking can fill on busy days.

[ROAD] Mountain roads are seasonal

Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road, and Hetch Hetchy Road can close for snow, ice, smoke, or other hazards. Check the road page before leaving the valley.

[BEAR] Store every food item

Keep food, trash, toiletries, and scented items in a bear-resistant locker or approved container. Never leave them in a vehicle.

[CAMP] Camping needs a reservation

From spring through fall, Yosemite campgrounds generally require reservations. If every campground is full, you must leave the park to sleep.

NPS conditions (large page)

Services by place

Every place lists all five services. Seasonal services may be closed.

El Portal / Arch Rock ↑

Do this: Buy fuel, food, and water in El Portal before entering the park.

  • Food: Yes in El Portal; limited inside the entrance.
  • Water: Yes at developed facilities.
  • Fuel: Nearby in El Portal; no dependable fuel in Yosemite Valley.
  • Signal: Usually available in El Portal; weak in the park.

El Portal is the closest full-service gateway to Yosemite Valley from the west.

Yosemite Valley / Yosemite Village ↑

Do this: Fill water and buy food here, then park once and use the free valley shuttle.

  • Food: Yes. Restaurants, stores, and seasonal food service.
  • Water: Yes at developed facilities.
  • Fuel: No dependable fuel. Fill up outside the park.
  • Signal: Limited. Calls or data can fail when the valley is busy.

Parking fills early. The valley shuttle reduces driving between trailheads and services.

Wawona / South Entrance ↑

Do this: Use Wawona for seasonal food and supplies. Fill the tank before driving farther into the park.

  • Food: Seasonal store, restaurant, and lodge services.
  • Water: Yes at developed facilities.
  • Fuel: Limited or seasonal. Do not depend on it.
  • Signal: Limited or unreliable.

Wawona is the south-side service area and the route to Mariposa Grove.

Mariposa Grove ↑

Do this: Park at the Welcome Plaza and take the shuttle when it runs. Bring water for the grove.

  • Food: No. Buy food in Wawona or the valley.
  • Water: Seasonal at developed facilities.
  • Toilets: Yes at the Welcome Plaza.
  • Signal: Weak or unreliable.

The grove road is closed to most private vehicles when the shuttle operates.

Crane Flat / Big Oak Flat ↑

Do this: Fill up and carry food before crossing the high country.

  • Food: Limited seasonal store and snacks.
  • Water: Seasonal at developed facilities.
  • Toilets: Yes at developed stops.
  • Fuel: No dependable fuel.
  • Signal: Weak or unreliable.

This is the junction for Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy, and Tioga Road.

Tuolumne Meadows ↑

Do this: Bring food, water, layers, and a full tank from the valley.

  • Food: Seasonal limited store and grill when open.
  • Water: Seasonal at developed facilities.
  • Toilets: Yes when facilities are open.
  • Signal: None or unreliable.

High elevation weather changes quickly. Tioga Road is seasonal and may close without warning.

Hetch Hetchy ↑

Do this: Carry all food and water. Check the gate hours before driving here.

  • Water: No dependable drinking water.

The road is narrow and the gate closes each day. It is not a through route.

Report park conditions

Drive times

Summer estimates without long stops. Traffic, wildlife, weather, and road work can cause delays.

El Portal to Yosemite Valley

El Portal → 30–45 min → Arch Rock Entrance → 15 min → Yosemite Valley

Traffic, entrance lines, and one-way valley roads can add much more time.

Big Oak Flat to Yosemite Valley

Big Oak Flat Entrance → 45–60 min → Yosemite Valley

Carry food and water before entering. Cell service is poor on the route.

Yosemite Valley to Wawona

Yosemite Valley → 45–60 min → Wawona → 10 min → Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza

The Mariposa Grove road is closed to most private vehicles when the shuttle runs.

Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows

Yosemite Valley → 1 hr 45 min → Crane Flat → 60 min → Tuolumne Meadows

This route uses Tioga Road and is seasonal. Check status and carry supplies.

Yosemite Valley to Hetch Hetchy

Yosemite Valley → 45 min → Big Oak Flat Road → 45 min → Hetch Hetchy turn

Hetch Hetchy access is outside the valley and follows a narrow road with limited services.

Help

Emergency: call 911. Tell the dispatcher your location, direction of travel, vehicle, and problem.

Park information: 209-372-0200

This independent guide is not the National Park Service and is not an emergency service.

Permits

Entrance pass

An entrance pass is required even though timed entry is not required in 2026. The pass does not guarantee parking.

Official fees and passes

Half Dome

A permit is required to use the Half Dome cables. Apply through the preseason or daily lottery when the cables are in place.

Official Half Dome permits

Wilderness camping

Overnight wilderness trips require a wilderness permit. Trailhead quotas can fill before the trip date.

Official wilderness permits

Campgrounds

Reserve a campground before arriving when reservations are required. Sleeping in a vehicle outside a campsite is not allowed.

Official campground information

Short hikes

Distances are one way unless marked as a loop. Check trail closures.