Getting around (car, YARTS bus, walking and parking)
Yosemite View Lodge offers free self-parking (including RVs, buses and trucks) and has a YARTS bus stop on site for travel into Yosemite Valley. You can drive directly via Highway 140, use the onsite YARTS service into the park, or walk the riverside paths and short routes around the property to reach the restaurant, pools and trailheads.
In this guide
Driving to Yosemite View Lodge
The lodge sits on Highway 140 in El Portal alongside the Merced River, about two miles from Yosemite National Park's Arch Rock Entrance. Most visitors arrive by private car along Highway 140.
Expect typical mountain-road conditions; the property’s address is 11136 Highway 140, El Portal, CA 95318 for GPS. Check road and weather conditions before travel, especially in winter when some park roads close.
- Address for GPS: 11136 Highway 140, El Portal, California, 95318
- Front desk is open 24 hours if you need arrival help
- An adult (18+) must be the primary guest at check-in
| To / From | Typical time by car |
|---|---|
| Arch Rock (Yosemite west entrance) | About 5–10 minutes |
| Yosemite Valley (general) | About 25–40 minutes depending on destination |
| Tunnel View | Roughly 25–40 minutes |
On-site parking and EV charging
Yosemite View Lodge provides free self-parking with no reservation required. The property accepts vehicles of varying sizes and explicitly allows RV, bus and truck parking.
The property also lists Tesla Supercharger stations on site. If you need an EV charge, confirm availability and any fees directly with the front desk since details can change.
- Free self-parking for standard cars and large vehicles
- RV, bus and truck parking available without advance reservation
- Tesla Supercharger stations reported on site — check with reception for current status
| Parking type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Self-parking (standard cars) | Free, on site |
| Oversized vehicles / RVs / buses | Free, on site; no reservation required |
| EV charging | Tesla Superchargers listed on property; confirm at front desk |
Using YARTS (public bus)
YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) stops directly at the lodge, so you can ride into Yosemite Valley without driving. The Highway 140 YARTS route runs year-round through Merced, Mariposa, Midpines and El Portal.
Trip duration into Yosemite Valley from the lodge is listed at about 43 minutes on YARTS/third‑party sources. Fares, schedules and seasonal changes vary, so check the YARTS website or ask the front desk for the current timetable and fare information.
- On-site YARTS stop—easy boarding at the hotel
- Typical travel time to Yosemite Valley: about 43 minutes (subject to schedule)
- Check current schedules and fares before travel; times can be seasonal
| Route | Notes |
|---|---|
| Highway 140 (Merced–Mariposa–El Portal–Valley) | Year-round route that stops at the lodge |
| Connections | Connects to other YARTS lines and regional transit at hub towns |
Walking around the property and nearby trails
Yosemite View Lodge sits beside the Merced River with riverside paths and picnic areas that are walkable from many rooms. Short walks on property access The River Restaurant & Lounge, pools, playground and game room.
Nearby trail access includes local routes and trailheads; Hite Cove Trail and other river walks are within a few miles. For longer park hikes or trailheads inside Yosemite, transport by car or YARTS is usually needed.
- Riverside walking paths and picnic areas directly on the grounds
- Short walk to The River Restaurant & Lounge, pools and playground
- Local trailheads (Hite Cove and others) are a short drive or longer walk
| On‑site walk | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Riverside path | Easy walking along the Merced River; watch for uneven surfaces |
| To on-site dining and pools | Short, flat walks from most buildings |
| To nearby trailheads | Usually a short drive; some are several miles on foot |
Taxi, shuttle and rental-car options
If you prefer not to drive into the park, taxis and private shuttles operate in the region; fares and availability vary by season. A taxi ride into Yosemite Valley is listed in third-party sources as roughly $45–$55 and takes about 25 minutes, but confirm current rates locally.
Car rentals are available from nearby towns and airports. If you plan to park at the lodge and use YARTS or taxis for day trips into Yosemite, the lodge's free parking makes that combination convenient.
- Taxis/private shuttles available; confirm pickup and fare with local providers
- Car rentals useful if visiting multiple valley points or doing early/late excursions
- Combine free lodge parking with YARTS for a car-free day in Yosemite Valley
| Option | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Taxi / private shuttle | When you need door-to-door service or off-schedule trips |
| Rental car | For flexible, multi-destination day trips and early starts |
| YARTS bus | Best for budget travel into Yosemite Valley without driving |
Getting between your room and the lodge facilities
Nearly every room at Yosemite View Lodge includes a kitchenette, making it easy to prepare light meals before or after excursions. Room types include Riverside Room, Deluxe River View Spa Room, Luxury River View Majestic Suite, Classic River View 2 Room Unit, Deluxe River View 2 Bedroom Family Suite, Standard Room and others — check your reservation for the exact room name and location.
Buildings are spread along the river; if mobility is a concern, ask the front desk at arrival about room location and nearby parking or elevator access. The front desk can also assist with directions to meeting rooms such as the Boulder Room and Pebble Room above The River Restaurant & Lounge.
- Nearly every room includes a kitchenette for in-room meals
- Room names to note: Riverside Room; Deluxe River View Spa Room; Luxury River View Majestic Suite; Classic River View 2 Room Unit; Deluxe River View 2 Bedroom Family Suite; Standard Room
- Front desk can advise on shorter walking routes, elevators and accessible options
| Facility | How to reach it from guest rooms |
|---|---|
| The River Restaurant & Lounge | Short walk from most rooms; ask reception for the easiest route |
| Pools and hot tubs | On-property; walking distance varies by building |
| YARTS stop | Located on site—ask front desk for the closest stop to your building |
