Yosemite Recommendations
There's no shortage of one-of-a-kind Yosemite experiences. A few notes to help you explore:
- Visitors need entrance reservations if arriving between 6am and 2 pm from June 15-Aug. 15 and Labor Day weekend. This is a much easier system than in 2024
- Learn more and book here ASAP (they're limited & just $2)
- Winter's record snowfall means bigger waterfalls longer into the season, great rafting, and exceptional wildflowers
- We recommend visiting before June 15 or after August 15, avoiding holidays/weekends, arriving before 6am or after 2pm, taking YARTS into the park (1 mile from us), using the park's free valley floor shuttle, and booking with Wildland Trekking to see an uncrowded Yosemite (they pick up at Wildhaven)
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 (learn more)
Reserve your tent or cabin
and we'll do our best to help you explore inside, and outside, Yosemite.
Hiking
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
Ditch the car in Mariposa and shuttle to the park! Some tips for going car-free:
- YARTS picks up 1 mile from Wildhaven
- $24 round trip. Discounted fares for 5-17 and 62+. Five & 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
