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Visit Yosemite | Madera County 2026 Visitors Guide Your Gateway To The Ultimate Playground! V I S I T Y O S E M I T E M A D E R A C O U N T Y 2 50 T H A MERICA’S C E L E B RA T I N G56001 Yosemite Hwy 41, Fish Camp | 559.683.7273 YMSPRR.com Narrated Steam Train Ride •Gold Panning •Kids Depot Thornberry Museum •Toy Store •Gift Shop •Jenny Railcar Sandwich Shop •Picnic Area Scenic Train Rides Through the Sierra National Forest From regular daily Excursions to special catered events! Daily Excursions April through OctoberRespect It Protect It Enjoy It Hello Visitors! Welcome to the Southern Yosemite region and Madera County! We’re thrilled to have you here and invite you to PLAY in our backyard and explore the incredible beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality that define our area. Whether you’re here to hike the scenic trails, indulge in our farm-to-table cuisine, or immerse yourself in the vibrant local art scene, we hope you’ll find unforgettable moments. RHONDA SALISBURY • CEO/FILM COMMISSIONER VISIT YOSEMITE | MADERA COUNTY For a fun and informative Fire Safety Video Series, please visit BeFirewise.org YosemiteThisYear.com | info@yosemitethisyear.com2025 - 2026 Visitors Guide - Visit Yosemite | Madera County 1Average Temperatures Yosemite N.P. LOWHIGH Jan29°48° Feb31°52° March34°58° April38°64° May45°80° June51°85° July57°99° Aug56°99° Sept51°82° Oct42°71° Nov33°56° Dec28°47° THE OFFICIAL SOUTHERN YOSEMITE VISITORS BUREAU Visit Yosemite | Madera County Weather Reports & Highway Conditions Yosemite National Park • nps.gov/yose • (209) 372-0200 • Highway 41 into Yosemite National Park is open all year National Weather Service• noaa.org Caltrans • roads.dot.ca.gov • (800) 427-7623 • Highway 41 40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644 (559) 683-4636 • info@yosemitethisyear.com U.S. Forest Service Sierra National Forest Bass Lake Ranger District • fs.usda.gov/sierra/ Oakhurst Office • (559) 658-7588 • Seasonal North Fork Office • (559) 877-2218 • All Year Mileage & Drive Times to Oakhurst FROM MILEAGE DRIVE TIME Bakersfield................155 miles.....2.5 hours Fresno.........................48 miles..50 minutes Las Vegas..................438 miles........7 hours Los Angeles..............275 miles.....4.5 hours Kings Canyon N.P. ....97 miles........2 hours Sacramento...............170 miles.....3.5 hours San Diego.................380 miles........6 hours San Francisco............213 miles........4 hours Sequoia N.P. ............123 miles.....2.3 hours Yosemite Valley .........41 miles.....1.5 hours Electronics are wonderful— but are not always reliable in rural and mountain areas. For your safety, don’t depend on GPS/Nav Satellite devices to get you to your destination. NOTE REGARDING GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM YouTube.com/VisitYosemiteMaderaCounty Facebook.com/YosemiteMadera Instagram.com/YosemiteMadera Pinterest.com/YosemiteMadera TikTok.com - @visityosemite MAPS California������������������������������2 Fossils to Falls Road Trip Artist Map�����������3 Yosemite Valley Shuttle����6-7 Bass Lake����������������������������12 Sierra Vista Scenic Byway��25 Madera County & Southern Yosemite�������32-33 Museums & Historical Sites��������������������44 Thrifting & Gifting��������������45 •24-Hour Information & Reservation Board •Guide Books & Maps • Gift Shop •Free Coffee • Clean Restrooms Visit us Online! YosemiteThisYear.com Visitor Center Hours Daily 8:30 am to 4:30 pm TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLES Respect It, Protect It, Enjoy It��������1 Yosemite in a Day or More����������4-5 Yosemite Through the Seasons���8-9 Southern Yosemite Hiking Trails���10 Sierra Foothills Hiking Trails���������11 Bass Lake����������������������������������12-21 Sierra Vista Scenic Byway��������24-25 Tours, Transportation & Guided Adventures�������������26-28 Unique Adventures������������������34-35 Pet Friendly�����������������������������������38 Wineries of Madera County and Toast of Oakhurst�������������40-41 Sporting Events������������������������42-43 Fossils to Falls Road Trip & Yosemite Adventure Contest���46-47 Art and the Arts�����������������������48-49 Magic of Winter����������������������������51 Native American Culture��������������52 Finding Ways to Wellness������������53 Majestic Mountain Loop���������55-56 Work Where You Play�������������������60 STAY WITH US Campgrounds��������������������������21-23 RV Parks�����������������������������������������22 Golf Courses���������������������������������43 Lodging������������������������������������62-63 Vacation Rentals����������������������������64 INFORMATION General Information�����������������������2 Calendar of Events������������������36-37 Photo Credits & Cover Photo������57 Dining��������������������������������������������59 2025 - 2026 Visitors Guide - Visit Yosemite | Madera CountyYosemiteThisYear.com | info@yosemitethisyear.com 2MORE INFORMATIONMORE INFORMATION YosemiteThisYear.com | info@yosemitethisyear.com2025 - 2026 Visitors Guide - Visit Yosemite | Madera County 3YOSEMITE IN SPRING • DANIEL CHUI • VYMC STOP 1 Glacier Point (Open Seasonally) A great place to start your visit to the park is Glacier Point. From its vantage point high above Yosemite Valley (3000 feet!) you get a bird's-eye view of the valley below, some of the park's majestic waterfalls, and the massive granite peaks of Yosemite’s high country. STOP 2 Tunnel View As many will attest, this stunning view made famous by Ansel Adams decades ago, is a “must see” stop on your visit. At this popular viewing area many of Yosemite’s distinctive landmarks can be seen: El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Bridalveil Fall (and many more). After taking in this view, continue your journey down towards Yosemite Valley. STOP 3 Bridalveil Fall and Swinging Bridge Known as Pohono (“Spirit of the Puffing Wind”) by the native Ahwahneechee people, Bridalveil Fall is the first grand waterfall that visitors will see when they visit Yosemite Valley. While Bridalveil typically flows year-round, in the spring and early summer the flow peaks and the mist near its base is truly an experience! The park completed a major rehabilitation in 2023 which included new facilities, improved trails, and many new viewing areas for visitors to experience the beauty of Bridalveil. STOP 4 Yosemite Chapel There are many historic buildings in the park, but the Yosemite Chapel is the oldest building still in use in Yosemite Valley. Dating back to 1879, the chapel offers both a history lesson and a spectacular view of Yosemite Falls. It’s also a fantastic location to capture photos, especially during the Fall season. STOP 5 Yosemite Village, Valley Loop Trail & Yosemite Falls Follow the signs for the Visitor Parking area. There is much to see in the Yosemite Village including the new Yosemite Valley Welcome Center, the Yosemite Exploration Center, the Yosemite Museum, Ansel Adams Gallery, and the Indian Village, just to name a few. Looking for a bite to eat? Step into Degnan's Deli for a tasty sandwich. We suggest taking it to-go and enjoying a short walk to Lower Yosemite Fall. There, you can enjoy your meal while gazing at the magnificent 2,425 foot waterfall. From the lower fall, head out on the Valley Loop Trail and stroll your way through the valley enjoying views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and the Merced River from many different angles. Along the way enjoy scenes of lush meadows, wildflowers, and a possible wildlife sighting. STOP 6 Valley View Stopping at this picturesque location at the end of your day of exploring the valley provides a nice balance to your start at Tunnel View. Here, the Merced River flows on by and the late-day light paints the walls of the western end of the valley. The warm light highlights the towering granite walls and brings out unique color and details. You get a true appreciation for why this much photographed spot is also known as the "Gates of the Valley." Yosemite in a day or more DAY 1 (Yosemite Valley) Sign Up For Yosemite Traffic & Planning Alerts Text YNPTRAFFIC to 333111 2025 - 2026 Visitors Guide - Visit Yosemite | Madera CountyYosemiteThisYear.com | info@yosemitethisyear.com 4TUOLUMNE MEADOWS SUNSET • STEVE MONTALTO MARIPOSA GROVE • VYMC STOP 1 Tuolumne Grove Park at the grove trailhead and take a short 1¼ mile hike along Old Big Oak Flat Road through a shaded forest. Here you can find around two dozen mature Giant Sequoias. Plan for 1½ to 2 hours of hiking. STOP 2 Olmsted Point Enjoy amazing views that showcase how glaciers shaped this part of Yosemite as you look down Tenaya Canyon toward Yosemite Valley. Clouds Rest and a unique view of Half Dome are key features toward the south with Tenaya Lake visible to the northeast. STOP 3 Tenaya Lake Situated at an elevation of 8,150 feet, the views around this alpine lake are spectacular and it’s a popular location to enjoy a picnic, do some kayaking, take a swim or hike the 2½ mile loop trail around it. You can also choose just to lay back, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy the fresh air. STOP 4 Tuolumne Meadows 6½ miles east from Tenaya Lake is one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra. Stop by the Visitor Center, take a short hike to the Parsons Memorial Lodge or simply enjoy the changing light on the meadow, the Tuolumne River, and the many unique geologic features of the area like Lembert Dome, Unicorn Peak, and Cathedral Peak. STOP 1 Mariposa Grove Stand among some of the world’s oldest and largest trees in the Mariposa Grove. This is the largest of the three groves in Yosemite and home to several hundred mature Giant Sequoias with miles of great trails to explore. STOP 2 Wawona Located about 10 minutes inside the south gate to Yosemite, step back in time in historic Wawona. Explore picturesque sites such as the Yosemite History Center, the Wawona Hotel (closed for major renovations), the Chinese Laundry Building, and the Wawona Covered Bridge. STOP 3 Chilnualna Falls Take a less-traveled hike to enjoy some of the lower cascades of Chilnualna Falls or plan for a full day of hiking and complete the entire trail to the top of the falls. (8.4 miles /13.5 kilometers). DAY 2 (Highway 41) DAY 3 (Highway 120 East) PARK RESERVATIONS If peak hours reservations are required, they are only in effect during high visitation periods which include Horsetail Fall February events, holiday periods and weekends during the summer. 2026 information has not been announced as of the printing of this guide, please follow this QR code or go to yosemitethisyear.com/yosemite-national-park for detailed information. Other Favorite Stops to Consider •Hetch Hetchy Hetch Hetchy is a bit off the beaten path, but it is truly worth the journey to experience what John Muir considered "... a grand landscape garden, one of nature's rarest and most precious mountain temples." The now water-filled valley boasts truly beautiful scenery and one of the park’s longest hiking seasons. •The Cascades Picnic Area During the spring, torrents of water from melting snow thunder over granite walls to form Cascade Falls. The picnic area right off of El Portal Road is a great place to enjoy a meal all while enjoying the sights and sounds of rushing water from both The Cascades and the Merced River. YosemiteThisYear.com | info@yosemitethisyear.com2025 - 2026 Visitors Guide - Visit Yosemite | Madera County A WORD TO THE WISE - always check park status and updates BEFORE you visit Yosemite! 5El Capitan Crossover Valley View Tunnel View East Yosemite Valley Bridalveil Fall B r i d a l v e i l C r e e k Trails Bike Trails Horse Trails 10 9 8 Curry Village (westbound) 19 Lower Pines Campground 18 Mirror Lake 17 Happy Isles 16 Upper Pines Campground 15 Curry Village (eastbound) 14 Housekeeping Camp & Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center 12 Four Mile Trailhead 11 Cathedral Beach10 El Capitan Meadow 9 El Capitan Picnic Area 8 YosemiteValley Lodge & Yosemite Falls Parking 7 6 Lower Yosemite Fall Yosemite Exploration Center & Museum 5 Degnan’s Kitchen 4 The Ahwahnee 3 Village Store & Welcome Center 2 Yosemite Village Parking 1 * Stops serviced by the Valleywide Shuttle only Camp 4 V a ll e y L o o p T r a i l V a l l e y L o o p T r a il Sentinel Beach El Capitan Picnic Area Swinging Bridge Cathedral Beach W a w o n a R o a d Pohono Bridge Pohono Bridge S o u t h s i d e D r i v e N o r t h s i d e D r i v e V a l l e y L o o p T r a i l Pohono Trail Yosemite Valley & Valley Shuttle Map BRIDALVEIL FALL VYMC 2025 - 2026 Visitors Guide - Visit Yosemite | Madera CountyYosemiteThisYear.com | info@yosemitethisyear.com 6Curry Village Parking Yosemite Village Parking Yosemite Falls Parking Clark Point Trailhead for Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and John Muir Trail Mirror Lake Trailhead 8836 ft 2693 m 72I4 ft 2I99 m M e r c e d R i v er Lower Yosemite Fall Vernal Fall Nevada Fall B r i d a l v e i l C r e e k c l o s e d i n w i n t e r 19 18 17 16 15 14 12 11 5 4 7 6 3 2 1 Parking Bathroom Electric Car Charging Station Information Wilderness Permits Exhibits Theater Picnic Area Picnic Area Accessible Spots Available Trailhead Bicycle Rentals Seasonal Campground Lodging Food Service Groceries Book & Souvenir Shop Post Office North Pines North Pines Upper Pines Upper Pines Lower Pines Lower Pines Trailhead Parking Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center (YCHC) Half Dome F o u r M i l e T r a i l V a ll e y L o o p T r a i l V a l l e y L o o p T r a il Campground Reservations Campground Reservations To Chinquapin/Wawona Rd. and Hwy 41 Glacier Point no shuttle service closed in winter winging ridge Church Bowl Picnic Area Chapel Glacier Point Road Medical Clinic M ist T r a i l Nature Center at Happy Isles Recreation Rentals Curry Village Housekeeping Camp Housekeeping Camp The AhwahneeThe Ahwahnee U p p e r Y o s e m i t e F a l l T r a i l Mirror Lake seasonal W a w o n a R o a d The Ansel Adams Gallery Yosemite Valley Lodge Yosemite Valley Lodge Washburn Point S o u t h s i d e D r i v e N o r t h s i d e D r i v e Sentinel Bridge Sentinel Bridge V a l l e y L o o p T r a i l Union Point J o h n M u ir T r ai l YOSEMITE’S SHUTTLES are free and run between 7 am and 10 pm. Valleywide Shuttle (green route) runs seasonally and serves all stops in Yosemite Valley arriving every 12 to 22 minutes. East Valley Shuttle (purple route) runs year-round arriving every 8 to 12 minutes. Yosemite Public Transportation Info 2 4 5 Parking & Day Use Yosemite Village V i l l a g e D r i v e N o r t h s i d e D r i v e Yosemite Valley Welcome Center S e n t i n e l D r i v e Village Garage Village Drive Village Store & Village Grill V a l l e y L o o p T r a i l Sentinel Bridge Indian Village Yosemite Cemetery Yosemite Library Administration Building Ansel Adams Gallery Valley Wilderness Center Yosemite Exploration Center and Theater Yosemite Museum Post Office Rangers’ Club Medical Clinic Degnan’s Kitchen 30 min only 1 Yosemite Village M e r c e d R i v e r Get Sandy the Squirrel's Trading Card at the Ansel Adams Gallery YosemiteThisYear.com | info@yosemitethisyear.com2025 - 2026 Visitors Guide - Visit Yosemite | Madera County 7Next >