Yosemite 2023: Beat the Crowds by Reserving Your Spot Early

Yosemite 2023: Beat the Crowds by Reserving Your Spot Early - Plan Your Trip 6-12 Months Out

Yosemite is one of the most popular national parks in the country, drawing over 4 million visitors per year. With immense granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, and alpine meadows, it's easy to see why. However, with this popularity comes major crowds, especially in the summer months.

Over 90% of visitors enter Yosemite Valley, the epicenter of the park's top sights. There are only 13 campgrounds in the valley, with about 1,100 campsites total. These spots fill up on the first day reservations open up for the year, which is 5 months in advance. So if you want to camp in the valley, mark your calendars and be ready to book right at the stroke of midnight 5 months before your trip. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with whatever leftovers are available, if any.

For campgrounds outside the valley like Wawona, booking 2-3 months in advance should suffice. I'd still aim to reserve as early as possible though, since campsites in premium locations (i.e. near trailheads) go quickly.

Over 90% of lodging inside Yosemite is managed by Aramark through a concession with the National Park Service. This includes iconic properties like The Ahwahnee Hotel. Aramark releases most of its room inventory 11 months in advance.

By booking lodging 6-12 months out, you ensure access to the full range of lodging options. This gives you the flexibility to choose the perfect place to rest your head after a long day of hiking.

Figuring out how you'll get around Yosemite takes some logistical planning. The free shuttle system only operates in summer. And the few roads into Yosemite Valley can experience hour-long delays at peak times.

By planning 6-12 months out, you'll have more options for reserving campsites with parking or lodging with shuttle service. You can also coordinate rideshares or look into tour buses from San Francisco or Las Vegas.

Yosemite 2023: Beat the Crowds by Reserving Your Spot Early - Book Campsites Early Through Recreation.gov

Yosemite's campgrounds are managed through Recreation.gov, the government's centralized reservation system for parks, forests, and public lands. Snagging one of Yosemite's coveted campsites is all about timing. Be ready to pounce right when reservations open up for your target dates.

For campgrounds in Yosemite Valley like North Pines and Lower Pines, spots open up on the 15th of the month, 5 months prior to arrival. Logan explains, “I made sure to set calendar reminders leading up to March 15th for our August vacation. As soon as the clock struck midnight, I was on Recreation.gov booking our campsite in Lower Pines. By 12:15 AM, the only sites left were the least desirable ones way in the back by the bathroom. I felt lucky to score a riverside spot in advance.”

For camping areas outside of Yosemite Valley, bookings open up 2 months ahead of time. Samantha describes her experience reserving a campsite at Wawona Campground: “I logged on to Recreation.gov on May 15th right at 12:00 AM for our July trip. There were still vacancies at that point, but by the next morning the only sites left were the ones without any shade. I was glad I stayed up late to book early and get a shaded site near the river.”

It’s important to be flexible on dates if booking as soon as reservations open up. Unless you get lucky, you won’t get your top choice for both campground and dates. Consider widening your date range by a week on either end. The earlier you book, the more date flexibility you’ll have.

Once campsites sell out, your only option is to check Recreation.gov frequently for cancellations. Yosemite has a strict no-refund policy for campground reservations, so cancellations do pop up. However, these get snatched up quickly so you have to pounce immediately. Using the reservation site’s email notification system for openings can help. But given the competition, take any last minute opening you can get.

For hard-to-get campgrounds like Tuolumne Meadows, enter the lotteries too. Applications open in the fall for the next year’s summer season. While your chances are slim, winning means guaranteed access to a campsite.

Yosemite 2023: Beat the Crowds by Reserving Your Spot Early - Consider Lesser-Known Areas Like Hetch Hetchy

Yosemite Valley captures all the fame, but consider escaping the crowds by exploring Hetch Hetchy - the park’s underrated northern counterpart. This glacially carved canyon provides a serene, quiet experience. Danielle discovered it's a wonderful alternative to tackling hordes of sightseers in Yosemite Valley. “We drove up to Hetch Hetchy on a Thursday morning and felt like we had the place to ourselves. Without tour buses and long bathroom lines, we could really immerse ourselves in nature.”

The focal point of Hetch Hetchy is the massive reservoir supplying water to San Francisco. But don’t let that turn you off. Surrounding the crystalline blue waters are soaring granite domes and lush forests. Karen found it just as visually stunning as Yosemite Valley. “Everyone talks about how amazing El Capitan and Half Dome are. But standing at the base of Kolana Rock, buried in wildflowers, with Wapama Falls thundering nearby - I was just as awestruck by the beauty.”

The 8.5 mile out-and-back hike to the base of Tueeulala and Wapama Falls should top your list. The gradual uphill grade makes it accessible for most. The reward is getting soaked in the mist from the two powerful waterfalls. Wendy recalls, “The thunderous rush of water at the falls was incredible. We made sure to pack rain jackets and waterproof everything. It was so worth getting drenched to view the falls from below.”

For those up for a challenge, tackling the strenuous 13 mile roundtrip to Rancheria Falls provides gorgeous canyon vistas. Jeff relished the solitude of the trail. “We’d go 30 minutes without seeing anyone else on the trail. The valley was constantly crowded and noisy. But Rancheria Falls felt like a private escape.”

Visit the Hetch Hetchy Dome for spectacular views across the reservoir to Kolana Rock. It’s an easy 1.5 mile roundtrip hike. The earlier you arrive the better as it's one of the area's most popular hikes. One option is to combine it with the Wapama Falls Trail for a 10 mile loop.

Yosemite 2023: Beat the Crowds by Reserving Your Spot Early - Aim for Shoulder Seasons in Spring and Fall

Beat the peak summer crowds by targeting the shoulder seasons in spring and fall. While the weather is cooler, the lack of congestion and lower rates make up for it.

In spring, melting snow swells the waterfalls into raging torrents. Max was awestruck by the power of Yosemite Falls in May. “Seeing Upper Yosemite Falls absolutely roaring down the valley wall was incredible. Pictures don't do justice to how strongly it was gushing.” The falls typically peak in volume around mid-May into early June before the summer heat tapers them off.

Wildflowers also spring to life, with the valleys blooming in purples, yellows, and reds. Jessica found late April to be the prime time to experience the colorful meadows. “Walking through knee-high grass and flowers with views of Half Dome was my happy place. Early spring brought out so many blooms while avoiding the summer crowds.”

Lodging rates outside of peak summer average 20-30% less. Camping is easier to come by as well. Just watch for Yosemite’s “waterfall season” from April to June when rates and demand temporarily spike.

Late spring snow can cause temporary road closures. While the falls are roaring, sections of Tioga Road accessing the high country may still be blocked. Check the park’s website to understand current conditions before locking in dates.

Autumn brings radiant foliage starting in mid-September along with cooler nights. Brad found fall ideal for challenging hikes. “With highs in the 70s instead of 90s, we powered up the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls with no issues. The fall colors made the valley views even more stunning on the climb.”

Once the leaves peak in mid-October, cascading colors fill the valley. Karen adored photographing golden aspens contrasting with evergreen pines. “Every viewpoint looked like a postcard. Hues of red, yellow, and orange blanketed the hills surrounding El Capitan.”

Beware of an early snowfall closing Tioga Road. Make sure any high country hiking happens in September or early October before the snow flies. Check conditions and have backup plans in case roads get shut down earlier than expected.

Yosemite 2023: Beat the Crowds by Reserving Your Spot Early - Weekdays Are Less Crowded Than Weekends

For a more relaxed Yosemite experience, try to visit on weekdays when the park is significantly less crowded. Sam recounts her trip during a Tuesday to Friday in late May. “After battling crowds in Yosemite Valley on the weekend, visiting mid-week was a breath of fresh air. We had the Mist Trail almost all to ourselves on the Tuesday and Wednesday. It felt like we had the park to ourselves!”

Yosemite traffic primarily consists of weekend warriors from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other urban areas in California. Jessica noticed the difference after wrapping up a weekend backpacking trip. “Exhausted from sharing the trail with hordes of people, we debated leaving a day early. But moving our check-out to Monday instead of Sunday was the best decision ever. It was like someone had flipped an off switch on the crowds.”

Even the most popular hikes feel deserted during the work week. Karen was stunned by the solitude on the Four Mile Trail on a Thursday in June. “I expected to share the Epic hike with at least a few dozen people. But we only passed 4 other hikers in 3 hours. The valley being mostly empty made the massive granite walls even more impressive.”

While weekdays won’t make a huge dent in crowds at iconic viewpoints, they provide a more relaxed experience. Danielle enjoyed meandering from viewpoint to viewpoint on a Wednesday morning. “We could leisurely take photos at Tunnel View without other tourists photobombing. And I could linger at the base of Bridalveil Falls soaked in mist without being jostled.”

Weekdays also mean you’re more likely to snag last minute campsite and lodging availability. Marie had given up hope on booking a campsite for July until she expanded her search to Sunday through Thursday. “Sites that were booked months in advance on weekends suddenly had availability mid-week. Grabbing a vacant campsite at the last minute gave me the flexibility to adjust the trip dates.”

While weekdays help escape the masses, weekends are unavoidable for many. Max suggests booking activities in advance that typically require reservations on weekends. “By reserving parking at Glacier Point, we drove right in on a Saturday morning. We also booked the Mist Trail hike timeslot on Saturday to avoid weekend walk-up crowds.”

Yosemite 2023: Beat the Crowds by Reserving Your Spot Early - Arrive Early, Leave Late to Avoid Rush Hour

Yosemite’s roads were not built for today’s crowds. The main roads into Yosemite Valley - Highways 41, 140, 120, and Big Oak Flat Road - all converge into one two-lane road through the valley itself. The resulting traffic during peak times can try anyone’s patience. But you can avoid the gridlock by strategically timing your arrival and departure.

Rush hour starts building around 9:30 AM and lasts through mid-afternoon from about 2 PM to 5 PM. Danielle got caught in a long line of vehicles around 11 AM. "It took us over an hour just to drive the last few miles into the valley. We were constantly stop and go."

Getting to the park before 9 AM allows you to explore freely before the crowds arrive. Jeff entered at 7 AM to tackle Vernal Falls. "Arriving early let us park right at the trailhead and charge up to the top of Vernal Falls with no one else around. By 10 AM, the hordes had descended and we just missed the crowds."

For a more relaxed experience, enter Yosemite before 8 AM if possible. Karen entered at sunrise to a nearly empty valley. "Walking through the meadows soaking in the dawn light with the granite walls all to myself was magic. By 7:30 AM, shuttle buses were already lined up disgorging tourists."

Once you’re in the valley, avoid getting trapped during rush hour. Marie made sure to leave before noon after getting stuck previously. “After sitting in gridlock for 90 minutes last time, I checked out of the lodge by 11 AM. Missing the worst traffic made the drive out of the valley so much smoother.”

Day hikers should target starting after 3 PM and finishing by 6 PM to avoid both the morning and evening rushes. Jessica began the Four Mile Trail hike at 3:30 PM. "We took our time enjoying views of Yosemite Falls and El Capitan as the setting sun's golden light filled the valley. The later start let us miss frustrating traffic jams."

For destinations like Glacier Point, arrive in early morning when gates open or after 5 PM. Lauren arrived at 7 AM on a Saturday and found ample parking. “Thanks to the early start, we avoided both the gate line and the afternoon mass exodus. We got sunset pics with just a handful of people instead of the usual crowds.”

Leaving the park by late morning or after 6 PM makes for a more relaxed drive out of the valley. Plan to coordinate shuttle rides or pick-ups accordingly. Just be aware that park amenities shut down earlier in shoulder seasons so this strategy works best in summer.

Yosemite 2023: Beat the Crowds by Reserving Your Spot Early - Check Out Shuttle Options Within the Park

Yosemite runs both free and fee-based shuttle services to help you get around the park without a car. During peak season, parking is extremely limited so relying on shuttles can save huge headaches. Even if you have a car, the shuttles let you avoid tedious searches for parking and long walks back to your vehicle. Just be sure to plan shuttle trips in advance since wait times can be long when buses fill up.

The free Yosemite Valley shuttle is definitely the most useful. These hybrid electric buses stop at 21 numbered stops throughout the valley floor. They run every 10-20 minutes and connect you to trailheads, lodging, restaurants, visitor centers, and more. Marie relied on them for her car-free trip, saying “The free shuttles were a lifesaver. We easily got from our lodge to hike the Mist Trail and over to the visitor center. I loved not wasting time driving and parking.”

The Yosemite Valley shuttle operates daily from 7am to 10pm during peak season between June and September. In shoulder seasons, service is limited to weekends only. Check the schedule on the park's website to ensure buses are running during your dates.

Pro tip from Jeff - catch the earliest shuttles before 8am to avoid crowds. He has fond memories riding nearly empty shuttles first thing in the morning. "Sitting in a quiet bus with the sunrise views all to ourselves was amazing. By 10am, good luck even getting on a packed shuttle."

The El Capitan shuttle runs a summertime loop from Yosemite Village to El Capitan. These buses have guarantees views of the iconic granite cliff. Max loved riding the shuttle for epic photos. “Seeing El Capitan loom larger and larger out the window was awesome. I got amazing pics without having to find parking at the crowded trailhead.” The shuttle runs daily from June into September.

For the high country, park at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and ride the free Tuolumne Meadows shuttle. Spanning seven stops along Tioga Road, it’s perfect for accessing Soda Springs, Lembert Dome, and popular hikes like Cathedral Lakes. Danielle recalls barely finding a spot in the Tuolumne parking lot. “I was thrilled to leave my car and ride the shuttle to trailheads. No more wasting time driving around looking for elusive parking.” This high elevation shuttle runs July through September.

Yosemite also offers three hikers’ buses for a fee. These shuttles connect Yosemite Valley to popular trailheads like Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and the high country along Tioga Road. The buses have guaranteed parking at the busy trailheads. Karen loved taking the Glacier Point bus. “Parking was a zoo when we arrived at Glacier Point. But the bus had prime spots waiting for us. And no exhausting walk back to the car after our hike.” While not cheap, the hikers' buses save huge hassles when trailhead parking is maxed out.

Beyond the park shuttle system, Yosemite tour companies like Yosemite Hospitality and Aramark run various private shuttles, tours, and chartered buses. These range from narrated valley floor tours to chauffeured hikes to the Mariposa Grove. Samantha’s family relied on Aramark buses for her trip. “Riding cushy private charter buses ensured we could all experience the sights together. And we avoided driving logistics with kids.” Tour buses provide customizable transportation, often with upscale touches. But make sure to reserve well in advance.

Yosemite 2023: Beat the Crowds by Reserving Your Spot Early - Consider Camping Outside the Valley in Wawona

Yosemite Valley captures all the attention, but escaping the crowds by camping in Wawona provides a peaceful experience away from the masses. Just 45 minutes south of the valley, this historic area features stunning meadows, the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, and the South Fork of the Merced River.

Wawona Campground’s 93 sites blend nicely into the natural surroundings beneath a forest of cedar and pine. Karen reveled in the quiet setting after camping previously in packed Yosemite Valley. “Our site was so spacious and private compared to being packed in elbow-to-elbow in the valley. Falling asleep to the river’s flow was so serene.”

The campground is divided into three loops. The 34 sites in the main loop feature flush toilets and potable water. Sites in the other two loops are non-reservable with vault toilets and river views. Jessica scored a riverside site in the walk-up Wawona Loop. “Scoring a cancellation on the river was awesome. We fell asleep to the water's soothing sounds and stargazed from our tent door.”

Wawona Campground has a relaxed vibe where kids can freely roam and ride bikes. Danielle appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere after a hectic stay in crowded Yosemite Valley. “The kids loved riding their bikes all over and exploring the meadows and riverbank. Wawona was so much less stressful than constantly watching them in the crowded valley.”

Fall and spring are ideal times to visit Wawona with mild weather and fewer crowds. Marie and her husband basked in solitude when visiting in mid-October. “With the crowds gone, we lounged by the river and took long strolls through grassy meadows dotted with fall color. At night the stargazing was just magical.”

The campground is located on the free Wawona shuttle line for easy access to area hikes and the Mariposa Grove. Jeff used the shuttle constantly during his fall trip. “We left the car parked and rode the shuttle all over. It was so convenient for getting to trailheads and the sequoia grove without any parking hassles.”

Peak summer brings crowds so reserve 6-12 months in advance for summer weekends. Weekdays are less competitive. Sam booked just two months ahead for a Tuesday to Friday stay in August. “While the campground was packed on weekends, it felt half-empty during the week. Wawona provided a peaceful escape from the summer crowds.”