How to Avoid Crowdsin Yosemite National Park
Summer is peak season in Yosemite National Park — but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for crowded trails and packed viewpoints. At Tenaya at Yosemite, located just minutes from Yosemite’s quieter South Entrance, we specialize in helping guests discover hidden gems, explore during off-peak hours, and experience the park in a more personal, sustainable way.
Discover Lesser-Known Areas Like Mariposa Grove, Wawona, and Hetch Hetchy
When visitors wonder how to avoid crowds in Yosemite, the answer often lies beyond the valley floor. Tenaya offers direct access to some of the best hidden spots in Yosemite, including:
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias – Wander beneath 500+ ancient trees in the park’s largest grove, without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
- Wawona – A serene, historic area where rivers, meadows, and the Yosemite History Center invite a slower pace and more space to explore.
- Hetch Hetchy Valley – Often called Yosemite’s quiet twin, this lesser-visited corner offers dramatic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails—without the crowds. Perfect for solitude seekers and off-the-beaten-path adventurers.
These areas are ideal for quiet morning hikes, scenic photography, and discovering Yosemite’s peaceful side — far from the busiest trailheads.
Beat the Crowds with a Yosemite 360° Tour
Our Yosemite 360° Tours are led by expert local guides who know the best times to visit Yosemite in summer and how to help you experience iconic sights—without the crowds. These are just a few of the benefits of exploring with a guide:
- Insider tips on hidden spots in Yosemite National Park
- Stress-free planning and transportation
- Unforgettable stops you might otherwise miss
- The chance to find a moment alone in nature—even during the busiest days
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or soaking in sunset views, our guides help you explore better, not just more.
Visit After Peak Hours: “Half the Park is After Dark”
Skip the midday crowds and discover Yosemite from the golden hour to starry skies. Evenings bring:
- Fewer visitors on the trails
- Cooler temps and glowing granite cliffs
- Stunning stargazing—especially from Glacier Point or Tenaya’s forested grounds
As the sun sets, Yosemite reveals a quieter, more intimate side that many visitors never see.
Travel Sustainably: How to Visit Yosemite Responsibly
Tenaya at Yosemite is proud to support eco-friendly travel and sustainable ways to visit Yosemite National Park. Here’s how you can help protect the park:
1. Ride YARTS Public Transit
Let someone else do the driving. YARTS buses stop just minutes from our resort and connect you directly to Yosemite Valley — no need to wait in long entrance lines or search for parking.
2. Practice Leave No Trace Principles
We encourage every guest to Leave No Trace and help preserve Yosemite for future generations. Key steps include:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare – Know trail conditions, bring reusable gear, and pack out everything you bring in.
- Stay on Designated Trails – Help protect fragile ecosystems by sticking to established paths.
- Dispose of Waste Properly – Use designated bins or take your trash with you.
- Leave What You Find – Resist the urge to pick wildflowers or move rocks.
- Respect Wildlife – Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Keep noise down and share the space respectfully.
Tenaya provides on-site guidance and maps to help you hike smart and sustainably.
Ready to Beat the Crowds and Travel Better?
You don’t have to skip Yosemite in the summer — you just have to see it differently. Let Tenaya help you discover where to stay near Mariposa Grove, how to explore responsibly, and how to experience Yosemite like a local.