yosemite national park, tunnel view — Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Article Overview: Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

If you love the national parks then this is a pilgrimage we all must make and choosing the best things to do in Yosemite National Park (and which to avoid) is an essential part of the journey.

Old Faithful, meet your old pal, Half Dome. From towering, ancient trees to roaring waterfalls, we’ve got the ultimate guide to the absolute best things to do in Yosemite.

Mountains. Waterfalls. Snowy peaks. Fertile valleys. Yosemite National Park comprises over 1200 square miles of America’s most beautiful landscapes. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Yosemite is one of the most popular National Parks, amassing over half a million visitors during its peak months.

For that very reason, you’ll need to book reservations and apply for permits to do various things in the park, such as staying overnight or hiking the Half Dome. Since your time as a guest will be limited to avoid overwhelming the ecosystem, you’ll want to make the most out of your trip.

We’ve got all the best things to do in Yosemite National Park from veteran hikers, NPS enthusiasts, and folks as wild at heart as you.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Table of Contents: Things To Do in Yosemite National Park

Table of Contents: Things To Do in Yosemite National Park

Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Things to Know Before Visiting Yosemite National Park

Entrance Fees

$35 per vehicle OR if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months I suggest you go ahead and purchase the America the Beautiful Pass (which can be found at the entrance gates to most national parks). This pass gets you into all National Parks, Forests, Monuments, and more including 2,000 sites for free after a one time $79 fee.

Be aware that timed reservations can be required at times so always check the park website for the most up to date information on requirements for entering the park. Information on reservations can be found here.

Guide Book

The Best Guide Book: There’s a lot of literature out there on Yosemite National Park, but this nifty guidebook is the best one available.

Map

The Best Yosemite Map: We can say it until we’re blue in the face, National Geographic puts out the best national park maps hands down. Buy this one and you won’t regret it. Of course this is Yosemite so there are many maps, if you’re planning a big long trip go with this map pack and be totally prepared.

Sunscreen

Use it. Lots of it. Especially this one which we prefer because it doesn’t have any of those harsh chemicals our friend the earth doesn’t like.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Yosemite is in the fall or spring shoulder seasons. Summer in Yosemite is beautiful, but frankly it’s terribly crowded and wildfires are a constant threat.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Planning a trip to Yosemite but haven’t decided where to stay? Here’s our favorite place to stay when visiting Yosemite.

Top 20 Best Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

20. Stop in at the Visitor Center

Location: Yosemite Valley

Why You’ll Love It: A wealth of opportunities to learn about the rich history and flora and fauna of Yosemite.

If you want to dive deeper into the world famous Yosemite National Park, there’s no need to set off on a mountain trail (though that’s highly recommended too!), no just head over to the visitor center to be immersed in the history and ecology of this magnificent park.

Yosemite has a deeply fascinating history that begins with early Native American habitation, goes through pioneer days of the West, and winds up where we are today with a booming global outdoor destination.

Along the way there’s plenty of heroes, villains, ups, downs, and one-of-a-kind stories to go along with this one-of-a-kind place.

things to do yosemite national park — Yosemite Visitor Center | Things To Do in Yosemite National Park

19. Hetch Hetchy

Location: Hetch Hetchy Valley and Reservoir

Why You’ll Love It: Enjoy easy parking and trail access. Less crowds.

John Muir’s once-prized valley now serves as a reservoir and a cautionary tale about man’s relationship with the earth. Today most of us think that national parks are totally off limits to any kind of destructive development or resource extraction, but in 1913 President Woodrow Wilson signed off on something unimaginable today.

Dam Hetch Hetchy! As well dam for water-tanks the people’s cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man.
-John Muir (1912)

Yes, in 1913 President Wilson and Congress allowed the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park to be dammed in order to create a reservoir for the growing city of San Fransisco’s drinking water. The famed conservationist John Muir fought tooth and nail to save the valley in what would be the last great environmental battle of his life.

Alas, Theodore Roosevelt was out of office and the Wilson administration felt the Roosevelt era of environmental protection had overstepped and were eager to unwind some of these protections to support a rapidly growing country and resource extraction industry.

Though the famed Hetch Hetchy Valley, which John Muir thought more beautiful than Yosemite Valley, is now a mere reservoir for drinking water, there are still sights to behold in this area and plenty of great hiking opportunities. This is also a great place to escape the crowds of the busy valley.

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir | Things to Do in Yosemite National Park (shutterstock/Nickolay Stanev)

18. Crane Flat

Location: Intersection of Big Oak Flat and Tioga Road

Why You’ll Love It: Convenient access to fuel and supplies on the way out of the valley. Fun activities and bunny slopes for kids.

Crane Flat is a sort of “last gas here for miles” place in Yosemite. There’s a small gas station and shop you can stop at before venturing further into Tuolumne Meadows or into Merced Grove.

In the winter time, Crane Flat transforms into a place for families to enjoy some scenic camping and fun in the snow. It’s a great place to go if you’d like to venture deeper into the park without leaving some of the creature comforts of the Village behind.

Crane Flat Yosemite Things To Do — Crane Flat | Yosemite Things To Do (Shutterstock/N8Allen)

17. Camp in the Valley

Location: Yosemite Valley, Village

Why You’ll Love It: Fully obtain the entire Yosemite and national park experience by spending the night in the valley. Close access to food, lodging, the falls, and more.

There are an infinite number of ways to enjoy this valley, and you’re sure to never run out of things to do in Yosemite. One of the best ways to really connect to this priceless slice of America’s natural heritage is by pitching a tent and sitting around a fire.

The most popular campground, Camp 4, is located right off the village, and provides easy access to the falls. You’ll enjoy several modern amenities while you’re here, including the nearby steakhouse, amphitheater, museum, and shopping. But if you’re more keen on having an experience that’s as unplugged as possible, you’ll enjoy the pristine views all the same.

Camping in Yosemite Valley is the catalyst behind thousands of family memories, and you’ll surely see why when you decide to make memories of your own here. There is truly nothing comparable to sleeping in the valley under the blanket of stars, and for that reason, camping is our number one pick for things to do in Yosemite.

yosemite things to do — Father and son enjoy Yosemite National Park | Things To Do Yosemite

16. Wahhoga Indian Culture Site

Location: West of Camp 4

Why You’ll Love It: Witness history in the making as Yosemite’s indigenous peoples find new ways to reconnect with their ancestral land. Experience the deep held human connection to the Valley that has existed long before the first white settlers arrived.

As a head’s up, this site is currently being constructed, so plan your trip accordingly if you want to see it. It’s no secret that Yosemite was home to an indigenous population (who were driven out alongside millions of other Native Americans in our country’s founding and settling).

The last indigenous village in the Yosemite Valley was bulldozed in 1969… but that wouldn’t be the end for the village known as Wahhoga. Using traditional building methods and tools, Tribal members recently came together to begin the construction of a roundhouse, which will serve as a base for ceremonies, public outreach, and the spiritual center of the park.

One of the most interesting aspects of this new feature is its construction using traditional methods. You can access this area and check out some of the information posts by hearing just a little west of Camp 4, one of the most popular campgrounds in the park.

You might not have considered this sight on your list of things to do in Yosemite, but how cool would it be see a part of Yosemite in the making? By learning about the seven tribes that call Yosemite home, we can fully realize the meaning and importance of this land.

national parks in december, yosemite national park in winter, half dome snow, national parks in winter — Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Top 15 Best Things to Do at Yosemite

15. Wapama Falls Hike

Location: Hetch Hetchy Valley

Why You’ll Love It: Go over the river and through the woods to a spectacular falls. Make a loop around the Hetch Hetchy Resevoir in this moderate hike.

Wapama Fall is one of many unique sights in Hetch Hetchy Valley. The hike to these falls is a dynamic one, going through a tunnel, around the reservoir, and eventually gaining some 1,000 feet in elevation until returning to where you started.

It’s a relatively easy hike for those inexperienced, but it will require traversing up and down quite a bit. Overall, it’s a great way to experience Hetch Hetchy Valley in a day. If you’re unsure of what things to do in Yosemite, put this at the top of your list to gauge how ready you are for other activities.

wapama falls things to do yosemite — Wapama Falls | Things To Do in Yosemite National Park (Shutterstock/Colin D. Young)

14. Mirror Lake

Location: Yosemite Valley

Why You’ll Love It: Witness a stunning view of two of Yosemite’s famous peaks. Enjoy a sight rarely seen by Yosemite visitors.

If you’d rather not take the chance hiking up Half Dome, consider this attraction instead. Of all the things to do in Yosemite, Mirror Lake is one of the favorites among photographers and artists. While its name implies a sense of majesty, this like is actually more of a small pond, and it dries up in some parts of the year.

During its peak in the Spring, however, as the melted ice caps cascade down the mountains, something magical happens: the still waters provide a mirror reflection of both Half Dome and Mount Watkins. If you didn’t luck out with the lottery to hike Half Dome, why not go for another worthy snap here?

mirror lake yosemite national park things to do — Mirror Lake, Best Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

13. Yosemite Valley View

One of the most iconic views in Yosemite, Yosemite Valley View is a must for photographers. This shot has been taken many millions of times over there years but it never gets old.

Yosemite Valley View features three of the park’s most iconic landmarks – the Merced River in the foreground with Bridal Veil Falls in the background on the right and El Capitan towering overhead on the left.

Accessing the view is easy as it’s located right off Northside Drive on the west end of Yosemite Valley.

12. The Awahnee

Perhaps the most famous of all the national park hotels, the Awahnee has had made guests of queens and presidents alike. Queen Elizabeth II, President Eisenhower, President Kennedy, President Reagan, and President Obama have all lodged here – and you could too!

The Awahnee was the brainchild of NPS Director Stephen Mather who wanted first class hotels in first class parks (Yosemite was his favorite park). Originally opening for business in 1927 (the same year my grandmother was born!), the hotel was designed to blend in with its natural surroundings. The theme chosen was a native american one to honor the valley’s first human inhabitants.

Although it’s seen many iterations over the years (including time as a navy hospital during WWII), today the Awahnee is open to guests like you and me.

Well, kind of. Rates here are not cheap and availability goes fast. Based on a quick search – the hotel is currently booked out three months in advance and the only available rooms in the next five months start of $521/night!

Add this one to your list of things to do in Yosemite National Park even if you only are able to pop in quickly to admire the architecture and see the dining room.

the awahnee, things to do yosemite national park — The Awahnee | Things to Do in Yosemite National Park (NPS)

11. Drive Tioga Pass

The Tioga Road is one that could easily be included a list of the best national park road trips, or the best road trips in America for that matter. This drive is breathtaking and offers visitors many unique vantages of Yosemite that don’t show up in photos as often.

While the road is a seasonal one, usually closing around the end of October and opening at the end of May, the official open date varies year to year based on the amount of snow that has to be cleared. Check this helpful page which tracks the annual openings/closings of Tioga Road.

The road takes roughly 90 minutes to drive at a leisurely pace with official end points of the 46 mile Tioga Road at Crane Flat and Tioga Pass.

tioga pass, things to do in yosemite national park — Tioga Pass Road | Things to Do in Yosemite National Park (Shutterstock/Roman Kosolapov)

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

10. Bridal Veil Falls

As one of the most recognizable waterfalls in the park, this is another great addition to your list of the best things to do in Yosemite National Park. Depending on where you enter the park, your first exposure to this stunner will probably be from the vista at Tunnel View (read on for more on that).

This 617 foot single drop waterfall is breathtaking and also famous for it’s role in the annual firefall festivities when lighting conditions conspire to create a dazzling visual effect.

During the spring this waterfall gushes as the snow melt adds significantly to its normal flow. For the rest of the year the flow is gentle but still impressive.

Getting to the falls requires only an easy half mile hike from the parking area on the valley floor.

NOTE: This trail to the falls is currently closed as part of the Bridal Veil Falls rehabilitation project.

9. Cathedral Lakes Trail

The hike to Upper and Lower Cathedral lakes are both worth the effort as some of the best things to do in Yosemite National Park. The hike is in the Tioga area can only be accessed by car in summer and early fall. The views on the approach to the lakes is nothing short of spectacular.

After starting at the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead, you gradually climb to the Upper Lake. Then you can either enjoy it, turn around, or take a side trail to Lower Cathedral Lake.

Because of the scenery and the “twice the fun” approach to reaching two beautiful lakes, Cathedral Lakes is frequented by hikers, backpackers, as well as horses. Though the trails might be crowded, the numbers do seem to thin nicely round the lakes.

This means you can still enjoy some degree of solitude for your hiking in Yosemite National Park. The NPS has recently made improvements to this area, including more parking, new signage, and trail upkeep.

upper cathedral lake, things to do in yosemite national park — Upper Cathedral Lake | Things to Do in Yosemite National Park (Shutterstock/Tomas Tichy)

8. Tuolumne Meadows

Location: Along Tioga Road and the Tuolumne River

Why You’ll Love It: Drive right up to the base of Yosemite’s tallest mountains. Camp among quiet plains with an incredible view of the night sky.

These gentle meadows are classified as sub-alpine, as they frame the bases of Yosemite’s peaks. Tuolumne is a peaceful and quiet nature reserve whose mild conditions make it favorable for light camping and even cross country skiing in the winter.

These meadows are easily accessible via the Tioga Road, but be warned that there’s limited gas and parking available along the way. While you’re there, consider adding the Parsons Memorial Lodge to your list of things to do in Yosemite. (Pro tip: don’t forget to check out Soda Springs. A small, mysterious crag pumps out cold, sparkling water from the Earth. It’s naturally carbonated, but we don’t advise taking a swig!)

Tuolumne Meadows, Things to Do in Yosemite National Park — Tuolumne Meadows | Things to Do in Yosemite National Park (Shutterstock/Dean Pennala)

7. Horsetail Falls

Location: El Capitan, East Side

Why You’ll Love It: When the conditions are just right, you’ll experience something unlike any other landscape in the world. Easy access via El Capitan’s visitor area.

Horsetail Fall is a dramatic seasonal waterfalls that sprays down the towering face of El Capitan. Seeing the falls from nearly any angle is enough to produce audible gasps and wows from onlookers. However if you happen to get to the park in mid to late February when the conditions are just right you’ll have the opportunity to witness something amazing.

Visitors travel from around the globe every year for a chance to witness this seasonal phenomenon known as Firefall. When the waning light hits the falls just right and paints it fiery red that looks like lava pouring out of El Capitan.

As an added bonus seeing the waterfall is easy. If you don’t feel like hiking around El Capitan, you can see the falls right from the road and visitor center.

Yosemite Firefall — Firefall | Things To Do Yosemite National Park (Shutterstock/Gregory B Cuvelier)

6. The Bachelor and Three Graces (Mariposa Grove)

Location: Mariposa Grove Trail

Why You’ll Love It: See otherworldly Sequioas along a path carved out by Yosemite’s earliest visitors. Enjoy a challenging hike that culminates at Wawona Point

The lower trails are actually pretty easy and breathtaking in their own right (plus, they’re wheelchair accessible). But if you’d like to see some beloved old characters like The Bachelor and Three Graces, the Clothespin, or the Faithful Couple, you’ll need to put on your best hiking boots and tackle a more advanced trail.

While this trail is certainly romantic, it’s not for the faint of heart. To access it, head to the arrival area of Mariposa Grove. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the “big loop” before you head deeper into the forest.

Keep an eye out for famous landmarks and trees- they’ll also serve as an indicator for your progress along the trail. The deeper you head, the steeper it’ll be. But by your midway point in this 4-6 hour hike, you’ll be ushered in to Wawona Point by the honorable Bachelor, making this one of the most memorable things to do in Yosemite.

Top 5 Best Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

5. Half Dome

Location: Northeast of Merced River

Why You’ll Love It: Climb one of Yosemite’s highest peaks, once termed “perfectly inaccessible” by one of the park’s founders. See one of Yosemite’s most recognizable and cherished views.

To be able to hike Half Dome is a gift-and you may want to remind yourself of this on the way up. To hike this mountain, you’ll need to enter a lottery to gain the required permit. Only 200 some hikers are allowed up the summit each day, and of those 200, several are required to be rescued by park staff.

This hike is by no means easy, although you will have the assistance of cables towards the top. The incredible view, however, at 4,000 feet above the valley certainly pays off. Aside from Glacier Point or Tunnel View, you’ll get one of the best comprehensive views of the park from here, making it one of many worthy things to do in Yosemite.

For more read everything you need to know about hiking Half Dome.

4. Tunnel View

Location: Wawona Road

Why You’ll Love It: Gaze upon the iconic panorama of Yosemite National Park that’s been featured in countless paintings and artworks. Take in the entire breadth and majesty of Yosemite’s valley and three mountains.

Tunnel View takes a well earned spot towards the top of the list of best things to do in Yosemite. Its name might imply a limited view, but any park enthusiast knows that’s not the case. After heading along Wawona Road and coming through the tunnel, you’ll reach this famous viewpoint known as Tunnel View.

The panoramic view showcases the glittering Yosemite Valley, framed by El Capitan on the left, Bridal Veil Falls on the right, and the glacier carved Half Dome right in between. The view is nothing short of legendary, and has been described as perhaps the best view in all of the national parks.

us national parks ranked, yosemite valley — Tunnel View in Winter | Things To Do Yosemite

3. Yosemite Falls

Location: Yosemite Valley

Why You’ll Love It: Check this world record waterfall off your bucket list. Establish a good base for the rest of your adventures in the park.

When looking at the top things to do in Yosemite, you’re sure to find its iconic falls. If Yosemite had a marquis, it’d certainly be the featured player. This triple stacked fall standing at 2,425 feet is certainly breathtaking, but keep in mind there are hundreds of other incredible falls to see, including one that… glows?!

Regardless of your schedule, or how many times you’ve visited, you’ll be wowed by this spectacularly tall waterfall.

One of the best ways to appreciate the falls is to head to Yosemite Village. Here, you can find lodging, a bite to eat at the year round steakhouse, and take a shuttle to other areas of the park.

You’ll remain in close proximity to the falls and be able to take advantage of guided tours and hikes, making this area a great base camp for your adventures. Did we mention how stunning the Valley Lodge is?

Its towering glass windows and rustic cabin feel makes it the perfect place to enjoy the comforts of heating and AC without losing that rustic national park feel.

2. El Capitan

Location: Yosemite Valley

Why You’ll Love It: Engage your senses with this towering giant that serves as the quiet backdrop to a valley teeming with wildlife. Challenge yourself to one of the most strenuous hikes for experienced rock climbers.

El Capitan: you can’t miss it. Not only because it’s such a revered destination in the park, but because it’s so massive, you literally can’t miss it! You’ll find that amongst the diverse and numerous hikes you can take in the park, El Capitan serves as either a waypoint or stop along the way.

This mountain is easily visible and accessible from the Valley. At nearly 3,000 feet tall, it’s hard not to be. In fact, Mariposa County says in their guide of the majestic summit that it’s 2.5x the size of the Empire State Building, and has even moved many a first time visitor to tears.

If you put anything on a list of things to do in Yosemite National Park, make viewing this splendid sight one of them.

1. Glacier Point

Location: South of Yosemite Valley

Why You’ll Love It: Gain a comprehensive view of waterfalls, peaks, and more through a rewarding hike. Experience the summit that is consistently one of the most popular things to do in Yosemite.

If you manage to find your way to Glacier Point, you’ll be rewarded with a commanding view of the Yosemite in all its glory. It’s here in the high country where you can truly appreciate why John Muir considered this place the grandest temple on earth.

The views from Glacier Point are widely considered among the most fantastic in the world. Take your time and soak it all in.

glacier point yosemite things to do — Glacier Point | Yosemite National Park Things To Do (Shutterstock/f11photo)

For Purple Mountain Majesty

Yosemite is the poster child of America’s national parks. The views are nothing short of remarkable, and the park itself is home to a number of unique and unusual sights rarely found anywhere else in the world. You can spend lots of time planning out an itinerary, but make room for the unexpected.

One secret park rangers won’t tell you? Some attractions are more than meets the eye- if you’re willing to venture off trail. Take Chilualna Falls for example. It’s said that if you meander your way around the falls, you’ll catch a glimpse of three glittering pools deep within the mountain.

Accessing these pools can be dangerous for the inexperienced, and for that reason, rangers warn against climbing to view pools in larger falls, like the namesake ones. But the sight is surely breathtaking, and a bountiful reward for a long hike.

tunnel view yosemite national park california

Yosemite National Park Itinerary (2 Days)

Day 1

Start your first day early and head to Yosemite Valley, the heart of the park.
Drive or take the shuttle to Tunnel View, one of the most iconic and photographed viewpoints in the park. Take in the stunning panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.
Drive up to Glacier Point, another incredible viewpoint, and take a short hike to Sentinel Dome for even more breathtaking views of the area.
Drive back down to Yosemite Valley and have lunch at one of the picnic areas or restaurants in the valley.
Spend the afternoon exploring Yosemite Valley. Walk or bike the Valley Loop Trail, which takes you past landmarks such as El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the Merced River. You can also visit the Ansel Adams Gallery or the Yosemite Museum to learn more about the park’s history and culture.
In the evening, attend a ranger program or stargaze at one of the park’s designated stargazing locations.

Day 2

Start your second day by hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. This is a challenging 7.2-mile round trip hike that rewards you with stunning views of two of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls.
After the hike, take a dip in the Merced River at one of the park’s swimming areas, such as the beach at Sentinel Beach or the swimming hole at Happy Isles.
Have lunch at one of the park’s picnic areas or restaurants.
Spend the afternoon exploring the park’s high country. Drive or take the shuttle to Tuolumne Meadows, where you can hike the easy 2.5-mile round trip trail to Dog Lake or take a longer hike to Cathedral Lakes.
End the day with a sunset picnic at Olmsted Point, where you can take in the stunning views of Tenaya Canyon and the surrounding mountains.

Map of the Best Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Summary of the Best Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

Glacier Point
El Capitan
Yosemite Falls
Tunnel View
Half Dome
Mariposa Grove
Horsetail Falls
Tuolumne Meadows
Mirror Lake
Cathedral Lakes Trail
Bridal Veil Falls
Tioga Pass
The Awahnee
Yosemite Valley View
Wapama Falls
Wahhoga Indian Culture Site
Camp in the Valley
Crane Flat
Hetch Hetchy
Visitor Center

Pin the Best Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

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Why Trust Us About the Best Things to Do in Yosemite National Park?

We’re Will Pattiz and Jim Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.

We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.

Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.

We set out to create a stunning film on the absolute best things to do in New River Gorge National Park and along the way learned a great deal that we’re sharing here.

If you’d like to follow along our journey we’d be delighted to have you!

pattiz brothers new river gorge national park — The Pattiz Brothers of More Than Just Parks (left: Jim, right: Will)

FAQ – Things to Do in Yosemite National Park

What are the best things to do in Yosemite National Park?

The top 3 things to do in Yosemite are Glacier Point, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

How many days do I need at Yosemite?

You need a minimum of one day at Yosemite to see most of the top attractions but three is recommended for an optimal, easy going stay.

What is the best month to visit Yosemite?

May and September are the best months to visit Yosemite to see the park in a beautiful season and to beat the crowds.

Tips for Visiting Yosemite National Park (or any national park)

Permit Systems and Reservations

Check to see if the national park you’re visiting has a permit or reservation system in place before visiting. As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year.

Popular national parks with reservation systems of some kind include Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches, Acadia, Denali, and more.

Want Less Crowds? Try a National Forest!

Try visiting a national forest while you’re on your trip to avoid the crowds. There are 155 national forests in America, many of which are equally as beautiful as the national parks they neighbor and only see a fraction of the visitors.

For example, try the Flathead National Forest next to Glacier National Park, the Bridger-Teton next to Grand Teton, and the Dixie which borders nearly all of the Utah National Parks.

Practice Safety, Seriously

National parks are amazing but wild places so it is essential to practice basic safety while visiting them. Every year people die while vacationing in national parks. This is easily avoided by:

Sticking to trails
Checking the weather before going out on a hike
Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators
Avoid ledges with steep drop offs