Visiting Yosemite National Park.

Summer is one of the best times of year to experience Yosemite National Park, when the roads are generally open, hiking trails are accessible and the park's famous landscapes can be explored from Yosemite Valley to the high country. From towering granite cliffs and giant sequoias to scenic overlooks and miles of hiking trails, Yosemite offers something for visitors looking for a quick getaway as well as those planning a longer outdoor adventure.

One of the biggest draws is Yosemite Valley, where visitors can see some of the park's most recognizable landmarks, including El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Summer also provides opportunities to explore areas outside the valley, including Glacier Point, Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows as seasonal roads and services reopen. The National Park Service recommends arriving before mid-morning, particularly on weekends, because traffic can become heavy around the entrance stations and popular destinations.

Hiking is another major reason to visit during the summer months. Trails from Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Hetch Hetchy are generally snow-free by June, although higher-elevation trails can still have snow into June or July. Visitors can choose from shorter walks to challenging full-day hikes, making it possible to experience the park at almost any level.

Summer 2026 is also bringing expanded access to several areas of the park. The National Park Service announced that all front-country campgrounds are scheduled to be open for the summer, while several trails, climbing areas and high-country destinations are reopening. The Tioga Road also opened earlier than usual this year, giving travelers additional access to Yosemite's high country.

Visitors should also keep expectations realistic when it comes to waterfalls. While Yosemite's waterfalls are typically at their strongest in spring and early summer, water levels can drop considerably later in the season. By August, Yosemite Falls can have very little water or even be dry, although waterfalls such as Vernal, Nevada and Bridalveil Falls generally continue flowing.

Planning ahead can make a major difference. A general entrance reservation is not required to enter Yosemite in 2026, but visitors staying overnight during periods when reservations are required for lodging or camping should secure those arrangements in advance. Wilderness permits are required for overnight backpacking, and a permit is required to hike Half Dome when the cables are in place.

For anyone looking to spend part of the summer surrounded by some of California's most spectacular scenery, Yosemite remains a destination that is difficult to match. Whether the trip involves hiking beneath granite cliffs, exploring the high country, photographing the valley or simply spending a few days away from the city, Yosemite offers an experience that stays with visitors long after they leave.