Gateway to Yosemite

Your Yosemite Adventure Starts in Merced Long known as the Gateway to Yosemite, Merced offers a convenient starting point for exploring one of the world’s most iconic national parks. Located along Highway 140, the year-round route into Yosemite Valley, Merced connects travelers to the park by car, train, plane, and public transportation. Spend the night in Merced, enjoy local restaurants and attractions, and begin your Yosemite adventure refreshed and ready to explore. Visitors can drive the scenic Highway 140 route or leave the driving behind and ride YARTS from one of several convenient pickup locations throughout Merced. Why Start Your Trip in Merced? 🚌 Multiple YARTS Pickup Locations Convenient pickup locations throughout Merced make it easy to reach Yosemite without worrying about mountain driving or finding parking inside the park. 🏨 Stay Your Way Choose from a variety of hotels and accommodations for a quick overnight stay, family vacation, or longer Central California adventure. 🍽️ Diverse Dining Options Fuel your Yosemite adventure with breakfast at a local café, then return to Merced to enjoy everything from casual dining and family favorites to authentic international cuisine. 🎨 Discover More of Merced Explore Downtown Merced, local restaurants, public art, museums, shopping, family attractions, and one of California’s designated cultural districts. Plan Your Yosemite Adventure Use these official resources to plan transportation, review current park information, and prepare for your visit. 🚌 Ride YARTS from Merced View schedules, fares, travel information, and pickup locations throughout Merced. View YARTS Information → 🏞️ Plan Your Park Visit Check current conditions, alerts, maps, seasonal access, and official Yosemite visitor information. Visit Yosemite National Park →