Decide how much of the park you want to see. Yosemite Valley is beautiful but often crowded. Tioga Road is the only road that crosses the park. It is a great drive, but it does not run through Yosemite Valley.
Consider the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System in order to see Yosemite Valley. Park outside Yosemite and take a shuttle from points on Highway 120 or Highway 140. The shuttles were created to protect the park from overuse and pollution. They also prevent you from dealing with annoying driving hassles.
Drive across the entire park by taking Tioga Road. Tioga Road is also known as Highway 120. Enter the park on Highway 41 or Highway 140 to access Tioga Road. The road is well-maintained and reaches high elevations.
Call the park office at (209) 372-0200 to check road conditions. Road maintenance and weather lead to occasional road closures. Tioga Road is closed in winter due to snow.
Follow Tioga Road across the park and exit into Inyo National Forest. Be sure to use pull outs if you want like to stop and take a look around. Traffic is heavy during high tourist seasons. Don't count on other drivers to obey speed limits on curvy roads.
Meet U.S. Highway 395 on the other side of Yosemite National Park. The highway runs north and south. Follow it to routes that run west and east.
