5 Must-Know Budget-Friendly Yosemite Entrance Fees & Passes for an Epic 2024 Adventure

Yosemite Entrance Fees

Heading to Yosemite National Park? Get ready for an incredible time. Let’s chat about how entrance passes can really make your trip smoother on the wallet and totally worth it.

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Why Yosemite Passes Rock

You’ve got to consider the Yosemite Annual Pass—it’s like the golden ticket to the park. For a whole year, you can stroll in whenever you fancy without batting an eyelid at the entrance fees. At just $70, it’s a steal given the natural wonders you’ll witness anytime you want.

Pass Type	How Long?	Price
Yosemite Annual Pass	12 months	$70
Vehicle Entrance Pass (Standard)	7 days	$35
Motorcycle Entrance Pass	7 days	$30
America the Beautiful Annual Pass	12 months	$80

Info from National Park Service – Yosemite Fees & Passes

Now, if you’re the kind who loves a good wander through Yosemite Valley more than just once in a blue moon, the annual pass is a no-brainer. And hey, the America the Beautiful Pass covers even more gorgeous spots, so it’s a budget-friendly choice (Yosemite Hikes).

Perks of Having a Yosemite Pass

Owning a Yosemite or America the Beautiful Pass packs quite a punch:

Save Your Dough: If Yosemite and other parks are your favorite escape spots, an annual pass can seriously cut down what you’d spend on single visits.
Easy-Peasy Access: Show your pass, skip the hassle. Pay once and dive straight into the fun. Your focus stays where it should—on making memories.
Help the Parks Out: Every dollar from these passes goes back into caring for Yosemite and other parks, making sure they’re as stunning tomorrow as they are today.
Extras Just for You: Sometimes, having a pass means snagging discounts on camping, gear, and more. Check out what’s on offer when you grab yours.

Want more about planning your trip and reservations? Check out reservation requirements.

Grabbing these passes is a cinch, and doing it ahead of time is a stress-buster itself. For all the scoop on buying your pass and the freebie days, take a look at advance purchase options.

If you can’t wait to dive into the breathtaking sights, whether you’re kicking back at hotels near Yosemite National Park, pitching a tent at Yosemite camping, or hiking up to Yosemite waterfalls — an entrance pass is your ticket to a no-fuss, budget-smart adventure.

Purchasing Entrance Passes

Snagging entrance passes for Yosemite National Park doesn’t have to be a headache. You can save time and a few bucks with these savvy tips on getting your passes without a snag.

Advance Purchase Options

Skip the waiting lines at Yosemite’s entrance gates by locking in your pass before you head out. Seriously, buying in advance is like a VIP ticket – straight to the good stuff without the extra fuss.

Purchase Method	Details
National Parks Website	Head over to the National Park Service site for a straightforward way to score your Yosemite pass.
Phone	Give ’em a ring at 1-888-GO-PARKS to secure your pass without lifting more than a finger.

Grabbing your pass ahead of your trip means more time to soak in the jaw-dropping sights of Yosemite Valley, minus the last-minute scramble at the gate.

Free Entry Methods

Visiting Yosemite without reaching into your pocket? Now we’re talking. Check out these cool chances to enjoy the park for free.

Eligibility	Details
National Public Lands Day	Get in gratis on predetermined days, typically late September.
Veterans Day	On Veterans Day, the gates are open at no cost to honor those who’ve served.
4th Graders	Thanks to Every Kid Outdoors, fourth graders and their folks get to visit sans fees. Details up at the National Park Service website.

Keep an eye out for discount goodies and programs like:

Disability Access Pass: If you’re living with a permanent disability, you might snag a free Access Pass to explore Yosemite and other parks.
Education/Academic Group: Rolling in with a school or academic crew? You might just waltz right in for free.

Whether you’re the outdoorsy type or just looking to get some peace away from the daily grind, knowing these entry tips can make your Yosemite adventure both fun and wallet friendly. Curious for more? Check our full guide on squeezing the most out of your trip to Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Entrance Fee Details

When it’s time to set off on an adventure to Yosemite National Park, having the lowdown on entry fees will help you keep things wallet friendly. Here’s the scoop on what it’ll cost to get in.

Yosemite Annual Pass

If you’re planning to make Yosemite your home away from home, the Yosemite Annual Pass is your golden ticket. It gives you a year of unlimited visits—perfect for those “I can’t stay away” moments.

Yosemite Annual Pass

Pass Type	Cost	Validity Duration
Yosemite Annual	$70.00	12 months

With this pass in hand, places like Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point are yours to wander whenever the mood hits.

Vehicle Entrance Fees

Thinking of driving your own set of wheels? Here’s what you’ll need to fork over depending on your ride.

Vehicle Type	Cost
Private Vehicle	$35.00
Motorcycle	$30.00
Individual (on foot, bike, horse)	$20.00

For a day out with the fam, the private vehicle pass is usually the way to roll. If you’re into camping near Yosemite National Park and love the idea of Yosemite camping reservations, a vehicle pass is your best buddy.

Special Group Entrance Fees

Bringing a crew to Yosemite? Different group types have their own fee setups.

Special Group Entrance Fees

Group Type	Cost
Educational/Academic Groups	Free
Commercial Vehicle (1-6 seats)	$25.00 + $20 per person
Commercial Vehicle (7-15 seats)	$125.00
Commercial Vehicle (16-25 seats)	$200.00
Commercial Motor Coach (26+ seats)	$300.00

Schools and study trips get in free—what a win for learning in the wild! Planning a big tourist tour? Those commercial vehicle fees will have you covered.

Before you pack your bags, be sure to check the Yosemite weather and grab a Yosemite map to stay one step ahead.

Looking for more nitty-gritty details, including fee waivers and other options? Swing by our America the Beautiful Pass section. And if you need a place to crash, there are plenty of hotels near Yosemite National Park for you to settle in and rest up.

America the Beautiful Pass

Annual Entrance Pass

If you’re looking to explore America’s treasures without breaking the bank, the America the Beautiful Pass is your golden ticket. For just $80 a year, you’ll gain access to more than 2,000 federal sites, from national icons such as Yosemite National Park (NPS) to hidden gems. Picking up this pass is as easy as ordering it online or grabbing one when you arrive at your first park (Tripadvisor).

Pass Type	Price	Validity
America the Beautiful Pass	$80	1 year

Coverage and Benefits

This pass isn’t just your ticket in—it’s your ticket to take it all in. Whether you’re road-tripping with family or hiking solo, its benefits are extensive and tailor-made for adventure seekers. For sites that charge by vehicle, your crew can ride in without extra cost. For those with per-person fees, it’s you and up to three adults covered—kids 15 and under are always free (Tripadvisor).

What makes the pass worthwhile:

Entry to national parks, wildlife refuges, and more
Saves you serious cash if visiting multiple parks in a year
No surprise charges for your carload at per-vehicle sites
Coverage for you and a trio of friends at per-person locations

So, if you’ve set sights on places like Yosemite, Death Valley, or the Grand Canyon, this pass pays for itself in no time (Tripadvisor).

For more tips on getting the most outta your trip, check out our pages on reservation necessities, access for everyone, and when to go.

Pack your bags with the America the Beautiful Pass and let the adventures unfold, making sure your escapes to places like Yosemite aren’t just dreams but delightful (and budget-friendly) realities.

Planning Your Visit

Getting the most out of your trip to Yosemite National Park is all about knowing the ropes—especially regarding reservations and those busy hours.

Reservation Requirements

Picture perfect days in Yosemite can get crowded, so from April 13 to October 27, 2024, you’ll need to book ahead to get in. This handy little rule helps keep visitor numbers just right, which means you get to soak in the majestic beauty without feeling like you’re in a crowd.

Dates	When You Need a Reservation	Time Window
April 13 – June 30	Weekends and Holidays	5 am – 4 pm
July 1 – August 16	Every single day	5 am – 4 pm
August 17 – October 27	Weekends and Holidays	5 am – 4 pm

When your wheels hit the road into or through the park on weekends or holidays, a reservation is your golden ticket. Especially if you’re heading to hotspots like Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, or El Capitan—trust us, it’s worth planning for those views. Curious about when to get the best out of your visit? Check out when to visit Yosemite.

Peak-Hours Reservation Details

Planning for those peak hours from 5 am to 4 pm? It’s gonna cost you $2 bucks for a reservation—and heads up, it’s non-refundable. This is on top of the regular $35 car entrance fee. Each reservation holds good for three days straight.

Type	Cost	Duration	Validity
Peak-hours	$2	3 consecutive days	Good for all in the car, but the reservation holder needs to show valid ID

You can secure your spots for up to two periods in any three consecutive days. Since these can be snapped up quickly, it’s smart to make your reservations early (NPS – Yosemite Reservations).

Don’t miss your chance to witness wonders like Mariposa Grove and breathtaking moments at Tunnel View.

For more juicy details on camping reservations and those unique hiking trails you’ve heard so much about, check out our other guides.

Plan ahead and make your Yosemite visit unforgettable while doing your part to keep the park pristine and running smoothly.

Accessible Features at Yosemite

Yosemite National Park’s doing fantastic work in making sure folks of all abilities can soak in its stunning scenery. Here’s the scoop on getting around and what they’ve got in place to make it all easier for you, including an easy-to-use accessibility brochure and shuttles that are a breeze for wheelchairs.

Accessibility Brochure

Yosemite has a nifty Accessibility Brochure that you can grab in PDF right from their site. This little gem tells you about all the accessible spots in the park such as:

Designated Trails: Includes smooth, paved paths right up to spots like Lower Yosemite Fall and Bridalveil Fall.
Accessible Facilities: Info on bathrooms, parking, and scenic points like Tunnel View and Olmstead Point.

The brochure’s got maps and handy tips to make your visit as seamless as possible. Want more tips to prep for your trip? Jump over to our reservation requirements page.

Wheelchair-Friendly Shuttles

Getting around Yosemite Valley’s easier than ever with their free wheelchair-ready shuttles. These rides come with space for guests with disabilities and offer easy peasy access to loads of park highlights. Here’s what they bring to the table:

Convenient Access: Stops at hot spots, trail beginnings, and viewpoints, making your visit much smoother.
Ease of Use: Equipped with ramps and lifts, making boarding and unloading a simple task.
Frequency: Regular rides all day mean you won’t be left waiting long.

With a park-issued disabled placard, you can take certain roads and park in reserved spots, making access as smooth as butter. It’s especially handy for reaching shuttle stops and trailheads, helping folks with mobility issues dive into Yosemite National Park. More tidbits on local area entry can be found in our detailed guide.

Yosemite’s on a mission to make its incredible sites and rugged beauty accessible to everyone. Check out more helpful hints on making your visit top-notch in our sections on Yosemite Valley lodging and Yosemite camping reservations.

Special Entry Considerations

Taking a trip to Yosemite National Park is like a breath of fresh air for your spirit, with its jaw-dropping beauty ready to be savored. There are also a few nifty entry considerations that could make your visit even better. Here’s the scoop:

Free Entry Eligibility

You could actually stroll into Yosemite without paying a dime. Check out if you belong to any of these lucky bunch:

4th Grade US Students – Thanks to Every Kid Outdoors gig, fourth graders can bring the whole family to explore national parks for free (Scenic Wonders).
US Citizens and Permanent Residents with Disabilities – Got a permanent disability? You’re in without a fee.
Active US Military Personnel and their Dependents – Our brave armed folks and their families get in free too.
Veterans of the US Military – Veterans always walk in with pride, fee-free.
Gold Star Family Members – Family members of fallen warriors have free access as well.

Get the lowdown on all the fine print at the National Park Service’s official site.

Group	Eligibility Details
4th Grade US Students	Join Every Kid Outdoors fun
US Citizens with Disabilities	Just flash some proof of disability
Active US Military & Dependents	Show your military ID, and you’re set
Veterans of the US Military	Simple proof of veteran status does it
Gold Star Family Members	Prove your relationship for entry

Disability Access Pass

For those with a permanent disability, there’s an Access Pass that lets you and your squad enjoy Yosemite—with zero fee (TripAdvisor). It’s your lifelong ticket to Yosemite and the rest of the national parks, no renewals needed!

To snag a Disability Access Pass, simply apply when you roll up to the park or at any National Park Service spot. You’ll need to bring along some paperwork proving your permanent disability.

Access Pass Perks:
It’s free for life for you—simple as that.
Your vehicle full of friends or family gets in free too.

Catch more deets on Access Pass advantages from the National Park Service’s official source.

If you’re thinking about extended visits or plan on dropping by more than once, you might want to grab the America the Beautiful Pass. For the locals, there are tips on reservations for local residents.

While you’re planning, don’t forget to list down spots like Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and El Capitan as must-sees. For a cozy place to crash after the adventures, look into hotels near Yosemite National Park and Yosemite Valley lodging. And for those seeking some outdoor living, dive into Yosemite camping and check out what’s needed for Yosemite camping reservations. Adventure awaits—go make some memories!

Local Resident Options

Reservations for Local Residents

If you’re one of the lucky folks living near Yosemite National Park, here’s the scoop – you’ll need a reservation to hang out there and soak in its majestic vibes. But, if your driver’s license flaunts one of those special local zip codes, you’re in luck. You can glide on through for everyday stuff without coughing up a dime or booking ahead (NPS – Yosemite Reservations). So, no stress on your regular route through this slice of nature paradise.

Local Area Entry Information

Check your driver’s license, folks! If it sports a zip code that’s blessed with free entry perks, you’re golden. Cruise through the park’s roads without fussing over reservation headaches or emptying your wallet for Yosemite entrance fees.

Want the down-low on those nitty-gritty entrance deets for your local legends? Make a beeline for the official Yosemite Park website. It’s a treasure chest of info for both you and the visitors chasing that iconic Yosemite California magic.

Planning a visit? Serve yourself a platter of information goodness with these handy links: