Planning A Trip to Yosemite National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

There is plenty of information around about how to plan a how to plan a trip to Yosemite National Park.  For all sorts of information about the park, check out my Yosemite National Park Guides. 

The thing is that most of it focuses on what you should do when you visit Yosemite National Park. 

This guide is different. I will share with you what you should AVOID doing when you plan a visit to Yosemite. Hopefully this will help you be fully prepared when visiting Yosemite National Park.

I’m a national park expert and have extensive knowledge of Yosemite National Park. I’ve seen many people make mistakes (and I’ll admit I made a few myself!) that have impacted their trip. So now I’m happy to share what I’ve learned from their (and my) experiences so that you can avoid these common pitfalls. 

Let’s take a look at the biggest mistakes to avoid when planning a trip to Yosemite National Park.

No time right now to discover 7 mistakes to avoid when planning a trip to Yosemite? Pin It and save it for later:

Please note this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at zero cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full Disclosure for more information. If you have any questions, please contact me.

#1 Not getting a reservation

It’s super important when planning a Yosemite trip to make a reservation for entry to the park. During peak tourist periods, Yosemite National Park implements a reservation system to manage the influx of visitors and protect the natural environment. Without a prior reservation, you risk being denied entry, which can ruin your entire trip. 

To avoid this disappointment, you need to know all about the latest entry requirements.  

LEARN MORE: Guide to Yosemite National Park Ticketed Entry 

Entry reservations are typically released in batches and can sell out quickly due to the park’s popularity, so book as soon as they become available. 

#2 Not booking accommodations early

I remember the first time I went to Yosemite: My father was visiting and we wanted to stay in an RV in North Pines Campground. I marked my calendar for 6 months to the day before I wanted to start my stay, set my alarm clock, logged into my recreation.gov account 5 minutes beforehand, and with literal sweaty palms, clicked madly the second the reservations became available.  I was lucky – I got a spot!  But nabbing reservations for campgrounds and lodges inside the park is no joke.

Yosemite’s lodging options, including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds, are in incredibly high demand, particularly during the peak season from late spring to early fall. There are vacation rentals nearby, but they also tend to book up well in advance.

READ MORE: Vacation rentals near Yosemite

To avoid the stress of scrambling for a last-minute place to stay, make booking your accommodations a top priority when you plan a vacation to Yosemite. By booking early, not only will you secure a spot in or near the park, but you’ll also have more choices to find the perfect accommodation that fits your preferences and budget. 

#3 Not checking for shuttle service availability

When you vacation at Yosemite, one of the smartest ways to navigate the park is by taking advantage of the shuttle services offered. These shuttles provide a convenient alternative to driving, helping you avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot in crowded areas, and they also help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact within the park. 

However, a common mistake to avoid is assuming that these shuttles operate year-round and throughout the day without first confirming their availability. Yosemite’s shuttle services, including the Valleywide shuttle, have specific operating seasons and schedules that can vary based on the time of year and park conditions. Relying on shuttles without verifying when they run can lead to unnecessary disruptions in your travel plans. 

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, check the shuttle schedules well in advance of your trip. Visit the official Yosemite shuttle page to find the most up-to-date information on shuttle routes, operating hours, and any seasonal changes that might affect service.  

#4 Failing to plan for seasonal road closures

An essential piece of Yosemite travel advice is to be aware of seasonal road closures that could significantly impact your trip. Roads like Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road close due to snow, typically from November through May, although the exact dates can vary each year depending on weather conditions. 

These closures mean that some parts of the park are inaccessible by car during the winter and spring months, which could disrupt your planned travel routes. To avoid the inconvenience of unexpected detours or cancellations of certain activities, plan ahead and stay informed about the status of park roads. 

Before and during your trip, regularly check the National Park Service’s road status updates for Yosemite.  

#5 Underestimating travel time within the park

A common mistake to avoid when Yosemite vacation planning is underestimating the amount of time it takes to travel within the park.

Yosemite is big, which means that distances between attractions can be significant, and winding mountain roads often require slower driving speeds. You might glance at a map and assume that a short distance won’t take long to cover, but in reality, travel times can be much longer than you expect. 

To make the most of your visit, allow plenty of time to travel from one point to another. This is not only a matter of convenience but also of safety, as rushing on unfamiliar mountain roads can lead to dangerous situations.

Additionally, parking areas at popular sites like Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, or Mariposa Grove can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, which may add extra time as you search for a parking spot. 

When planning your daily itinerary, factor in extra time for driving, parking, and the possibility of traffic. Check the estimated travel times provided by the park and consider that stops for photos, restrooms, or simply to enjoy the view will add to your overall travel time.  

#6 Not being prepared for parking challenges

For those taking on the role of a Yosemite National Park vacation planner, it’s essential to anticipate – and plan for – lots of people and a lot fewer parking spaces, especially in the crowded Yosemite Valley. 

I recommend arriving early in the day to nab a parking spot. Once parked, you can make use of the park’s comprehensive shuttle system (see above), which can save you time and reduce the stress of moving your vehicle throughout the day. The shuttle system is an efficient way to access Yosemite’s various landmarks and trailheads without the need to fight for parking at each location.

#7 Not packing for all weather conditions

Yosemite’s weather is notoriously changeable, influenced by factors such as the season and elevation changes within the park. A sunny, warm morning can quickly turn into a chilly, wet afternoon, especially in areas of higher elevation or during the transitional seasons of spring and fall. 

I recommend packing layers that can be easily added or removed as the temperature fluctuates throughout the day. This includes moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a breathable yet warm outer layer. A waterproof jacket is a non-negotiable item, as it serves as protection against sudden rain showers or snowfall, which can occur even in the summer months at higher altitudes. 

I’d also consider bringing accessories such as hats, gloves, and a sturdy pair of waterproof boots to keep comfortable when exploring the park’s various landscapes.  

READ MORE: National Park Packing Lists

Travel Insurance

As a Yosemite National Park trip planner, it’s important to include travel insurance in your preparations, particularly for activities such as hiking where the unexpected can happen. Travel insurance is your safety net, covering not only potential accidents or injuries but also issues like lost or stolen property, trip cancellation, and emergency repatriation. If you want to learn more about all this, check out my Guide to Buying Travel Insurance (on my other blog) before getting your insurance. 

A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:

Enjoy your Yosemite National Park trip!

Additional Planning Resources for Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park Guide
Guide to Yosemite National Park Ticketed Entry
The Closest Airports to Yosemite National Park
The Best Vacation Rentals near Yosemite National Park
How to Get to Yosemite National Park
Best Time To Visit Yosemite National Park
How to Get Your Reservations For Yosemite National Park

Do you have any other tips for planning a trip to Yosemite National Park? I’d love to hear about them.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more). 

If you liked this post about the Yosemite planning guide, please share the love and Pin It to your Yosemite National Park board!

About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

Read more…

Parks Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.