Things to do in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley's landmarks explain the drive: El Capitan's 900-metre granite face, Half Dome's cable-route summit, and Yosemite Falls, North America's tallest waterfall, running fullest from spring snowmelt (roughly April to June) and reduced to a trickle by late summer.

5 hours from San Francisco by car via Highway 120 or 140, longer in winter or weekend traffic, which rules out a comfortable same-day round trip. Entry is a standard vehicle fee, $35 for seven days, with no day-use reservation required in 2026, though international visitors aged 16+ pay an added $100 entrance fee.

Arrive before 8am to beat full parking lots and 60-plus-minute queues in summer.