General Accessibility Information
This page displays general accessibility information and resources, much of which is available on Yosemite's accessibility page.
I've found the Accessibility Office to be very open to feedback and available for additional information, so please always feel free to get in touch with them!
Page Contents
Access Pass
The National Parks Access Pass if a free lifetime access card that allows visitors to any National Park in the United States free access for themselves as well as accompanying passengers in a vehicle.
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Those with an Access Pass may also receive 50% off camping reservations if the Access Pass card number is provided at the time of making reservations.
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To learn more and apply, please visit the Access Pass website of the National Park System. Access Pass cards are also available at all Yosemite park entrances and visitor centers.
Temporary Accessible Parking Placard
If you are temporarily disabled or don't have your placard with you, you can pick up a Temporary Disability Placard from Yosemite park entrance stations, visitor centers, and park information booths.
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Have a disability placard, whether temporary or permanent, allows additional access to private roads that other private vehicles are not normally allowed on. Because these roads are also used by pedestrians, cyclists, shuttles, etc. you must have your hazard lights on and drive less than 15 mph.
Designated Parking
There is accessible parking throughout the park, including three large day-use lots in Yosemite Valley if you prefer to use the shuttle system. In addition to the large lots, there are smaller lots with accessible parking as well.
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If you would like to know if a specific location has accessible parking spots, please visit accessible information via location.
Service Animals
Service dogs are allowed in Yosemite National Parks. All federal ADA laws and regulations are in effect and must be observed.
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As a reminder:
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Service animals are
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Dogs
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Any breed and any size of dog
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Trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability
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Service animals are not
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Required to be certified or go through a professional training program
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Required to wear a vest or other ID that indicates they’re a service dog
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Emotional support or comfort dogs, because providing emotional support or comfort is not a task related to a person’s disability
Read more about Frequently Asked Questions about service animals on the ADA's FAQ page.
Power Driven Mobility Devices
Yosemite National Park does have a policy regarding use of "other power-driven mobility devices" (referred to as OPDMDs). OPDMDs are not thoroughly defined or examples provided (other than an image of a Segway in their guide) on Yosemite's website, so it is unclear if this includes power chairs.
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Here is their general policy regarding OPDMDs:
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Operators must be 16 years or older
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The OPDMD displays a universal accessibility decal (available at visitor centers)
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OPDMD must be a zero-emissions vehicle
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The OPDMD is no greater than 36 inches in width at its widest point
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OPDMD speeds may not exceed 5 miles per hour
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Group size is limited to no more than four OPDMDs
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In addition, they require certain safety features, including:
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Front, rear and side reflectors
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A system that enables the operator to bring the device to a controlled stop
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If operating an OPDMD between half an hour after sunset to half an hour before dawn, a lamp emitting a white light that is visible from 300 feet in front of the OPDMD is required while the OPDMD is in motion
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A sound emitting device that can be activated from time to time by the operator, to alert nearby persons, as appropriate
Mobility Device Rentals
Two manual wheelchairs, two mobility scooters, and many standard (and possibly hand cycles) bicycles are available for rent in Yosemite Valley. Yes, two wheelchairs and two mobility scooters for thousands of daily visitors. I'm sure that if more people knew about these rentals that the need would be exponential. Perhaps then they would make more available. In my experience, however, almost nobody I've approached about them knew of their existence. This often included even park and hospitality staff.
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Here is their information about where these items can be rented, taken from their accessibility guide:
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Accessibility equipment are available for rent at the Yosemite Valley Lodge bike stand during summer and times of safe weather at (209) 372-1208. Call for pricing.
Wheelchairs are available year-round at the Yosemite Valley Lodge front desk, (209) 372-1274.
Bicycle rental stands are at Curry Village, Yosemite Valley Lodge and the Village Store during summer and times of safe weather. Bicycle trail maps are available at the Valley Visitor Center and bicycle rental stands.
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There are several miles of paved paths for pedestrians, cyclists, and those using mobility devices can utilize to get around.
Free Shuttle Buses
Free accessible shuttles are available to help you get around in Yosemite Valley, Wawona and the Mariposa Grove, and Tuolumne Meadows.
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All shuttles have wheelchair lifts and tie-downs. Shuttle drivers are supposed to assist disabled passengers getting on and off the bus, as well as announce their stop, though I've seen variable reports about this from actual disabled people. This is also under the assumption that the bus is not too crowded to allow room for a mobility device to begin with.
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Equipment limitations include:
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24 inches wide x 46 inches long
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weight limit of 750 pounds (it is unclear whether this is the total weight of the individual on the equipment or if this is the weight limit of just the equipment itself)
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You can learn more about shuttle services and their current operation status.
YARTS
The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) is the only public wheelchair accessible bus system that makes regular trips to Yosemite National Park and surrounding areas.
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YARTS does request that people with wheelchairs contact them 24 hours in advance to notify them of their needs so that they can make sure a lift-enabled bus will be available to you.
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You can contact them at (877) 989-2787.
Telephones, Video Phones, and Accessibility Kits
Cell phone strength and availability is variable throughout Yosemite.
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There is a public video phone available in the lobby of the Yosemite Valley Lodge.
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Free accessibility kits are also available to lodging guests, including a smoke alarm, light flasher doorbell, and shake awake alarms.
Gas Stations
There are no gas stations available in Yosemite Valley. The only gas stations within the park itself are located in El Portal, Wawona, and Crane Flat.
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Pay at the pump with credit/debit cards is available 24/7 and attendant assistance available during business hours. You can check the Yosemite Guide for more details.
EV Charging Stations
​EV Charging is available free of charge (no pun intended). Specific locations are not provided in Yosemite's Accessibility Guide, but I know that there are at least some in the Yosemite Lodge/Falls parking lot.
You can find other local charging stations by visiting the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
Valley Floor Tram Tours
Fee-based Valley Floor Tours do have accessible vehicles available, but you need to contact them 24 hours in advance to make sure they have one to make available to you. You can visit Yosemite Hospitality Tours for more information or you can call (209) 372-1240.
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Note: you will not be able to disembark at the two vista points that the tour stops at. To be fair, it would likely be a logistical and timing nightmare for the tour operators. Nonetheless, it's worth noting.
Horseback & Mule Trail Rides
The Wawona stable offers horseback trail rides during the summer. If you contact them 24 hours in advance, they may be able to accommodate accessibility needs you have. Call them at (209) 375-6502 or check the Wawona Stable web page.
Sightseeing by Car
Sightseeing Yosemite by car can be a great way to see the park! Sightseeing guidebooks, maps, and other information are available at park visitor centers and retail outlets, or purchased online from the Yosemite Conservancy store.
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I've personally found sightseeing by car a wonderful way to get to know Yosemite. Simply being able to drive through the forest and stop in pull-outs to drink in the views, sounds, and other sensory delights.
Post Offices
It is unclear what the accessibility status of the post offices in El Portal, Wawona, and Tuolumne Meadows Store is. However, the Main Post Office in Yosemite Valley is wheelchair accessible and has accessible parking spots nearby. The entrance is located on the left side, if facing the main post office. Note that the door is a little heavy and there is no push plate.
There is also a letter drop-box behind the Main Post Office which is accessible behind the building by entering from the service road just north of the Degnan’s Kitchen off Village Drive.
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However, the building does not have automatic door plates and I've often had to rely on strangers to assist me in getting in and out.
Restaurants and Food Services
According to Yosemite's Accessibility Guide, "food service facilities in Yosemite are wheelchair-accessible except Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, which has two steps and no accessible restroom."
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All of the eateries I visited in Yosemite Valley were either outside or had push plates to enter. Be sure to check open hours for each location before travelling there!​
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Food is available in Curry Village, Yosemite Village, and the Yosemite Lodge.
Health & Medical Facilities
This section is taken directly from the Yosemite Accessibility Guide.
Temperature & Weather
Temperatures in Yosemite vary widely depending on season, elevation, and time of day; they can change rapidly and unexpectedly. Summer daytime temperatures usually range from the 90s in Yosemite Valley and Wawona to the 70s in Tuolumne Meadows; nighttime lows usually range from the 50s in Yosemite Valley and Wawona to the 30s in Tuolumne Meadows. Snowy, rainy, or even sunny days are possible in winter, with daytime highs in Yosemite Valley and Wawona ranging from the 30s to 50s and lows in the upper 20s.
Pay attention to the weather and be aware of extreme temperatures. Temperatures in direct sunlight can feel 10-15 degrees warmer than in the shade. Trails can be long, without shade and far from stores or drinking fountains. Dress appropriately for the season (in layers, if possible) and bring rain gear. Carry and drink plenty of water and take rest breaks during physical activity.
Elevations
Yosemite Valley is 4,000 feet above sea level. Outside the Valley, elevations along roads range from 2,000 feet to nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. In southern Yosemite, Glacier Point is at 7,214 feet; Wawona is at 4,000 feet; and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias range from 5,600 feet to 6,600 feet. At elevations at or above 8,000 feet, you may experience fatigue or even headaches due to the decreased oxygen.
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These are the maximum elevations on the roads entering Yosemite:
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Approaching from the south on Wawona Road via Hwy 41: 6,039 feet at Chinquapin.
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Approaching from the west on Big Oak Flat Road via Hwy 120: 6,192 feet at Crane Flat.
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Approaching from the west on El Portal Road via Hwy 140: 4,000 feet at Yosemite Valley.
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Approaching from the east (May – Nov) on Tioga Road via Hwy 120: 9,945 feet at Tioga Pass.
Smoke & Fire
In Yosemite, fire is natural and important for maintaining healthy forests; smoky skies are possible all year. When wildfires are ignited by lightning, they may be managed by fire crews in order to allow this natural process to continue to shape the landscape. Trained fire crews use prescribed burns to clear unnatural build-up of plant material in developed areas. Fires in and around Yosemite, and even elsewhere in California, can cause smoky conditions in all areas of the park which may negatively affect air quality.
Campgrounds can be very smoky. To improve air quality in Yosemite Valley and Hodgdon Meadow during high visitation months, campfires are limited to the hours between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm, May 1 through September 30. There are no time restrictions during the rest of the year, however, campfires must always be attended.
The park’s website has fire information and current air quality information. Visitors with respiratory conditions can also call the park’s accessibility coordinator for fire and air quality updates.
Yosemite Medical Clinic
The Yosemite Medical Clinic is in Yosemite Village. Services include a limited pharmacy and X-ray services. Hours of operation vary seasonally, but a paramedic ambulance is available 24 hours a day. The rear emergency entrance is accessible to wheelchairs. For clinic hours, see the Yosemite Guide or call (209) 372-4637. In case of emergency, call 911.
Medical Facilities Outside of Yosemite
Mariposa and Merced (Highway 140)
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John C. Fremont Hospital
5189 Hospital Road, Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 966-3631
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Mercy Medical Center
333 Mercy Avenue, Merced, CA 95340
(209) 564-5000
Oakhurst and Fresno (Highway 41)
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Adventist Health (Urgent Care)
48677 Victoria Lane, Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 683-2711
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Valley Children’s Hospital
9300 Valley Children’s Pl, Madera, CA 93638
(559) 353-5150
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St. Agnes Medical Center
1313 E Herndon Ave, Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 450-3205
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Community Regional Medical Center
2823 Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 459-6000
Sonora (Off Highway 120, West of Yosemite)
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Adventist Health
1000 Greenly Road, Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 536-5000
Mammoth Lakes and Bishop (Highway 120, East of Yosemite - Summer Only)
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Mammoth Hospital
185 Sierra Park Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 934-3311
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Northern Inyo Hospital
150 Pioneer Lane, Bishop, CA 93514
(760) 873-5811
Education
This section is taken directly from the Yosemite Accessibility Guide.
National Park Service
Educational programs in Yosemite are accessible to students with disabilities. Yosemite staff members work with teachers and school districts to ensure that every student can be included in field trips, camping trips, and other educational park activities. For more information, email the park’s Education Branch or call at (209) 375-9505.
NatureBridge
Residential field-science programs for groups of children and adults can be tailored to accommodate specific needs. For more information, visit NatureBridge or call (209) 379-9511.
Yosemite Conservancy
Contact Yosemite Conservancy Outdoor Adventures regarding activities, classes, and custom Outdoor Adventures for visitors with disabilities. For more information, call (209) 379-2317 extension 10 or visit the Yosemite Conservancy website.
Interpretive Programs & Guided Activities
See the Yosemite Guide for a complete list of seasonal interpretive activities led by park rangers as well as park partner organizations. Activities range from campfire programs and all-day hikes to talks about Yosemite topics. Visitors with disabilities will be accommodated. Advance notice is requested. For the activities schedule, ask at any visitor center for details, visit the Yosemite Guide or contact the organization directly.
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National Park Service ranger guided programs - (209) 379-1035
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The Ansel Adams Gallery photography classes or group activities - (209) 372-4413
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Yosemite Conservancy guided public or private walks and adventures – (209) 379-2317
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Yosemite Mountaineering School classes or group activities such as climbing, hiking, skiing or backpacking, call (209) 372-8344
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Sierra Club Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center presentations (summer only) – (209) 347-7300
Junior Ranger Handbook
This version includes Junior Ranger activities have been adapted for children with diverse communication, learning, motor and/or sensory needs, who have difficulty using speech or writing implements. You can find it on the Yosemite Accessibility page.