Region in California, United States
Yosemite
Yosemite Valley packs waterfalls, granite walls and good hiking into a car-light base with shuttles and varied lodging. Summer crowds, fire and rockfall closures, and tough booking are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$6,500–9,500Comfortable, one person · $6,500–9,500Details
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 32°CDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableValley tap water is treated and safe; refill at spigots.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$150–300Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYosemite Valley ShuttleVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work at lodges, stores and cafés.Details
Where to stay in Yosemite
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Yosemite Valley (in park) | Walk to waterfalls and trailheads; most lodging, food and shuttles |
| El Portal–Mariposa | Cheaper hotels outside the Arch Rock entrance, 30–60 min |
| Groveland–Big Oak Flat | Quieter stays near the west road; about 1 h to the valley |
Apps that work in Yosemite
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: No ride apps inside the park. Use the free valley shuttle, YARTS or a rental car; taxis must be booked ahead.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work at lodges, stores and cafés. Some campground and trail-town vendors prefer cash.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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Going to Yosemite solo?
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Sources
- Yosemite National Park, NPS
- Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS)
- Yosemite Medical Clinic, NPS
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.