Visiting Yosemite National Park is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in the United States. Famously home to towering granite cliffs, pristine waterfalls, giant sequoias, deep valleys, and diverse wildlife, Yosemite draws millions of visitors from around the world each year. If you’re planning a trip, one of the first things you’ll want to know is the Yosemite National Park tickets price — how much it costs to enter the park, which pass options are available, and how to plan your budget efficiently.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Yosemite National Park tickets price, including entrance fees, annual passes, special programs, reservation requirements, updates for international visitors, and ways to save money on your visit.
📌 What Is the Yosemite National Park Tickets Price?
The Yosemite National Park tickets price refers to the entrance fee that visitors pay to enter the park’s boundaries. This fee helps fund maintenance, conservation efforts, visitor services, and infrastructure improvements within Yosemite.
Standard Entrance Fees
According to the official National Park Service, the basic Yosemite National Park tickets price is based on how you enter the park: private vehicle, motorcycle, or individual on foot/bike. National Park Service
- Private Vehicle: $35.00 — valid for 7 consecutive days and covers all passengers in that vehicle.
- Motorcycle: $30.00 — valid for 7 days (per motorcycle).
- Individual (on foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus/van): $20.00 — valid for 7 days.
- Children 15 and under: Free entry.
👉 This means the Yosemite National Park tickets price for a typical family road trip is $35 per vehicle and covers everyone inside the car for a full week.
💳 Annual Pass Options and Their Value
If you plan to visit Yosemite multiple times or explore other national parks on your trip, buying a pass instead of paying the entrance fee each time could save you money.
🏞️ Yosemite Annual Pass — $70.00
- Provides unlimited entry to Yosemite National Park alone for 12 months from the purchase date.
- Ideal if you live nearby or plan multiple Yosemite visits within a year.
🌎 America the Beautiful – National Parks Pass — $80.00
This pass covers entrance fees for all federally managed U.S. parks, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, and more.
- Valid for 12 months at all participating sites.
- For most travelers, the Yosemite National Park tickets price becomes part of a broader exploration with this pass, often representing better overall value.
👴 Senior and Lifetime Passes
If you are 62 or older, there are special passes:
- Senior Annual Pass: $20/year
- Senior Lifetime Pass: $80 one-time payment
These passes also provide access to national parks, including Yosemite. National Park Service
♿ Access Passes
U.S. citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities may qualify for a free Access Pass, granting entrance to Yosemite and other national parks. National Park Service
🌍 New Fee Changes for International Visitors (2026 Update)
Starting January 1, 2026, the Yosemite National Park tickets price structure is changing for international visitors due to a new “America-first pricing” policy.
❗ Additional International Fee
Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older may have to pay an additional $100 surcharge per person on top of standard fees when entering certain high-profile parks, including Yosemite. Discover Yosemite National Park+1
This surcharge applies unless the visitor purchases:
- A Non-Resident America the Beautiful Pass for $250 USD, which covers the standard entrance fee and the surcharge for one year of unlimited access to parks including Yosemite.
💡 If you’re planning to visit multiple parks during a U.S. trip, the $250 pass may offer overall savings compared with paying per park visit.
📅 Reservation Requirements (Peak Season)
The Yosemite National Park tickets price is only part of planning your trip — there may also be reservation requirements depending on when you visit.
🌞 Peak-Season Timed Entry Reservations
During busy summer dates, Yosemite has a vehicle reservation system in place to manage congestion:
- Typically required from late May through mid-August on certain peak weekends and daily entry hours.
- Reservations cost around $2 per vehicle and are valid for three consecutive days.
👉 You still must pay the Yosemite National Park tickets price (entrance fee) in addition to any reservation cost.
🆓 Reservation Exemptions
You do not need a reservation if:
- You have overnight lodging or camping reservations inside the park.
- You have a wilderness permit or Half Dome permit.
- You enter via YARTS public transportation or certain commercial tours.
After September 1, reservations are typically not required, though the entrance fee remains. Recreation.gov
🆓 Free Entrance Days and Fee Waivers
The National Park Service also designates certain days when entrance fees are waived. While these apply to many parks, specific exemptions can vary. home.nps.gov
Typical fee-free days in the broader NPS system (some may apply to Yosemite) include:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- National Public Lands Day
- Veterans Day
- Other special commemorative dates
On these days, the Yosemite National Park tickets price for standard entrance is waived for everyone, though reservations or timed entry may still apply.
🚗 How Yosemite National Park Entrance Fees Work
Entrance Fee Validity Period
Most passes are valid for 7 consecutive days from the day of purchase — meaning you can enter/exit Yosemite multiple times within that period. National Park Service
Who Needs a Pass?
- All visitors age 16 and older must pay the standard fee or present a valid annual/pass.
- Children under 15 enter for free.
Group Access
A private vehicle pass covers everyone inside that vehicle — a cost-efficient option for families or groups. National Park Service
🏕 Additional Costs Beyond Yosemite National Park Tickets Price
While the Yosemite National Park tickets price covers entry, a park visit may incur other expenses:
🏨 Accommodation
Inside the park, lodging ranges from tent cabins to luxury hotel rooms, often booked months ahead. npshistory.com
🍽️ Campsite Fees
Campgrounds generally require reservations and nightly fees separate from the entrance fee. apnmedia.com
🎫 Activity Permits
Permits (like Half Dome or wilderness backpacking) involve additional costs and often sell out quickly.
🧭 Tips to Save on Yosemite National Park Tickets Price
- Visit on fee-free days when entrance fees are waived.
- Buy the America the Beautiful Pass (US$80) if visiting multiple parks.
- For international visitors, consider the $250 annual pass to avoid $100 surcharges.
- Plan travel outside peak seasons to avoid reservation fees.
🏁 Summary: Yosemite National Park Tickets Price
| Type of Entry | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Private Vehicle | $35 | 7 days |
| Motorcycle | $30 | 7 days |
| Individual Foot/Bike | $20 | 7 days |
| Annual Yosemite Pass | $70 | 12 months |
| America the Beautiful (US Citizens) | $80 | 12 months |
| International Annual Pass | $250 | 12 months |
| Reservation Fee (when required) | $2 | 3 days |
✔ Children 15 & under: Free entry. National Park Service
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to enter Yosemite National Park?
The standard entrance fee is charged per vehicle, motorcycle, or individual and is valid for seven consecutive days.
2. Is the entrance fee per person or per car?
For private vehicles, the fee covers all passengers inside one vehicle. Individual entry fees apply to visitors entering on foot or by bicycle.
3. Are children required to pay an entry fee?
No, children aged 15 years and under can enter the park for free.
4. How long is the entrance pass valid?
Most entrance passes are valid for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.
5. Can I re-enter the park multiple times with one pass?
Yes, you can enter and exit the park multiple times during the validity period of your pass.
6. Are annual passes available for frequent visitors?
Yes, there are annual passes that provide unlimited access for one year from the date of purchase.
7. Does the national parks pass work here?
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass allows entry to this park along with hundreds of other federal recreation sites.
8. Do international visitors pay extra fees?
In some cases, international travelers may be subject to additional surcharges or may need a special annual pass.
9. Is a reservation required to enter the park?
During peak seasons, vehicle reservations may be required in addition to the entrance fee.
10. Are entrance fees refundable?
Entrance fees are generally non-refundable and non-transferable once purchased.
11. Are there any days when entry is free?
Yes, the National Park Service designates certain days each year when entrance fees are waived.
12. Does the entrance fee include camping or lodging?
No, camping and lodging fees are separate and require reservations.
13. Can I pay the entrance fee online?
Yes, entrance passes and reservations can be purchased online through official government platforms.
14. Do seniors receive any discounts?
U.S. citizens aged 62 and older are eligible for discounted annual or lifetime passes
15. What payment methods are accepted at park entrances?
Most entrance stations accept credit cards and digital payments; cash acceptance may be limited.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Understanding the Yosemite National Park tickets price is essential for trip planning and budget forecasting. With a range of fee options — from single-entry passes to annual multi-park passes — you can choose what fits best. Whether you’re visiting Yosemite for waterfalls, giant sequoias, rock climbing, or serene hikes, knowing the entrance costs and how they work will ensure a smooth, memorable experience in one of America’s most iconic natural treasures.
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