Beyond Yosemite Valley

Beyond the iconic cliffs of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park unfolds into a vast and varied landscape filled with quieter wonders waiting to be discovered. Follow winding mountain roads to the wide-open alpine expanse of Tuolumne Meadows, where golden grasses sway beneath glacier-carved peaks, or walk among ancient giants in Mariposa Grove, home to some of the largest trees on Earth.

Outside: How to See Yosemite’s Firefall Without the Crowds

Amidst growing concerns about overcrowding, Groveland-based Rush Creek Lodge, and Evergreen Lodge are offering a shuttle for the third year in a row, which includes a guided tour from a naturalist, and dinner to a limited number of participants who want to see the firefall via the Yosemite Firefall Express.