Kyle Fisher

Jackson M

Andrew MacNeil

Upper Pines remains on reservations during the winter season (11/3/24 through 4/14/25) with only the first two loops open (sites 1-94).  
 Upper Pines campsites are available to reserve up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. For example, on January 15,  arrival  dates for the period May 15 to June 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full  arrival  date window would be from January 15 to June 14.  
  Reservation Tips!  Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. You may only add reservations to your cart and proceed with your reservation if you are logged into your account. The recreation.gov call center does NOT have access to additional sites or additional information beyond what is published on recreation.gov.  
 Upper Pines Campground is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The site is situated in the heart of Yosemite Valley, an awe-inspiring landscape containing many of the famous features for which Yosemite National Park is known.  Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, vast wilderness areas and much more.  
   Yosemite National Park Campground Reservation Dates   
 For additional park information, call (209)372-0200 or visit  www.nps.gov/yose   
Yosemite Valley is forested with a diverse mix of California black oak, Ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, White fir, and Whiteleaf Manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. Through the trees, Yosemite's telltale granite cliffs peek through, and the gentle, refreshing Merced River flows nearby.Glacier Point offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Clouds Rest, among other notable landmarks.   
The Tioga Road offers a 39-mile scenic drive past forests, meadows, lakes and granite domes. Beautiful Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is home to spectacular scenery and numerous wilderness trailheads.Yosemite's trails, cliffs, roads and rivers provide endless recreational activities for any kind of visitor. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, auto touring, cross-country skiing and photography are all very popular activities within the park.   
Hiking trails range from the easy paved, two-mile roundtrip walk to Mirror Lake/Meadow, to the grueling but rewarding 14- to 16-mile trek to Half Dome (permit required). Both of these trails begin near the Pines Campgrounds, and there are many additional trailheads within Yosemite Valley.   
Rafting the Merced River is a fun way to cool down on a summer day when water levels are sufficient. Yosemite Valley also offers numerous guided bus tours, educational programs, museums, ranger-led activities and an art center with workshops.Upper Pines Campground is the largest of the three reservation campgrounds in Yosemite Valley. It offers paved roads and parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker.   Yosemite's free shuttle bus stops at the campground entrance. Nearby, historic Curry Village offers showers (for a fee), a general store, restaurants and bar, amphitheater and a tour and activities desk. 


Upper Pines Campground

Yosemite Village

Mariposa Grove

Glacier Point

Potatop Chip Rock via Mt Woodson Trail

Weekend Guide to Yosemite National Park

A weekend in Yosemite National Park provides just a glimpse into its majestic beauty, but with careful planning, you can cover some of its most iconic sights and experiences. Here's a suggested itinerary for a weekend in Yosemite:

Start Early: Aim to reach Yosemite Valley early to maximize your day and find parking without too much hassle.

Tunnel View: Begin with this iconic viewpoint to see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. It's an excellent spot for photographs.

Bridalveil Fall: An easy walk will take you to the base of this impressive waterfall.

Yosemite Valley Loop: This loop (or portions of it) allows you to explore the valley floor, meadows, and offers views of several major landmarks.

Lunch: Grab a bite at Yosemite Village or bring a packed lunch to enjoy in one of the many picnic areas.

Mirror Lake: An easy to moderate hike that leads to a tranquil lake which, on calm days, reflects the surrounding cliffs and trees.

Explore Yosemite Village: Visit the Yosemite Museum, Ansel Adams Gallery, and the visitor center.

Evening: Consider attending a ranger-led evening program (usually available in summer).

Overnight: Stay in Yosemite Valley at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or camp in one of the valley's campgrounds. Reservations are essential.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Start your morning exploring this recently restored grove, home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. Key sights include Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.

Lunch: Pack a picnic or stop by one of the eateries near the south entrance like Big Trees Lodge.

Glacier Point: Head to this viewpoint in the afternoon. It offers a breathtaking panorama of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra peaks. (Note: The road to Glacier Point is typically closed in winter and during early spring due to snow.)

Sentinel Dome Hike: If you have the energy, consider the moderate hike to Sentinel Dome. From the top, you'll have 360-degree views of the park, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley.

Overnight: Depending on your plans, stay another night within the park or start making your way out if you have a long drive ahead.

Avoid Peak Times: Weekends, especially in summer, can be crowded. Arrive early and be patient with parking and traffic.

Plan Ahead: Accommodations and campgrounds within Yosemite fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Reserve well in advance.

Best Time to Visit: From May to September, Yosemite experiences its peak popularity. During these months, the park boasts optimal weather conditions, and all its roads, trails, accommodations, shuttles, and attractions are fully operational.

Dress in Layers: Weather can change rapidly in the mountains.

Stay Hydrated: Carry sufficient water, especially while hiking.

Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Preserve the park's beauty by minimizing your impact and packing out all trash.

Remember, while this itinerary covers several highlights, there's much more to see in Yosemite. Depending on your interests, adjust the plan to fit in activities like rock climbing, longer hikes, or simply more relaxation amidst nature.

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