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5 Entrances to Yosemite National Park
Heading to Yosemite and wondering which entrance to Yosemite is best?
With 5 different access points to enter the park, and the best one depends on your travel route, type of vehicle, your goals while in the park, and the time of year.
Keep in mind, certain gates are closed during winter months, and not all vehicles are equipped to navigate the park.
Here are the 5 entrances to Yosemite, with insight for deciding which one suits you best.
1. Hetch Hetchy Entrance
West Yosemite Entrance – a bit north
- Northwest access
- Accessible via Highway 120
- via Stockton, CA area
Getting There
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.
The gate is often the one with the shortest season and most limited access.
- Gate is only open from 8am – 5pm
- Can close during the winter depending on the weather
From California State Route 120, you will pass through Groveland – home of the oldest saloon in California, the Iron Door Saloon. I’ve been a few times, and it’s a great mix of patrons – locals, summer biologists, and Yosemite visitors.
From Groveland you have 2 options:
- Take the exit for Cherry Valley Rd (windy road) to the park entrance
- Or, continue on 120 to the Big Oak Flat Road (less windy)
Both take about the same amount of time – so it’s really up to what sort of road you prefer.
Hetch Hetchy Area
This section of the park will provide access to:
- O’Shaughnessy Dam
- Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
- Hike to the Wapama Falls
- A moderate 4.6 mile out and back trail to Wapama Falls will reward you with amazing views
- Hike to Rancheria Falls
- 12.6 mile Rancheria Falls is an even further adventure
Make sure you consider the gate hours when deciding on your day use activities, and plan accordingly.
The O’Shaughnessy Dam is over 400 feet high and took over 5 years to complete. Upon the completion of construction, the reservoir now provides water to the millions of people in the San Francisco Bay Area.
While that is of course an important source of survival for many Northern Californians, there is still controversy regarding removal of the dam.
The reason … beneath the water is a valley equivalent to Yosemite Valley, and it was this dam that supposedly caused John Muir’s death of a broken heart.
A few important notes:
- The only camping is the Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground, and you must have an overnight backcountry to permit to stay here
- The gates close at 5pm – do not lose track of time
- Since you cannot arrive prior to 8am, you will be hiking in the heat of the day – it will be hot mid summer
This is such an amazing section of the park, but please be sure to plan accordingly.
2. Big Oak Flat Entrance
West Yosemite Entrance
- West access
- Accessible via Highway 120 (just south of the Hetch Hetchy Entrance)
- via Stockon, CA area
Getting There
The Big Oak Flat Entrance is on the west side of Yosemite National Park. If you are traveling from the San Francisco Bay Area or Sacramento, this may be the most direct route.
Always check road conditions to determine the best option.
Similar to the Hetch Hetchy Entrance, you will travel along 120 through the town of Groveland. Rather than turning on Evergreen Road, just continue straight ahead to enter the park.
Big Oak Flat Road Area
Big Oak Flat Road is 1 of 2 main west Yosmite entrances that will give you access to Giant Sequoia trees. While not as large of a stand like down south in the Mariposa Grove, it is amazing nonetheless.
The Tuolumne Grove Trail is 2.8 miles out and back with about 650 feet of elevation gain. It is not a hard trail, but it has a downhill at the start, and of course uphill to get back.
- If you are unable to complete this hike, but want to see Sequoia trees, read the section on the Mariposa Grove accessible from the South Entrance.
As you make your way further into the park, you will have 2 choices:
- Continue on to Yosemite Valley
- Or, turn north-east on Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows.
Both are amazing, yet each offers up a different experience within the park.
While I absolutely love Yosemite Valley, and for good reason, Tuolumne Meadows is one of my most favorite places in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
3. Arch Rock Entrance
West Yosemite Entrance
- West access
- Accessible via Highway 140
- via Merced, CA
Getting There
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.
With that said, this west Yosemite entrance will have the most traffic, so please plan accordingly.
To get to this gate:
- Travel through Merced (or just south of Merced depending on where you are coming from)
- Pass through Mariposa
- Drive along the Merced River
- Pass through El Portal to entrance
Upon entering, you will drive through the large granite boulder archway, Arch Rock. This landmark welcomes you to one of the most iconic West Coast National Parks.
Arch Rock Entrance Area to Yosemite Valley
The Arch Rock Entrance on El Portal Road will lead you straight into the world renown Yosemite Valley.
The Valley, as it is referred to, is almost a National Park in and of itself and is one of the reasons Yosemite ranks as one of the best west coast national parks. There are way too many highlights to list here, but I will mention a few.
The road through the valley, will give you jaw dropping views of the grandiose granite walls and waterfalls so tall it’s somewhat hard to believe they are natural.
While driving you will see:
- Bridalveil Falls, 615 feet tall, on your right side
- The Merced River along your left.
- Cathedral Beach – a great picnic spot, with views of the majestic El Capitan.
Further on you will have views of Half Dome, eventually arrive to Yosemite Village, and can take a 1 mile loop walk to lower Yosemite Falls.
Of course, there are countless other stops that are just as amazing, and trails for days. Vernal Falls, while a busy trail, is definitely worth it, and for a quieter spot head out to Mirror Lake.
Before leaving the valley, you will drive past El Capitan. Pull over, get out your binolculars, and look for climbers. As an avid outdoors lover, it is still hard to comprehend the magnitude of this climb.
(Bonus Tip: watch the Oscar winning National Geographic documentart, Free Solo, prior to visiting – you won’t regret it).
Lastly, make sure you stop at Valley View on your way out for a classic postcard worthy ‘valley view’. Have your camera ready – it’s a stunner!
4. South Entrance (Wawona)
South Yosemite Entrance
- South access
- Accessible via Highway 41
- via Fresno, CA
Getting There
The South Yosemite Entrance is one of the closest ways to get to Yosemite National Park from San Diego or Los Angeles.
This entrance is located on Highway 41 via Fresno. It will take you a little over an hour to arrive at the gate, once you depart Fresno.
The nearest visitor’s center is in Wawona, less than 10 minutes from the gate.
South Entrance Area (Wawona)
The Mariposa Grove is the main attraction in this southernmost part of the park. This grove is home to over 500 Giant Sequoia Trees, with some being over 2,500 years old.
If you haven’t seen Sequoias before, it is certainly worthy of the trip. The trees are over 30 feet in diameter and about 150 feet tall. The part I find the most amazing is the shallow root system that holds up these goliaths.
If you are looking for a waterfall hike, then Chilnualna Falls is a great option down in this area.
- The trail is 7.7 miles out and back
- It is entirely uphill to the falls
- The elevation gain is over 2,000 feet
If you opt to do this hike, please ensure you have enough water, snacks, and sunscreen.
5. Tioga Pass Entrance
East Yosemite Entrance
- East access
- Accessible via Highway 120
- via Lee Vining, CA
Getting There
From Lee Vining and highway 395, turn on to highway 120 and drive about 20 minutes up the steep hill to the Tioga Pass Entrance.
This entrance is closed in the winter, as they do not snow plow the road. If there is a winter with a large amount of snowfall, this road can, and has been, closed until July.
Always check ahead of time.
Bonus tip: Stop at the Mobil gas station at the bottom of highway 120 before heading up the hill.
- Eat at at the Whoa Nellie Deli inside
- Yes a gas station
- Yes it’s the best stop on 395.
- Excellent food
- Super friendly staff
- Large grass picnic area with views of Mono Lake
The Mobil provides classic summer Yosemite vibes in the Eastern Sierra.
Tioga Road Area (Tuolumne Meadows)
This east Yosemite entrance gives you access to the Yosemite high country. Whether you are looking for a starting point for a backcountry adventure, or a day filled with beautiful meadows and creeks – this is the place.
Tenaya Lake is a gem – 8,100 elevation and crystal clear water. Yes, it’s chilly, but oh so refreshing. There is a great high alpine beach on the East end, giving you late afternoon sun and warmth after a cold plunge.
Granite domes fill the horizon in this area of the park, making for a unique topography. Scrambling and climbing opportunities abound.
Lembert Dome, Pothole Dome, Fairview Dome, and Medlicott Dome are some of your options up here, with Lembert and Pothole being favorites.
Along Tioga Road, Olmstead Point will give you a view of Half Dome and close-ups of Western Junipers, trees that can be 900-1,000 years old, and is a must-see. Be sure to pull over and check it out.
If you have the time, the Yosemite High Country off Tioga Road is not to miss.
This Eastern Sierra haven is full of meandering creeks, herds of deer, and meadows as far as you can see.
Summary
Which Yosemite Entrance Is Best?
The Arch Rock Entrance is the west entrance with the most direct route to Yosemite Valley. The Big Oak Entrance, another west entrance, is the fastest if coming from the Bay Area. The South Entrance is closest to the Mariposa Grove and giant sequoia trees. The Tioga Pass Entrance, the only east entrance, is the best for Yosemite High Country and is the least crowded. The Hetch Hetchy Entrance is the least visited gate due to limited hours.
Best Routes to Yosemite
From San Francisco / Bay Area and Sacramento
West Yosmite Entrances:
- The most direct gate is the Big Oak Flat Entrance. Yosemite Valley is 45 minutes from this gate.
- The Arch Rock Entrance is very similar in regards to timing.
From San Diego / Los Angeles
South Yosemite Entrance:
- The most direct gate is the South Entrance. Yosemite Valley is 60 minutes from this gate.
From Reno or Las Vegas
East Yosemite Entrance:
- The most direct gate, and only east side gate, is the Tioga Pass Entrance. Yosemite Valley is 90 minutes from this gate.
Do You Need a Reservation to Enter Yosemite?
Yosmite National Park is open 24 hours and reservations are required to enter the park from 6am – 4pm. Reservations are free, aside from a nominal processing fee, and can be booked easily online.
If you do not have a reservation, you are able to enter the park outside of peak hours – before 6am or after 4pm. Reservations are not required for the Hetch Hetchy Entrance.
Where to Eat Outside of Yosemite Entrances
If you are in need of a good meal before or after your trip to Yosemite, here are suggestions for each area outside the park.
Big Oak Flat Entrance & Hetch Hetchy Entrance
Groveland, CA – Two Guys Pizza Pies
- Pizza, Calzones, Salads, and Beer – with indoor and outdoor seating
Arch Rock Entrance
Midpines, CA – June Bug Cafe
- Breakfast Burritos, Burgers, and Steaks – a little of everything
Southern Entrance
Oakhurst, CA – Smokehouse 41
- California Barbecue – Tri-Tip, Brisket, Pulled Pork, and more
Tioga Pass Entrance
Lee Vining – Whoa Nellie Deli (inside Mobil Gas Station)
- Breakfast Burritos and Bagels, Burgers, Fish Tacos, Ribs – all delicious
Pay Attention …. Drive Alert
It is easy to be distracted by the stunning views throughout the park, but please remember Yosemite is filled with wildlife – it’s part of the wonder and magic of the park. PLEASE drive slow, watch for wildlife, and keep your eyes alert to the sides of the road.
Final Wrap Up
There are the 5 entrances to Yosemite, and while one may be more convenient depending on your route, you will not be disappointed with any of them.Every section of Yosemite National Park is unique, with ample opportunities to explore. Decide which entrance to Yosemite is best based on the goals of your trip.
Always think of the drive as part of the experience, not just a means to arrive at a destination, and you will have memories for a lifetime. With so much beauty to take in while in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, there is a reason Yosemite is one of the top rated West Coast National Parks.
Enjoy the drive!
