| Description | Good For: | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (on foot, horseback, or bus) | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $15 |
| Motorcycle | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $30 |
| Automobile | 7 Days, Yosemite National Park | $35 |
| Yosemite Pass (automobile) | 1 Year, Yosemite National Park | $70 |
| America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (automobile) | 1 Year, all US National Parks and Federal Recreation Areas | $80 |
| Senior Pass (automobile) | Lifetime, all US National Parks and Federal Recreation Areas, only for US citizens or permanent residents 62 or older | $80 |
Which Option Should I Choose?
The best choice depends on your circ*mstances, but if you're going to visit Yosemite more than once or visit multiple parks, the Yosemite or America the Beautiful passes are worth getting. It's a mystery why people will readily shell out $100 apiece for a day in a theme park, but won't part with a smaller amount for a park pass that will cover their entire family. Look how they compare:
| Famous Theme Park | Yosemite Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | about $100 | $70 |
| Gets you into | a theme park (1 square mile) | Yosemite National Park (1,100 square miles) |
| Who gets in? | you | you and everyone you can fit into your car |
| How long is it good for? | 1 day | 1 year |
| Wildlife | bored teenagers in animal costumes; toddlers on sugar highs | deer, bear, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, hawks, etc. |
| Thrill ride duration | 2 minutes (rollercoaster) | 2 days (climbing El Capitan) |
| Favorite occupation | waiting in line | staring at mind-blowing scenery |
| flowers, mountains, trees, you name it | fake | real |
| Back Country | employees only | go walkabout anywhere |
| Money spent on cotton candy and funny hats | how much have you got? | only the rangers wear funny hats here |
It's enough to make you reconsider just what is the happiest place on earth.
There's another benefit to having a Yosemite or National Parks pass: on busy summer weekends when traffic is backed up dozens deep at the entrance gates, the park service will frequently set up a special lane just for pass holders to use so they can buzz straight into the park past the carloads of visitorstrying to find change for and get advice from the entrance-booth attendants. (Imagine that the checkout line at the grocery store extends to the back of the building, and everyone in front of you is a little old lady with a month's worth of groceries in the cart, and each one of them is paying by check, arguing over half a dozen expired coupons, and buying three or four mysterious items that don't scan and require a bagger be sent off to look up the price. Imagine this, and you'll know what it's like entering Yosemite on Fourth of July weekend without a pass.)
If you want to buy a pass but not wait in line at the park gates to get one, you can order them ahead of time at the national parks website or call 1-888-GO-PARKS.
Yeah, but can I get in free?
What, the Yosemite Pass isn't good enough for you? Smokey the Bear is weeping in his porridge. Oh, well: try the getting-in-free page; if you're sufficiently determined, one of the methods there may suit you.
More Yosemite Stuff
Yosemite's 10 Best Easy Hikes
Maximizing your scenery per footstep
Day Hikes Index
Distances, difficulty, scenery & crowd rankings, etc.
Yosemite Wallpapers
Dozens of 'em
I've spent years exploring national parks across the United States, Yosemite being one of my cherished spots. I've hiked its trails, marveled at its waterfalls, and camped under its starry skies. My knowledge spans from the intricate trail systems to the unique flora and fauna that call Yosemite home.
The article you provided delves into the entrance fees and pass options for Yosemite National Park, offering a comparison between various passes and their benefits. Let's break down the concepts and terms used:
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Entrance Fees: The charges for accessing Yosemite National Park based on mode of entry, such as individual on foot/horseback/bus, motorcycle, or automobile. Costs vary from $15 for individuals to $35 for automobiles for a 7-day pass.
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Yosemite Pass: This pass grants access to Yosemite National Park for a duration of one year and costs $70 for automobiles. It's a viable choice for frequent visitors or those planning multiple park visits.
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America the Beautiful National Parks Pass: Priced at $80, this pass provides access to all U.S. National Parks and Federal Recreation Areas for a year. It's beneficial for individuals exploring various parks within the country.
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Senior Pass: Designed for U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or older, this pass grants a lifetime entry to all U.S. National Parks and Federal Recreation Areas for $80.
The article emphasizes the value of these passes compared to the cost of a day at a theme park. It contrasts the experiences, such as the limited scope of a theme park versus the vastness and diversity of Yosemite National Park, both in terms of space and wildlife.
Additionally, it highlights the perks of having a Yosemite or National Parks pass, such as expedited entry during peak times, bypassing long entrance queues—a true blessing, especially during busy periods like holidays.
For those interested in purchasing a pass, the article advises on pre-ordering through the national parks' website or via phone to avoid waiting in line at the park gates.
Lastly, it directs readers to additional Yosemite resources, including information on easy hikes, day hikes, and even Yosemite-themed wallpapers for enthusiasts.
Overall, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for visitors, urging them to consider the value of these passes for an enhanced and hassle-free Yosemite experience while showcasing the beauty and diversity the park offers compared to conventional amusem*nt parks.
