Yosemite National Park Scenic Drive Guide with Tesla FSD
Exploring Yosemite National Park with Tesla FSD: The Complete Scenic Drive Guide
Yosemite National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders representing the American West Coast.
We’re bringing you the appeal of touring this place—with its massive granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and ancient sequoia forests—using the latest Tesla FSD (Full Self-Driving).
Based on three videos, we’ll provide detailed information about Yosemite’s highlights and useful tips for traveling in an electric vehicle.
Table of Contents
Heading to Yosemite with Tesla FSD: From Departure to the Park Entrance
The first video covers the journey from Yosemite View Lodge to passing through Yosemite National Park’s Arch Rock Entrance.
The Convenience of Yosemite View Lodge
🔋 Charging Convenience
Yosemite View Lodge, the starting point of our trip, is an extremely convenient accommodation for Tesla owners.
Tesla Superchargers are installed in the hotel parking lot, allowing you to charge from 0% to 80% in just about 30 minutes.
Considering that regular chargers take 6-8 hours, this is a major advantage for keeping your travel schedule on track.
⚠️ Important Note
It’s worth noting that there are no Tesla Superchargers inside Yosemite National Park.
While there are some free Level 2 chargers scattered throughout the park, the charging speed is slow, so you’ll need to plug in for 1-2 hours at a time between sightseeing.
That’s why choosing a lodge with Superchargers as your base is a smart choice.
Arch Rock Entrance: A Natural Tunnel
At the park’s Arch Rock Entrance, you can drive through under a massive naturally-formed arch of rock.
This isn’t a man-made structure—it’s an arch that nature shaped over countless years, making it a moving experience that perfectly marks the beginning of your Yosemite journey.
However, since you pass through it in an instant, we recommend having your camera ready beforehand.
🎫 Entrance Fees and Notes
- Fee: $35 per vehicle
- Validity: 3 days with receipt (sometimes 7 days depending on the season)
- Advance Reservations: Required during certain seasons
- Essential Item: Internet connection is unreliable inside the park, so be sure to keep the paper map you receive at the entrance
Introduction to Yosemite’s Major Attractions
The video also introduced the must-see tourist spots in Yosemite.
🏔️ Glacier Point: The Ultimate Viewpoint
The most famous is Glacier Point, a viewpoint offering a direct view of Half Dome.
Half Dome is a massive granite formation at an elevation of about 8,839 feet (approximately 2,694 meters), characterized by its distinctive shape that looks like a round dome sliced cleanly in half.
This shape was formed from granite created tens of millions of years ago, sculpted through tectonic movement, glacial erosion, and weathering over an immense span of time.
Fun Fact: The shape of Half Dome is also the inspiration for the logo of the outdoor brand “The North Face.”
El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall
From Tunnel View, you can see not only Half Dome but also El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall together.
- El Capitan: A massive granite monolith at 7,569 feet elevation, and the dream destination for climbers worldwide
- Bridalveil Fall: A beautiful waterfall named for the way its water falls in a mist that resembles a bride’s veil
Taking on the El Capitan Route: FSD Performance and Historical Exploration
The second video introduces Yosemite’s wildlife and history while driving the scenic route with views of El Capitan.
Yosemite’s Wildlife
🦌 Wildlife You Can Spot
Mule Deer: These adorable animals can be seen throughout the park, but they’re quite skittish and will run away quickly if you get too close.
It’s best to watch quietly from a distance.
American Black Bear: Frequently spotted around Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point.
🐻 Importance of Bear Precautions
Yosemite has strict rules regarding bear protection, and violations can result in fines up to $5,000. The following precautions are important:
- Don’t leave food on balcony tables
- Avoid eating inside tents
- Store food properly
Bears have an exceptionally keen sense of smell among mammals, so extra caution is necessary.
You can also encounter coyotes and various species of squirrels (California ground squirrels, Western gray squirrels, chipmunks, etc.). Chipmunks are especially popular for their small size and adorable striped backs.
El Capitan: The Climber’s Mecca
🧗 El Capitan Basic Information
- Elevation: Approximately 7,573 feet
- Height: Nearly vertical, about 3,000 feet from the valley floor
- Name Origin: Spanish for “The Captain” or “The Chief”
- Formation: Granite formed approximately 100 million years ago
- Climbing Routes: Over 70
- Most Famous Route: “The Nose” (first climbed in 1958)
The granite that forms this rock is said to have formed about 100 million years ago when magma deep underground slowly cooled into dense, hard rock.
It was then pushed closer to the surface by plate movement and tectonic activity, and gradually carved away by rain, wind, and temperature changes.
The softer parts eroded faster while the harder parts remained—a process that continued for millions of years to create its current form.
Yosemite’s History: Footprints of Indigenous Peoples
🏛️ History of the Miwok People
The Yosemite Valley and its surroundings have long been home to indigenous peoples, including the Miwok.
They called Yosemite Valley “Ahwahnee,” and the people who lived there were known as “Ahwahneechee.”
The name of the luxury hotel “Ahwahnee Hotel” within the park comes from this indigenous place name.
The people of that time lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle using wild animals and plants, moving between Yosemite Valley and the surrounding highlands and lowlands according to the seasons.
They made flour from acorns, hunted deer and fish, and skillfully utilized the resources of this land.
Even today, large acorns can be found scattered throughout Yosemite Valley, and thinking about how ancient peoples may have eaten acorns from those very trees makes history feel tangible.
In the mid-19th century, military units like the Mariposa Battalion began driving out the indigenous people and occupying this land.
Chief Tenaya, the leader of the Ahwahneechee at the time, is remembered today through Tenaya Lake, which bears his name.
Enjoying Yosemite’s Nature: Relaxing Drive & Sightseeing Guide
The third video introduces dining options and recommended spots within the park while heading to the Yosemite Falls parking lot.
Dining Spots in Yosemite Valley
☕ Starbucks (Inside Yosemite Valley Lodge)
If you’re craving coffee during your drive, the Starbucks inside Yosemite Valley Lodge is the place to go.
It’s a luxurious experience to enjoy Starbucks coffee surrounded by spectacular scenery.
The store also displays lovely artwork, and their limited-edition mugs make perfect souvenirs.
🍔 Yosemite Lodge Food Court
Located right next to Starbucks, this food court uses a system where you order via touchscreen terminals and pick up at the counter.
There are a decent number of seats, but since there aren’t many restaurants in the park, it can get crowded.
🥗 Village Grill
You can enjoy burgers, salads, and more here. Since seating is limited, some people use nearby benches when it’s busy.
When eating outdoors, watch out for bees depending on the season.
🛒 Village Store
This is a supermarket in Yosemite Valley offering food, drinks, and a great selection of souvenirs.
It’s convenient for picking up water and snacks for hiking, and they also sell Yosemite-themed original T-shirts.
Recommended Trail Information
Yosemite has trails of various difficulty levels, so you can choose based on your fitness and preferences.
👟 Beginner-Friendly: Sentinel / Cook’s Meadow Loop
This trail, about a 15-minute walk from Starbucks, is mostly flat and easy to walk, making it accessible for anyone.
It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed day of sipping coffee and taking a light stroll.
⚠️ Advanced Trails
Mist Trail: A serious hiking course that climbs along cliffs.
The rocks can be slippery, so proper hiking shoes are essential.
Tuolumne Grove: Has some steep hills that may feel challenging if you’re not used to hiking.
Yosemite Falls: North America’s Tallest Waterfall
💧 The Appeal of Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America, with a total drop of about 2,425 feet (approximately 739 meters). It consists of three sections:
- Upper Yosemite Fall: Approximately 1,430 feet
- Middle Cascades: Approximately 670 feet
- Lower Yosemite Fall: Approximately 320 feet
Seasonal Changes:
- Spring: Snowmelt increases water volume for a powerful display
- Summer: Water volume decreases
- Fall: May dry up completely (though the massive rock wall itself remains impressive)
🥾 Trail Options
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail: A flat route of about 1 mile. An easy course accessible even with strollers and wheelchairs.
Upper Yosemite Fall Trail: An advanced route of about 7.2 miles one way. If you make it to the top, you can reach the top of the falls.
Hidden Gem: Tenaya Lake
🏞️ A Quiet Place for Relaxation
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing spot, Tenaya Lake is highly recommended.
Located along Tioga Road, it’s about a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Yosemite Valley.
The glacially-carved lake has crystal-clear water, surrounded by granite mountains and coniferous forests.
Many people have picnics by the lake or take leisurely walks, and in summer you can even dip your feet in the water (though it’s quite cold).
Since it’s not very crowded, you can take your time enjoying the scenery.
Viewpoint Along the Way: Olmsted Point, located on the way to Tenaya Lake, is a famous viewpoint.
You can see the back of Half Dome and part of Yosemite Valley, with a spectacular landscape that makes you feel like you’ve “time-traveled back to the age of dinosaurs.”
Summary: The Appeal of Traveling Yosemite by Tesla
Through these three videos, you can see the appeal of touring Yosemite with Tesla FSD.
Driving through magnificent nature in a car with the latest technology—it’s quite a luxurious experience.
Why not plan a Tesla trip to Yosemite?
FSD Performance
✅ Strengths
- Smooth driving even on winding mountain roads
- Overall stable driving performance
- Functions without issues even with unreliable internet connection in the park
⚠️ Points to Note
- Lane change timing can sometimes be delayed
- Warning sounds may occur when there are people outside the road
- Tourist areas may have less data compared to urban areas
- Driver supervision remains important
Tips for Tesla Travel
🔋 Charging Planning Is Most Important
- Base Selection: Choose accommodations with Superchargers like Yosemite View Lodge
- In-Park Charging: Use free chargers during sightseeing breaks
- Remote Spots: Check battery level in advance when visiting places like Tenaya Lake
- Navigation Note: Many one-way roads—missing a turn can mean a long detour
Related Videos
*The information in this article is current as of the video recording date. FSD performance is continuously updated and may have improved since then. Before visiting Yosemite National Park, please check the official website for the latest road conditions, entrance fees, and reservation requirements.
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