First time visitor

Question

3 days in mid September , what is

best entrance and nearby decent hotel

Answer

For a first-time visitor with 3 days in Yosemite National Park in mid-September, planning your entrance and lodging carefully will maximize your experience. Mid-September is a great time because the summer crowds start to diminish, the weather is generally pleasant, and most facilities are still open.

Best Entrance:

The choice of entrance depends on your travel direction and what you want to see:

Arch Rock Entrance (from Highway 140 / Mariposa): This is the most direct route from the Central Valley (Fresno/Mariposa) and is typically open year-round. It leads straight to Yosemite Valley, making it ideal if you want to spend most of your time exploring Yosemite Valley highlights like Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
Big Oak Flat Entrance (from Highway 120 / Groveland): Convenient if traveling from the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s a scenic drive with access to Tuolumne Meadows if you plan to explore the high country.
Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120 East): Only open seasonally (usually late May to October), this is best if you want to explore Tuolumne Meadows and the high-elevation lakes and trails.
Wawona / South Entrance (Highway 41): Good if coming from Fresno or the southern route. Access to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and Glacier Point.

Nearby Hotels / Lodging:

Within Yosemite Valley itself, options are limited but offer the best access to iconic sights:

Yosemite Valley Lodge: Excellent location near Yosemite Falls, family-friendly, mid-range pricing for the park.
The Ahwahnee Hotel: Luxury historic hotel with stunning architecture and great location for walking to valley attractions. Higher priced but unforgettable experience.
Curry Village (Half Dome Village): More casual, with tent cabins or standard rooms, centrally located for valley access.

If you prefer staying outside the park due to budget or availability, towns near entrances have decent options:

Mariposa: About 45 minutes from the Arch Rock Entrance. Options include Best Western Yosemite Gateway Inn and local inns with restaurants nearby.
Groveland: Near Big Oak Flat Entrance, small hotels and bed-and-breakfasts like Groveland Hotel offer a quaint experience.
Oakhurst: Near South Entrance/Wawona, has several mid-range hotels and dining options.

With 3 days, a practical plan is to enter through the Arch Rock Entrance or Big Oak Flat Entrance, stay 2 nights in Yosemite Valley itself to maximize sightseeing, and consider the last night near the exit town if you plan to travel early the next day.

First time visitor

More Yosemite National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions