Imagine this … you’re headed to Yosemite for the day … as the road twists and turns through the Sierra foothills, you dream of hiking the Mist Trail, taking a dip in the Merced River, eating pizza at Curry Village … then BAM, your daydreaming is interrupted by a long, slow-moving line outside one of the Yosemite entrances.
In the busy summer season, these entrance lines can stretch up to three miles and take over three hours to get through. And the congestion doesn’t stop once you’re inside Yosemite — parking can feel impossible, traffic can feel like it’ll never end, trails can wind up feeling Disneyland-level-crowded — and suddenly your perfect day feels a lot less magical.
We’re not trying to scare you or say that you shouldn’t visit in the summer (it’s beautiful this time of year!); we’re just saying that summer trips to Yosemite take a bit more planning and flexibility.
Keep reading to learn our tips on how to have a summer trip to Yosemite that is as hassle-free and traffic-free as possible.
- Early bird gets the Yosemite parking spot.
- Park once and take free transportation.
- Adventure where you can find parking.
- Take the trail less traveled.
- Visit outside the Valley.
- The best Yosemite hack? Weekends.
Photo courtesy of Luke Schaftary.
1. Early bird gets the Yosemite parking spot
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: arriving early is one of the best ways to avoid crowds at the Yosemite entrances and Valley parking lots.
Most folks are entering and exiting the park between 7 am-5 pm, so arriving outside of these times likely means less competition on roads and in parking areas. The earlier you arrive before 7am, or the later after 5pm, the better the odds.
This is just the first step to avoiding congestion. Even if you get in early (or late), we recommend following the other tips on this list as well.
2. Park once and take alternate transportation
In our opinion, the best way to avoid in-park traffic and congestion in Yosemite Valley — especially in a busy summer season without reservations — is to park once and not move your car until the day is done.
So much of Yosemite Valley is accessible by bus, bike, or your own two feet! Instead of bopping from point A to point B by car, avoid the hassle of reparking and take alternative transportation around the Valley floor.
Take the Bus
The free Yosemite Valley Shuttle System provides convenient access around Yosemite Valley. There are two routes that allow visitors to travel between activities without needing to repark their vehicles. See the Yosemite shuttle bus map and information below.
Valley-wide shuttle bus: Serves all stops in Yosemite Valley, including lodges, food service, campgrounds and trailheads. This Yosemite shuttle bus arrives every 12 to 22 minutes from 7am to 10pm.
East Valley shuttle bus: Serves Yosemite Village, Curry Village, Upper and Lower Pine campgrounds, and eastern trailheads in Yosemite Valley. This Yosemite shuttle bus arrives every 8 to 12 minutes from 7 am to 10 pm.
Ride a Bike
Occasionally, when the roads are too congested, the bus line is either too long to feel worth it, and/or the bus is also stuck in traffic. In these moments, we’d suggest trying the free Yosemite Bike Share as an alternative for getting around the Valley without having to get in a car!
The Conservancy-run Bike Share program operates on a seasonal schedule (June-October) and allows visitors to “rent” free bikes for up to two hours. Use them to get from point A to point B or to embark on one of our favorite Yosemite Valley bike rides.
If you would like to spend a full or half day biking, there are also seasonal bike rentals through Yosemite Hospitality at Curry Village, the Village Store, and the Yosemite Valley Lodge. The bike rental stand also offers trailers for youth.
Take Yourself!
Not a fan of bikes? Well, the simplest way to avoid traffic is by avoiding roads altogether! Consider activities based on where you find Yosemite parking so you can get around on your own without cars, buses, or bikes. Of course, this approach takes a bit of extra planning, and this brings us to our next tip …
3. Adventure where you can find parking
There are three main parking areas in Yosemite Valley — Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Village, and Curry Village — each offering easy access to iconic park adventures. And while the specific view or hike that you saw online might only be easily accessible from one of these Yosemite parking lots, the truth is that you can have a great day starting from any of them.
Instead of circling a parking lot for hours or injuring sensitive habitat by parking in undesignated areas, we suggest making a list of potential activities that you’d enjoy from all three Yosemite parking areas. That way, no matter where you find parking, you’re sure to have a low-traffic, high-enjoyment day.
Yosemite Falls Parking Area
Relaxing
Swinging Bridge Beach & Picnic Area
10-minute walk from parking lot
Stop for a moment to take in views of the Merced River, Yosemite Falls, and the surrounding cliffs at the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. Picnic tables, grills, seasonal river access, bathrooms, and a walking/biking path are available at this scenic spot. Don’t get your hopes too high, despite its name; the bridge doesn’t swing! Click here to learn more.
Educational
Naturalist Guided Walk
15- to 20-minute walk from parking lot
Join a Conservancy naturalist for a casual, one- to two-hour program in Yosemite Valley! Whether it’s a sunset walk, wildlife adventure, birding stroll, or night sky exploration, there’s sure to be a naturalist program happening in the area. Programs begin from locations in Yosemite Village (meeting spots are shared when you register). Registration fees are between $15 to $25 per person. Click here to learn more.
Adventurous
River Float – seasonal!
45-minute walk from parking lot (so you end at your car!)
There is this beautiful window of time in the Yosemite summer — after the dangerous swift water of spring — when you can float on the Merced River. Be sure to check the NPS website first to make sure the river is open to rafting.
Walk with your floaty to Stoneman Bridge about where you’ll start your float from the river’s edge. Float along until you reach Swinging Bridge or continue on to Sentinel Beach (1.5 to 3 hours) and then walk 10 to 20 minutes back to the parking area. Click here to learn more.
Don’t have enough floaties for your group? Check Yosemite Hospitality’s website for rafting availability. Their raft rentals leave from Stoneman Bridge and are collected at Sentinel Beach.
Easy Hike
Lower Yosemite Fall
15-minute walk to trailhead from parking lot
Venture to the base of North America’s tallest waterfall to experience the magic of Lower Yosemite Fall. This 1-mile loop is relatively flat and will only take about 30 minutes. Hikers can expect spectacular views of both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, and trailside exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area. Click here to learn more.
Moderate Hike
Valley Loop Trail
5-minute walk to trailhead from parking lot
Take an 11.5-mile self-guided tour of the Valley floor from Yosemite Village to Pohono Bridge — or cut the trip short by turning around at the El Capitan Bridge (7.2 miles). On this lovely loop that will take you about 5 to 7 hours (or 2.5-3.5 for the half loop) you’ll pass sweeping meadows, granite domes, waterfalls, and plenty of opportunities to veer off for adventure. Click here to learn more.
Sufferfest
Upper Yosemite Falls
5-minute walk to trailhead from parking lot
Hike 7.2 miles round trip on one of Yosemite’s oldest historic trails! The Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, where water plummets 2,425 feet to the Valley floor. Be prepared for 2,700 feet of elevation gain, 6 to 8 hours of hiking, switchbacks, and iconic views.
If the full 7.2 miles sounds like too much (we understand), consider a shorter, 1-mile hike to a vista point called Columbia rock. About two to three minutes past the clearing of Columbia Rock, you’ll find lovely views of Half Dome and Upper Yosemite Fall. Click here to learn more.
Yosemite Village Parking Area
Relaxing
Visit the Famous Ahwahnee Hotel
20- to 25-minute walk from parking lot
Grab drink or a bite to eat at the Ahwahnee bar and sit in the outdoor area to watch sunlight across granite. The Ahwahnee is a historic building that was designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood and completed in 1927. Nestled in the Valley among cliffs and trees, the Ahwahnee offers overnight accommodations, a dining room, a bar, a coffee bar, a sweet shop, and a gift shop. Click here to learn more.
Educational
Dive Into Cultural & Natural Histories
15-minute walk from parking lot
Take an enlightening detour from the Valley’s iconic and challenging hikes to learn about Yosemite’s natural and cultural history. The Yosemite Museum, Yosemite Exploration Center, and Ansel Adams Gallery can all be found in the same corner of Yosemite Village, and together boast incredible historic objects, photographs, and information on the park’s wildlife wonders.
Adventurous
Yosemite Bike Share
5-minute walk from parking lot
Experience Yosemite in a whole new way — by bike! The free Yosemite Bike Share program has a hub of bikes near the Yosemite Village Parking area where visitors can “rent” free bikes for up to two hours. Use them to get from place to place or embark on one of our favorite Yosemite Valley bike rides. Click here to learn more.
Easy Hike
Cook’s Meadow
10-minute walk from parking lot
Experience the heart of Yosemite Valley on this 1-mile loop trail around Cook’s Meadow. On this flat trail that will take approximately 30 minutes, hikers will discover stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock. Click here to learn more.
Moderate Hike
Mirror Lake Loop
2-mile walk OR a quick bus ride from parking lot
This 5-mile loop hike around Mirror Lake allows visitors to discover a new side of Half Dome along with views of Tenaya Canyon, Mount Watkins, and more. Click here to learn more.
Option A: Intrepid wanderer
From the Yosemite Village Parking Area there is a 2-mile paved path to the edge of Mirror Lake. Begin by walking on the sidewalk past the roundabout then alongside Ahwahnee Meadow where you can gaze at the Ahwahnee Hotel and Royal Arches. You’ll have over scenic historic bridges and through a shady oak woodland before arriving at the lake. You could continue around the 5-mile loop from here or head back to your car.
Option B: Hop on a bus to shuttle stop 17
Take the free shuttle bus to shuttle stop to the official Mirror Lake trailhead at shuttle stop 17. The first mile of this trail is paved and leads to the edge of Mirror Lake. Here, you can head back (2 miles roundtrip) or continue around the loop trail (5 miles total), which follows Tenaya Creek beyond the late, crosses multiple bridges, and returns on the canyon’s south side.
Sufferfest
Snow Creek Trail
2-mile walk OR a quick bus ride from parking lot. See the Mirror Lake activity above for options on how to approach the Snow Creek Trail.
Venture in and up Tenaya Canyon on this grueling, 9.4-mile hike from shuttle stop 17 that begins on the Valley floor and climbs 2,700 feet to its rim. Much like the journey to Upper Yosemite Falls, this trail climbs steeply, traverses several dozen switchbacks, and takes approximately 6 to 7 hours to complete. You’ll know when to turn around when you find yourself at a footbridge. Click here to learn more.
Curry Village Parking Area
Relaxing
Dip Your Toes in the River at Housekeeping Camp
15-minute walk from parking lot
Take a moment — or a full day — to slow down along the Merced River. The sandy riverside beaches near Housekeeping Camp offer a semi-secluded spaces to lounge, read a book, eat a snack, or simply watch the wonders of Yosemite float by. Click here to learn more.
Educational
Happy Isles Art & Nature Center
20-minute walk OR a quick bus ride from parking lot
The Happy Isles Art & Nature Center is the perfect place to connect with Yosemite’s natural world through creativity and curiosity! Happy Isles hosts classes, workshops, pop-up activities, paint and sip programs, and open studio time that allow visitors of ages and experience levels to experience Yosemite through artistic expression. Click here to learn more.
Visitors can either hike 1 mile to Happy Isles or take the free Yosemite shuttle bus from Curry Village (stop #14) to Happy Isles (stop #16).
Adventurous
River Float – seasonal!
5-minute walk from parking lot (but be ready to walk back your car!)
There is this beautiful window of time in the Yosemite summer — after the dangerous swift water of spring — when you can float on the Merced River. Be sure to check the NPS website first to make sure the river is open to rafting.
Walk with your floaty to Stoneman Bridge to start your float from the river’s edge. Don’t have enough floaties for your group? Check Yosemite Hospitality’s website for rafting availability. Their raft rentals leave from Stoneman Bridge and are collected at Sentinel Beach. Click here to learn more.
Float along until you reach Sentinel Beach (1.5 to 3 hours). You will then need to walk 50 to 60 minutes (2.5 miles) back to Curry Village or take the free Valley shuttle. Click here for the Yosemite shuttle bus map and information.
Easy Hike
Mini Valley Bridge Tour
0-minute walk to trailhead from parking lot
Sometimes the easiest way to experience Yosemite is to just walk around the Valley. This short, 2.5-mile loop is mostly flat and should only take about an hour. Along the way, you’ll cross numerous well-known Yosemite bridges — including Stoneman, Ahwahnee, Sugar Pine, and Clarks bridges — that each offer a unique view of the Valley floor and granite domes above. From views open meadows and the Merced River to Half Dome and Yosemite Falls high above, this short adventure is incredibly rewarding. Click here to learn more.
Moderate Hike
Top of Vernal Fall
1-mile walk OR quick bus ride from parking lot
Step into — or rather up to — the Mist Trail Corridor to experience the iconic wonders of Vernal Fall and the Mist Trail steps. Don’t let the trail’s popularity, however, fool you into thinking this will be an easy hike. This 2.4-mile roundtrip hike is uphill right from the start. Hikers will gain 1,000 feet of elevation over steep inclines and often slippery steps that lead to the top of Vernal Fall. The intense elevation means that this hike can take more than 3 hours to complete. Those who can make the journey will be rewarded with stunning views of the Merced River, Vernal Fall, and the granite domes above. Click here to learn more.
Visitors can either hike 1 mile to the trailhead or take the free Yosemite shuttle bus from Curry Village (stop #14) to Happy Isles (stop #16).
Sufferfest
Top of Nevada Fall
1-mile walk OR quick bus ride from parking lot
Hikers looking for a challenge can continue past Vernal Fall (see above) to the equally spectacular Nevada Fall. This continuation doubles the distance (5.4 miles roundtrip), the elevation (2,000 feet gained), and time (5-6 hours to complete). Hikers can expect to face sharp inclines, switchbacks, stone steps, and congested trailways — all of which can pose hazards to visitors. Those who are up for the hike, however, will experience spectacular, up-close views of two large waterfalls, enjoyable scenery along the Merced River, and unique views across Yosemite Valley. Just be sure to carry plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, stay on the established trail, and follow all other safety protocols. Click here to learn more.
Visitors can either hike 1 mile to the trailhead or take the free Yosemite shuttle bus from Curry Village (stop #14) to Happy Isles (stop #16).
4. Take the trail less traveled
The Mist Trail is iconic for seemingly endless waterfalls, sweeping views, and granite domes — but it’s not the only place in the Valley with these features.
If you’re looking to avoid crowds, the Mist Trail Corridor is not the place to be (and the associated Curry Village parking lot isn’t either). Instead, consider an equally beautiful but less well-known or publicized trail.
Instead of Vernal Footbridge, try …
Vernal Footbridge
Distance: 1.6 miles
Elevation: 400 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Trek to the first views of the world-famous Vernal Falls from the first Mist Trail footbridge.
Bridalveil Fall Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles
Elevation: 100 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30 minutes
Take a short walk to experience in the sky-scraping views of Bridalveil Fall from its base.
Grizzly Giant Loop
Distance: 2.0 miles
Elevation: 300 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Immerse yourself among sequoias and the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant. Closed seasonally!
Middle Gaylor Lakes
Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation: 500 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2–3 hours
Experience grand high-country views — alpine lakes and summer wildflowers. Closed seasonally!
Instead of Vernal Falls, try …
Vernal Falls via Mist Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation: 1,000 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 2–3 hours
Climb the iconic Mist Trail steps to see the Vernal Falls from a new angle. Keep in mind this one the park’s most popular trails.
Columbia Rock
Distance: 2.0 miles
Elevation: 1,000 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2–3 hours
Take a historic Yosemite trail that traverses alongside North America’s tallest waterfall and offers sweeping Valley views.
May Lake Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation: 500 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1–2 hours
Venture into the amazing world of the high alpine — conifer forests, over granite slabs, and views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest.
Sentinel Dome
Distance: 5.2 miles
Elevation: 1,100 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 2–3 hours
Experience the Valley from the granite high above. Connect Sentinel Dome and Taft Point trails via the Pohono Trail.
Instead of Nevada Falls, try …
Nevada Falls via Mist Trail
Distance: 5.4 miles
Elevation: 2,000 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 5–6 hours
Experience the Mist Trail steps, footbridges, and so many switchbacks to reach the top of Nevada Falls.
Cathedral Lakes
Distance: 7.6 miles
Elevation: 1,000 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 6–7 hours
Venture into the park’s backcountry to find stunning alpine lakes, expansive meadows, and granite peaks.
4-Mile Trail to Glacier Point
Distance: 9.6 miles
Elevation: 3,200 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 6–8 hours
Climb bottom-to-top of the Valley, experiencing views of waterfalls and granite along the way to Glacier Point.
Porcupine Creek
Distance: 10.4 miles
Elevation: 2,000 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 5–7 hours
Spend a full day taking in panoramic views of Tenaya Canyon, Coulds Rest, and Half Dome from North Dome.
5. Visit Outside the Valley
Believe it or not, Yosemite Valley only accounts for 1% of the national park’s 748,000 acres. That means that there’s so much more to explore — from alpine meadows and lakes of the High Sierra, skyscraping groves of giant sequoias, and granite peaks and domes of Hetch Hetchy.
These areas are often far less crowded, too! Points of interest outside of Yosemite Valley include:
Giant Sequoia Groves
Yosemite National Park has three groves of giant sequoias — Mariposa Grove in the south and the Merced and Tuolumne groves near the Crane Flat Junction.
Wonders of Wawona
Go back in time at the Yosemite History Center, ramble along the Wawona Meadow Loop, or hike up to Chilnualna Falls.
Hetch Hetchy
Hike around the reservoir that safeguards water for the Bay Area to Wapama Falls. Great for springtime wildflowers. Please note that parking in the area is limited, and that the gate at Hetch Hetchy is only open during the day and closes at night.
High Sierra Road Trip
Spend a day driving along Tioga Road and stopping at scenic overlooks when the road is open for the season.
Wilderness Backpacking
Get away from the crowds in Yosemite’s wilderness. Wilderness permits are required year-round to backpack in Yosemite. Learn more at the Conservancy’s wilderness hub or call our knowledgeable wilderness operations assistants at 209-372-0740.
The Magic of Tuolumne Meadows
When Tioga Road is seasonally open, stop by the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center for trail recommendations or the Parsons Memorial Lodge for an afternoon program.
Gateway Communities
Yosemite National Park is surrounded by beautiful National Forest and other public lands, including Bass Lake and Mono Lake. Plan for a hike or two outside the park just in case.
6. Visit on Weekdays
Weekends — and especially Saturdays — are by far the busiest time to visit Yosemite Valley. If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite this summer, consider coming midweek when roads and trails are a little bit quieter (still busy, just not overwhelmingly so!).
Photo courtesy of Luke Schaftary.
Every visitor plays an important role in protecting Yosemite. High visitation and big crowds can have devastating impacts on the park’s wildlife and habitats. In a year without reservations, we ask that you do your best to respect and care for Yosemite while visiting.
The best thing you can do for the park is follow the seven Leave No Trace principles, which includes staying on trail, parking in designated spots, disposing of waste properly, respecting wildlife, being kind to fellow visitors, and more.
As you move through Yosemite this summer, remember that your actions and activities shape the future of Yosemite National Park.
