As the sixth most visited national park in 2024, Yosemite has a well-known congestion problem that should be of no surprise to anyone who visits. While timed entry reservations aim to help alleviate some of the worst congestion, it’s not perfect, and popular areas will always seem overwhelming during the day.
To find some quiet scenes in Yosemite National Park, you’ll have to work for it, though. Anything that is easily accessible will be teeming with people. Which means you’ll need to lace up the boots and pack a full bag for a great trip into the Yosemite wilderness.
But I promise you, finding places in the Sierra Nevada that offer incredible views without selfie sticks, tour buses, and people screaming will make for one heckuva treat.
Find Solitude on these Yosemite Trails
The most famous trails are famous for a reason. Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, the Mist Trail, and the Four-Mile Trail offer hikers incredible access to scenic vistas and receive the biggest fanfare. That said, there are plenty of Yosemite National Park hikes that will wow without the crowds.
Pohono Trail
The Pohono Trail is a bit daunting, and it has various names. Technically, this route spans 12 miles, extending from Tunnel View to Glacier Point. (If you do the entire thing, the recommended route is downhill to save your legs, but you’ll need a second car.)
However, you can do a portion of it for a great day hike.
Starting at Tunnel View, I went up the Stanford Trail to Old Inspiration Point and saw three people in five hours. This 7-mile, 2,600-foot gain hike is strenuous, but the views from the top were well worth it. A far less challenging option is to walk up .33 of a mile above Tunnel View. You’ll reduce the crowds to almost nil and have superb views.
Illilouette Falls
If you’re looking for a less challenging trail, you’ll love Illilouette Falls. Beginning at Glacier Point, you’ll ditch the crowds peering out at Half Dome and hike down at a gradual rate towards one of the more elusive falls in the park. After over a decade of visiting Yosemite, I finally checked this one off my list in 2025.
At four miles round trip and less than 1,300 feet of gain (all on the way back), this is a perfect trail for families with younger kids.
A few things to note on this hike:
- The view is almost the same for the entire hike
- You only have one view of the falls before getting there
- The overlook of Illilouette Falls can be hazardous, so please exercise caution
Lyell Canyon
If you’re looking for a mostly flat hike through a gorgeous valley, Lyell Canyon is right for you! I backpacked this in 2018, and it’s a fantastically beautiful section of Yosemite and the PCT. The first eight miles are flat, before your uphill begins. Unless you are spending the night out on the trail, most people won’t reach the switchbacks.
North Dome
Epic Half Dome views without the crowds? Sign me up. Starting from the Tulomne high country, you can reach North Dome in 4.5 miles. This one isn’t easy, as there are 2,200 feet of gain (mainly on the way back), but it’ll be worth it for unobstructed views of the most famous rock in America.
Chilnualna Falls
Sitting outside of Yosemite Valley, most people probably don’t even know Chilnualna Falls exists! It’s a scenic trail with three falls and none of the crowds of the Mist Trail. It is tough, though. With over eight miles and 2,400 feet of gain, you'll be eyeing the pools to jump into and cool off. (However, don't swim during the spring runoff. It's just too dangerous.)
Where to Stay on Your Yosemite Trip
It’s no secret that staying inside the park is the ideal place to be. You eliminate the need to wait in lines to get into the park. You have easy access to the park shuttles and can almost literally step out of your hotel room and start hiking.
But the pickings are slim inside the park, and there are great options throughout the Mariposa-Yosemite region.
On a recent trip, I had a great time staying just outside Mariposa at AutoCamp Yosemite, which is less than an hour from the park’s western entrance. Their property, filled with Airstreams, was unbelievably intimate and welcoming.
It’s also a short 13-minute drive into the cute downtown of Mariposa, where you have ample restaurants, shops, and museums.
Visiting the Area
There were two spots I particularly enjoyed. The first was the Mariposa Museum and History Center, highlighting the Gold Rush and Mariposa’s importance in the region. Learning about John C Fremont, the Miwok tribe, and life 170 years ago was fascinating. The second must-see museum in town is the Yosemite Climbing Museum. I’m a National Geographic documentary fanatic and have watched all of the Yosemite climbing shows. The museum is those docs on steroids!
The museum isn’t big, but it packs a serious punch. It shows the progression of climbing gear throughout Yosemite’s history and highlights the most influential climbers of each generation. The icing on the cake was receiving a personal tour from Yosemite climbing legend Ken Yager, who shared personal accounts of climbing in Yosemite, discussed how it has changed, and talked about how they work with the National Park Service to maintain accessibility for all.
As you head to Yosemite and other public lands this summer, remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles to protect our natural spaces and leave them better for future generations to enjoy.
