7 Tips to A Great Yosemite Summer Visit

Yosemite National Park swings its gates wide open during the summer. From hidden waterfalls to high country meadows, Yosemite Valley to Tioga and everything in between, there are countless sights to see and things to do. Maximum enjoyment during your Yosemite summer escape depends on playing your recreational cards just right. Without further ado, here are seven sure-fire ways to keep your Yosemite summer vibing high.

1. Arrive Early to Yosemite Valley

Carved by glaciers and framed by granite walls and thundering waterfalls, Yosemite Valley is the heart of the Park. Timing is everything. Arriving at first lights helps you avoid peak Valley visitation and secure parking without delay. Walk the Valley Loop Trail as the Park awakens, and you may spot mule deer, coyotes or even a black bear. Bonus: Take the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle, with on/off stops at every major Valley vista. Shuttles starting at 7am.

2. Explore During Off-Peak Hours

Shake things up and and finish your Yosemite day in the Valley. Summer daylight extends to around 9pm; try to arrive to the Valley by 4pm (and congratulate yourself on not being stuck in the line of vehicles leaving the park at this time) and still have lots of time for everything you’ll want to see and do. Bonus rewards of a late afternoon/early evening visit include fewer folks at major vista points, and magic hour lighting as the sunset puts rosy cheeks on the soaring granite faces that surround the Valley floor. Dining options include the Ahwahnee, Mountain Room at Yosemite Lodge (reservations recommended), and The Loft at Degnan’s in Yosemite Village. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle runs until 10p.m. 

3. Venture Beyond the valley

Yosemite is more than the Valley. Start your day “outside” of the Valley by visiting Hetch Hetchy Valley, Tioga Road, or Glacier Point Road before exploring the core.

Hetch Hetchy: Peaceful and less traveled, this northwest gem offers waterfalls and sweeping vistas. Park near O’Shaughnessy Dam and hike to Wapama Fall.

Tioga Pass: Open seasonally, Tiogo Pass offers high country beauty, including Olmsted Point and Tuolumne Meadows.

Glacier Point Road: Access jaw-dropping views into Yosemite Valley at several locations along Glacier Point Road.

4. Get into a Sequoia Grove

The giant sequoia tree, Sequoiadendron giganteum, can live 3,000 years, and grow towering heights. Yosemite houses three groves.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: Near the Soth Gate, home to 500+ mature sequoias, including the California Tunnel Tree. Stop at the Welcome Center to catch the free shuttle.

Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove: Located off Highway 120, these peaceful sequoia groves offer a quieter, more intimate experience beneath the towering giants.

5. Cool Off with a Swim

From picturesque lakes to rushing rivers, Yosemite is a summer water haven to cool down.

Tenaya Lake: Ideal for swimming and sunbathing just off Tioga Road. Bring a kayak or paddle board along for the day. There is plenty of room to explore on Tenaya Lake.

Tuolumne River: Meanders through Tuolumne Meadows and interesting granite features including Pothole Dome, look hidden cascades nearby the dome.

Merced River: Safe swim spots include Housekeeping Camp Beach, Sentinel Beach, Cathedral and across from the El Capitan Picnic Area.

Wawona Swimming Hole: Kid-friendly and perfect for a picnic in Southern Yosemite along the southern fork of the Merced River.

6. Stargaze on Warm Summer Nights

Yosemite’s night sky is stunning and perfect for Stargazers of any level. The Perseid meteor shower, peaks in August, lighting up the High Sierra.

Top viewing spots: Glacier Point, Wawona Meadow, and Sierra National Park Service Roads near Tenaya at Yosemite. Ranger-let astronomy programs are available at Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley.

7. Join A Free Ranger Program

Yosemite Park Ranger-led programming run from May to October. Don’t miss the 45-minute naturalist show at Curry Village Amphitheater or ranger-guided hikes in Yosemite Valley. Great for families and curious minds alike.

In the summer, High Sierra weather waxes poetic and the kids are out of school, both contributing to Yosemite National Park’s high seasonal visitation. With these seven fresh new perspectives on Yosemite summer travel, you’ll play a winning hand. The confluence of wilderness and tourism can present its challenges. Nature Rules is our guide to traveling safe and responsibly. By visiting with a purposeful perspective on environmental stewardship, we all help to preserve this national treasure and World Heritage Site for generations to come.