No, you don't need a reservation to visit Yosemite. However, if you plan to spend the night in Yosemite, you should have a reservation for
lodging, camping, or backpacking.
You can drive your car into and around Yosemite (shuttle buses are not mandatory).
Some roads have vehicle length restrictions and others close seasonally.
Tire chains may be required in fall, winter, and spring due to snowy or icy conditions.
You can find driving directions
here.
The Tioga Road (Highway 120 through the park) is open approximately late May through October, though these dates vary depending on conditions. You can see a list of
opening and closing dates since 1980.
The Half Dome cables usually are installed by the weekend before Memorial Day weekend, but this can vary depending on conditions and trail crew availability. The cables usually remain up through Columbus Day (in October). The National Park Service strongly discourages hikers from attempting the cable route when the cables are down. Learn more about the
Half Dome hike.
You can find a list of attractions in Yosemite
here.
You can find a list of activities
here.
It depends what you're looking for! While most people visit Yosemite during summer, there are advantages to visiting throughout the year. You can find more information
here.
Yosemite's bears are always searching for food and consider anything that looks like or smells like food to be food. Learn how to store your food while
visiting Yosemite.
Pets are allowed in Yosemite, but with some restrictions. You can find more information
here.
Internet kiosks and wi-fi are both available. You can find more information here.
Digital cell service is available in and near Yosemite Village to AT&T and Verizon customers (you may get a weak signal elsewhere in Yosemite Valley, as well). Verizon customers with analog-capable phones may receive service near Wawona, Crane Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows. If you have any information to add, please let us know.