Yosemite National Park USA - Virtual Tour

This virtual tour provides Yosemite National Park hotel accommodation and lodging tips, driving directions and seasonal weather information. Visit Yosemite for a day trip and see park highlights including Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point and the Tioga Pass (see below for suggestions).

Much of Yosemite National Park's 1189 square miles of impressive scenery was sculptured by flowing ice. Yosemite's famous Half Dome is pictured above. Yosemite became America's third National Park back in 1890, and it remains one of California's most visited scenic attractions.

For tips to find cheap Yosemite hotel accommodation, cabins, canvas tent lodging, and camping facilities click here.

Driving Directions to Yosemite National Park

As a guide, the distance to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco is around 200 miles and the driving time is about 4 hours via Highway 580, 205 and 120. The park entrance is off Highway 120 and the admission charge is currently $20 for 7 days. From the Highway 120 entrance the driving time is around one hour to Yosemite Valley and Village.

Yosemite Day Trip Highlights

		Glacier Point				Half Dome
		Glacier Point is reached via Yosemite's southern entrance on Highway 41. It is one of Yosemite National park's finest scenic viewpoints. Glacier Point provides panoramic views of Yosemite Valley 3,200 feet below. Highway 41 reaches around 7,214 feet at this point.				Half Dome at 8,842 feet is one of Yosemite National Park's most famous landmarks and symbolises some of the park's best scenery. For the best views of Half Dome take Highway 41 to Glacier Point or a scenic drive along the Yosemite Valley.
Nevada Falls at 594 feet and Vernal Falls at 317 feet and Clouds Rest at 9,929 feet provide a breathtaking backdrop. There is a 4 mile trail that connects Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley floor.				The approach road to Glacier Point climbs through the Badger Pass a popular winter ski area to the panoramic vista of Washburn Point which offers far reaching views of the Sierra Nevada crest.
		Tioga Pass				Tuolumne Meadows
		The Tioga Pass (open during the summer months only) reaches 9,945 feet with spectacular views of Mount Dana at 13,053 feet. Part of California Highway 120, the Tioga Pass is the highest road in California offering some of the best alpine scenery.				Created by the action of the Tuolumne Glacier, Tuolumne Meadows is the largest alpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada. At this point the Tioga Road descends along the Tuolumne River valley. This area is an important centre for hiking and mountain climbing.
Yosemite National Park's Tioga Road is about 56 miles long and highlights are Ellery Lake at 9,538 feet and Tuolumne Meadows (see right).				Popular trails for hikers start from the Tenaya Lake and include the John Muir Trail and Yosemite Creek Trail.
		El Capitan				Vernal Fall - Mist Trail
		El Capitan's sheer rock face rises a staggering 3,600 feet from the valley floor of El Capitan Meadow. El Capitan provides challenging rock climbs for experienced mountaineers. For the ultimate thrill try abseiling between Lost Arrow Spire and the main wall!				The popular one mile trail to Vernal Fall starts at the end of the Yosemite Valley road loop. The fall itself is an impressive 317 feet. Vernal trail is strenuous and slippery with an altitude gain of about 500 feet. Click here for a mist trail view of Vernal Fall.

• Winter temperatures (January and February) range from -3C to 10C. Frequent precipitation can occur. Glacier Point and Tioga Road close in winter.
• Spring temperatures show a warming trend with highs of around 15C in March to 22C in May. However, it often rains in March and the weather is unreliable.
• Summer (June, July, August) is hot with highs of around 32C. There is little rain and frequent blue skies.
• Autumn (early September) is usually dry with highs of about 29C. It gets cooler in October (highs of 22C) and rain is likely. Foliage colour peaks in October. November and December have much cooler weather and rain or snow storms are likely.

Yosemite Accommodation - Cabins and Hotels

Book a cheap Yosemite hotel and National Park accommodation with Expedia. Just enter Yosemite into the destination field on the search forms, with your travel dates to find a cheap hotel close to Yosemite National Park.

If you plan on visiting during the popular summer months, it is advisable to book a Yosemite hotel early. If you're looking for Yosemite cabins on Highway 120 inside the park, you may have to book one year in advance.

Wawona Hotel

One of the oldest mountain resort hotels in the state of California, Wawona Hotel in Yosemite National Park is situated between the Mariposa Sequoia Grove and Yellowstone Valley.

The hotel has 104 guestrooms (50 are en-suite). Rooms are very basic and there are no telephones or TV. After all, if you're lodging in Yosemite National Park, you don't need to watch TV! Rates from $130.

The Ahwahnee Hotel

Built in 1927, the 4 star Yosemite National Park Ahwahnee Hotel is well known for its beamed ceilings, stone hearths and native American artwork with comfortable rooms overlooking Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point. It has 123 rooms, suites and 24 cottages. Rates from $400 per night!

Yosemite Lodge

Located close to the base of Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Lodge has 226 cabins with maid service. The en-suite cabins have telephone, desk and chairs. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and food court, a convenience shop, ATM, post office, tour desk and bicycle rentals. Rates are from $130 per night.