Q: How many days do I need in Yosemite National Park?

We spent 4 days in Yosemite which I thought was a pretty perfect amount of time.

Question 1

What is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?

Accepted Answer

We visited at the beginning of summer, which meant the crowds weren’t as insane as they would have been in the middle of summer and the waterfalls were at their best. It was still really hot and we found the middle of the day quite hard to hike in. I have heard that fall in Yosemite is really beautiful with the colours and it's a lot less busy than summer.

Question 2

Do I need a reservation to visit Yosemite National Park?

Accepted Answer

You no longer need a reservation to visit Yosemite (as of 2026) but you do need a National Parks Permit. You can use the America the Beautiful annual pass to visit Yosemite.

Question 3

Is Yosemite National Park open all-year-round?

Accepted Answer

Yosemite is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, however there may be seasonal closures of some roads within the park due to snowfall.

Question 4

How many days do I need in Yosemite National Park?

Accepted Answer

We spent 4 days in Yosemite which I thought was a pretty perfect amount of time.

Question 5

Is there anything to see in Yosemite without having to hike?

Accepted Answer

Although there are lots of great hiking trails, there are also a lot of easy to get to / drive to viewpoints in Yosemite such as Tunnel View, Glacier Point and Washburn Lookout.

Question 6

Are dogs allowed in Yosemite National Park?

Accepted Answer

Dogs are allowed in Yosemite National Park but with restrictions. They are not allowed on all hiking trails, being limited to only a couple of shorter trails, and must be kept on a leash at all times.

Question 7

Is there cell service or Wi-Fi in Yosemite National Park?

Accepted Answer

We found the cell service to be pretty spotty in Yosemite National Park and most of the time we had no service at all. There is also no wifi available unless you are staying in a hotel in the park.

Question 8

What wildlife will I see in Yosemite?

Accepted Answer

There is lots of wildlife in Yosemite, including black bears, mule deer, coyotes, mountain lions, squirrels and chipmunks.

Question 9

Can an RV get to all the main sights in Yosemite National Park?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to get around Yosemite National Park if you have an RV, is to leave the RV parked at your campsite or a parking lot and catch the National Parks bus.

Question 10

Where is the best place to stay in Yosemite?

Accepted Answer

The two best places to stay in Yosemite for easy access to all of the sights are The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley Lodge.

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