Get ready to pack your bags and lace up those hiking boots! Yosemite National Park has announced its six fee-free days for 2025. These special dates are your golden opportunity to experience one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world without paying an entrance fee. Mark your calendars for:
- January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
- April 19 – First Day of National Park Week
- June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September 27 – National Public Lands Day
- November 11 – Veterans Day
While entrance fees are waived on these dates, keep in mind that fees for camping, lodging, and guided activities still apply. With free admission drawing in the crowds, you might need a strategy to make the most of your visit without feeling overwhelmed. We’ve got you covered with some insider tips and adventure ideas that help you escape the crowds and uncover Yosemite’s hidden gems.
Tips for Avoiding the Crowds
- Arrive Early or Stay Late: Yosemite’s sunrise and sunset hours are magical and significantly less crowded.
- Choose Off-the-Beaten-Path Trails: Skip the Valley crowds and venture into lesser-traveled areas.
- Visit During Shoulder Seasons: January and November’s free days can be quieter, with winter wonderlands and autumn’s crisp beauty.
- Explore Beyond Yosemite Valley: While iconic, the Valley tends to be the most crowded spot. Head for quieter regions of the park.
Adventures to Consider on Free Days
1. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Located on the quieter northwestern edge of the park, Hetch Hetchy offers serene hiking opportunities. The Wapama Falls Trail (5 miles round trip) is a stunning choice, leading you past wildflowers and waterfalls.
2. Tuolumne Meadows
This high-country gem offers breathtaking alpine scenery. Consider the Cathedral Lakes Trail (7 miles round trip) for a peaceful and rewarding hike. Here is our Guide to the ten best hikes in Tuolumne Meadows area.
3. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
Home to some of the largest and oldest trees on Earth, the Mariposa Grove is a must-see. Arrive early to enjoy the trails and marvel at the Grizzly Giant without the crowds. Beyond Mariposa grove the other hidden gem Waterfall hike near Wawona region is the Chilnualna Falls Trail
4. Glacier Point Road Adventures
If the road is open, consider heading up to Sentinel Dome or Taft Point. Both trails offer panoramic views without the congestion of Yosemite Valley.
5. May Lake – May Lake sits at the center of the park and is a short 2 mile hike up to the lake providing excellent vista views of the Cathedral Range, the backside of Half dome and Access to Mt. Hoffman Peak which is highly recommended climb for these fit enough for the challenge. May Lake never feels like it has a crowd, yet is one of the prettiest scenic winders of Yosemite National Park.
6. Explore Beyond the Gates
Take advantage of nearby adventures just outside the park. Mono Lake and Tioga Pass provide stunning scenery and quieter experiences for those entering through the eastern gate.
7. Winter Adventures
For January’s fee-free day, consider snowshoeing or cross-country skiing around Badger Pass. The tranquility of winter in Yosemite is unmatched.
Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Day
- Arrive Early: Parking fills up quickly, especially on free days. Beat the rush by arriving at sunrise.
- Pack Snacks and Water: Avoid lines and bring your own provisions for the day.
- Dress in Layers: Yosemite’s weather can change rapidly, so be prepared. Of course there is one Brand that was born in Yosemite that might make a great Clothing choice for your trip. Royal Robbins is born for Yosemite Adventure.
- Check Road Conditions: Especially for winter and early spring visits, road closures can affect access.
Yosemite’s free days are a fantastic opportunity to experience the park’s grandeur without the added cost of entrance fees. With a little planning, you can enjoy a memorable adventure and avoid the heaviest crowds. Ready to explore? Let us know which date you’re eyeing for your Yosemite escape!
