
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, drawing over four million visitors annually to its granite valleys, 2,425-foot Bridalveil Fall, and the iconic face of El Capitan. From Madera, CA-41 is the primary approach route, entering the park through the South Entrance at Wawona — about 75 miles and 90 minutes from downtown Madera. Yosemite Valley itself sits another 30 miles inside the park.
In 2026, an entrance reservation is not required, but busy periods can still bring extended delays and limited parking. For bus groups, the official NPS field-trip page places buses in the special bus parking area at Yosemite Valley Lodge, with passenger drop-off in front of the lodge about a five-minute walk away, so plan unloading around that location. Charter buses and motorcoaches should also confirm current oversized vehicle access rules for Yosemite Valley roads directly with the park.
Address: Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, 9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389 Phone: (209) 372-0200



















