Yosemite Recommendations

There's no shortage of one-of-a-kind Yosemite experiences. A few notes to help you explore:


  • The good news is there are no entrance requirements like in 2024. Last-minute trips are now that much easier
  • Winter's record snowfall means bigger waterfalls longer into the season and exceptional wildflowers
  • To minimize traffic/crowds, we recommend visiting in May, avoiding weekends (or arriving extra-early), taking YARTS into the park (1 mile from us), using the park's free valley floor shuttle, or booking with Wildland Trekking to see an uncrowded Yosemite


Or, skip the crowds altogether with these nature activities just outside the park:

 

  • Merced River Canyon: Whitewater rafting, picnic areas, scenic drives, and amazing swimming holes
  • Hikes & Waterfalls: Trails to Hites Cove or the impressive waterfalls on Willow Creek at Bass Lake
  • Lakes: Bass (boat rental), McClure (swimming/kayaking) & McSwain (largest inflatable water park in US)
  • Mariposa:  Festivals, museums, dining, shopping, wineries, breweries, apple orchards & skydiving to name a few


Reserve your tent or cabin and we'll do our best to help you explore inside, and outside, Yosemite.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

Hiking

A woman with a backpack is hiking up a mountain.
  • Easy: Take the flat Mirror Lake trail to the lake and a Half Dome reflection view
  • Moderate: Nothing beats the Mist Falls Trail in waterfall season to Nevada Falls (& the John Muir Trail back down)
  • Challenging: If it's a one-of-a-kind stair-master hike with a view you're seeking, try Yosemite Falls before late summer.
  • Guided Hikes: Book a private day tour with Wildland Trekking and get picked up at Wildhaven, fed and outfitted with gear, and shown the 'uncrowded Yosemite' from the park experts

Views

A view of a valley surrounded by mountains and trees.
  • Tunnel View: Don't miss one of the most famous views of the park (pictured above)
  • Glacier Point: The long drive to this viewpoint is worth it to see the valley from above
  • Sentinel Meadow: Make a quick stop on the loop road to wander the valley floor with views of Yosemite Falls

Picnics

A person is having a picnic with a bottle of wine , grapes , crackers and nuts.
  • Meadow: We love to bring a picnic to the meadow at the base of El Capitan, right beside the river
  • Beach: Bring your favorite snacks to Sentinel Beach for impressive river and waterfall views

Family

A man and three children are sitting on a paddle board in a river.
  • Biking: Rent bikes or bring your own and cruise the very scenic (and flat) bike paths connecting the major views
  • Tram Tour: The National Park operates a 2-hour valley floor tour year-round, led by a ranger and great for kids.
  • Pool: If the river's too cold, bring the kids to the park's 3 swimming pools (Memorial to Labor Day)
  • Museum: Check out the park museum and adjacent movie theater at Yosemite Village
  • Ice Rink: In winter months, check out the park's very unique ice skating rink at Curry Village (Nov.-March)

Itineraries

Two women are standing next to each other looking at a mountain.

Contact us after you book and we'll provide tips based on the season and length of stay. For example, in summertime, we'll share tips to avoid the crowds and traffic. During fall, you'll want the best locations for golden leaves. When winter comes, we recommend the tram tour, ice rink, museum, Mirror Lake hike, and photography by the Merced river. For spring, it's all about the waterfalls.

Shuttles

A bus that says thousand trails on the front of it

Ditch the car in Mariposa and shuttle to the park! Some tips for going car-free:

  • YARTS picks up 2 miles from Wildhaven
  • $24 round trip. Discounted fares for 5-17 and 62+. 5 & under are free.
  • Shuttle seats do sell out (so reserve now!)
  • Visit their site for updated times and rates

Image Credit (Itineraries): Yosemite Tourism Bureau