What makes for the ultimate Yosemite experience? Is it all about adopting a zen attitude before entering its vaunted gates? Maybe the secret is exploring the Park outside of peak season when crowds thin and shadows grow longer? How about studying that map to discover the perfect trail with killer views?
The answer, of course, is yes, yes, and yes!
From the obvious to the obscure, and from endless summer strolls to sipping hot cocoa around a crackling winter fire, here are 10 tips & tricks for visiting Yosemite right…
1. Slow Down
When it comes to visiting Yosemite right, 1970’s hitmakers Foghat hit the bullseye when they belted out “slow ride, take it easy.” The land and waterscapes surrounding you — from epic rock formations to misty waterfalls — demand that you slow down and channel their timeless beauty. Breathe in that lush forest for a four count, hold that view across the Sierra peaks for a seven count, and exhale for as long as you need. Ahhhhh.
2. Spread Out
Measuring up at nearly 1,200 square miles, Yosemite National Park is just plain big. Yet most visitors make a beeline for Yosemite Valley and get clumpier than a Sunday biscuit mix. The solution? Spread out and explore! Use our Regions page to discover the roads less taken in Yosemite Mariposa County.
3. Get Map Happy
Maps don’t get a fair shake anymore. We mostly rely on them to give traffic updates and bemoan the dreaded red line. Yet in their purest form maps are works of art. Check out our Discover Yosemite Maps page and find a hidden valley, waterfall-feeding river or Gold Rush town that piques your interest. Bonus points for learning how to read a topo!
4. Find the Right Hike
Incorporating elements of the three previous tips, hiking is the creme de la creme of Yosemite activities. There’s a Yosemite Mariposa County hike for every age and fitness level from graded, paved nature trails with informational placards to riverside jaunts and cloud-kissing wilderness summits. Tighten your laces and find your pace!
5. Farm-to-Peak Dining
With its tradition of abundant farming and ranching, the Great Central Valley is known as America’s Farmers Market. Sprinkle in the fact that Mariposa County geographically connects this cornucopia of tasty food to the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and it makes sense that eating is such a popular pastime up here. Check out our Eat & Drink section to find the right meal on your next visit.
6. Group Dreams
The association between group events and mountain life isn’t always an obvious one, but it should be. Sharing experiences with others elevates the memories we make. From work retreats to weddings and simply renting a vacation house with a bunch of your homies, having Yosemite Mariposa County as your backdrop (and front drop, for that matter) inspires creative thought and forges bonds unlike any other.
7. Well-Seasoned Adventure
With elevations that range from 900 ft in the west to 12,000 ft in the east, Yosemite Mariposa County makes the most of its four seasons. Each offers its own mood and menu of things to do as summer hiking leads to winter snowshoeing and spring wildflowers cycle to fall colors. Shoulder and off-season visits translate to a greater choice of accommodations, often at lower prices. Check out our Special Offers page to explore the latest savings.
8. Make Peace With The Reservation System
It’s normal to have reservations about reservations, but with a little planning and a few “hacks” it’s easy to experience Yosemite. Always check the current reservation system and consider booking a group tour or take regional transit which are exempted from reservations. Another tried and true method is visiting outside of the peak spring/summer months. If summer is a deal breaker then arrive before 5 am or after 4 pm to avoid restrictions. Added bonus? You’ll get to enjoy Yosemite’s soul-stirring sunrises and sunsets!
9. The Great Indoors
Yosemite is indeed the epitome of the Great Outdoors, but its indoor game is equally on-point. With seven museums, locally-inspired art galleries and Made In Mariposa shopping opportunities, adding the indoor yin to the outdoor yang makes for a well-rounded Yosemite Mariposa County vacation.
10. Stay & Celebrate
Camping is fundamental to the national park experience, but a cabin, hotel or luxe resort in one of Yosemite’s gateway towns can be tempting. Soft beds, local food & drink and health spas are just a few amenities that create a comfy base camp for your day trips into the Park.
