Drive or Amtrak

Question

My sister and I are flying to CA for a wedding in mid May. The wedding is at Pointe Reyes, but we thought we would try to make a side trip to Yosemite NP. We have not decided what city we will be flying into yet. Our issue is, we are seniors, and neither one of us are thrilled about driving on crazy steep and curvy roads. We will rent a car to drive to the wedding, but wondered if we would be better off to try to find a train that goes to YNP or if there is a driving route that we would be comfortable with. We are going to see if we can get last minute lodging within the park. Any suggestions for transportation, or other things we should do or see while we are there would be much appreciated! Neither of us have ever been to CA before, so we are going into this blind! Thanks for all your help!

Answer

Visiting Yosemite National Park without driving on steep, curvy roads is possible, but options are somewhat limited. Since you’re seniors and prefer to avoid challenging driving, the focus should be on accessible transportation options and comfortable routes.

Driving Considerations:

If you decide to drive, consider flying into San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK) for a more gradual route into Yosemite via the Highway 120 East (Big Oak Flat Entrance). This route is less steep than the Tioga Pass entrance from the east side (Lee Vining/Mono Lake) and more manageable for those who are not comfortable with tight curves.
Another option is Highway 140 from Merced (Arch Rock Entrance). This road is relatively straight and gentle, following the Merced River canyon. It’s widely considered the easiest and least stressful route for drivers who want to avoid mountain switchbacks.
Stay overnight near the park (e.g., in Mariposa, El Portal, or Yosemite Valley) to reduce long daily drives.

Public Transportation / Train Options:

There is no Amtrak or train that goes directly into Yosemite. The closest Amtrak stops are in Merced or Fresno. From there, you can take the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) bus, which provides service into the park from Merced, Mariposa, or Fresno. This is a comfortable way to avoid driving entirely.
YARTS buses are wheelchair accessible, allow luggage, and offer scenic views along the Merced River Canyon.
Check the YARTS schedule in advance to ensure your arrival aligns with the bus service.

Lodging and Timing:

Booking inside Yosemite Valley is ideal to minimize daily travel. Popular options include Yosemite Valley Lodge, Tenaya Lodge outside the south entrance, or Rush Creek Lodge near Groveland.
If last-minute lodging in the park isn’t available, Mariposa or El Portal provide convenient access via Highway 140 and YARTS.

Things to See and Do:

Yosemite Valley Highlights: Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome viewpoints. Most of these are accessible by car or short walks from parking areas.
Glacier Point: Offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and is accessible via car (Highway 41 from Wawona) or YARTS shuttle. There’s minimal walking required for the main viewpoint.
Short, easy walks: Cook’s Meadow Loop or Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, which are level, scenic, and suitable for leisurely strolls.
Optional guided tours or ranger-led walks are available for a more structured experience without long hikes.

Recommendation: For comfort and minimal stress, consider flying into San Francisco or Oakland, renting a car for the drive to Mariposa, and taking YARTS buses into the park. This avoids the steepest roads while still giving you access to Yosemite’s iconic sights. If you prefer to drive into the park, Highway 140 is the gentlest route, with Highway 120 East as a secondary option.

Drive or Amtrak

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