Yosemite National Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and granite cliffs, attracts millions of visitors each year. This guide will help you navigate your way to the park, providing essential information on driving directions, nearby airports, and park entrances.

Driving Directions to Yosemite National Park

Driving Distances to Nearby Cities

Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Here are approximate driving distances from some nearby cities:
San Francisco, CA: 195 miles (314 km)
Sacramento, CA: 176 miles (283 km)
Fresno, CA: 94 miles (151 km)
Los Angeles, CA: 313 miles (504 km)
Reno, NV: 214 miles (344 km)

Basic Driving Directions

While there are multiple routes to reach Yosemite, the most common driving directions from major nearby cities are as follows:
From San Francisco: Take Interstate 80 (I-80) east to CA-99 south. Merge onto CA-140 east, passing through the town of Mariposa. Continue on CA-140, entering Yosemite National Park through the Arch Rock Entrance.

From Sacramento: Take CA-99 south to CA-140 east. Pass through Mariposa and continue on CA-140, entering the park through the Arch Rock Entrance.

From Fresno: Take CA-41 north, driving through the towns of Oakhurst and Fish Camp. Enter the park through the South Entrance, which is the closest entrance to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

From Los Angeles: Take Interstate 5 (I-5) north to CA-99 north. Merge onto CA-41 north and continue through Oakhurst and Fish Camp, entering the park via the South Entrance.

From Reno: Take US-395 south to CA-120 west. Enter the park through the Tioga Pass Entrance (note that this entrance is closed during winter due to snow).

Interesting Sights, Stops, and Entrances

While driving to Yosemite National Park, there are several interesting sights and towns along the way:
Mariposa: Located on the CA-140 route, Mariposa is a historic gold rush town that offers restaurants, shops, and lodging options. It’s a great place to stop for a meal or to explore the California State Mining and Mineral Museum.

Oakhurst: On the CA-41 route, Oakhurst features various dining and lodging options. It’s also home to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, a historic steam train that offers scenic rides through the Sierra National Forest.

The three main entrances to Yosemite National Park are:

Arch Rock Entrance (west): Accessed via CA-140 and provides easy access to Yosemite Valley.
South Entrance: Accessed via CA-41, the closest entrance to Mariposa Grove and Wawona.
Tioga Pass Entrance (east): Accessed via CA-120, providing access to Tuolumne Meadows and the park’s high country (closed during winter).

Nearest Airports to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park can be accessed via several airports, serviced by major airlines:

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) – 95 miles (153 km) from the South Entrance
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 214 miles (344 km) from the Arch Rock Entrance
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 180 miles (290 km) from the Arch Rock Entrance

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest airport to Yosemite National Park, located approximately 95 miles (153 km) from the South Entrance. Major airlines, including American, Delta, and United, service this airport with domestic flights. It is not an international airport, but it connects to several major hubs in the United States.

Car rental facilities are available at the airport, making it convenient for visitors to drive to the park. To reach Yosemite from Fresno Airport, take CA-41 north through Oakhurst and Fish Camp, and enter the park via the South Entrance.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 214 miles (344 km) from the Arch Rock Entrance of Yosemite National Park. As a major international airport, SFO is serviced by numerous airlines, offering both domestic and international flights.
Car rental facilities are available at the airport, allowing visitors to rent a vehicle for the drive to Yosemite. From SFO, take I-80 east to CA-99 south, then merge onto CA-140 east. Continue through Mariposa and enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance.

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is located approximately 180 miles (290 km) from the Arch Rock Entrance of Yosemite National Park. SMF offers domestic flights and is serviced by major airlines, such as American, Delta, Southwest, and United.
Car rental facilities are available at the airport for visitors planning to drive to the park. To reach Yosemite from SMF, take CA-99 south to CA-140 east. Drive through Mariposa and enter the park through the Arch Rock Entrance.

Yosemite National Park Entrances

Yosemite National Park has several entrances, each providing access to different areas and attractions within the park. Here is an overview of the main entrances and their proximity to major park attractions:

Arch Rock Entrance (West)

The Arch Rock Entrance, accessed via CA-140, is a popular gateway to the park. From this entrance, visitors can easily reach Yosemite Valley, home to iconic attractions such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. The distance from the Arch Rock Entrance to Yosemite Valley is approximately 14 miles (22.5 km).

South Entrance

The South Entrance, accessed via CA-41, is the closest entrance to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Wawona area. From this entrance, the Mariposa Grove is approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) away, while Yosemite Valley is about 27 miles (43.5 km) away.

Tioga Pass Entrance (East)

The Tioga Pass Entrance, accessed via CA-120, provides access to the park’s high country, including Tuolumne Meadows and the scenic Tioga Road. This entrance is closed during winter due to snow. From the Tioga Pass Entrance, Tuolumne Meadows is approximately 47 miles (75.6 km) away, and Yosemite Valley is about 75 miles (120.7 km) away.

Conclusion

Yosemite National Park is a stunning destination, offering awe-inspiring landscapes and unique attractions for visitors. This comprehensive guide on how to get to Yosemite National Park, including driving directions, nearby airports, and park entrances, will help you plan a memorable visit to one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. Safe travels and enjoy your time at Yosemite National Park!