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Yosemite crowds in summer

Original Post
D Graham · · Washington, DC · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 972

Hi I'm (potentially) planning a trip to yosemite after graduation (any time between may to the end of July) for maybe a month. BUT I heard about the crowds during the summer and people having to "wait in line" for climbs. I'm from Texas and not worried about the heat during July or August, but how crowded do the climbs get.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Chase Bowman · · Durango, CO · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 1,010

my buddy who is from a town near Yosemite told me that a lot of popular routes are swamped in the summer, routes like "the Nose". but other than really popular routes, it isn't something that will take away from the experience of spending a summer at Yosemite. thats what i heard, ( I've never been there.)

D Graham · · Washington, DC · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 972

Thanks Chase, that is reassuring! Still looking for more opinions though, I thought this forum would blow up with answers from people talking about their Yosemite experience.

calvino · · Sedro Woolley · Joined May 2010 · Points: 425

just go. you will not regret it

there are crowds of people (not just climbers) because it is one of the most famous places in the world and it is amazing

wake up early, do the classic climbs mid week.

have fun

DesertRat · · Flagstaff, AZ · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 196

From my experience, going every June for a week, it is really only super crowded on the weekends.

This year my buddy and I woke up late, drove to Tuolumne and were still the first ones on the Reg Route on Fairview.

We waited in line for the Nutcracker this year, but then again we showed up at 1PM. Everything else there were no lines, didn't even have to wait for Bishop's Terrace this year, which was not the norm. We did have some gear stolen from the base this year though, so be aware of all the tourists looking for mementos (pretty sure it wasn't climbers).

If there is something popular, just get an early start, otherwise there will be plenty of classics open.

mark felber · · Wheat Ridge, CO · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 41

Like everyone said, get up early and stay off the trade routes on weekends. Another option is to have a few routes in mind when you roll up to a climb. If your first route has a line or it looks like a party is moving slowly, climb your second or third choice route and wait for the line to disappear on your first choice route.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northern California
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