Sentinel Beach is a picnic area and seasonal river access point located on the south side of California‘s Yosemite Valley along Southside Drive. The site sits beneath towering Sentinel Rock, a 3,000-foot granite monolith on the valley’s southern wall. This 2026 visitor guide covers access hours, park entrance fees, how to get there, parking, facilities, what to see, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Access hours | Dawn to dusk daily, year-round |
| Park entrance fee | $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days) | $30 per motorcycle (valid 7 days) | $20 per person on foot/bicycle (valid 7 days) |
| Location | Southside Drive, Yosemite Valley, between Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Village |
| Distance from Yosemite Valley Visitor Center | Approximately 2 miles west |
| Facilities | Picnic tables, grills, vault toilets |
| Time needed | 1 to 3 hours for picnicking and river access |
Sentinel Beach access hours
Sentinel Beach Picnic Area is open year-round from dawn to dusk daily. The area is accessible throughout the year, though river conditions and water levels vary significantly by season. River access is safest during late summer and early autumn (July through October) when water levels are low. During spring and early summer (April through June), the Merced River flows strongly with snowmelt and is extremely dangerous. Swift-moving, cold water can be deadly; visitors should stay away from the water when the river is flowing strongly.
Why book the Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias day trip from San Francisco?
- Visit Yosemite’s iconic landscapes: See famous natural wonders such as Yosemite Valley, granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls in one unforgettable day.
- See giant sequoia trees: Walk among some of the world’s largest and oldest trees, offering a humbling experience amid ancient forest giants.
- Expert local guide: Knowledgeable guides share insights on geology, ecology and the park’s natural history throughout the tour.
- Comfortable round-trip transport: Includes direct travel from San Francisco so you can enjoy the scenery without arranging your own logistics.
- Perfect for nature lovers: A full-day immersion in one of America’s most beloved national parks, ideal if you want a comprehensive Yosemite experience in a single outing.
Yosemite National Park entrance fees
Access to Sentinel Beach requires payment of Yosemite National Park entrance fees. A private vehicle pass costs $35 and is valid for seven consecutive days. This fee covers the vehicle and all passengers. Motorcycle entry costs $30 for seven days. Visitors entering on foot or bicycle pay $20 per person aged 16 and over for seven days; children aged 15 and under enter free.
The Yosemite Annual Pass costs $70 and provides unlimited entry for 12 months. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and covers entry to all US national parks and federal recreation lands for 12 months. Senior, military, and disability passes are available at reduced rates or free. Entrance fees are paid at park entrance stations and cannot be purchased online in advance. The park does not accept cash; credit and debit cards only.
As of January 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and over must pay an shamelessly gougey $100 per person extra fee, unless they have a non-resident America the Beautiful Annual Pass. These cost $250.
Entrance fees and information were checked and updated in January 2026.
How to get to Sentinel Beach
From Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, drive west on Southside Drive for approximately 2 miles. Sentinel Beach Picnic Area is located on the left (south) side of Southside Drive, adjacent to the Four Mile Trail trailhead. Watch for signs indicating the picnic area. From Tunnel View and the Wawona Road (Highway 41), drive east into Yosemite Valley on Southside Drive for approximately 5 miles. The picnic area appears on the right side of the road.
The Yosemite Valley Shuttle stops at the Four Mile Trail (stop E6 on the El Capitan shuttle route), providing access to Sentinel Beach. Walk a short distance from the shuttle stop to the picnic area. From Yosemite Village, the area is also accessible via the Valley Loop Trail or bicycle path, approximately 2 miles one way. The Swinging Bridge, a pedestrian footbridge across the Merced River, is located immediately adjacent to Sentinel Beach and provides access to Northside Drive and trails on the valley’s north side.
Parking at Sentinel Beach
Parking is available at the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area in an unpaved lot. Additional roadside parking spaces are available along Southside Drive near the picnic area and the adjacent Four Mile Trail trailhead. During summer months, parking fills quickly, particularly between late morning and mid-afternoon. Parking is free with valid park entrance.
Rangers recommend arriving before 08:00 to secure parking at the picnic area, as spaces fill rapidly with hikers using the Four Mile Trail and visitors to Sentinel Beach. If parking at Sentinel Beach is full, alternative parking is available at the Swinging Bridge parking area a few hundred metres east, or at Yosemite Lodge parking area on Northside Drive, approximately 1 mile northeast. Walk from Yosemite Lodge across the valley meadow and Swinging Bridge to reach Sentinel Beach (approximately 20-minute walk).
How long to spend at Sentinel Beach
Most visitors spend 1 to 3 hours at Sentinel Beach for picnicking, river access, and viewing valley features. The site functions as a day-use area without hiking trails of its own, though the adjacent Four Mile Trail provides access to strenuous hiking. Visitors combining Sentinel Beach with river activities, picnicking, and exploring the Swinging Bridge area typically spend 2 to 3 hours. Photography, particularly of Sentinel Rock, Sentinel Falls (seasonal), and valley views, extends visit time.
Accessibility at Sentinel Beach
The Sentinel Beach Picnic Area features accessible picnic tables with extended tops, accessible vault toilets, and grills. The road and footpaths in the area are unpaved and generally flat, allowing wheelchair users to navigate the picnic area. Accessible parking is available in the picnic area parking lot.
The Swinging Bridge, adjacent to Sentinel Beach, provides pedestrian access across the Merced River. The bridge surface is wood plank and may present challenges for some wheelchair users. River access from the beach area is over sand, rocks, and uneven terrain and is not wheelchair-accessible. Vault toilets at the picnic area are accessible. No drinking water is available at Sentinel Beach; bring adequate water for your visit.
Dogs are allowed at Sentinel Beach and must be kept on a leash. Dogs are permitted in developed areas including picnic areas and paved roads but are not allowed on most trails in Yosemite Valley.
What to see at Sentinel Beach
Sentinel Rock dominates the view from the picnic area, rising 3,000 feet above the valley floor on the southern wall. The sheer granite face shows the characteristic glacial polish and vertical cliffs typical of Yosemite Valley features. Sentinel Falls, a seasonal waterfall dropping approximately 2,000 feet from the cliff above Sentinel Rock, flows from March through June during spring snowmelt. The waterfall often dries completely by mid-summer. Views of the falls are available from the picnic area and surrounding meadow.
Upper Yosemite Fall and the surrounding northern valley cliffs are visible from the beach area and picnic grounds. The view includes El Capitan to the northwest, Cathedral Rocks to the west, and the Three Brothers formation to the northwest. The Merced River flows past Sentinel Beach, creating sandy beach areas during low water levels in late summer and autumn. During peak flow (spring and early summer), the river occupies the full channel and covers beach areas.
The Swinging Bridge adjacent to the picnic area is a pedestrian suspension bridge crossing the Merced River. Built in the 1930s, the bridge provides access between Southside Drive and Northside Drive without driving. The bridge offers views up and down the river and of surrounding valley walls. During peak flow, water rushes beneath the bridge; during low flow, sandbars and pools appear.
The Four Mile Trail trailhead, located immediately adjacent to Sentinel Beach parking area, provides access to a strenuous 4.8-mile (9.6-mile round trip) hike gaining 3,200 feet elevation to Glacier Point. The trail offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and surrounding features. Most hikers require 6 to 8 hours round trip.
The valley meadow between Sentinel Beach and Yosemite Lodge provides views of valley features and is accessible via paved paths and the Valley Loop Trail. Sentinel Beach sits in a relatively quiet area of Yosemite Valley with smaller crowds than areas near Yosemite Village such as El Capitan Meadow or popular trailheads.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Arrive before 08:00 to secure parking, particularly during summer months when spaces fill rapidly with Four Mile Trail hikers. |
| Stay away from the Merced River during spring and early summer when swift, cold water is extremely dangerous and potentially deadly. |
| River access is safest during late summer and early autumn (July through October) when water levels are low. |
| Bring drinking water as none is available at Sentinel Beach. The nearest water sources are at Yosemite Village or Yosemite Valley Lodge. |
| Keep food, trash, and scented items within arm’s reach at all times; black bears are common in Yosemite Valley and actively patrol picnic areas. |
| Dispose of all trash in bear-proof containers provided in the picnic area. |
| Visit during late afternoon for the best lighting on Sentinel Rock and Sentinel Falls (when flowing). |
| If parking at Sentinel Beach is full, park at Yosemite Lodge and walk 20 minutes across the meadow and Swinging Bridge. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Sentinel Beach suitable for children? | Yes, children can enjoy the picnic area and supervised river access when water levels are low (late summer and autumn). Keep children away from the river during spring high water. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No advance booking is required for Sentinel Beach. However, Yosemite National Park entrance fees must be paid at park entrance stations. |
| Is Sentinel Beach accessible in winter? | Yes, the picnic area is open year-round from dawn to dusk. River levels are typically low in winter, but water is extremely cold. |
| Are restrooms available? | Yes, accessible vault toilets are located in the picnic area. No drinking water is available. |
| How long does a visit take? | Most visitors spend 1 to 3 hours at Sentinel Beach for picnicking, river access, and viewing valley features. |
| Is there wheelchair access? | Yes, the picnic area features accessible picnic tables, grills, and vault toilets. Unpaved footpaths are generally flat. River access is not wheelchair-accessible. |
Things to do near Sentinel Beach
Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point begins at the trailhead immediately adjacent to Sentinel Beach parking area. The strenuous 9.6-mile round-trip hike gains 3,200 feet elevation and provides panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and surrounding features. Allow 6 to 8 hours for the round trip. Glacier Point, at the top of Four Mile Trail, offers one of Yosemite’s most famous viewpoints and is also accessible by car via Glacier Point Road (seasonal, typically late May through November).
Bridalveil Fall, approximately 2.5 miles west of Sentinel Beach on Southside Drive, is accessed via a 0.5-mile round-trip paved trail to the base of the 620-foot waterfall. Tunnel View, approximately 4 miles west, provides panoramic views of Yosemite Valley including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Yosemite Village, approximately 2 miles east, contains the visitor centre, museum, Ansel Adams Gallery, shops, and restaurants.
Yosemite Valley Lodge, accessible via a 20-minute walk from Sentinel Beach across the meadow and Swinging Bridge, offers dining, accommodation, and serves as a base for exploring the valley. The Valley Loop Trail, an 11.5-mile paved trail circling Yosemite Valley, passes near Sentinel Beach and provides access to major valley attractions including Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake, and valley meadows.
Highlights elsewhere in the park include the giant sequoias of Tuolomne Grove and Mariposa Grove.
More California travel
Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Why you should take the drive up through the Eastern Sierra to Whitney Portal.
- A practical guide to Zabriskie Point in Death Valley.
- Complete guide to day tours to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco.
- Get interactive at the Exploratorium in San Francisco.
- How West Hollywood became the gay capital of Los Angeles.
