Getting to Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park sits in CA, United States, with Yosemite Valley the nearest town of any size — about 9.2 mi (14.8 km) out, or roughly 25 min of driving.
Yosemite National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
Drive times from Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park sits close enough to Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Pinnacles National Park, and Death Valley National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Kings Canyon National Park | 88 mi (142 km) | 2 hr 32 min |
| Sequoia National Park | 108 mi (174 km) | 3 hr |
| Pinnacles National Park | 131 mi (211 km) | 3 hr 33 min |
| Death Valley National Park | 188 mi (302 km) | 4 hr 53 min |
Long trails through this park
Pacific Crest Trail crosses Yosemite National Park. The published corridor is CA–WA.
- Pacific Crest Trail — official trail site.
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Yosemite Valley | 9.2 mi (14.8 km) | 25 min |
| Midpines | 30.6 mi (49.3 km) | 1 hr 5 min |
| Bridgeport | 31.5 mi (50.7 km) | 1 hr 6 min |
| Mammoth Lakes | 34.6 mi (55.7 km) | 1 hr 12 min |
| Mariposa | 35.4 mi (56.9 km) | 1 hr 13 min |
| Ahwahnee | 36.3 mi (58.4 km) | 1 hr 15 min |
| Oakhurst | 37.9 mi (61 km) | 1 hr 17 min |
| Tuolumne City | 38.8 mi (62.4 km) | 1 hr 19 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite Valley, about 9.2 mi (14.8 km) away — roughly 25 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Yosemite National Park?
The practical bases are Yosemite Valley, Midpines, and Bridgeport — all within a reasonable drive of the park.