gps gives estimated distance and time to travel

Question

How accurate is my gps tracking time and distance to Mariposa grove from my hotel. Coming through the arch entrance. It varies with time, can I trust it? I am using paper maps as well.

Answer

GPS estimates for travel time and distance can be helpful, but in Yosemite National Park, they should be treated as approximate rather than precise. There are several factors that can affect accuracy:

Traffic congestion: The Arch Rock entrance and roads to Mariposa Grove can become quite busy, especially on weekends or holiday periods, which may increase travel time significantly compared to your GPS estimate.
Road conditions: Some areas of the park may have temporary closures, construction, or reduced speed zones, which GPS apps may not fully account for in real time.
Cell signal limitations: Yosemite has limited cell coverage in some areas. If your GPS relies on live traffic data, estimates may be less accurate in low-signal areas.
Parking delays: The Mariposa Grove parking lot can fill quickly. If you have to wait for parking or shuttle service (depending on the season), it can add additional time that GPS does not account for.

Tips to improve your planning:

Check the National Park Service website or call ahead for any road conditions or closures affecting the Arch Rock entrance or Mariposa Grove.
Allow extra time beyond your GPS estimate—generally 15–30 minutes more for typical weekend travel, and more during peak summer months.
Use paper maps as a backup; they help you verify distances and routes without relying on cell coverage or app updates.
If possible, arrive early in the day to avoid heavy traffic and to have a better chance at parking near Mariposa Grove.

In summary, your GPS provides a reasonable baseline for planning, but in Yosemite, it’s safest to assume travel may take longer than estimated. Combining GPS estimates with paper maps and checking for park updates will give you the most reliable guidance.