Tripadvisor Yosemite (2024)

FAQs

Which Yosemite entrance is least busy? ›

Best for encountering fewer crowds.

The Hetch Hetchy Entrance of Yosemite National Park is the best entrance for those seeking an extra peaceful experience in Yosemite.

How Many Days Should I Spend In Yosemite? Plan on spending two to four days in Yosemite if you want enough time to see all the amazing sights. This will give you plenty of time to see Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, and enjoy some hiking trails.

Weekdays (Monday-Thursday) are historically least crowded during the summer season in June, July, and August. Weekends attract more tourists and vacationers.

Top Travel Recommendations

Arrive early and stay late, and visit Yosemite during the week instead of on weekends. Congestion and delays are worse on weekends, with Saturdays and holiday weekends being particularly busy. However, delays and traffic congestion are possibly on any day. Ride a YARTS bus to enter the park.

On the downside, you'll see the most crowds during the summer months, particularly in July and August. Still, if you've never visited Yosemite, going in late spring, summer or early fall really is best, as you'll experience blue skies, impressive waterfalls and the most lodging choices.

If you don't have a reservation, you can still visit Yosemite. You must arrive at an entrance station (other than Hetch Hetchy) before 5 am or after 4 pm. If you are planning to visit after peak hours, please do not arrive before 4 pm; vehicles blocking roads will be cited.

Visit midweek, rather than on the weekend. Even beyond the standard weekend crowding, Saturdays and holiday weekends are “particularly busy,” according to Yosemite's website. In a reply to a Facebook comment from July 6, Yosemite wrote: “It is much quieter on weekdays — especially during the middle of the week.”

Staying in the park allows you to have the world's most beautiful scenery waiting for you right outside your cabin door. You'll be able to make your own agenda, knowing nothing in the park is too far away or takes too much time to access.

One of the most famous drives through Yosemite will take you from one side of the park to the other. From the Big Oak Flat Entrance to the Tioga Pass Entrance is just over 54 miles along Hwy 120. Driving straight through takes around one and a half hours, but we recommend adding a few scenic lookouts along your route.

Go For a Hike

Hiking is one of the best ways to avoid the crowds in Yosemite. Most visitors experience Yosemite from the comfort of their car. If you're looking to get away from the crowds, this is great news. Go for a hike and the crowds will thin out immediately.

How early to book Yosemite? ›

Lodging options inside Yosemite National Park are managed by Yosemite Hospitality, and range from simple tent cabins at the High Sierra Camps to deluxe rooms at The Ahwahnee. Reservations are available 366 days in advance and are strongly recommended, especially from spring through fall and during holidays.

Does Yosemite Have Lodges? Yosemite National Park has two main lodges in Yosemite Valley plus one in the quiet community of Wawona near the south entrance. In Yosemite Valley, The Ahwahnee is the crown jewel of Yosemite National Park hotels, and has welcomed presidents, queens and celebrities.

However, two days will be enough time for one great hike (the best way to see Yosemite) and a few other glimpses into what this 1,200 square-mile UNESCO World Heritage site and natural wonder reveals to visitors.

Timing is everything, of course. Never enter Yosemite between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.—the peak times for the crowds, both at the entry stands and in the Valley. Decide instead to arrive in the morning when everyone else is sleeping or at breakfast.

Located just off Highway 20, the Big Oak Flat entrance is one of the busiest and most popular entrances to Yosemite National Park.

Highway 140

This historic Yosemite route follows the old railway tracks. It provides the lowest altitude approach, which means it's often the best year-round highway to travel on.

Driving Highway 120 will get you there the fastest.

Highway 140 will be more scenic and offer popular stops along the way.