Yosemite is one of those places that everyone should see at least once but no one tells you how much of your trip can be spent looking for a parking spot during peak season unless you plan ahead.
Here’s the hack: stay somewhere with direct shuttle access to Yosemite Valley. You skip the entry reservation, skip the traffic, and skip the parking lots all while someone else drives you straight into the heart of the park.
If you want that kind of trip, you’ll want to stay at Yosemite View Lodge, Yosemite Cedar Lodge, or Indian Flat Campground. Here’s exactly why they’re the smart traveler’s choice and how to make the most of them.
Yosemite View Lodge: Closest hotel to the park
This is the closest you can get to Yosemite without actually sleeping in the park and truthfully, you won’t miss a thing. Located just two miles from Yosemite National Park’s Arch Rock Entrance, Yosemite View Lodge has a YARTS shuttle stop right outside the front door.
Want to be in Yosemite Valley before 9 AM? Roll out of bed, grab a coffee from your room’s kitchenette, and hop on the bus. You’ll be gazing up at El Capitan while everyone else is still in line at the gate.
Hotel perks include:
- Free game room that kids and adults love
- Outdoor and indoor pools
- Playground and fire pits (yes, there are s’mores kits)
- Rooms with river views and kitchenettes
Yosemite Cedar Lodge: Cozy, quiet, and convenient
Just 8 miles from the park entrance, Cedar Lodge offers a laid-back, mountain-lodge feel but still has a YARTS stop right at the property. It’s ideal if you want to avoid the big resort crowds but still get easy shuttle access to Yosemite.
What makes it great
- Comfortable rooms, many with kitchenettes
- Hidden beach on the Merced River
- Firepit for s’mores under the stars
- Free game room and an on-site gift shop for last-minute gear
- Perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking to unplug without being isolated.
Indian Flat Campground: Camping for all types of adventurers
Right across the road from Cedar Lodge, Indian Flat Campground is the only campground in the area that’s this close to Yosemite and still lets you ride the shuttle.
Whether you’re in an RV, a tent, or one of the cozy glamping cabins, you can walk to the YARTS stop and head into the park without needing a reservation.
Why people love it:
- Affordable, low-key, and close to the action
- Access to Cedar Lodge amenities like the pools and game room
- Clean bathrooms and warm showers
- Natural, wooded setting that still feels safe and accessible
What to Know About the Yosemite Shuttle (YARTS)
YARTS stands for Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, and it runs daily from these hotels into Yosemite Valley and back. When you ride, your park entry is included in the ticket which means you don’t need an entry ticket (or peak hours reservation). The schedule varies slightly by season but generally has morning, midday, and afternoon options.
Buy tickets online at yarts.com or pay when you board, either way, it’s one of the best kept secrets for Yosemite travelers. You can find current shuttle schedules here.
Choosing a Yosemite hotel with shuttle access means you spend more time watching waterfalls and granite cliffs and less time worrying about logistics.