Travel to Yosemite National Park

ute 120 from the east (Tioga Pass Road) from Lee Vining and points east. This road is only open from June through October, although heavy snow may force closure in late September and push opening back to late July.

A secondary entrance exists to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir exclusively (no Yosemite Valley access) off of State Route 120 from the west. It requires taking a side road near the main Route 120 west entrance of Yosemite. Please note that Hetch Hetchy has restricted hours for access due to security for the Reservoir. Please check with Yosemite National Park information before heading out to Hetch Hetchy.

During the snow season, usually November through March, snow chains may be required. Chain requirements are strictly enforced in Yosemite with potential fines being as much as $5,000, so chains should be carried during those months.

Note: During summer months traffic becomes heavily congested in Yosemite Valley, and parking can be nearly impossible to find. Summer visitors to Yosemite Valley are therefore highly encouraged to use the YARTS shuttle system to get into the park.

 Rail

Amtrak offers service to Yosemite by means of a motor coach bus that meets its San Joaquins trains in Merced. The San Joaquins provide several departures each day along its route from Bakersfield in the south, Sacramento in the north, and the San Francisco Bay Area in the west. With ample motor coach connections to and from the trains, this train service serves most of the state, allowing quick and easy access to Merced from most places within the state.