Best Yosemite National Park Entrance Guide 2025

Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park is a thrill, but the first decision that can make or break your visit is which gate you drive through. The park has several entrances, each with its own vibe, traffic pattern, and nearby attractions. Below you’ll find a clear rundown of every major entrance, the pros and cons for each, and practical tips so you can pick the one that matches your itinerary and travel style.

Key Takeaways

• Four year‑round entrances (South, ArchRock, BigOakFlat, Wawona) serve different regions of the park.
• Tioga Pass (East Entrance) opens late May to early October and offers the highest elevation drive.
• If you’re headed straight to Yosemite Valley, the South Entrance is usually the fastest, but ArchRock can be less crowded in summer.
• HetchHetchy Entrance gives quick access to the less‑visited Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and excellent hiking for those seeking solitude.
• Check road conditions and seasonal closures before you leave; weather can shut down Tioga or even the South gate unexpectedly.

All Yosemite Entrances at a Glance

Here’s a quick snapshot of each gate - distance from the main Yosemite Valley, seasonal status, and key highlights.

South Entrance - The Classic Route

The South Entrance, accessed via Highway41, is the most iconic gateway. It brings you straight onto the Yosemite Valley road, where the famed ElCapitan, Half Dome, and the river‑side meadows await.

• Why choose it? Shortest drive to the valley, plenty of services (fuel, food, ranger stations) right at the gate.
• Best for first‑time visitors who want to hit the biggest sights in a day.
• Peak‑season traffic can push the line to 30minutes, especially on holiday weekends.

Pro tip: Arrive before 7a.m. in summer, or after 10a.m. during shoulder seasons to dodge the biggest queues.

ArchRock Entrance - A Scenic Alternative

ArchRock is reached via Highway140 from Merced. The drive follows the Merced River, offering a gentle curve of farmland, oaks, and occasional waterfalls.

• Less congested in July‑August compared to the South gate.
• Great if you plan to explore the historic Wawona area or the Pioneer History Center before heading to the valley.
• Parking fills up quickly on weekends; a short walk from the gate to the valley road is required.

Tip: Use the free park‑shuttle from the ArchRock gate to the valley’s main parking lot - it runs every 30minutes in summer.

BigOakFlat Entrance - Gateway to the High Country

Coming in on Highway120 from the west, this entrance is the starting point for the famed Tioga Road. The drive is longer (about 47mi to the valley) but rewards you with expansive meadows and the chance to stop at Tuolumne Meadows before descending.

• Ideal for travelers who want a high‑altitude experience or plan to continue east to Glen Canyon and the Sierra.
• Winter closures affect this gate only when Tioga Pass is shut, not the entrance road itself.
• Traffic is moderate, but weekend daylight can still cause short waits.

Best time: Late June to early September, when most snow has melted from the high country.

Wawona Entrance - Quiet Southern Access

Located further south on Highway41, the Wawona gate leads directly to the historic Wawona Hotel and the massive Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. The drive to the valley adds about 8mi compared with the South entrance.

• Low traffic makes it a favorite for families and those who want a relaxed start.
• Perfect for a morning hike among the sequoias before heading into the valley for the afternoon.
• Parking at the grove can fill quickly in summer; arrive early or consider the shuttle from the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center to the sequoias.

HetchHetchy Entrance - The Road to Solitude

From Oakhurst, the HetchHetchy Road branches off Highway41 and brings you to the lesser‑visited Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The gate sits about 35mi from Yosemite Valley.

• Provides quick access to the Wapama Falls trail - a moderate hike with stunning waterfall views.
• Very low traffic, even in peak summer, making it ideal for photographers seeking calm.
• Facilities are minimal; fuel and food are only available in Oakhurst.

Note: The road can be slick after rain; check the park’s road‑status page before departing.

Tioga Pass (East Entrance) - Seasonal High‑Altitude Adventure

Tioga Pass, the highest paved pass in the Sierra at 9,945ft, opens typically from late May to early October, weather‑dependent. The entrance lies on the east side of the park, connecting via Highway120 from Lee Vining.

• Offers spectacular vistas at Olmsted Point and access to the pristine Tuolumne Meadows plateau.
• Driving time to the valley can exceed 2hours, but the scenery makes it worth the detour for road‑trip enthusiasts.
• Snow can close the pass without notice; a chain‑required sign often appears early in October.

Keep an eye on the National Weather Service and the park’s live webcam for real‑time conditions.

Choosing the Right Entrance for Your Trip

Here’s a quick decision tree to help you match your plans with the best gate:

1. If your primary goal is to see Yosemite Valley landmarks in a single day, start at the South Entrance.
2. If you prefer a slightly quieter approach and want to explore historic Wawona first, pick the ArchRock or Wawona gates.
3. For high‑country hiking, wildflower meadows, or an early‑season adventure, head to BigOakFlat or the Tioga Pass (season‑dependent).
4. When seeking solitude, waterfalls, and minimal crowds, the HetchHetchy Entrance is your best bet.

Remember to factor in travel time, fuel stops, and any required permits (e.g., for half‑day Valley reservations during peak summer).

Practical Tips for All Entrances

• Download the official Yosemite app - it shows real‑time gate wait times.
• Carry a paper map; cell service can be spotty near the higher passes.
• Check the National Park Service road status page the night before you travel.
• Keep cash handy for small parking fees, as some remote entrances don’t accept cards.
• Arrive early if you need a campsite; the first‑come‑first‑served sites fill up fast during July.