Planning a trip to Yosemite, Sequoia, or Kings Canyon in 2026? This guide breaks down how the new National Park entrance fees and nonresident surcharges impact your visit, plus what U.S. travelers need to know about annual passes, digital passes, fee-free days, and park access. Learn how these updates affect gateway communities like Oakhurst and Visalia and how to support them during your trip.
Read MoreGet a clear breakdown of the new 2026 U.S. National Park fees for residents and nonresidents, including updated entrance costs, annual pass changes, and what to expect at the gates. This guide covers Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and other top parks, plus essential Flying Dawn Marie recommendations to help international travelers plan their national park trip with confidence.
Read MorePlan the perfect family-friendly 1-day winter itinerary in Yosemite Valley with sunrise views, easy hikes, and sunset stops. This travel guide includes up-to-date current conditions for early winter, plus top stops like Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Cook’s Meadow, and Yosemite Falls—everything you need for a safe, scenic, unforgettable Yosemite winter visit with weather tips and photo spots.
Read MoreDiscover the best astrophotography locations in California and learn how to capture stunning night sky photos. From Yosemite to Death Valley and Joshua Tree to Sequoia National Park, this beginner’s guide covers top gear, camera settings, top dark sky spots, and tips for photographing the Milky Way, stars, and constellations. Experience the awe of God’s masterpiece under the stars with me!
Read MoreYosemite National Park Fall Color Report 2025! Let's help you plan your upcoming Yosemite fall road trip with this detailed Fall color report and current conditions update. Discover where to see the best Yosemite Valley foliage, from dogwoods and maples to the iconic Cook’s Meadow Elm, plus waterfall flow, early snow on Tioga Pass, and what to expect during the ongoing government shutdown.
Read MoreExperience year-round off-roading with Yosemite Adventure Co, the premier outdoor outfitter in Oakhurst, California near Yosemite National Park. Explore the Sierra National Forest on guided summer Jeep & UTV tours across granite slabs with Bass Lake overlooks, or ride winter ATV snow track tours through snowy mountain trails. Perfect for families, couples & adventure seekers of all skill levels.
Read MoreDrive the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway in the Sierra National Forest near Yosemite National Park for breathtaking mountain views, granite domes, wildflower meadows, and historic stops. This 100-mile California scenic drive includes highlights like Fresno Dome, Globe Rock, Mile High Vista & Jones Store. A must-do mountain road trip adventure near Yosemite's southern gateway, Oakhurst & Bass Lake.
Read MoreExplore the ultimate Hwy 41 hotel guide for Yosemite National Park’s southern gateway, featuring luxury retreats, historic inns, lakeside resorts, family-friendly stays, boutique hotels, and unique vacation rentals & airbnbs. Discover top lodging in Oakhurst, Bass Lake, and beyond, plus amenities, dining, and tips for your perfect Yosemite getaway. Featuring Chateau du Sureau, The Inelle & more!
Read MoreExperience Yosemite National Park like never before with an unforgettable aerial tour from Mariposa, CA. Fly with Airborrn Aviation & Yosemite Airways over Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Mariposa Grove, Merced River Gorge, and more. Learn what to expect, how to book your flight, and why this scenic Yosemite plane tour is a must-do on your Sierra Nevada Mountain road trip itinerary.
Read MoreJoin me on a hike up to the summit of Fresno Dome in Sierra National Forest. Just south of Yosemite National Park along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, this easy to moderate hike provides panoramic views with no crowds near Oakhurst, Bass Lake & Fish Camp in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's the perfect easy alternative to Yosemite's Half Dome hike...no permits or reservations needed!
Read MoreSaddle up for an unforgettable horseback riding experience near Yosemite National Park with Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures. This family-owned ranch in Fish Camp, CA offers guided trail rides on gentle quarter horses through scenic Sierra National Forest terrain. This top rated activity near Oakhurst & Bass lake is perfect for beginners, families, and outdoor lovers visiting Yosemite.
Read MoreDiscover California's Majestic Mountain Loop, a 3-park epic road trip through Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Yosemite National Parks. Explore giant sequoia trees, thundering waterfalls, scenic drives, iconic viewpoints & top hotels. Base yourself in Visalia & Oakhurst for easy access to these Sierra Nevada Mountain wonders. This is the perfect travel guide for first-time visitors & national park lovers.
Read MorePlanning a trip to Yosemite National Park this summer? Get insider tips from longtime park Ranger Scott Gediman on navigating Yosemite’s 2025 reservation system, avoiding crowds, popular hiking trails, staying safe around wildlife (like black bear), and being a responsible visitor. Learn what to expect in summer conditions and how to make the most of your Yosemite Valley road trip adventure.
Read MoreThe Tioga Pass Entrance is open for the 2025 Summer season in Yosemite National Park. Connecting Mono Lake, Lee Vining, and US-395 with Big Oak Flat Road, Tioga Road features some of the best views and things to do in and around Yosemite, and is a great way avoid the busy Yosemite Valley crowds. Join me for a live update of what the waterfalls, meadows, lakes & wildlife is currently looking like.
Read MoreGlacier Point Road is open for the 2025 season in Yosemite National Park! See what it looked like on opening day (May 10). Get the full report on road conditions, crowd levels, weather, waterfalls, parking, and tips for visiting early in the season. Includes updates from Glacier Point, Washburn Point, Taft Point trailhead, Summit Meadow, and more—perfect for planning your spring trip to Yosemite.
Read MorePlanning a Yosemite trip this spring? Here’s what the park looks like right now—May 2025 updates on waterfall flow (Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall & more), Merced River levels, blooming dogwoods, meadow conditions, wildflowers, and current road closures. Read this current conditions travel guide for everything you need to know before visiting Yosemite National Park during peak spring runoff.
Read MoreDo I need a reservation to enter Yosemite this summer? Yes! The NPS just announced a peak-hours reservation system for the 2025 summer season to help with park crowds & wait times. Read this travel guide to help you prepare for your road trip vacation to Yosemite National Park and learn everything you need to know about who needs reservations, as well as how and when to get reservations.
Read MorePlanning a Yosemite adventure? Discover the top 10 reasons to stay in Oakhurst, CA on your next Yosemite road trip. Just minutes from Yosemite’s South Entrance, explore family-friendly attractions, outdoor activities, scenic hikes, art galleries, local history, unique shopping & delicious dining. Find more inspiration at YosemiteThisYear.com and the 41 Things To Do Around Highway 41 travel guide.
Read MoreWhen is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park? This seasonal travel guide breaks down spring, summer, fall & winter in Yosemite—what the park looks like, pros & cons of each season, top places to visit, and expert tips to help you plan the perfect road trip. Find out the best time to see raging waterfalls, fall colors, spring wildflowers, abundant wildlife, or snow-capped granite peaks.
Read MoreLooking for a fun family friendly activity near Yosemite National Park? Join me today on a train ride into Sierra National Forest with Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. We'll be embarking on the Moonlight Special experience, which takes you on a historic adventure down into Lewis Creek Canyon with delicious food and live music by a campfire. Pan for gold and shop for Yosemite souvenirs too!
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