FROM PINES TO SHORELINE
FROM PINES TO SHORELINE
Weather/Conditions
Closest Airport
Difficulty
Course Locations
Terrain
Yosemite Half
DISTANCE
The Yosemite Half Marathon course is a perfect mix of adventure and speed. You’ll start out cruising along rugged fire roads and scenic trails before dropping into a fast, smooth downhill that lets you really open it up. From there, the course winds around the stunning shoreline of Bass Lake, serving up nonstop views all the way to the finish at Recreation Point. It’s a dynamic, high-energy course with just enough variety to keep things exciting from start to finish.
Day 3
Porcupine Rim | 14.6 mi.
September 19th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,105 ft / -2,956 ft
Experience unique views of the famous Castle Valley with its majestic buttes, craggy cliff faces, and impressive stature. Along our route, catch a glimpse of Coffee Pot Rock and marvel at the colorful layers that have built the land. Elsewhere, listen with hopes of hearing the Colorado River below.
13.1 mi.
MAY 9, 2026
This is a fast, scenic course through the Sierra National Forest just outside of Yosemite National Park! The first 5 miles are a peaceful run through the trees followed by a fast 5 miles downhill. Finish it off with a beautiful 3 miles around Bass Lake. Yosemite is calling!
February 27, 2027
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4hrs
Elevation: +723
SAVE $4
Day 2
Gemini Bridges (16.75 mi.)
September 18th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,267 ft / -1,263 ft
Get a taste of this region’s incredible orange sandstone arches without the crowds. This loop trail circumnavigates fins of elevated sandstone and gives you a glimpse of the mighty Colorado River. Through erosion, these fins have transformed into a variety of partial and full arches that span the bright blue sky.
Reasons to run
YOSEMITE HALF
Bass Lake mornings hit like the opening frame of a movie you already know you’re going to love with warm light cutting through the pines, still water glowing gold, and a Sierra silence that carries its own kind of heartbeat. It’s intimate, expansive, and unbelievably grounding all at once.
This is the race you choose when you want a weekend that refuels you as much as it challenges you. A race wrapped in calm power, soft drama, and that unmistakable VR energy that makes you feel more alive than when you arrived. Yosemite Half is for runners who crave something real, not flashy, not forced, just genuinely, quietly extraordinary.
Downhill Forest Run
Lake Dip at the
Finish line
Gentle rolling
paved route
Victory snacks
Iconic landscape
medal art
Reasons to run
YOSENITE HALF
Bass Lake mornings hit like the opening frame of a movie you already know you’re going to love with warm light cutting through the pines, still water glowing gold, and a Sierra silence that carries its own kind of heartbeat. It’s intimate, expansive, and unbelievably grounding all at once.
This is the race you choose when you want a weekend that refuels you as much as it challenges you. A race wrapped in calm power, soft drama, and that unmistakable VR energy that makes you feel more alive than when you arrived. Yosemite Half is for runners who crave something real, not flashy, not forced, just genuinely, quietly extraordinary.
Downhill Forest Run
Gentle rolling
paved route
Lake Dip at the
Finish line
Victory snacks
Iconic landscape
medal art
What to
EXPECT
Expo & Bib Pickup
Expo Location
Expo Hours
Friday, May 8 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (MT)
Bib Pickup Options
1. Pickup at Race Expo: Recommended! Expos are always the Friday before the race.
2. Pickup on Race Morning: Please avoid. Typically available at the start line.
3. Shipped to your house: $30 fee applies. Available as an add-on in Run Signup until 2 months before the event.
Rcae Expo Parking
Runners can park at Rec Point for race expo, but this parking lot will not be available on race day. There will also be spaces in the dirt lot outside of Rec Point. There will also be overflow parking at Little Denver Church Picnic Site (Rd 222, Bass Lake, CA 93604)
Please do not park across the street in the Bass Lake Recreation Office lot.
YOSEMITE HALF MARATHON
13.1 Miles
MAY 9TH, 2026
5 AID STATIONS
6:00 AM MT
P2P PAVED & DIRT COURSE
4 HRS (18MIN/MILE)
+304 FT. / -2,285 FT.
The Yosemite Half Marathon offers a little bit of everything, starting with wide-open fire roads and rolling trail terrain that ease you into the race. As you settle in, the course transitions into a long, fast downhill stretch on pavement—your chance to pick up the pace and let gravity do some of the work. The final miles take you along the edge of Bass Lake, where the views open up and carry you all the way to the finish at Recreation Point. It’s a well-balanced course that combines trail grit, speedy sections, and unforgettable scenery from start to finish.
Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past Half Marathon events
This is one of the most beautifully scenic races I’ve ever run. Surrounded by nature’s beauty for 13.1 miles!!. It was such an amazing experience and I’m excited to complete the Vacation Races Series!!!
– Brett
"A fast downhill course with beautiful scenery to help get you thru for a potential PR. The unpaved portion at the beginning can be a little rough if not used to running unpaved/trail."
— Carol
Lots of fast downhill through forests, treelined road and along Bass Lake. Be prepared with hydration and electrolytes. Make sure you look good at the finish line as the pictures are free.
– Gemma
Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past Half events
Event
INFO
Runners will receive an email with more specific time and shuttle-loading details the week before the race. All runners will be required to load their shuttles at the timeframe allocated in that email. Please be sure to check your email during race week!
Race Morning Shuttles to the Start Line
BASS LAKE AREA SHUTTLE
Serves the Vacation Races Campground, Miller's Landing, The Pines, and The Forks
Shuttles depart at approx. 4:20am
This is the ONLY departure time. Please arrive early.
Shuttle Pickup:
Shuttles will pickup in front of each location listed above.
Service from finish line:
Runners only, please confirm transportation options back to your lodging at time of lodging check-in.
Oakhurst Shuttle Schedule
OAKHURST SHUTTLE STOP #1 - PARKING AVAILABLE!
Shuttles run from approx. 4:20am - 6:40am
Shuttle Pickup:
-
Behind Yosemite High School (50200 High School Rd)
-
Oakhurst Elementary School (49495 School Rd, Oakhurst, CA 93644)
Service to/from finish line:
Beginning at 8:00am. Spectators welcome.
Please park in one of the lots below and proceed to the shuttle location.
Lot 1: In front of Yosemite High School (runners only)
Lot 3: Oakhurst Evangelical Free Church
Lot 4: Oakhurst Elementary School
OAKHURST SHUTTLE STOP #2 - NO PARKING!
Serves the Fairfield Inn, Holiday Inn and other walking distance hotels* (Oakhurst, CA)
Shuttles run from approx. 4:20am - 6:40am
Shuttle Pickup:
Service to/from finish line:
Beginning at 8:00am. Spectators welcome.
*There is no designated race parking here - please use this shuttle ONLY if you are prepared to walk to the shuttle from a nearby hotel. This may also include Hampton Inn Express, Best Western, Yosemite Southgate Hotel, and more.
-
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING OR DROP OFF AT THE START LINE.
If you are dropping a runner off, please drop them off at the Oakhurst Evangelical Free Church. Runners can pick-up the shuttle from the high school.
Looking to get to the finish line? Need to get back to your car after the race? Use these shuttles!
Yosemite High School & Fairfield Inn, Oakhurst
Shuttles running from 8:00am through the afternoon.
Shuttles will make round trips beginning at 8am to bring spectators to the finish line and runners back from the finish line at Recreation Point. Spectators may use runner shuttle parking around Oakhurst and then walk to the shuttle pickup location at Yosemite High School.
Miller's Landing, The Pines, The Forks, or the Fairfield Inn (for runners only)
Limited shuttles from the finish line for runners.
We will also have limited shuttles for runners back to the Bass Lake Area locations (Miller's Landing, The Pines, and The Forks). But we will not be having continuous shuttles for spectators staying in this area.
Boat Shuttle Guests staying at Miller’s Landing will also have the option of taking a boat shuttle across the lake back to their lodging.
SPECTATOR EVENT ACCESS
We welcome spectators to Yosemite this year! However, this is a remote course with limited parking options. Please keep this in mind and help us by following our parking guidelines to avoid traffic jams or missing your runner cross the finish line.
OAKHURST PARKING & SHUTTLES
Highly recommended!
Spectators may use runner parking & shuttles from Oakhurst to reach the finish line. These shuttles begin service to the finish line at 8:00am. Check the Parking & Shuttles tab for full spectator shuttle info.
Despite the extra travel time, this is the simplest and most secure way of finding parking and reaching your runner at the finish line!
BASS LAKE ACCESS & PARKING
Severely limited and easily congested. Best if you expect your runner to finish before 8:20am.
Because of event traffic control and limited area parking, we highly recommend parking in Oakhurst and taking a shuttle to the finish line. If you do find parking in the limited designated areas near Recreation Point you should expect to walk less than a mile to the finish line.
The following areas are where spectators may park near Bass Lake:
- Designated day-use parking areas near the finish line along Rd 222 (access before the road closure)
- The corner lot of Rd 274 and Rd 222
Reminder: Rd 222/Southshore Road will be CLOSED during the hours of the race.
Unless necessary, your safest option is to park in Oakhurst and take a shuttle to the finish line. You and your runner can then head back to Oakhurst via return shuttle and get lunch in town :)
As nature lovers, we are committed to keeping our events sustainable and managing negative impacts on the environment. Here's how you can help us:
CUP-FREE RACINGSingle-use plastic is a huge source of waste at any public event. We have reduced that impact by making our events "cup-free".
What does that mean for you?
Coolers of water and electrolyte drink are available at all aid stations, but cups will not be provided on course or at the finish line. In order to stay hydrated, we ask you to bring one of the following:
1. Reusable water bottle
2. Reusable cup - These light-weight cups fold into a pocket or waistband. Request one when you sign up to run!
3. Hydration pack - These are refillable backpacks meant for running that allow you to access fluid via a built-in straw.
ZERO WASTE CONTAINERS
You can help us reduce trash by sorting disposable items into the appropriate container.
You’ll notice three containers at our events:
-
Compostables: Organic goods like banana peels and most food items (without the wrapper please!)
-
Recyclables: Paper, aluminum, cardboard, steel, and glass. Please dump out any liquids into the compost bin BEFORE recycling the container.
-
Everything Else: Non-recyclable food wrappers like from used gel packets and styrofoam. Please dump out any food matter BEFORE throwing away the container.
Please avoid putting organic waste and compostable items in the wrong bin. It gets gross to sort through.-
All aid stations are cup-free so remember to bring your own hydration solution or request a reusable cup when you register.
We will have aid stations near miles 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Each aid station will have bathrooms, water (blue coolers), electrolyte drink (red coolers), and Honey Stinger energy gels. Miles 5 and 7 will also have oranges and bananas. Trash cans will be set up at all of these aid stations. Please use these to discard fruit peels, Honey Stinger pouches, and any other trash accumulated along the way. All aid stations are cup free. Use a reusable cup or bring your own hydration method.
Any participants hoping to compete for overall awards will need to start in the BLUE wave at the very beginning of the race. While the Overall Male, Female, Non-Binary and Masters Male and Female will be based on chip time for this event, the competitors for these awards will need to begin in the first wave, within the first 15 minutes of the starting gun time. Any athletes crossing the start line after the first wave begins will be considered for Age Group awards.
Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall as well as the Masters 40+ group.Additionally, the top 5 in each of the following age groups will also receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and older. As of yet, we do not offer non-binary age group awards.
There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race.
Make Your Medal Even More Meaningful with iTab
Now, you can make it last forever with an iTab, a custom engraved plate with your name and finishing time that clips right onto your medal ribbon.
Pre-order before race day, and it’ll be sent to you automatically after you finish. If you missed out on pre-order, no worries. You can order yours today for just $15, including postage & packaging here.
Results
Live results will be hosted online by Laurel. Visit the results button below for final finisher times after the event is completed. Keep in mind, the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line, and have been reviewed by the event director. Got questions about your placement? Please email timing@brooksee.com.
Ship My Medal
Top Finisher but missed the awards ceremony? You can request to have your place medal shipped to you! Visit this link to have your place medal shipped to you.
Photos
New for 2026, FinisherPix will be at each event to capture your race memories. Within 24-48 hours post-event, your photos will be available at the link below. You can purchase your race photos ahead of race day during registration or directly through FinisherPix. The FinisherPix Photo Pack includes ALL photos we identify of you in all digital formats (Basic digital image, Digital images with Finish Time, Digital images in certificate format). A link to download all images will automatically be emailed to you when photos are available online. Click the button below to view race weekend photos once available. Search for your individual photos by last name or bib number.
The official Race Shirt is picked up at expo upon check-in, and the official race medal is awarded upon crossing the finish line.
Exclusive Race merchandise will be available both at the race expo and near the finish line! When possible, we'll have race merch for sale in our online store after the race is over. Please allow time for us to add items online.
Explore
YOSEMITE
No matter where you are in your running journey, the Yosemite Half Marathon is the perfect place to challenge yourself, connect with fellow runners, and soak in the incredible beauty of California’s Sierra National Forest. From the shores of Bass Lake to the surrounding mountain views, this is a race experience you’ll remember long after you cross the finish line.
Oakhurst Grill and Whiskey 41 Lounge
Relaxed hotel restaurant with traditional Californian fare, plus a cocktail lounge with a fireplace. A fun and inviting atmosphere, attentive and experienced service, a commitment to quality fresh food and our appreciation for our guests.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
MIST Trail
The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s classic and most-popular hikes. Although many people hike to the top of Vernal Fall or Nevada Fall (or all the way to the top of Half Dome) using this trail, there are many intermediate destinations that can serve as a successful turn-around point.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
The Pines Resort
Escape to our serene retreat in the Sierra National Forest, where your stay is about more than just a room. It’s an immersive experience. Choose from cozy chalets or spacious lakefront suites designed to welcome every guest, including pets, at our pet-friendly resort.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
Half Dome (via the John Muir Trail)
Half Dome is a serious endurance hike taking you 4,800 feet above the Yosemite Valley to spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, the Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. This is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes. You must obtain a permit to hike to the summit of Half Dome.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
2026
MEDAL & TEE
Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to get a sneak peak!
.webp)
Coming Soon
Race weekend is more than just a start line — it’s a full-on adventure, and we want your experience to feel smooth from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re running, crewing, or cheering, HotelPlanner makes it easy to find the right place to stay with exclusive discounted rates for Yosemite Half participants, friends, and family — plus a seamless booking experience and 24/7 customer support. The Yosemite Half HotelPlanner page is already set up with official race weekend dates and lodging options near key event areas like the Expo, Start Line, and Finish Line — so you can stay close to the action and wake up ready for an unforgettable race morning. Book early to secure the best rates and make the most of your Yosemite adventure. Book Your Stay with HotelPlanner Now
Our Partners
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Beat the next price increase.
Be the first to unlock priority access, race updates, and exclusive perks.
