Rainy wrote in: “My fiance and I are planning our first trip to Yosemite, how much does it cost to get in?”
It’s only $20 per car to enter the park. That may seem a bit steep at first but the entrance fee is good for 7 days so that’s really less than $3 per day and you can enter and leave during that time as many times as you like so long as you hang onto your tag.
If you arrive by bus, walk or have a motorcycle the fee is $10 per person.
If you come with a commercial tour, who is required to have a special operators permit for the park,
* Commercial sedan (up to six seats): $25 (plus $10 per person)
* Commercial van (7-15 seats): $125
* Commercial mini bus (16-25 seats): $200
* Commercial motor coach (more than 26 seats): $300
My favorite pass, the Golden Eagle, was replaced by the America the Beautiful-National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass which, for $80, allows you year long admission into any National Park, National Recreation Area, National Monument and some state run parks.
There is also an annual Yosemite Pass for $40 that gets you entry for a year and a senior pass for those 65 years old or older for $10. Also, those with permanent disabilities can get the Access Pass which is free.
The best value for me is the America the Beautiful. But then, I’m in and out of National Parks all the time.
For more information check out the NPS Fees & Reservations page.