Yosemite in Shoulder Season
Waterfalls without crowds and granite that invents new words.
We arrived with open eyes and small plans. Mist Trail and Tunnel View looked big on the map, but it welcomed us in small, kind steps.
We walked, we paused, and we let the place set the pace. Little choices—where to stand, when to wait, who to thank—made the day bright.
Mist turned the trail into a shower you did not mind. Granite stood like patient giants along the valley.
Bikes made the loop easy and fun. We waved at climbers and they waved back.
We biked the loop and waved at climbers. Even the deer looked impressed with the cliffs.
Getting There
Start early and keep plans simple. Ask locals for the best turn or bus. Signs help, but kind people help more. In Mist Trail and Tunnel View, the journey is part of the joy.
Weather changes fast in Mist Trail and Tunnel View. We packed a light layer, a warm layer, and a dry layer. We used all three. When the wind picked up, we moved slower and smiled anyway.
When to Go
Mornings are calm and gentle. Late afternoon light makes photos warm. If it rains, that is part of the story. Carry a small umbrella or a hood and keep walking.
We kept our bags light: water, snacks, a phone in airplane mode to save battery, and a tiny power pack. Light feet made the day feel friendly.
We tried to learn one local word for hello and one for thanks. People liked the effort. A smile worked when words ran out.
Slow Down
The best moments came when we stopped to listen: to water, wind, birds, or a street musician. We tried to notice five sounds and five colors before moving on.
Food was simple and good. We shared plates, traded bites, and wrote down new names in a small notebook so we could order them again.
We took only photos and left only footprints. We stayed on marked paths, used bins, and kept a small bag for any trash that had no bin nearby.
Photo Tips
Clean your lens with a soft cloth. Hold still against a wall or a tree. Turn around—the best view is sometimes behind you.
We ended each day the same way: a warm drink, a look at tomorrow’s map, and a grateful note in our journal. Trips feel longer when you write even two lines.
Parking Zen
Arrive early, or skip the car and ride a bike. It turns the valley into an easy adventure.
We ended the trip tired in our legs and light in our heads. The best souvenir was a calmer pace we promised to carry home.