1- Entrance fees are way too high. $300 for a 45ft bus with only 5 passengers, a driver and a tour guide. The 4 entrance stations are not manned 24-7, so if you get there early and leave late, you skip the 90day wonder gate rangette, and don't pay. Or you can buy an annual pass.
2- 120 Tioga Pass from Lee Vining, eat fried chicken at Nicely's, is by far the most scenic entrance/exit. Then 140 along Merced in Spring.
Then 120 quicky from SF.
Then 41 from gang mother-rape dangerous Fresno and questionable points South. The Valley is at 4000ft elecation,1mi x 7mi, so less than a little of the huge, over 1000 sq.mi. park.
3- Best months to see the waterfalls , in the Valley, is APRIL and MAY, sometimes with a heavy rain Winter even JUNE. That's it. The Summer crowds arrive in late May.
4- Curry tent cabins are way way way overpriced. Alternative is to stay in motel in Oakhurst on 41.
Pretty well must take 2 hr Valley Floor Tour open air , benches for 70 ride for about $25. Especially "Moonlight Valley Tour" in Spring, full moon, at night, and DOUBLE RAINBOWS IN THE WATERFALLS people. Very very special. Blankets and hot chocolate.
5- Highly recommend cheap booklet "YOSEMITE ROAD GUIDE", was $5 for decades , now like $20.
