Hey y'all!
if you’re watching this video, either the algorithm knows you have been looking stuff about the Yosemite National Park, or you just searched about it.
But even if you knew very little about Yosemite National Park. I bet you have heard of Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, and even the famous tunnel view, right?
So in today’s video I’ll take you to the MOST UNDERRATED HIKES in Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
2021 - 3,287,595
So as expected, it is a pretty busy park. But what if I told you that our favorite park areas were not the most popular ones?
We got to spend 4 days in Yosemite National Park and we explored many different sections that are not so mainstream such as the Yosemite Valley itself.
Our first stop is at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which is the trail head for the Rancheria Falls trail. Either you want to backpack, camp, or just take in the views. I would definitely recommend to add this to your list.
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is about a 40-minute drive from Yosemite Valley. It’s a bit tucked away, but that’s kind of the beauty of it. While everyone is piling into the Valley to see El Capitan and Half Dome (which are incredible, don’t get me wrong), Hetch Hetchy feels like this hidden gem. The reservoir itself is actually part of Yosemite, and it’s where San Francisco gets most of its water supply. Fun fact, right? But here’s the kicker-it also serves as the starting point for some of the most stunning and underrated hikes in the park.
There are a couple of smaller waterfalls you’ll pass, especially if the water flow is high, which is why I mentioned earlier that timing your trip with the water flow is crucial. Spring, right after the snowmelt, is honestly the best time to go. The waterfalls are roaring, the greenery is vibrant, and the temperatures are perfect-not too hot, not too cold.
Now, when you finally get to Rancheria Falls, it feels like a reward. These falls aren’t as tall or famous as Yosemite Falls, but they have this raw, untamed beauty to them. The water cascades down a series of rocky tiers, and it’s the kind of spot where you’ll just want to sit for a while, take in the sound of the rushing water, and soak up the peace and quiet. And the best part? You’re not going to be fighting for a spot to enjoy it because the crowds here are almost nonexistent compared to the Valley.
If you’re into backcountry camping, there are designated sites along the trail, and the area near Rancheria Falls is a great spot to set up camp. Just make sure you have your permit sorted out because Yosemite is pretty strict about that. And, of course, always follow Leave No Trace principles because places like this deserve to be preserved.
Now, let’s shift gears and talk about another gem that doesn’t get enough love: Tuolumne Meadows.
Tuolumne Meadows is this expansive, high-elevation meadow surrounded by granite domes and peaks. It feels quieter, more serene, and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air-literally and figuratively-if you’ve been dealing with the hustle and bustle of Yosemite’s more popular spots.
Now, the trail to Glen Aulin is hands-down one of the best ways to experience this area. The hike is about 11 miles round trip, starting from the Tuolumne Meadows trailhead. The trail follows the Tuolumne River, which means you’re constantly hearing the sound of water rushing nearby-honestly, it’s like hiking with a natural soundtrack. The first part of the trail is relatively easy, with a gentle descent, and the scenery is unreal. You’ll pass wildflowers if it’s the right season, and those granite peaks in the distance make the whole place feel otherworldly.
Both trails are amazing, and I can't wait to go back!
I hope you guys like the video as much as we liked our trip!
It was great hanging out with you today! I'll catch you on the next one! :)
0:00 - Intro
0:37 - Most Underrated Hikes
1:05 - Popular Areas
1:16 - Hidden Gems
1:21 - Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
1:35 - Warning
4:02 - Rancheria Falls
5:00 - Backcountry Camping
5:24 - Tuolumne Meadows
6:39 - Glen Aulin
8:02 - Backcountry Camping
8:25 - Hike to Tuolumne Meadows
8:48 - Tioga Road
9:11 - Shuttle Bus
9:45 - Crowds
10:24 - Final Thoughts
11:01 - Outro
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