Valley Shuttle

Question

My family and I (4 adults, 2 children) will be visiting Yosemite for three night on weekdays in June. (6/11-6/13). We plan to arrive in the park each morning my car and park and utilize the Valley Shuttle throughout the day. I see that the NPS website says the valley-wide shuttles run every 12-22 minutes. With so many stops, do you think we will have trouble getting on the shuttles or do they stay at capacity? I'm sure the buses stay pretty full but a handful get off and get on at each stop so you probably have a spot every time?

I hope that makes sense. I just don't want to end up waiting in a line for a shuttle and then cannot get on bc its full and end up waiting 30-45 minutes or more for a seat on a shuttle.

Question 2: We are staying at the Yosemite View Lodge. Is it easier to drive our own vehicles into the park each day or should we think about using YARTS, which I haven't researched much yet?

Answer

Visiting Yosemite in June is a beautiful time, but it is also the start of the busy season. Regarding your concerns about the Valley Shuttle, here’s what you can generally expect:

The Valley Shuttle system is designed to accommodate high visitor volumes and runs approximately every 12–22 minutes. While shuttles do get busy, especially at popular stops such as Yosemite Village, Curry Village, and the trailheads for Yosemite Falls and Mirror Lake, most visitors find that there is almost always room. People get off at each stop, and new riders can usually board. It's uncommon to wait more than one shuttle cycle, even during busy weekday mornings or early afternoons.

Here are some tips to help minimize waiting:

Arrive at major stops early in the morning for popular trails; the first shuttles tend to be less crowded.
Consider boarding at less popular stops slightly before your intended destination; you may get a seat without waiting.
Use real-time shuttle info if available through the NPS app or signage to plan your route efficiently.

Regarding your accommodation at Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal, this location is about a 15–20 minute drive from the Yosemite Valley entrance. You have a couple of options:

Driving your own car into the park each day: This is convenient if you want flexibility and to carry gear for day hikes. Parking in the Valley can fill up early, especially at popular trailheads, but weekday mornings in June are usually manageable.
Using YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System): YARTS provides a bus service from El Portal to Yosemite Valley. This eliminates the hassle of parking and reduces stress in busy areas. Buses are reliable and operate on a schedule, and you can enjoy the drive without worrying about parking. However, you’ll need to plan around the bus schedule and walking from stops to your trailheads.

For your family of six, if you prefer flexibility and minimizing transfers, driving your own car might be slightly more convenient. If you want to relax and avoid parking stress, YARTS is a good alternative. Either approach works well, and since you’re staying mid-week, you likely won’t face severe capacity issues with shuttles or parking.