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.

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.