- 1). Choose the right road. There are five roads that lead into Yosemite Valley, but some may not be in the best conditions depending on the weather or time of year. The Mariposa Grove Road is relatively the easiest road (coming from the south of Yosemite) but it is one of the longest roads. Routes 120 and 140 enter from the west and are shorter but the roads are high altitude with little protection from the wind. Check Resources below for road conditions before leaving.
- 2). Bring food and cooking supplies. There are several small parks and stops along the way to Yosemite. The drive can be a long one because you don't go much faster than 35 miles per hour once you get into the foothills, and there aren't many restaurants. Take the time to enjoy a few scenic stops and have some hot dogs or burgers. Just be sure to clean up after yourself.
- 3). Fill up your gas tank at border towns. This seems to go without saying, but people forget to do this a lot. There is no gas in the valley and it can be a long (and expensive) wait for the Emergency Fuel Service to pull you out of a bind. While you're at those border town gas stations, you might want to do a "last chance" restroom break as well.
- 4). Prepare for bears and other wild animals. The reality of Yosemite is that there are indeed bears. They will go for your food and whatever other goodies you have in your car. When you constantly see signs about bears and wildcats, take them seriously. Be sure to clean up after yourself and never, ever leave any food whatsoever in your vehicle.
- 5). Visit hotels outside the valley for better rates and easier booking. Places like the Awhanee Hotel can require reservations for up to a year in advance.
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