National Parks
Yosemite
We flew into San Francisco with a tent and the rest of our camping gear, spent one night in the city, then traded pavement for three nights beneath Yosemite’s granite walls during peak waterfall season.
At a glance
LocationYosemite National Park, California
Suggested stay3 nights in Yosemite, plus 1 night in San Francisco
Best time to visitLate spring or early summer for fuller waterfalls; runoff timing varies
From HoustonFly to San Francisco, then drive to Yosemite
Park notes
Airport to fly intoSan Francisco International (SFO)
Flight timeAbout 4 hours nonstop from Houston
Drive to the parkAbout 4–5 hours from San Francisco, depending on traffic and entrance
Recommended length of stay3 nights in the valley
Nearby parks to add onSequoia & Kings Canyon; the eastern Sierra when Tioga Pass is open
Favorite campgroundUpper Pines Campground
Favorite hikesMirror Lake; Yosemite Falls; Vernal and Nevada Falls; Sub Dome (permit required)