5 Ways to Avoid the Crowds in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the wonders of the world, but increased visitation is leaving people frustrated with long waits, horrible traffic, and less peace. Here are 5 ways you can avoid the crowds to have a better, more personal visit to the park so you can come home with happier memories and more beautiful photos.
This video was produced in partnership with Mono County Tourism. Follow them online for information and inspiration for visiting Yosemite and the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, one of the most breathtaking regions of the planet. You can also come say hi to me, since I live here! :)
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[@bjanman1]

I lived in the park for three years as an employee and I can tell you that everything he said is 100% accurate and true.

[@rsj.tx4]

Nice

[@hikecamptrekk1540]

Awesome! Do you think I can’t get a job in the store at half dome village?

[@blackholeentry3489]

@@hikecamptrekk1540 Park authorities are currently looking for someone to scoop up bear droppings as a research team from Stanford wants to analyse them for human remains. Seems a large number of people DO vanish without a trace every year from Yosemite (The largest cluster in the USA....according to David Paulides) and they want to at least look at the possibility of bears being the cause. I mean, if I were a hungry bear, seeing all of those tasty morsels slowly hiking around for the taking, I too would be tempted.

[@nevadahiker6661]

Another big tip...Get up early!!! In the summer the sun is up by 6am, and there won't be hardly any people at all until 8am...and traffic doesn't get bad until about 10 am. That gives you 4 hours of having the place mostly to yourself! Also there is a really amazing place just outside the park, and I cringed when he started naming off places, but the "secret" remains safe!!!

[@robertkyle1185]

Would you mind telling me some cool secret places

[@nevadahiker6661]

@@robertkyle1185 Sierra Point is a really cool secret place inside the park. If you google it there is some decent info on it! I haven't had the chance to check it out for myself, but I plan to!

[@Greg-tj8rg]

@@nevadahiker6661 any hikes you would recommend? Anything from beginner to A bit more challenging/longer than half dome

[@nevadahiker6661]

@@Greg-tj8rg Mt Dana is not super challenging, but some people think it is, and the views are amazing! 2nd highest peak in the park. Easily accessible from highway 120. A hike back to Mt Lyell in the high country is pretty challenging. It is the highest peak in the park, and has one of the last remaining glaciers!

[@Greg-tj8rg]

@@nevadahiker6661 cool thank you. I'll be sure to check them out and hopefully I can get some vacation time to go over soon

[@scottca9780]

If the bus company isn't selling "who Yarted?" T-shirts I thin they're missing a trick.

[@richardstory1803]

Brings back the memories, use to live in Calaveras county, and had visited there many times especially in the winter months had the place all to ourselves. loved it!! thanks again

[@stephensingleterry8047]

Watching this video certainly has reminded me of the beauty this area of California has. I lived in Sonora for several years and truly enjoyed being able to pack a lunch and take the short hop over to Yosemite and other various spectacular places. And like you mentioned, being in proximity does provide an opportunity to visit during the off peak season, when the surrounding areas offer some of the most beautiful scenery.

[@skibusch1]

Very good tips! I've spent weeks there; hiked from south to north and everywhere else. Sometimes not seeing people for days. My favorite place on earth!

[@eminmao]

By watching your video, I suddenly will go to Yosemite again, and again! Thank you Josh, for another outstanding video!

[@jenslundinbyh8845]

Those tips does not only apply for Yosemite I guess, I experience that myself on nearly any crowded national park, if you just hike 30 minutes off the common trail you will most likely be alone.

[@CoryTheRaven]

Yep... My wife and I hiked Grand Canyon in August 2019 and didn't see another human being for over 4 hours.

[@RyanLunaPhotography]

"what the crap is this crap"? lol. An answer to the question wrapped into one.

[@luigiguilli9346]

Well thank you!! Great pics!!

[@vccnapa]

Outstanding video... one of my favorite places on earth.

[@welshlad6427]

On my bucket list this place ❤️

[@kenthall2861]

Great explanation. Thank you.

[@CaptainGnarkill]

Solid tips dude. We had a good time despite the crowds

[@bongbongtravels6108]

I took great videos last week when it was snowing. It was magical.

[@rp-stripsrigo426]

I always think that California states is the most beautiful states of USA, mountain, deserts, rivers, snow, beaches, forests, beautiful , I loved , I wish too live there, but is too expensive.

[@vfpfineart]

The Mountains are calling , So I must go!!! :-) great info Joshua

[@phooesnax]

Josh. Excellent tips and photos!! Jim

[@JoshuaCrippsPhotography]

Thank you!

[@otavioleitefotografia]

Great tips! Thanks a lot!

[@Lyrech79]

Thanks for the tips Josh!😘

[@stephensingleterry8047]

Right you are, I lived in Sonora for several years and always enjoyed being able to visit the park during weekdays and off peak seasons. Packing a lunch and hitting the park for an afternoon always tickled my fancy. Sometimes I'd camp over and it never failed that I'd see a car or van with it's door completely torn off by marauding bears looking for yummies. Don't leave a candy-bar in your car! One can't comprehend the ability of a bear to peel a door off a car like it's a pop can.

[@anka48OH]

Devils Postpile....thank you for including!! Definitely going to have to check it out. The basalt reminds me of Abiqua falls in Oregon

[@vistaimagens]

Great tips Josh! Tks

[@mrgreeley6389]

Great video Joshua! We just visited Yosemite for the first time this Summer. What a beautiful place. Although, the valley was a nightmare and we found getting up early was a must.

[@sxbrina_fl944]

Honestly, Im going to Yosemite and we all just need to stay away from crowds and now we know , thank you. 🙂

[@WeNeedRealMusic2]

Instant like on 'What the crap is this crap!' And on top of that - a great video of great tips! Thanks Josh for this invaluable information.

[@sultanalmajali827]

You are very welcome back 😍😍😍👋😀

[@ParOhlson]

Really nice tips. Will be in the estern Sierras in the mid of april. Will be fantastic to explore your backyard.

[@realmakeup87]

Best tip vid a I seen. Thanks

[@photoguy4212]

Sick shots

[@rbento123489]

Thanks for the tips! :)

[@MichelleCoxPhotography]

Great advice!

[@Lg2703]

I just loooooove your pictures

[@svachop]

Thanks for sharing this very helpful information.

[@JoshuaCrippsPhotography]

You're welcome

[@b.lew_photography571]

I would love to revisit Yosemite now that I'm old enough to remember it! I can't wait till I'm able to make time to visit, I want to try and visit each season if I can someday. Also for those who don't like too much of a crowd, don't forget that Lake Tahoe is also another spectacular place to visit! Carson Pass has some hikes with views that are to die for!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Great tips! I vote for a winter trip!

[@sandramorey2529]

This is a very good video full of suggestions that work.

[@hikecamptrekk1540]

I went to Yosemite for 3 days twice last year And I haven’t visited all attractions yet the park is huge. 🏔I love your video is awesome 👏

[@MikeOzen]

Miss your videos! Always so good! Hope all is well.

[@cf3619]

It's beautiful 😍 I'd love to go there one day 😊🌈

[@topspeederalmond]

Thank You

[@TheAlphaSexy]

Stayed in the June lake area and while the drive was still about a hour to get to the base of Yosemite, the views on tioga pass were incredible ! Can’t wait to go back next year.

[@MrCochise71]

Great video. I shoot in Utah and I'm lucky to not have huge crowds. And like Yosemite the National parks are quiet non summer months.

[@Timetravel1111]

Very professional video you are very helpful all great tips get to the point one of the best videos I’ve seen you’re very good at doing videos thank you 20 minutes away from Yosemite park right now

[@jeffreywinters293]

I was working there from may until the first week of September and the crowds were dying down in the first week to the end of august.not as many people on the trails. It is a beutiful park and wanna make a trip back there with my son soon.

[@autofocusrossswansea9362]

Hey J, have you stopped making videos?? NOOOO please, get some more done, yours are always a great treat to watch.

[@Aquarellina]

that was awesome

[@Garyscott7]

Great tips all. Especially YARTS and get your hiking shoes on. The valley is what it is, but a lot of drama and a glacier or two to see along the Tioga Rd. down to Lee Vining. I live just outside the park in Oakhurst and don't even get close to the entrance gate in the summer. It is just nuts anymore and now (2018) days with lighted highway signs that say "all parking lots full". If you have the option - see the valley in the dead of winter after a snowfall and/or early spring after Feb and before late May. Depending on the weather in that year spring bursts out of her sleep in just a day or two, if you happen to be there at the right time. P.S. If the park is full up (or even if it isn't) - a local secret is Beasore Rd up from Bass Lake and the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. An incredible scenic drive with camping and fishing (if you know where to look) that relatively few take.

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

Fantastic photography ! And this is coming from a photographer. Agreed about off peak times, so while it has to be May for the best waterfalls, I'm there before the sunrises (easy when I just sleep in my car, just outside the park) and I'm done shooting by 10am just about the time the crowds start packing in. Then I can come back for the night time shooting at about 10pm. Won't be too tired, as I take a nice long nap between noon and 4pm... Crappy light, and huge crowds anyway 🙂 I've shot all over the country, and IMPO, Yosemite is the most beautiful place on Earth 🙂

[@Nualchemist]

Thank you the great tip Josh! I love Yosemite but I haven't explored outside the valley. Your video inspired me.

[@JoshuaCrippsPhotography]

Excellent! Exploring outside the Valley is a must for your next trip.

[@orcaartist]

I absolutely love your videos! In the past year I’ve been getting an itch to play around with landscape photography. These videos are full of great tips. I’m getting all kinds of good ideas and things to try. Plus it doesn’t hurt that the host is pretty cute. Single? ☺️

[@YourPhysicsSimulator]

Please come back, your videos are great

[@christianlebordelais]

Sympa la présentation

[@CoryTheRaven]

Thanks for the tips... We're staying in the valley for three nights in early June... Hopefully that mitigates the crowds, fingers crossed.

[@nurba_nurba]

I just watched your 2014 video, and now i watch this video, and my first reaction was “WTF THIS GUY DONT CHANGE HIS CLOSE SINCE 2014?” 😂🤣😆👍🏻nice videos btw

[@dianeprice304]

I will be going at the end of September will it still be hot and crowded? Great videos! So informative thanks a bunch

[@daviddyer2607]

Top tips. Get away from the main tourist areas - Yosemite is a stunning place. If you are on a motorcycle, watch your speed; I got a $300 ticket for speeding - it was just about worth it!

[@JoshuaCrippsPhotography]

Yes, it is truly stunning. And the more you get away from the crowds the happier you will be. Watching your speed goes doubly for everyone. The number one cause of non-natural animals deaths in the park is being hit by cars. :(

[@harrycha100]

Great tips!!! Thanks for sharing. Can you share the name of the lake and the mountain in the background? If you can share the spot that you are using, that's even better. Thanks

[@ralftee1532]

Please come back

[@joebeard7387]

Hi Joshua, it'd be great to see how you capture fall colours with trees turning into such gorgeous colours, please, Regards, Joe

[@josecolon8143]

Outstanding announcement, you should get paid by Yosemite!!! Their announcements sucks

[@EdithSotoGutierrez]

Great video!! Does anyone know if the shuttle bus is crowded in november?? I've heard that it takes too long to arrive;(

[@angelathomas2117]

Thanks for all that I am hoping to be going to the Grand Tetons at some stage. I live in New Zealand and have always wanted to take photos of the barns on Mormon row.

[@JoshuaCrippsPhotography]

New Zealand! My favorite place. :)

[@GreasyBaconMan]

I have pictures of Mormon row with the Tetons in the background and it is gorgeous!

[@rios12manuel]

great video! wheres the location where you shot the video?

[@masiguru9982]

4th of July weekend. Took 2 hours just to get to the entrance. 2 hours to get to Tunnel View. 2 more hours to get to Lower Pines campground. Yea, never again during peak time.

[@MeganMarieT]

I'm heading to Yosemite this Fourth of July. Hoping it won't be that crowded. Did you get there early in the morning or was it just crowded mid day?

[@Schi8694]

There’s a reason people don’t come in winter. We’re coming in Oct; staying in the valley for four days during the week. Hopefully, that’ll help avoid the crowds some. :)

[@MrFg1980]

1) Go backpacking 2) Go backpacking 3) Go backpacking 4) Go backpacking 5) Hike off the road >1/4 mile ...

[@dherbman]

great vid, comming to Yosemite 2020 summer, campervan, any suggestions where to stay ? father 52 and son17 :)

[@tomcrabbe3259]

We're staying in groveland at the end of August for a week, is there somewhere near there you can recommend going too, good hikes etr? Thanks

[@davidsworld5837]

think we found your new job. take to each place in yosemite park show them how to get to them what pictures you can get and how long it takes there is so many videos you can make on this one location many of us cant afford to go to or for those who can a choice of locations for there next holidays

[@JoshuaCrippsPhotography]

Interesting idea! But I'd prefer people find their own inspiration and let the park speak to them in a personal way. I'm happy to be a guide, but I like people to follow their own vision.

[@josecolon8143]

Professional Photography Tips I agree with david photography. You should make a workshop there!!! Heck you should make a Yosemite course here in your channel so people have the necessary knowledge when they visit! But yes, do the workshop!!!!

[@calmdymon]

Hey Josh! man where are you? We miss you!!!! Why are you not doing anymore videos???? To me you are the best photographer in the world !!!! And i love your jokes ;)

[@sleepyeevee9255]

Your so frecking funny!!!!

[@kpritch2387]

Do u have any suggestions to get clouds rest without driving your own car? We want to park in the valley, somehow get to the back of tioga road, the hike clouds back to the valley

[@danc1197]

Bring a bicycle, you can park your vehicle in one spot and leave it there all day. If you move your vehicle to a different spot mid day than you'll never find another place to park. And traffic will be moving slower than walking. You can reach all trailheads and sights by bicycle across the entire valley in just a few minutes. And once you reach your trailhead or destination you can park and lock your bike and enjoy the trails and sights. Bicycle parking is also a lot closer to the trailheads than auto parking and you will never have to search for an open space for your bike. There's plenty of them. Early spring mid week is the best time to go. Fresh snow melt from winter storms generate high water levels and Yosemite is famous for it's falls so it only make sense that the best time to visit is when the Merced River is at its fullest.

[@ataliapalma1853]

What's the best meadows to go to with no people there? I'm planning to go for my birthday in March by myself and I just wasn't some peace with not a big crowd! Any suggestions pleaseeeee??

[@Mr727db]

Q: If you take the bus in, is there a bus lane that lets busses move faster than the rest of traffic? Thanks!

[@nicolasbertin8552]

I visited Yosemite in mid May and had a great time, even some snow. Having visited almost all the areas of the French Alps, I can say that the crowds are much more diluted in French national parks. We get less visitors per park because of more entrances to the park, more hiking trails, huts, less high altitude roads... Every part of France is open to tourism and known abroad. California sees about 5 times less foreign visitors than France, and yet Yosemite is more crowded in summer than any area of France appart maybe from the Riviera. The issue is that California promoted Yosemite too hard. Yosemite IS beautiful, but is not more beautiful than the Alps, the mountains of Norway, of Tasmania, New Zealand, Russia, Japan... The issue is 1) so many big cities nearby, like San Francisco and Los Angeles, and 2) too many foreign tourists who think that's all there is to see. Yosemite made its attractions too accessible : Glacier Road, the falls, with paved trails (an abomination), Tioga road, all while keeping so many areas wilderness. So like you said, the tourists concentrate on Yosemite Valley because that's what they know from the brochures, the photos, the vlogs... Tourists have this false sense that the national parks is where you'll see the best of the best. I had it too when I visited the US for the first time. That is not true in many areas. Colorado is one of the best examples, like the San Juan, the Sangre de Cristo... No National Parks there. Even Wyoming with Yellowstone and the Tetons has Wind River or Medicine Bow. A friend of mine from Grenoble, who knows the Alps, was disappointed by the Tetons because it's a small mountain range compared to many sub mountain ranges of the Alps. He thought it'd be legendary, and it wasn't. It's just too small, because it was a nightmare to protect, with Rockefeller Jr having to buy so much land to give to the government. Utah has national monuments and state parks that rival the national parks. It's just too much work for a foreigner to look all these places up. I do it because I love off the beaten path stuff and because I know some national parks aren't that worth it. I've seen Zion, it's beautiful, but wouldn't come back because of the crowds and the small size of the park. It's too much. I'd rather go back to Canyonlands or Capitol Reef. Same with Yosemite. I'll go back for Telescope Peak in Death Valley, for the parts of the Sierras I haven't seen in the wilderness areas, not for Yosemite. And I also know that national parks in July or August are a big no no. Plus the US has many great desertic areas you can't visit in summer any way, unless you wanna die. So I'll always visit the US in Spring, Autumn or Winter. Thinking about it, this might be the only country in the world that has this problem. Canada is still fine in Summer, so is France (outside Provence), Italy, Spain, Portugal, Scotland, Iceland, etc...

[@christianmyles6848]

Nicolas Bertin or visit Switzerland and have less tourists because of prices 😉

[@romenhiking8623]

Looking for a guiding service in Yosemite to take my family of four through the park. Any suggestions?

[@derekflanderschang9654]

Go in 2021 and ride the YARTS 👍

[@jasonwei4545]

where is the location that the video was being shot at

[@professorsogol5824]

You suggest using the buses from Fresno, Mammoth, etc. and tell us that the entrance fee is included in the bus fare. Great for those who do not have an annual pass or a Golden Senior Pass. For those of us who do and who might want to visit Yosemite again, do we receive a discount on the bus fare?

[@professorsogol5824]

My question exactly! Ever get an answer?

[@haiderabbas96]

Hi Joshua, I have a D750 (might upgrade to D850 later). I want one excellent lens for landscapes with a standard size filter system like this Nisi 100mm. Any opinions between Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5 G and Tamron 15-30mm f2.8?

[@christianmyles6848]

Haider Abbas go with the Tamron

[@SegalsCareer]

Are any of the places outside Yosemite Valley dog friendly (or dog-allowing)?

[@hongyiqian8616]

more content?

[@JB-xi5ek]

Hi Joshua, have you ceased uploading your super video series?

[@alfredsa-onoy3287]

somehow I'm waiting for new videos content too. Joshua, please do upload soon.

[@jackdaniels2905]

I believe they shot Tom cruises movie oblivion at one of these locations.

[@AdamGbl95]

Actually...arrived at noon on a summer Saturday......with a full bladder and everything blocked off from being full. Couldn't even stop at any view points had to drive back out. So yes, avoid peak times at all costs. Lol🤬🤢🤯😫🥶🥶

[@Manuel0304]

When is a new video coming up?

[@anthonymrbs]

What happened to your videos? This one is a year old.

[@troyjones1826]

Hi Joshua. Would you like a couple guests in February :) lol

[@mrdev9843]

Apart from other "Human's" are there any dangerous animals in this area?? thanks

[@JoshuaCrippsPhotography]

Technically speaking yes, but practically speaking no. There are black bears, mountain lions, deer, foxes, bobcats, and other animals in the park that could potentially hurt you. However, if you follow common sense precautions you are at very little risk. Bears, cougars, and other predators are generally scared of humans, especially if you are in groups, or make yourself appear large and loud. The main rules are don't approach wildlife, DO NOT feed wildlife, and store your food using approved methods. I've spent many many nights alone in the Sierra wilderness and have never had any issues.

[@arashiphotoandvideo]

Through out the history of Yosemite, no people is killed by bear.

[@5tonyvvvv]

Yosemite is a nightmare almost year now! There is people from all over the world that visit today, when I was a kid in the 70s.. it was wayyyyyyyy less people!

[@bjanman1]

The response provided by pro photo tips is also accurate but I alwAys tell people never to hike alone. Something as simple as a sprained ankle can kill you if you are hiking alone in any area.

[@coolnfruity6466]

lol

[@bsimmons00]

My advice for a photographer, head in in the evening to catch the sunset, stay up all night for the Milky Way and then catch the sun rising over the end of the valley. Then bail out as the influx of people flood in during the morning. Speaking of, I'll be there on Friday...

[@Okay_Okay123]

New videos? Please!!!

[@Bejkomut]

It's too far away from the Czech Republic.... but I hope I will be able to visit it. Maybe I sell my kidney......... :)

[@joliettraveler]

My relatives from Slovakia visited several years ago. I am sure you can also. If you go at the right time it is worth it. Combine with other parts of the American west.

[@rollinghillsslo]

Visited Prague last Christmas. Nice time. You can try flying with Norwegian Air from London or Oslo or Stockholm to Oakland, California. Usually cheap, depending on the dates. See their destination calendar. Then drive to Yosemite.

[@DaDoctorJ]

Pro tip: go now.

[@sossoft]

I wanna get married mid September. Is that a peak time period?

[@jayv-in1860]

This is so bad it's good

[@KangHinnWong]

Lol. I saw Malaysia traffic...

[@karanchaudhary5194]

Where are you Joshua!??

[@RyanLunaPhotography]

I think Instagram has probably made Yosemite busy during "firefall" season in February now.

[@JoshuaCrippsPhotography]

It certainly hasn't helped!