The Highway 120 corridor is the most direct route to iconic Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. Not only does it provide convenient passage to the park, it also offers something for everyone in your party, from the history buff to the outdoor adventurer, to do along the way.

In the town of Groveland, the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum provides a vast look at the natural and cultural history of the area. Whitewater rafting with one of several renowned outfitters on the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River is an adventure like no other. Horseback riding, golf, off-roading, and hiking and more fill up days easily. Plentiful lodging options and campgrounds and RV parks provide for a restful night’s sleep near Yosemite.

Yosemite National Park will require day-use entrance reservations for the last three weekends of February 2025 to manage the Horsetail Fall event.

Yosemite National Park will require day-use entrance reservations for the last three weekends of February 2025 to manage the Horsetail Fall event.

During February, thousands of visitors visit Horsetail Fall, a waterfall that can glow orange when it's backlit by sunset, which can make it appear to be on fire. This unique lighting effect happens only on evenings with a clear sky when the waterfall is flowing and when the sun is at the right angle in mid– to late February. This event attracts many visitors to a small area, causing traffic congestion, parking issues, safety concerns, and impacts to natural and cultural resources. To manage this event, a reservation will be required to enter Yosemite National Park on the weekends of February 8–9, February 15–17, and February 22–23, 2025, even for those not visiting Horsetail Fall. Visitors who arrive Mondays through Fridays (except Monday, February 17) won't need a reservation. The $35/car entrance fee is valid for entry for seven days, regardless of day of arrival. A similar system has been implemented for this event the past several years.

Beginning at 8 am Pacific time on November 18, 50% of day-use reservations will be available for all three weekends at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745. 

Beginning at 8 am Pacific time two days prior to a day-use reservation date, the remaining 50% of day-use reservations will be available. For example, on February 21 at 8 am, day-use reservations for February 23 will be available.

Go to Yosemite's website for more information.

Over half of Yosemite National Park is in Tuolumne County--it’s the  least crowded half too. Walk in the splendor of ancient giant sequoias  in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, which is located just off of Highway 120 East (also known as the Tioga Road) and accessible year-round. Or, travel a bit further during the  summer months and catch your breath in the astounding scenery of Tuolumne Meadows. At Hetch Hetchy Reservoir,  visitors find the expansive deep blue lake, that is the water source  for many San Francisco-area residents, surrounded by granite peaks. Also, an uncrowded trail follows the edge of the reservoir to waterfalls that are comparable in beauty to more famous falls in Yosemite Valley.

Other highlights of the park include Yosemite Valley with its iconic cliffs like Half Dome and El Capitan and towering waterfalls,  Wawona’s Pioneer Yosemite History Center and Glacier Point with spectacular view of Yosemite Valley and the high country in the spring through fall.

Explore outside the park: Groveland and surrounding towns offer visitors splendid vistas and adventurous activities that are just as awe-inspiring as Yosemite National Park. See a list of 20 Things To Do Near Yosemite in Tuolumne County.  

Plan ahead: Make sure to see if you need a park pass reservation for your dates of travel and purchase one if you do, have lodging reservations secure, your route planned out.

Sign up for text alerts: Yosemite National Park sends traffic updates as needed. Sign up by testing YNPTraffic to 333111.

Enter the park early or late: Peak travel times for the park are from 7:00am to 4:00pm. Enter the park before 7:00am or after 4:00pm to avoid waiting in lines at the entrance. Entrance gates are open 24 hours a day; if there isn't a ranger present, pass through and pay on your way out of the park.

Utilize a specialized tour provider.

Take alternative transportation: Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) offers daily runs to Yosemite Valley from several locations in Tuolumne County.