Yosemite National Park

Are dogs allowed at Yosemite?

Pets are allowed in Yosemite in developed areas, on fully paved roads, sidewalks, and bike paths, and in most campgrounds, but not on trails (including Vernal Fall trail), in wilderness, meadows, lodging, or shuttle buses. Leash max 6 feet.

• •Allowed: developed areas, paved roads/sidewalks/bike paths (incl. Bridalveil Fall trail, Lower Yosemite Fall trail), most drive-in campgrounds
• •Not allowed on trails even if carried (exception: Wawona Meadow Loop)
• •Not allowed in walk-in/group campgrounds (e.g. Camp 4), lodging areas, public buildings, shuttle buses, meadows, beaches, waterways
• •Leash no longer than 6 feet; pets may not be left unattended
• •Store pet food like human food. Pet food is bear food

Summarized from the official NPS pet policy (last updated by NPS: June 24, 2026). Always confirm before you travel.

Can you camp at Yosemite?

Camping options vary; check the park's official site for current campground availability and backcountry permits.

Entrance fees

• Entrance - Private Vehicle: $35.00

  This fee is valid for seven consecutive days for a non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats. This fee covers the vehicle and everyone inside of it. Per-person nonresident fees still apply.

• Entrance - Motorcycle: $30.00

  Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Per-person nonresident fees still apply.

• Entrance - Per Person: $20.00

  This fee is valid for seven consecutive days for people entering on foot, a bicycle, a horse, or a non-commercial bus or van. People 15 years and younger are free.

• Entrance - Education/Academic Groups: Free

  An educational fee waiver is available for educational and scientific groups that are accredited or tax-exempt for educational purposes planning a trip for educational or scientific purposes related to Yosemite that is not primarily recreational.

• Nonresident: $100.00

  Each non-US resident aged 16 and older visiting Yosemite National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

Visiting several parks this year? The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance fees at all national parks.

Things to do

Weather

Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles (3,100 square km) in the Sierra Nevada, with elevations ranging from about 2,000 feet (600 m) to 13,000 ft (4,000 m). Yosemite receives 95% of its precipitation between October and May (and over 75% between November and March). Most of Yosemite is blanketed in snow from about November through May. (Yosemite Valley can be rainy or snowy in any given winter storm.)

FAQ: Yosemite