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Private Flights to Yosemite

Yosemite is one of the most beautiful locations in the world however it can be challenging getting there. Find flights to Yosemite that are most convenient to you and your needs. 

Do you have a bucket list? Are there things you would like to do and places you long to see? If these past two years – and a global pandemic – have taught us anything, it is that we need to seize the opportunity as it appears in front of us. We can’t just assume we will have time down the road because it can be gone in an instant.

So if you are ready to take the leap and get more out of life by crossing off your bucket list — then now is the time. And, if private flights to Yosemite are on that list, what better way to get there than to fly a private jet.

Visiting Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is located about a four-hour drive east of San Francisco.  Almost 1,200 square miles, this is one of the larger national parks in the U.S. and averages nearly 5 million visitors every single year. And, it’s no wonder due to the beauty you find all around you when you visit. Here you will find incredibly deep valleys, sky-high ancient sequoias, waterfalls, granite monoliths, and so much more.

Things to Do While There

Before you find flights to Yosemite, you must make a plan. There are so many things to see here – and the area is very vast. Unless you have a lot of time on your hands, there is a good chance you won’t be able to see it all. Therefore, planning ahead and knowing what to see and do can help you narrow things down a bit.

Below we have put together a few of the most incredible things you won’t want to miss on your visit to Yosemite National Park.

  • Tunnel View is a pullout and a great photo op of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.
  • Mist Trail is a hike that leads you up two waterfalls. It’s about 5.4 miles there and back.
  • Yosemite Falls is a 1-mile loop hike or a longer 7.2 miler.
  • Mariposa Grove where 500 gigantic sequoias are protected. There are different hiking trail options throughout the forest to spark your interest.
  • Glacier Point has a lot of lookout points and both easy and challenging hiking trails. You will be able to see Half Dome, Vernal, and Nevada Falls.

Keep in mind that Yosemite Valley is the most commonly visited sport, and therefore you will find more accommodations like paved trails, dining spots, souvenir shops, and the like. Though, it may also require you to be patient due to the volume of visitors. It is still a very special place to visit and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Flights to Yosemite

There are many nearby airports to Yosemite. Well, when we say nearby you should know that we use that term loosely. There are airports, but they aren’t necessarily going to get you to Yosemite without a drive.

For instance, let’s take a look at the commercial airports nearest to Yosemite National Park and just how long of a drive you may face. Keep in mind that the drive time does not account for any California traffic delays.

Fresno/Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is a commonly used airport to access the park. Driving from one to the other takes about 1 hour, 30 minutes to Wawona, and 2 hours, 30 minutes to Yosemite Valley.

Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) in Mammoth Lakes, CA is about a one-hour drive to Tuolumne Meadows or 2 hours, 30 minutes to Yosemite Valley. Though keep in mind the latter requires driving Tioga Road that is not always open during the colder months.

Merced Airport (MCE) located in Merced, CA is about a two-hour drive to the park’s Yosemite Valley area.

Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) is another option that offers access to Yosemite Valley with a 2 hour, 30-minute drive.

Other choices that involve an even longer drive – say 3 ½ to 4 hours – are available, but most travelers prefer the closer options. Just in case, though, these airports are Oakland International (OAK), Sacramento International (SMF), San Jose International (SJC), and San Francisco International (SFO). You can also reach the part through Las Vegas (LAS) and Reno (RNO), as well.

Important note: Tioga Road (which is what Highway 120 is called as it travels through the park) is not maintained during the winter months. Therefore, traveling from airports such as Mammoth Lakes, Las Vegas, and Reno airports are not viable options during the months of November to May. When the weather gets rough, or there is snowfall, this road will be shut down, and you will not be able to safely access the park from this area.

Why Fly Private to Yosemite?

You have your choice of airports to fly into when visiting Yosemite. But, here is something to think about – why not fly private on your adventure? We are talking about bucket list adventures, for one thing. It’s go big or stay home, right? Treat yourself. Do something nice with those you care about and are traveling with. You will get luxurious accommodations to and from the park – which means you will be ready to roll once you get there and can relax comfortably when you are done.

Two, there is a good chance that you may want to camp while there and, well, with baggage fees and restrictions on commercial airliners, you may be very limited on what you can and can’t bring. You can avoid this hassle when you fly private. Not only is the overall experience more enjoyable, but it can go a lot more smoothly.

Utilizing the smaller airport at Mammoth Yosemite Airport you can gain access to the park very quickly (in about an hour) without having to deal with all the commercial traffic both in and around the airport.

What Are You Waiting For?

There is no better time than the present to knock something off your bucket list – and it should be to consider flights to Yosemite. It is beautiful this time of year, and it is sure to bring you memories to last a lifetime. Make it special, enjoyable, and convenient by booking your trip via a private jet.

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