These Yosemite Alternatives Are Just as Beautiful — and Much Less Crowded

In 2024, over 4 million people visited Yosemite National Park.

On top of these crowds, the ticketed day-entry system to enter the park, the huge popularity of Yosemite’s campgrounds and the widespread uncertainty caused by the Trump administration’s attacks on National Parks Service staffing earlier this year might have you looking to other corners of California for your wilderness getaway this summer.

Depending on what attracted you to the High Sierra park in the first place — like iconic waterfalls, clear, swimmable rivers, scenic drives or wildlife — you may still find what you’re looking for at these six more underrated spots.

Read more below for some “alternatives to Yosemite” recreation areas within driving distance of the Bay Area that could bring you that same remote mountain feeling — without the stress of reservations or crowds.

Jump straight to:

• Sweeping landscapes at Sunol
• The clear, swimmable Smith River
• The rustic mountain town of Etna
• Scenic mountain drive Sonora Pass
• Castle Crags’ granite peaks
• Picturesque June Lake

Looking for Valley-like views? Soak up sweeping landscapes at Sunol

Did you know we have our very own “Little Yosemite” right here in the Bay Area? At Sunol Wilderness Regional Park, a 4.5-mile round-trip hike will take you through a gorge that’s not unlike a miniature Yosemite Valley, and up close to stunning cliff sides, over babbling creeks and under gushing waterfalls. And you’re more than likely to spot native birds, wildflowers in the spring and cows all year round.

If you’re up for even more adventure, snag a reservation at the Sunol Backpack Campground, just a few miles from the Visitor Center and parking lot, up to a remarkably remote-feeling cluster of campsites. Each site is unique, hidden around rock formations, nestled in giant oak trees or with sweeping vistas of the valley below. Running water is available but needs to be treated, so don’t forget your filter.

Reservations: Make sure to call at least two days in advance — or more if you’re aiming for a weekend — to reserve a backcountry camping spot. You’ll also need a trail permit, which you can purchase online, in person or over the phone.

Love Yosemite’s Merced River? Take a plunge in the clear, swimmable Smith River

No trip to Yosemite is complete without a dip in the Merced River. But if a visit to the national park isn’t in the cards for you this year, consider heading up north — like, way north — to the 140-mile-long Six Rivers National Forest that runs from the Oregon border to Mendocino County, to get a more remote river experience.

Betsy Totten, forest staff officer for the national forest, particularly recommends the Smith River National Recreation Area — the only major undammed river in California — for its crystal-clear emerald waters, which are “ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and rafting.” She pointed to the Gray Falls Day Use Picnic Area for the best fishing and Sand Camp for its sandy beaches.

Or, head to the Klamath and Trinity rivers, which are fast-flowing and best for anyone looking for a whitewater rafting or kayak adventure down rapids, Totten said.

And “keep an eye out for black bears, ospreys, and a variety of fish, including salmon, steelhead, and trout,” she said.

Finally, the South Fork of the Smith River at Goose Creek could be the best bet for families, where clear pools make for a leisurely afternoon float or swim.

Accommodations: While the area is generally less crowded than others across the state, Totten said campgrounds at popular lakes and river spots can fill up on the weekends, so securing reservations in advance may be necessary.

Want that Curry Village vibe? Relax in the rustic mountain town of Etna

When Caleb Agron first went backpacking near the Siskiyou County town of Etna in Northern California, “it reminded me of what I saw in Ansel Adams Wilderness,” he said.

An iconic stop along the Pacific Crest Trail, the tiny Scott Valley community is the ideal mountain town and jumping-off spot for adventures up north.

Situated between the Marble Mountain Wilderness, the Trinity Alps and the Russian Wilderness, there is a wealth of trails and lakes to explore within minutes of town, ranging from short jaunts to moderate outings to extended weekend trips. Etna is also a popular spot to begin any fishing, rafting, mountain biking or horseback riding outing.

And with a population of just under 700 people, the quaint streets of Etna come alive during its annual Trails End Music Festival and The Etna Rodeo, two events that bring in crowds from far and wide.

“Everything is better than you expect it to be,” Agron said — especially the people, who take pride in their friendliness to visitors. Agron and his cousin Stephen Daniel are the outgoing and incoming managers, respectively, of The Bluebird Inn, a relatively new bed and breakfast in an old Victorian house.

The Etna Farmers Market is on Saturdays all summer, and its downtown area features artisanal eateries beloved by locals and visitors alike, like general store-turned-restaurant and distillery Denny Bar Company and Farmhouse Bakery, whose fresh loaves are known far and wide — plus a hardware and sporting goods store for all your adventure needs. And if you’re ready to relax after a long day on the trails, there’s even a spa right downtown. 

Accommodations: If you’re planning on going backpacking, the wilderness areas around Etna generally only require self-issued overnight and fire permits, which are easy to come by. During the rodeo and music festivals, hotels can fill up quickly in the area, but the town of Etna also allows free tent camping at its city park. 

Craving a Tioga Pass alternative? Take a scenic mountain drive up and over Sonora Pass

Instead of waiting in hourslong traffic on Highway 120 into Yosemite, consider a leisurely drive over Sonora Pass instead — and soak in dramatic High Sierra views from the comfort of your car.

“It’s not Yosemite, but it’s still pretty freaking spectacular,” said Liz Grans, economic development director for Mono County.

Amanda Carlson, the county’s economic development coordinator, recommended checking out Leavitt Falls, which is one of many waterfalls flowing near the highway and is viewable from a parking lot and picnic area just off Highway 108.

At the apex of the pass, you can spot various peaks, or keep going for a sweeping view of the West Walker River and Yosemite to the south.

Bodie State Historic Park is a hidden gem of the Eastern Sierra, where nearly 200 buildings of a historic gold and silver mining town — now a ghost town — still stand, including a stamp mill.

“You can walk the streets, and it is just how it was left,” Grans said. “When the gold ran out and people started to leave, and they didn’t have cars, many of them didn’t have horses or carts or anything, so the furniture — their clothing — is all still there.”

Accommodations: The drive over Sonora Pass from the Bay Area takes a full day, so make sure to plan to stay overnight on the eastern side of the Sierra. Bridgeport is the closest major town to the pass, but Mono City and Lee Vining — which offer easy access to biodiverse Mono Lake — aren’t far away, either.

Want Half Dome without the long hike? Scale Castle Crags’ granite peaks

Permits to scale Yosemite’s Half Dome are notoriously hard to come by — and the 14-mile round-trip hike is no walk in the park, either. 

If you’re looking for a similar granite landscape with a more achievable goal, consider Castle Dome in Shasta County’s Castle Crags State Park. Formed around 160 million years ago, the rocks that give the park its iconic “crags” not only feel ancient but are also home to a wide biodiversity of wildlife.

The 5.4-mile round trip is much more manageable than Half Dome, but it’s still quite a trek, climbing 2,000 feet of elevation that brings hikers up and around steep granite cliffs, revealing a full view of Mount Shasta ahead. Most hikers choose to turn around at the base of the dome, but if you’re an experienced climber, you can even attempt the summit itself. 

Don’t forget to check out nearby Dunsmuir along a calm portion of the Sacramento River, with swimming holes and lunch spots aplenty.

Accommodations: The state park has 76 campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $25. It costs $8 to enter the park.

Seeking refuge at a high-altitude alpine lake? Visit picturesque June Lake

If you’re still hoping to head to the High Sierra but don’t want to fight Yosemite’s crowds, try the June Lake Loop, a 15-mile detour off Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra.

With four lakes, numerous resorts and tons of trails, you can escape deep into the wilderness or enjoy a luxurious visit to the town of June Lake, often dubbed “the Switzerland of California.”

Grant Lake, the biggest of the four, is open to recreational speedboats after 10 a.m., while June and Gull lakes are more suited to fishing and paddling. The most remote is Silver Lake, where visitors can grab lunch and go out on a kayak to explore the picturesque alpine environment. Hikers and backpackers start their journeys from the loop to access the Inyo National Forest and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas, including the scenic 3.5-mile hike to Parker Lake.

“Silver Lake is my favorite,” Carlson said. “We rented kayaks and went out on that very same day; there were only two other human beings on the lake.”

Down closer to town, popular activities include trout fishing, biking and boating, plus the annual beer festival every fall, hosted at Gull Lake Park. As far as accommodations go, visitors can find everything from upscale resorts to more rustic spots.

Accommodations: June Lake is not nearly as crowded as nearby Yosemite — or even Mammoth Lakes, which can get extremely busy, especially in the wintertime. Still, be sure to book early for long weekends or peak summer times. If you strike out on finding something in your price range on the loop itself, try Lee Vining or Bridgeport to the north, with even more options to choose from.