The Best Way For Budget-Travelers To Experience Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park in California is one of the most-photographed and most-visited national parks in the United States. Its landscape is majestic, profound, and absolutely breathtaking, and if you've never been there, you're missing out on one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime.
Proudly a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yosemite National Park beckons to be admired from near and far. Millions of people annually travel to partake in its extreme beauty, enamored by its towering granite cliffs, splendid waterfalls that cascade hundreds, if not thousands of feet down their jagged sides, and the giant sequoia trees that are big enough to fit a car inside. But that's not all that's captivating about this world wonder. It's a magical place with an unprecedented history. And, if that doesn't fascinate you enough to go visit this protected and beloved treasure, check out our options for travelers on a budget to make their way around Yosemite National Park.
There are parks, and there is Yosemite
Everyone who has ever visited Yosemite National Park will tell you that in order to get the full-on experience it offers, staying inside the park itself is your best and most affordable option. Yes, you can definitely drive your car inside the park, however, keep in mind there is a fee per vehicle when entering the park. If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else so you can be in awe of your surroundings without having to concentrate on the road, the Yosemite Valley Shuttle offers their transport services for free. That's right, free.
And, let's talk about accommodations while staying in the park. Visitors are provided with a host of several budget-friendly options to choose from. There are three campgrounds within Yosemite Valley that are reasonably priced, whether you're camping solo or coming with a group, and it's the best way to immerse yourself in the park's natural environment. Keep in mind, the campsites fill up quickly, and reservations are highly recommended, but not required. For those who prefer not to rough it in the great outdoors, there are also numerous hotels within the park, ranging in price from extremely affordable, like Curry Village to luxurious.
Activities in the park that are priceless
From backpacking to hiking, the cost of exploring this gem of a national park by foot is absolutely free. If you're someone who loves the water and prefers swimming or taking a kayak or boat out on the parks, you can opt for bringing your own raft, kayak or canoe, or rent one for a small fee.
The sagest advice we can provide you when visiting Yosemite National Park is to get there early, as recommended by U.S. News & World Report. Not only does being an early-bird help you avoid the crowds and grab a parking space before they fill up (if you're driving), but more importantly, it gives you to opportunity to watch how the sunrise reflects off the granite cliffs and waterfalls at just the right time creating a masterpiece of art against the landscape unlike anything you've ever seen, and how the wildlife comes to life as the morning dawns. And, if you do plan on spending your nights within the park, don't miss the reflective sunset displays that light the cliffs and waterfalls up in a fiery illusion. It's one of the most surreal and momentous experiences you'll ever bear witness to.