Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park? One of the most common questions visitors ask is, “Which Yosemite entrance should I use?” The answer depends on where you’re coming from, what you want to see, and where you’re staying.
Yosemite National Park has five entrances, and each offers a different experience. Whether you’re hoping to visit Yosemite Valley, walk among giant sequoias, avoid heavy traffic, or stay near Bass Lake, choosing the right entrance can save time and help you make the most of your trip.
As locals who spend hundreds of days each year exploring the Yosemite region, we’ve driven every route countless times. This guide will help you choose the best entrance for your adventure.
Quick Comparison: Yosemite’s Five Entrances
| Entrance | Best For | Open Year-Round |
|---|---|---|
| South Entrance (Highway 41) | Bass Lake, Oakhurst, Mariposa Grove, Fresno | Yes |
| Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140) | Fastest route to Yosemite Valley from Merced | Yes |
| Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120 West) | Visitors from San Francisco and the Bay Area | Yes |
| Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120 East) | Tuolumne Meadows, Eastern Sierra, Lee Vining | Seasonal |
| Hetch Hetchy Entrance | Hiking and fewer crowds | Daytime access only |
Which Yosemite Entrance Is Best?
If you’re looking for the best overall entrance, the answer depends on your itinerary.
Choose the South Entrance if you:
- Are staying in Oakhurst or Bass Lake
- Want to visit Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Are driving from Fresno or Southern California
- Want easy access to Yosemite Adventure Company’s Jeep rentals and UTV tours
Choose Arch Rock if you:
- Want the quickest drive into Yosemite Valley
- Are staying in El Portal or Mariposa
- Are traveling from Merced
Choose Big Oak Flat if you:
- Are driving from San Francisco or Sacramento
- Plan to visit Yosemite Valley first
Choose Tioga Pass if you:
- Are visiting Tuolumne Meadows
- Are exploring the Eastern Sierra
- Are traveling from Mammoth Lakes or Lake Tahoe
Choose Hetch Hetchy if you:
- Want quieter hiking trails
- Prefer fewer crowds
- Have already visited Yosemite Valley
South Entrance Yosemite (Highway 41)
For many visitors, the South Entrance is the best choice.
It provides access to:
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Wawona
- Glacier Point Road (when open)
- Yosemite Valley
- Oakhurst
- Bass Lake
If you’re staying in Oakhurst or Bass Lake, this is almost always the entrance you’ll use.
Local Tip
Many visitors stop in Oakhurst before entering the park to fuel up, grab groceries, and enjoy breakfast. Services become much more limited once you’re inside Yosemite National Park.
If you’re planning to explore the Sierra National Forest before heading into Yosemite, the South Entrance also puts you closest to our guided Jeep tours and UTV adventures around Bass Lake and the giant sequoias.
Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140)
The Arch Rock Entrance is the fastest way into Yosemite Valley from Merced.
Advantages include:
- Lower elevation than other western entrances
- Scenic drive along the Merced River
- Good option during winter weather
- Short drive to Yosemite Valley
If your goal is to spend most of your day in Yosemite Valley, this is often an excellent choice.
Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120)
Visitors traveling from San Francisco, Oakland, or Sacramento often enter through Big Oak Flat.
This entrance provides convenient access to:
- Yosemite Valley
- Crane Flat
- Tuolumne Grove
- Tioga Road (when open)
The drive features beautiful mountain scenery and is a popular route for Northern California visitors.
Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120 East)
The Tioga Pass Entrance is one of the most spectacular drives in California—but it’s only open seasonally due to snow.
Highlights include:
- Tuolumne Meadows
- Tenaya Lake
- Olmsted Point
- High-country hiking
- Incredible alpine scenery
If you’re visiting from Mammoth Lakes or the Eastern Sierra during summer or early fall, Tioga Pass is unforgettable.
Hetch Hetchy Entrance
Often overlooked, Hetch Hetchy offers a quieter side of Yosemite.
Visitors come here for:
- Waterfalls
- Reservoir views
- Long-distance hiking
- Fewer crowds
It’s a fantastic option if you’ve already experienced Yosemite Valley and want something different.
Which Yosemite Entrance Is Closest to Yosemite Valley?
The closest entrances to Yosemite Valley are:
- Arch Rock Entrance
- Big Oak Flat Entrance
- South Entrance
While the South Entrance is a bit farther from Yosemite Valley itself, it’s the best choice if you also want to visit Mariposa Grove or stay in Bass Lake or Oakhurst.
Which Yosemite Entrance Is Closest to Bass Lake?
The South Entrance is by far the closest.
Most visitors staying in Bass Lake reach the South Entrance in approximately 30–40 minutes, making it the ideal gateway for combining a Bass Lake vacation with a Yosemite National Park visit.
How Many Entrances Does Yosemite National Park Have?
Yosemite National Park has five official entrances:
- South Entrance
- Arch Rock Entrance
- Big Oak Flat Entrance
- Tioga Pass Entrance
- Hetch Hetchy Entrance
Each entrance leads to different areas of the park, so choosing the right one depends on your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Yosemite entrance is best?
For many visitors, the South Entrance is the best option because it provides access to Mariposa Grove, Bass Lake, Oakhurst, and Yosemite Valley.
Which Yosemite entrance is closest to Yosemite Valley?
Arch Rock Entrance offers the shortest drive to Yosemite Valley.
Is the South Entrance open year-round?
Yes. The South Entrance is open year-round, although winter weather can occasionally require tire chains or temporary restrictions.
Which entrance should I use from Los Angeles?
Most travelers from Los Angeles use the South Entrance via Highway 41.
Which entrance should I use from San Francisco?
Big Oak Flat Entrance is generally the most convenient route.
Which Yosemite entrance has the fewest crowds?
Hetch Hetchy typically sees the fewest visitors and offers a quieter experience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Yosemite entrance can save time, reduce stress, and help you see more of what makes this national park so special.
If you’re staying in Bass Lake or Oakhurst, the South Entrance is an excellent choice and also puts you close to some of the Sierra National Forest’s best adventures. Whether you’re exploring giant sequoias, scenic mountain roads, or off-road trails before your park visit, planning your route ahead of time will help you make the most of your Yosemite vacation.
No matter which entrance you choose, you’re about to experience one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world.
