The experience of getting to Yosemite can add a lot to your trip—if you take time to explore the historic towns on your way to the park. Many of these Gold Rush–era communities have seen a jolt of new energy, thanks in part to a booming wine industry, a new focus on farm-to-table dining and food products, and a growing interest in leaving big cities to create new lives in smaller, rural communities with strong bonds and wide-open spaces and opportunities. Here are a few worthwhile stops on the major routes into the park:
From the West: Highways 49 and 120
Visit Sonora and nearby Columbia State Historic Park, with outstanding re-creations of Gold Rush-era life and a chance to try your hand at gold-panning. Continue south to Jamestown to board an antique steam locomotive for a ride around Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.
At Highway 120, climb to the alpine town of Groveland and the Iron Door Saloon, a onetime post office building that has welcomed folks on their way to and from Yosemite since 1896. Looking for something more active? Book a rafting trip down the Tuolumne River with Sierra Mac.
From the East: Highway 120 (Tioga Pass)
This spectacular drive over the Eastern Sierra and 9,945-foot Tioga Pass leads to the trails, granite domes, and wildflowers of Tuolumne Meadows. Before you start the climb east from Lee Vining, or if you are heading to the park from Mammoth Lakes (about 25 miles south on U.S. 395), visit Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve and its otherworldly limestone formations, then tuck into a meal at one-of-a-kind Whoa Nellie Deli. Note: Highway 120 (and the deli) close for winter, typically November to May).
From the South: Highway 41
Climb from Fresno and into rolling foothills and the Madera Wine Trail, with more than a dozen vineyards and friendly tasting rooms. Next up is Oakhurst and the remarkable Château du Sureau luxury lodging and companion restaurant, The Elderberry House. Nearby, justly popular Bass Lake feels a bit like a mini Lake Tahoe, with boating, fishing, and lakeside lodging and camping.
Beyond Oakhurst, Highway 41 winds and climbs nearly 3,000 feet to tiny Fish Camp, (population 59), where you can ride the scenic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Less than a mile away, at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, take in a “cabineering” experience at one of their 50 well-appointed, two-bedroom Explorer Cabins. At Tenaya, you can also book winter snowshoe adventures try your hand at archery, pan for gold, or gaze at constellations as you’ve never seen them on an expert-led Sierra stargazing session.
From Wawona, continue 24.5 miles along Wawona Road (Highway 41), to the legendary Tunnel View, where a sweeping panorama of Yosemite Valley takes even the seasoned Sierra travelers’ breath away.
From the Southeast: Highway 140
From Merced, Highway 140 leads travelers into the historic Gold Rush town of Mariposa, where the walkable downtown features family-owned shops filled with thoughtfully curated goods, along with local galleries and wine tasting rooms. While in town, visitors can explore Yosemite’s legendary climbing culture at the Yosemite Climbing Museum, which offers a fascinating look at the pioneers, routes, and innovations that helped shape modern rock climbing around the world.
From Mariposa, the route follows the wild and scenic Merced River, where visitors can explore seasonal highlights like Hite Cove Trail in spring, when vibrant poppies and wildflowers transform the landscape into a colorful spectacle. The road continues through El Portal and into Yosemite National Park.
Upon entering Yosemite Valley, visitors are greeted with iconic first views of Bridalveil Fall and El Capitan, where Alex Honnold had the world holding its breath as he completed the first-ever free solo climb of the granite monolith. Enjoy a full loop of the Yosemite Valley floor, approximately 7.5 miles, or opt for the Yosemite Valley Floor Tour, a relaxing way to take in the scenery while learning about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife without worrying about driving or parking.
Insider tip: Before driving to Yosemite, visitors are advised to check the park's Current Conditions page. There can be road closures due to snow, flooding, and other weather conditions.