Yosemite National Park pulls in millions of people every year. It’s easily one of the busiest national parks in the U.S.
When summer hits, you might wait up to four hours just to get through the gates. The main sights? Packed with folks snapping selfies and crowding the trails.
But honestly, with a little planning and good timing, you can still catch Yosemite’s epic waterfalls and those jaw-dropping granite cliffs—without feeling like you’re in the middle of Times Square.
I’ve learned that if you show up at the park gates by 8 AM, especially on a weekday, you’ll breeze right in. You get more space, more quiet, and way better views.
It really comes down to knowing when to visit, how to work the reservation system, and which parts of the park deliver those “wow” moments without the crowds.
Let’s dive into the strategies that have worked for me (and plenty of other travelers). I’ll walk you through snagging entry reservations, picking the best times for the big sights, and finding those hidden corners most people never see.
Spend more time hiking and soaking in the scenery, and way less time stuck in traffic jams or waiting in lines.
Reservations and Entry Strategies
Getting into Yosemite National Park during peak season takes some planning. Between May and September, you need a reservation if you want to drive in between 6 am and 2 pm.
I’ll break down exactly how to land those golden tickets—and a few timing tricks that’ll help you skip the worst of the crowds.
How to Secure Peak-Season Reservations
You’ll need a reservation to drive into Yosemite between 6 am and 2 pm on these 2025 dates:
- May 24-26 (Memorial Day weekend)
- June 15 through August 15 (every day)
- August 30 through September 1 (Labor Day weekend)
You’ve got two options:
- Initial release: They dropped all reservations on May 6, 2025 at 8 am PDT.
- Rolling release: More spots open up seven days before your arrival, also at 8 am Pacific.
I always set up my Recreation.gov account early and log in by 7:55 am on release days. These reservations vanish in minutes—no joke.
Each reservation costs $2 (you can’t get that back) plus the $35 park entrance fee. You get one reservation for every three-day period, and it covers three straight days starting from your arrival.
If online booking isn’t working out, call 877-444-6777 and try your luck by phone.
Entrance Passes and Timing Your Arrival
You can skip the reservation if you already have:
- A Yosemite campground reservation (like Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Camp 4, etc.)
- A room at Curry Village, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, or any in-park hotel
- A wilderness permit or Half Dome permit
- Private lodging in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta
Want to dodge the reservation system? Here’s how:
- Arrive before 6 am: No reservation needed. But you’ll have to leave nearby towns early.
- Arrive after 2 pm: No reservation needed, but don’t show up even one minute before 2 pm or you could get turned away.
Here’s when you should leave nearby towns if you want to hit the gate right at 2 pm:
- Mariposa: 1:15 pm
- Oakhurst: 1:40 pm
- Groveland: 1:25 pm
- Lee Vining: 1:40 pm
Understanding Entry Limits and Traffic Patterns
Yosemite Valley gets slammed between 10 am and 4 pm during summer. I’ve found that rolling in early or showing up later in the day makes all the difference.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Weekends: Absolute peak traffic, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
- Mid-week: Still busy (especially June-August), but not as wild as weekends.
- Entrance stations: South and Arch Rock usually get the longest lines.
If you want to try something different:
- Hetch Hetchy: This entrance never requires a reservation and is open sunrise to sunset.
- Tioga Pass: It’s usually less crowded, but keep in mind it closes for snow from November to May.
If you come in during off-peak hours, you can stay all day. But if you leave and want to re-enter later that week, you’ll need to stick to those before-6 am or after-2 pm windows, even if you’ve already paid.
And heads up: Even if you’re just driving through the park during peak hours, you’ll need a reservation.
The Best Times to Visit for Fewer Crowds
Honestly, when you visit Yosemite can totally change your experience. I’ve had magical, peaceful mornings with barely anyone around—just because I picked the right season and time of day.
Pick the right moment, and you might have Half Dome mostly to yourself. Miss it, and you’ll be elbow-to-elbow with hundreds of other sightseers.
Choosing the Right Season and Weekdays
Late fall (November) or early spring are my top picks for a quieter visit. These shoulder seasons bring decent weather and way fewer people.
If you can brave the cold, winter (January-March) is the quietest. Yosemite Valley stays open year-round, and I’ve had snowy views of El Capitan almost all to myself. Just know that Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road shut down for the season.
April and May are all about waterfalls. Yosemite Falls really puts on a show as the snow melts, and you avoid the worst of the summer crowds.
No matter the season, I always shoot for Tuesdays through Thursdays. Weekends? Parking fills up by 8 AM and trails get packed. Midweek, you’ll have a much easier time.
| Season | Crowd Level | Weather | Road Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Lowest | Cold, snow | Limited |
| Early Spring | Low | Mild, rain possible | Moderate |
| Late Spring | Moderate | Warm, dry | Full |
| Summer | Highest | Hot, dry | Full |
Benefits of Early Mornings and Late Afternoons
If you want peace and cooler temps, start your day before 7 AM. The light at Tunnel View or Glacier Point is unreal at sunrise, and you’ll have plenty of space for photos.
Early mornings in the valley are perfect for wildlife sightings. I’ve watched the sun hit Half Dome with just a handful of other early risers around.
Late afternoons (after 4 PM) work too. Most day-trippers start heading out for dinner, and you can catch golden hour with fewer people.
Mornings stay comfortable even in July and August, so it’s easier to tackle those longer hikes. I always bring a headlamp for pre-dawn starts and never struggle to find parking that early.
Timing Around Seasonal Events
I always skip the park on big holidays—Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day. The crowds get wild and the traffic crawls.
Spring break (March-April) varies, but you’ll see a bump in visitors, especially if you’re not watching local school calendars.
Summer (mid-June through August) is the busiest, hands down. If you can’t avoid it, stick to early weekday mornings and check out the less famous parts of the park.
Winter holidays like Christmas and New Year’s bring more people looking for snow, but it’s way calmer than summer. Just book lodging ahead of time.
I keep an eye on the National Park Service site for any special events or ranger programs that might draw extra crowds.
Smart Itineraries and Must-See Attractions
If you want to see Yosemite’s best sights without the crowds, map out your route ahead of time. I focus on the Yosemite Valley for those classic views, but I always try to add in lesser-known spots like Hetch Hetchy Valley.
Mix the big names with some hidden gems, and you’ll get the best of both worlds.
Top Sights for First-Time Visitors
Yosemite Valley is the heart of the park. You’ll find all the most famous spots close together.
Half Dome towers over the eastern end. You can see it from Tunnel View and lots of places on the valley floor. Hiking to the top takes a permit and some nerve.
El Capitan rises a staggering 3,000 feet. I love parking at El Capitan Meadow to watch climbers inch their way up the rock. Early mornings are best for photos.
Yosemite Falls drops over 2,400 feet in three sections. The lower falls are an easy one-mile round trip walk. May and June are the best for peak flow.
Tunnel View delivers that classic Yosemite shot—El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall in one frame. It’s right off the road, so you can’t miss it.
Glacier Point gives you the best valley overview. The road usually opens late May to November. Sunsets get crowded, so I try to arrive ahead of the rush.
Hidden Gems and Less Traveled Areas
Hetch Hetchy Valley doesn’t get nearly as many visitors as Yosemite Valley. The reservoir and granite domes are just as beautiful.
Tuolumne Meadows opens in summer once Tioga Pass is clear. It’s up at 8,600 feet, so you get cool air and totally different scenery.
Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 giant sequoias. The grove reopened in 2018, and it’s best early or late in the day for quiet walks.
Wapama Falls in Hetch Hetchy is a moderate hike with waterfall views. I rarely see crowds there.
Tenaya Lake along Tioga Pass Road is perfect for a swim or a picnic. The lake usually opens in June and closes by October.
Optimizing Your Route: Valley and Beyond
I always start in Yosemite Valley before 8 AM to snag parking. I hit the big viewpoints first, then move onto trails as it warms up.
Try this for Day 1: Tunnel View → Valley View → El Capitan Meadow → Yosemite Falls → Glacier Point (if it’s open).
Day 2: Mariposa Grove → Wawona → then either Hetch Hetchy Valley or Tuolumne Meadows (if the season allows).
Park near the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and use the free shuttle. It saves a ton of parking headaches at busy stops.
Driving between major areas takes about 2-3 hours, thanks to winding mountain roads. I always add time for photo stops and wildlife sightings.
If you can, stay overnight in different areas. Tuolumne Meadows and Wawona have lodging options outside the main valley.
Beating the Crowds With Outdoor Activities
Want to avoid the crowds? I always look for lesser-known trails and high-elevation spots—most visitors stick to the valley floor.
Rivers and quiet waterfalls can be just as stunning and way more peaceful.
Hiking Alternatives to Popular Trails
Instead of the always-packed Mist Trail, I like the John Muir Trail. It’s a bit longer, but the climb is gentler and you get more space.
The Valley Loop Trail is an easy walk with great views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Most people skip it, which is a win in my book.
For a moderate hike, I hit the Mirror Lake Trail early. The lake is seasonal, but the reflections and calm are worth it.
Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point gives you the same destination as the road—just with a lot more peace and quiet. It’s a tough climb but really rewarding.
Sentinel Dome is another favorite. It’s a quick hike with 360-degree views, and hardly anyone goes up there.
Exploring High Country and Scenic Drives
Tioga Road (Highway 120) opens late spring and takes you above 9,000 feet. Up there, the crowds thin out fast.
Tuolumne Meadows is wide open and cool, even in summer. It’s a different side of Yosemite.
Glacier Point Road has several pullouts besides the main overlook. Washburn Point and Taft Point are just as dramatic and far less busy.
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir sits in the park’s northwest corner. Most people never make it out there, so you get the place almost to yourself.
Mariposa Grove’s new trails make it easy to explore. I go early to avoid the tour groups.
Rivers, Lakes, and Waterfall Experiences
The Tuolumne River is my go-to for swimming holes and picnics away from the crowds. The water’s chilly, but it feels great on a hot day.
Merced River has quiet access points along Highway 140 before you even enter the park.
Chilnualna Falls is a tough hike, but you’ll find multiple waterfalls and granite pools with hardly anyone around.
Carlon Falls sits just outside the park boundary. It’s a short, easy hike and stays under the radar.
Wapama Falls in Hetch Hetchy is another moderate hike with big waterfall views—and barely any crowds.
Staying, Dining, and Packing Wisely
A little planning goes a long way in Yosemite, especially when it comes to where you sleep, what you eat, and what you toss in your bag. I’ve learned the hard way that nailing these basics can totally change your trip—for better or worse.
Let’s talk about how to lock down the best spots to stay, pack so you can skip those crowded stores, and eat well without wasting hours in line.
Accommodation Tips and Advance Booking
Book your accommodations 6-12 months in advance if you want the best choices. Yosemite Valley Lodge and Curry Village? They disappear fast once peak season hits.
I always try to stay inside the park if I can swing it. You’ll dodge the long morning drive and get a jump on the trails before everyone else shows up.
If you can’t snag a spot in the park, don’t stress. There are solid options outside, like:
- Hotels and B&Bs in Mariposa County
- Cozy rental cabins
- Campgrounds just outside the entrance
Camping reservations open five months ahead. Campgrounds in Yosemite Valley put you right near the action.
Want to save some cash? I’ve stayed in towns like Mariposa or Oakhurst. Sure, it’s a 45-60 minute drive, but you’ll pay way less than in-park lodging.
If your schedule’s flexible, aim for weekdays. Weekend prices can shoot up by 30-50%—it’s wild.
Packing Essentials to Avoid In-Park Crowds
Overpacking is a pain, but underpacking means you’ll pay big bucks for basics. I always toss these in my bag before heading out:
Food and drinks:
- More water than you think you’ll need
- Trail snacks and energy bars
- Easy lunch stuff for long hikes
Weather gear:
- Layers—Yosemite’s weather loves to surprise you
- Rain jacket, just in case
- Warm clothes, even in July
Essentials:
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- First aid kit (trust me, you’ll want it)
- Portable phone charger
- Some cash for random parking meters
The park stores? They get slammed, and prices are no joke. I once paid $4 for a water bottle that’s a buck at home.
Oh, and don’t forget your map, a headlamp, and extra snacks. Cell service drops out in plenty of spots, so it pays to be ready.
Dining and Picnic Planning
Packing picnic lunches? It’s honestly the best way to dodge the crowds at Yosemite’s busiest restaurants, especially during those peak meal hours. Trust me, waiting in line at the Ahwahnee Dining Room or the Yosemite Valley Lodge can eat up your precious adventure time.
When it comes to picnic spots, I’ve found a few gems:
- Swinging Bridge—usually less packed than the main valley floor
- Glacier Point—can’t beat those sweeping views
- Tenaya Lake—perfect in summer, but don’t count on it year-round
Here’s a little grocery tip I wish someone had told me sooner: swing by the stores in Mariposa or Oakhurst before you drive into the park. The Village Store inside Yosemite Valley? Well, the selection’s not great and you’ll pay more for basics.
Timing your meals can make a big difference. I try to grab lunch before 11:30 AM or just wait until after 2:00 PM. If you want to eat out for dinner, definitely make reservations if you can. Sometimes, food trucks pop up with surprisingly good eats and way shorter lines.
If you’re car camping, bring a cooler and ice packs. It’s a lifesaver for keeping your food and drinks fresh over a few days.
Don’t worry about running out of water—Yosemite Valley has water refill stations scattered around. I always toss in a couple of extra bottles to refill, so I don’t have to keep buying new ones.
