Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. With breathtaking scenery, dramatic granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails, it is easy to see why so many people visit each year. Yosemite Valley is the most popular area in the park and is home to iconic landmarks such as Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley View, and Tunnel View.

As beautiful as the valley is, there are so many other regions in Yosemite that are just as stunning and often much quieter. This guide highlights the best places to visit beyond Yosemite Valley, including Yosemite’s high country, giant sequoia groves, scenic viewpoints, and off-the-beaten-path hikes.

If you are planning your route or deciding which entrance to use, the Yosemite Gateways Guide (and grab the downloadable guide here) is a helpful resource for understanding how each entrance connects to different regions of the park. You can also pick up a free printed guide at the Oakhurst Visitor Center as well!

Best Places to Visit in Yosemite National Park Beyond the Valley

I partnered with Visit Yosemite | Madera County, who hosted me on this trip. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click my link, I make a small percentage (at no extra cost to you). This helps me keep the travel blog running.

Best Time to Visit Yosemite to Avoid Crowds

Yosemite receives around four million visitors each year, with most arriving between spring and fall. Summer is especially busy, but it is also when all roads are fully open, and every region of the park becomes accessible. Weekends, holidays, and three-day weekends tend to be the most crowded times.

If you are wondering when Yosemite is least crowded, the answer is midweek and during the off-season. Winter is the quietest time outside the Yosemite Firefall period in mid to late February. There are still ways to enjoy the park without crowds, even during peak months. Arriving before sunrise is one of the best strategies for avoiding the midday rush, especially if you plan to start a longer hike.

Exploring areas outside the valley during the park’s busiest hours is also a great option. Below is a breakdown of each region, including what to expect, hiking trails, must-stops, and more.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Mariposa Grove is one of three giant sequoia groves in Yosemite and the largest in the park. It is located near the South Entrance, the entrance closest to Oakhurst. There is a large parking area at the Welcome Plaza where a seasonal shuttle brings visitors to the start of the grove. The shuttle usually runs from mid-April to late November, depending on conditions. When the shuttle is not operating, it is a 2-mile hike each way.

Once you arrive, you can explore trails such as the Big Trees Loop for a short nature walk, the Grizzly Giant Loop to get up close to the trees, or the Mariposa Grove Trail for a more challenging hike to Wawona Point. The Grizzly Giant Loop is a great choice if you want to spend time among some of the grove’s most famous trees, including the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree.

With its easy access and beautiful trails, Mariposa Grove is one of the best places to visit in Yosemite, especially if you have limited time.

Hiking:
Big Trees Loop: 0.3 miles
Grizzly Giant Loop: ~2 miles
Mariposa Grove Trail to Wawona Point: approximately 7 miles (round trip)

Wawona

Wawona is an underrated gem in Yosemite and a wonderful place to explore if you want to experience the park off the beaten path. The area has historic charm, meadows, peaceful picnic spots, and quiet trails.

Stop by the Pioneer Yosemite History Center to explore the historic buildings and walk across the Wawona Covered Bridge. For hikes without the crowds, try the Chilnualna Falls Trail or the Swinging Bridge Trail. The Wawona Meadow Loop is another favorite and is perfect for an easy nature walk.

Wawona is calm and quiet, with picnic tables and plenty of space to relax. The area is typically open year-round, and during the fall season in Yosemite, the yellow leaves make it even more vibrant. It is one of the most peaceful regions in Yosemite and a great spot if you want to take a break from the busy valley.

Hikes:
Chilnualna Falls Trail
Swinging Bridge Trail
Wawona Meadow Loop

Other attractions:
Pioneer Yosemite History Center
Wawona Covered Bridge

Hetch Hetchy

Hetch Hetchy is one of the best hidden gems in Yosemite. Many people do not realize there is a reservoir inside the park, and even fewer make the trip to this quiet and beautiful region. It is the least crowded area in Yosemite and a must if you want to get away from the busier parts of the park.

Popular trails include Wapama Falls, Lookout Point Trail, and Rancheria Falls. Spring is the best time to visit because the waterfalls are at their peak. If you have limited time, the Lookout Point Trail offers scenic views of Hetch Hetchy Valley, and Wapama Falls brings you right to the base of the falls with a view of Tueeulala Falls as well.

A few things to know before visiting:
Hetch Hetchy has limited hours and is only open from sunrise to sunset. The parking lot can fill around midday on weekends, which may cause delays. Winter snow conditions may also lead to temporary closures.

Hiking:
Wapama Falls – 4.7 miles
Lookout Point Trail – 2.7 miles
Rancheria Falls – 12.8 miles

Glacier Point

Glacier Point is one of Yosemite’s most iconic viewpoints and a must-visit. To reach it, you will take Glacier Point Road, located between Wawona and Tunnel View. This seasonal road typically closes for winter around late October or November and reopens in late May, depending on snow.

The drive to Glacier Point is winding but scenic, with several places to stop along the way. Do not miss Washburn Point for panoramic views. If you want to add a hike, both Taft Point and the Fissures and Sentinel Dome are great options, and especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Glacier Point is directly above Curry Village and offers incredible views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding high country.

Hikes:
Taft Point and the Fissures – 2.3 miles
Sentinel Dome – 2.2 miles

Viewpoints:
Glacier Point
Washburn Point

Tioga Road (Highway 120 and Tuolumne Meadows)

Tioga Road, also known as Highway 120, is one of the most beautiful areas in Yosemite. This high-elevation route is part of Yosemite’s high country and closes during the winter months due to snow. Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road usually close for the season around the same time, typically October or November, but Tioga Road often does not reopen until late May or June, depending on the snowpack.

The road stretches 47 miles from Tioga Pass near Mono Basin, through the Tioga Pass Entrance, and west toward Crane Flat. It offers alpine lakes, granite domes, wide-open meadows, and cooler temperatures, making it ideal for escaping summer crowds.

If you are deciding which entrance to use to reach this area, the Yosemite Gateways Guide (this is downloadable and perfect for trip planning) is a great resource for understanding how each entrance connects to the high country.

Must-stops:
Olmsted Point
Tenaya Lake
Tuolumne Meadows

Hikes:
Lembert Dome – 2.8 miles
Cathedral Lakes Trail – 7 miles
Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge – 1.5 miles
May Lake – 2.4 miles
Elizabeth Lake – 4.6 miles
Pothole Dome – 1.5 miles

Crane Flat

Crane Flat is an underrated area that many visitors simply drive through without stopping. It is located just after the Big Oak Flat Entrance near Groveland. This region connects the west-side entrance to Yosemite’s high country. And if you’re wondering about the different entrances that lead to different parts of the park, check out the Yosemite Gateways Guide (and grab the downloadable guide here).

Crane Flat is home to the two quieter sequoia groves, Tuolumne Grove and Merced Grove. Both are great options if you want to see sequoias without the crowds. In winter, the Crane Flat Snow Play Area becomes a fun spot for sledding when conditions allow.

Hikes:
Tuolumne Grove – 2.5 miles
Merced Grove – 3 miles

Tips for Visiting Yosemite Beyond the Valley

Avoiding Crowds

The best time to visit Yosemite to avoid crowds is midweek or during the shoulder seasons. Winter is the least visited time outside Firefall season, and early spring and late fall are also wonderful. Entering the park before 8am or after 4pm can make a big difference. Most crowding happens between 10am and 2pm, but this varies by season.

Exploring areas outside Yosemite Valley is helpful for avoiding crowds, although Tioga Road and Glacier Point can still be busy during summer.

view of Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point

Weather and Road Conditions

Always monitor weather and road conditions before and during your trip. Seasonal closures are common in the high country, and snow may bring chain controls. Planning ahead ensures a smoother visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Yosemite least crowded?
See the tips above. Midweek, shoulder seasons, and winter are your best options.

Is Tioga Pass open?
Tioga Road is usually closed from October or November through late May or June. For current conditions, call Yosemite’s road conditions line at (209) 372-0200.

How crowded is Yosemite right now?
Expect crowds on weekends, holidays, and throughout the summer. The busiest time of day is generally between 10am to 2pm.

Where are the best spots in Yosemite for views?
Glacier Point and Tioga Road both offer incredible views from higher elevations.

Where can I see giant sequoias?
Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Grove, and Merced Grove.

What is the best area of Yosemite to visit in summer?
It depends on your interests.
Lakes: Tioga Road
Dramatic views: Glacier Point, Tioga Road, Yosemite Valley
History: Wawona
Waterfalls: Yosemite Valley
Trees: Mariposa Grove and Crane Flat

Can you visit Yosemite in winter?
Yes. It is the least crowded time to visit. Always check conditions and come prepared for winter weather.

What areas of Yosemite are off the beaten path?
Hetch Hetchy, Crane Flat, Wawona, and many of the longer hikes in the high country.