How to Get From Fresno to Yosemite: 3 Best Ways for an Epic Trip
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Yosemite is one of the most popular National Parks in the world, let alone in California.
From its towering waterfalls and massive granite cliffs to its giant sequoia trees, as a Fresno local and frequent visitor, I know firsthand what Yosemite has to offer.
The good news is that getting from Fresno to Yosemite is easy.
Whether you’re looking for a quick escape or planning a week-long retreat, there are a few different ways to get from my hometown to the park, depending on your budget and preferences.
There are three ways to get from Fresno to Yosemite National Park:
- Drive a car
- Take the shuttle
- Pay for a tour
In this post, I will give you all the details on these three options, plus stops to make along the way. So grab your gear, throw on your hiking shoes, and save this post for your upcoming visit.
Just looking for the best day tour? It’s this Small-Group Yosemite Tour with Fresno Pickup!
Fresno Places & Hidden Gems Map
Discover the hidden gems of Fresno with my hand-picked collection of over 200 must-see spots. I’ve compiled my years exploring Fresno and its surrounding day trips all in one place with an easy-to-use legend sorted by activity and proximity.
Download the map and get ready to discover the magic of Fresno, one pin at a time!
Where is Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is located in the eastern part of Central California in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Fresno is the closest major city to Yosemite.
The park has four distinct areas: Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point Road, Hetch Hetchy, and the backcountry.
The park covers over 1,100 square miles and has over 300 hiking trails, like the famous Half Dome hike.
How far is it from Fresno to Yosemite National Park?
The distance from Fresno to Yosemite is 61 miles to the South Entrance and takes about ninety minutes of drive time.
It is a further 30 miles from the South Entrance to the most popular part of the park, Yosemite Valley.
The total distance from Fresno to Yosemite Valley is 95 miles, taking about two and a half hours of driving.
Driving from Fresno to Yosemite
Driving from Fresno to Yosemite is the most common way to visit the park.
Yosemite is close enough to drive there and back within the same day, making it a popular Fresno day trip.
If you are visiting from out of town, it is worth it to rent a car. Driving is the best way to visit Yosemite because it gives you the most freedom and access to the most places within the park versus taking a tour or the shuttle.
My favorite place to find the best Fresno rental car deals!
Driving directions are straightforward. You will take stay on Highway 41 all the way into the park.
Most of the road is a two-lane highway with an average speed limit of 45mph and limited places to pass.
Once you pass the town of Coursegold, the road becomes windy, and steep drop-offs are on many shoulders as you drive up over 5000 feet in elevation.
The Best Entrance to Yosemite from Fresno
There are five entrances to Yosemite National Park.
- Hetch Hetchy Entrance
- South Entrance
- Big Oak Flat Entrance
- Arch Rock/ El Portal Entrance
- Tioga Pass
The best entrance to Yosemite from Fresno is the South Entrance. The South Entrance is located on Highway 41, just past the town of Fish Camp.
The South Entrance is the closest entrance to Yosemite and is also one of the most used entrances into the park. In the summer months, it is best to arrive early as lines can form, causing more than an hour’s wait to get through the entrance.
There is a day-use, per-vehicle entry fee to get into the park that you will pay at the entrance station.
If you are visiting more than one National Park this year, or if you will be frequenting Yosemite, it is worth investing in a Parks Pass instead of paying the entry fee.
Get the America the Beautiful Parks Pass to access any park for a full year!
Parking in Yosemite
The only drawback to driving to Yosemite is finding a place to park.
Parking lots fill up quickly, especially in the summer, so you’ll want to arrive early.
The best place to park for day visitors is Yosemite Village or Curry Village Campground. These are the largest parking lots, and they also both have bike rental shops.
Once you park, it is best not to move your car again as you might not find another spot.
After parking, take the in-park shuttle or bike to the different Yosemite Valley areas.
Points of Interest from Fresno to Yosemite
Another benefit of driving is being able to stop and experience points of interest on the way from Fresno to Yosemite.
First, Fasi Estate Winery is nestled in the rolling foothills at the very beginning of your drive. Stop for a scenic view and sample some local wines.
Net, the town of Oakhurst offers a unique experience. Preview your Yosemite adventure at the world’s only Yosemite Virtual Reality experience. Yosemite Cinema’s marquee film, Experience Yosemite, is a 15-minute immersive VR journey.
The Sugar Pine Railroad is another iconic stop near the South Entrance. Take a ride on a historic logger steam train through the Sequoia forest.
Take the first turn at the roundabout at the South Entrance to add seeing giant sequoias to your adventure. The Mariposa Grove is the largest grove of Sequoias in Yosemite and features easy walking trails through the trees.
Lastly, for even more adventure, take a one or two-hour trail ride through Mariposa Grove. Yosemite Trails offers horseback rides from their stable to the Grizzly Giant Tree.
The Best Fresno to Yosemite Tours
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to get to Yosemite, taking a tour is the most convenient way to see the park with minimal planning and no stress. Eliminate the hassle of renting a car, finding places to eat, paying admission fees, parking, and deciding what time to go. These tours handle it all!
- The best tour: Small-Group Tour with Fresno Pick-up
This small-group tour is my favorite because it includes lunch, pick-up from Fresno, and includes the best sites in Yosemite. It’s a simple and easy way to see Yosemite.
2. The best bucket list tour: Private Jeep 4×4 Tour with Pick-up
This private tour is the best splurge if you are looking for a memorable way to see the park. Lunch and pick-up are included; this private tour is customizable to your wants and needs. You can even see the park with the jeep top down, a must for looking up at the massive granite cliffs.
3. Best overnight tour: 2 Day Private Tour & Hike
Finally, if you are staying overnight in the park but are still looking for guidance on how best to spend your time, this tour is for you. Customize your visit based on your preferences and get all the one-on-one guidance you need.
Taking the Shuttle from Fresno to Yosemite
The Yosemite Area Regional Transport System, also known as YARTS, is the shuttle system that takes visitors to and from the park.
YARTS also provides public transportation within Yosemite and to the surrounding gateway communities. Once in the park, the shuttle is free to use.
It offers daily service with several convenient stops and pick-up locations, including the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
Furthermore, YARTS also helps reduce traffic congestion in Yosemite. The benefits of taking the shuttle are that you won’t need to worry about parking, and it is the most environmentally friendly way to get to Yosemite.
Best of all, the shuttle fee includes entry to the park, so you do not need to pay the entry fee.
To use YARTS, schedule your pickup time and location ahead of time.
Fresno to Yosemite Map
FAQ
Yes, Fresno is the nearest major city to Yosemite National Park. Depending on traffic, it is less than a two-hour drive from Fresno to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park.
Yes, you can drive from Fresno to Yosemite National Park. The drive is about two and a half hours to reach Yosemite Valley and will take you along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway on Highway 41.
Yes, Yosemite is worth the drive! It’s one of the most beautiful national parks in all of California, and the drive to get there offers excellent views of the Sierra Nevadas and Sequoia National Forest.
The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest airport to Yosemite National Park. It offers direct flights to some of the most popular destinations in California and beyond and a shuttle option for getting to the park.
The towns of Coursegold, Oakhurst, and Fish Camp are located along Highway 41 between Fresno and Yosemite.
Overall, no matter how you choose to get from Fresno to Yosemite, you’re in for an epic trip.
I hope these options, from the quick and convenient to the more scenic, help you have the best adventure.
However you get there, enjoy the majesty of Yosemite!
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