Just 90 minutes south of Angels Camp, internationally beloved Yosemite National Park was one of the first national parks ever founded. First established in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.
Follow the official @yosemitenps for regular park updates.
Know Before You Go: Yosemite weather is unique. Unlike more tame destinations, make sure you ALWAYS check road conditions to Yosemite National Park the day you plan to visit. Because of Yosemite’s elevation and unique geological formations–the park can experience unique weather patterns. This means it may be sunny and warm in Angels Camp and snowing in Yosemite. Rockslides and inclement weather can add extra delays as well. This is why it is always so important to check road conditions the day of your travel. You can find Yosemite road conditions here.
Insider’s Tip: First time visiting Yosemite? Most first time visitors are surprised to discover just how crowded and congested Yosemite can become during peak seasons. The best way to mitigate some of this peak activity is to plan ahead. Avoid congestion by visiting the park outside of peak season and/or outside of peak hours. Although the park is open 24hrs a day 365 days a year, nearly 75% of visitors come during the busiest six months (May through October). Most visitors arrive in the park from late morning to early afternoon. Get an early start on your way in, and a late start on your way out to avoid some of the rush. You’ll be glad you did!
Directions to Yosemite: From Angels Camp, we recommend taking Hwy 49 South to Hwy 120 East to arrive at the gate in 90 minutes. From this point, depending on traffic, expect to spend additional time in your car as you make your way to the Valley floor or to one of Yosemite’s many other popular destinations. Looking for alternate routes? Alternate routes include Hwy 41 and Hwy 140. If you’re visiting in winter or early Spring, keep in mind that Tioga Pass (Hwy 120) closes annually beyond the Valley floor, disconnecting vehicular access between the Eastern and Western Sierra.
Want help planning your trip? Feel free to give our office a call 7 days a week during normal business hours at 1-209-736-0049.
Park Contact Information:
- Phone: 1-209-372-0200. (Press 3 and then 5 to see if any Park members are available to assist you.)
- Website: Yosemite National Park official website
- Twitter: Yosemite National Park Twitter Official Account
- Facebook: Yosemite National Park Facebook Official Account