Yosemite is one of the most visited national parks in the country, and for good reason — the views are jaw-dropping, the trails unforgettable, and the wildlife plentiful. But with all that beauty comes the crowds, especially during peak season and hours. The good news? Some of the best Yosemite moments happen outside those busy hours — and if you enter before 6 a.m. or after 2 p.m., you won’t even need a peak hours reservation.
Here’s how to make the most of Yosemite in the early morning and evening — when the park is quieter, cooler, and in many ways, even more magical.
Catch a Sunrise You’ll Never Forget
Waking up before dawn might sound rough, but one look at sunrise over Half Dome or Tunnel View and you’ll be glad you did. Early mornings in Yosemite are peaceful, with fewer people on the road, empty parking lots, and golden light pouring over granite cliffs.
Top sunrise spots (click here for sunrise times in Yosemite Valley):
- Tunnel View
- Glacier Point
- Valley View (for reflections in the Merced River)
Bonus: Wildlife is more active in the early morning, so you might spot deer, coyotes, or even a bear — just be sure to keep a safe distance.
Picnic at Dusk by the Merced River
Skip the crowded midday lunch scene and enjoy an early evening picnic by the river. Grab food to-go in Yosemite Village and head to a quiet spot like Cathedral Beach or Swinging Bridge for a peaceful, scenic meal. The light is perfect for photos, and the Valley becomes still and serene.
Stay Late for Sunset (and Stars)
After 4 p.m., the day-trippers start heading home — and that’s your cue to explore the park in the golden hour light. Sunset at spots like Taft Point or Sentinel Dome is absolutely breathtaking, with soft hues washing over the granite and sky.
And once the sun sets? Stick around. Yosemite is a Dark Sky Park, and the stargazing is incredible. On a clear night, you’ll see the Milky Way arching over El Capitan, constellations dancing over Glacier Point, and a sky full of wonder.
Hike While the World Sleeps
Some of Yosemite’s most iconic hikes are best enjoyed in the early morning before the sun is high and the crowds have arrived. Start before 6 a.m. and enjoy trails like the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall or the Mirror Lake Loop while they’re still cool and quiet.
Be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight for those first few minutes before sunrise, and don’t forget layers — it can be chilly before the sun hits the Valley floor.
Create an Off-Hours Adventure Base
Staying nearby at hotels and campsites like Yosemite View Lodge, Cedar Lodge, or Indian Flat Campground makes early starts and late returns easy — you’re just minutes from the Arch Rock entrance. With comfy rooms, pools, river access, and on-site dining, it’s the perfect base for sunrise hikes and stargazing nights.