It’s possible to get free admission to Yosemite National Park within lodging and recreation packages offered by area accommodations.  At the Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal, guest receive a seven-day park admission pass when purchasing the “Yosemite For Free” package in advance.

To qualify, you must stay at least two nights at “The View” and purchase the package in advance.  The View has very nice rooms with king or two queen beds, spa tubs, double showers, fireplaces, kitchenettes and private balconies or decks that overlook the nationally-designated “Wild and Scenic” Merced River.

The “Yosemite For Free” package is only available online in advance of stay at www.yosemiteresorts.us/specials.  On check in, you will be given a vehicle pass good for seven days admission to Yosemite National Park.

Since The View is located outside the national park on State Route 140, don’t make the mistake of driving SR 120 or SR41 to the property or you’ll have to pass through the national park to get there and will have to pay for park admission to get to the hotel.  Instead, drive directly to The View on SR 140 through Mariposa.  Once at The View, you can pick up your free pass and enter the national park.