With sky-high waterfalls, sheer cliff faces, and placid lakes reflecting and doubling the whole stunning scene, it’s no surprise that Yosemite National Park was first designated a protected wilderness all the way back in 1864. It’s simply one-of-a-kind.
That said, there are still some incredible destination dupes that create a perfect alternative to Yosemite National Park, especially for those who are traveling with pets, kids, or on a strict budget. From other nearby preserves in the Sierra Nevada to surprisingly similar landscapes much further afield (we’re looking at you, Washington), here are five Yosemite National Park alternatives that will feel like anything but a consolation prize.
1. Crowd-Free Dupe: Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA
A 232,000-acre stretch of the larger Inyo National Forest, you know Ansel Adams Wilderness is one of the most beautiful parts of our country—it is, after all, named after one of the best-known landscape photographers in our history. Along with its similar (yet distinct) scenery, complete with granite peaks and waterfalls, Ansel Adams Wilderness also boasts several glaciers and large, placid lakes, along with a variety of trails that’ll take the most intrepid travelers anywhere between 3,500 feet to 13,157 feet of elevation. (Portions of both the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails pass through this beautiful preserve, as well.)
Ansel Adams Wilderness is also conveniently located immediately adjacent to Yosemite National Park, so you can experience the very same area with far fewer other visitors. (National Parks have the biggest names, and thus also the biggest crowds.) Like Yosemite, Ansel Adams Wilderness is best experienced between June and October—though those who make it in July are most likely to witness the epic wildflower blooms in its alpine meadows. Here are some great nearby RV parks to call home base while you explore.
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
- Features granite peaks, waterfalls, and alpine meadows like Yosemite.
- No need for permits like Yosemite’s Half Dome or John Muir Trail.
- Lower visitor numbers and true backcountry solitude.
Selection Methodology:
- Yosemite’s 4 million annual visitors make it difficult to explore without crowds.
- Ansel Adams Wilderness offers comparable landscapes with far fewer visitors and a similar hiking experience.
- Analyzed traveler feedback highlighting the serene atmosphere of Ansel Adams Wilderness.
2. Budget-Friendly Alternative: Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Ancient giant sequoias, whose tall, dense bodies dot the pristine landscape of Yosemite National Park, are one of its greatest draws—and they also exist in droves in Kings Canyon National Park, which lies about three hours south of Yosemite. While the trees in this particular canyon aren’t the oldest in the world, some of them are as old as 3,400 years—which we’d say is still pretty darn impressive. These trees were hanging out even before your great-great-great-great-great-grandparents were born. In fact, you’d need over one hundred “greats” to get that far back in history.
What’s more, although it’s also a national park, it’s a bit less famous than Yosemite—which means that entry, lodging, and other costs in the area tend to be substantially lower. Additionally, Kings Canyon can make for a quickly accessible vacation from several of California’s larger cities, including Fresno and Bakersfield. It’s also to double up with a trip to Sequoia National Park (which we’ll talk about more in just a bit!).
While the summer in this area is, of course, stunning, it also tends to be the most crowded, and the shoulder seasons offer all their own splendor—along with winter sports opportunities for those willing to bundle up. Here are the best local RV parks to consider for your stay.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Shares glacier-carved valleys and giant sequoias with Yosemite.
- Cheaper entry and lodging options than in Yosemite.
- No reservation system is required.
Methodology:
- Analyzed visitor feedback about the low cost of staying and exploring.
- Compared entrance fees, lodging, and camping costs. Yosemite lodging costs an average $200+ per night, while Kings Canyon offers campgrounds and budget-friendly stays.
- Assessed the landscape and geological features for similarities. Both parks have waterfalls, granite cliffs, and diverse hiking trails.
3. Pet-Friendly Alternative: Inyo National Forest, CA
We already talked about Ansel Adams Wilderness, but if you expand your trip to the entirety of Inyo National Forest, you’ll find yourself in one of the very best pet-friendly travel destinations in the USA. Again, this huge swath of forest, which encompasses nearly two million acres, offers many of the same geological and ecological features as Yosemite National Park—but unlike inside the park, your furry friend will be welcome on nearly all of its trails.
And no matter what kind of hiker you are, chances are you’ll find something to suit your fancy. High-elevation lakes, rugged mountain peaks, and more await, not to mention Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48. (This superlative is shared with Sequoia National Park, which, yes, is next on our list!) Many agree that spring and early summer are the best times of year to visit Inyo National Forest, thanks to the wildflower blooms that bring the whole landscape into color, but there truly is something fun for you and Fido to get into any time of year. (Plus, yes, there are some wonderful nearby RV campgrounds to hang out in.)
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Dogs are welcome on most trails, unlike Yosemite’s restrictions.
- Features high-elevation lakes, pine forests, and remote trails.
- Plenty of pet-friendly accommodations nearby.
Methodology:
- Yosemite prohibits dogs on most trails, making it inaccessible for pet owners.
- Inyo National Forest provides a comparable experience with more freedom for pets.
4. Family-Friendly Alternative: Sequoia National Park, CA
Being a kid is synonymous with a sense of wonder—so chances are your kids will have a great time no matter which of the incredible wilderness preserves you visit in America. But Sequoia National Park stands out as a kid-friendly destination dupe for Yosemite National Park in part because its landscape is very similar, and also thanks to its Giant Forest, whose network of meandering trails includes many short and easy options for kids to see first-hand the largest grove of unlogged giant sequoias in the world. (If you think they’re big, think about what it looks like from a five-year-old’s perspective!)
As mentioned above, Sequoia National Park is within a stone’s throw of King Canyon National Park, making it easy to double up on natural wonders with your family—and its highest peak, Mount Whitney, is shared with the Inyo National Forest. In other words, all of these destination dupes are in the general vicinity of Yosemite National Park, which is part of why they offer so many similar features. However, at just 629 square miles (as opposed to the thousands or millions of acres of some of the other wildernesses in this area), Sequoia National park is one of the most family-friendly national parks in the system, perfect for parents who want to show their kids the wonder of nature without becoming overwhelmed. Here are the best local RV parks to call home while you explore!
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Home to Giant Forest, where kids can explore massive sequoias.
- Easier, kid-friendly hikes than Yosemite’s strenuous trails.
- Less overwhelming for families
Methodology:
- Yosemite’s trails can be steep and crowded, while Sequoia’s trails offer shorter, family-friendly routes.
- Both parks feature breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal family-friendly dupe.
5. Outdoor Adventure Alternative: North Cascades National Park, WA
And now, for something completely different.
For most of this blog post, we’ve been discussing Yosemite National Park destination dupes within just a few hours of the original park itself. But for those looking for something a little different, there’s also an incredible opportunity several hundred miles to the north. Tucked in the northernmost reaches of Washington state, North Cascades National Park features steep, rugged peaks and nearly endless hiking opportunities, including some seriously remote backcountry ventures perfect for those who like to backpack and truly get off the grid. You can also tackle backpacking and mountaineering projects like Boston Basin, which offers those who can handle it access to Forbidden Peak’s Western Ridge—which is one of the 50 Classic Climbs in North America.
North Cascades is a bit off the beaten path, but for some travelers, that’s an advantage, not a detriment. Just be aware that backcountry stays do require permits, and it can be a competitive environment to get them. Of course, if you stay in your RV, all you have to do is make a reservation.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Features dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and waterfalls like Yosemite.
- Offers backpacking, climbing, and mountaineering.
- Fewer tourists and a more remote experience.
Methodology:
- Yosemite’s iconic climbing spots and trails attract millions of adventure seekers, making it overcrowded.
- North Cascades provides similar outdoor thrills in a less-traveled setting.
As you can see, you don’t have to go very far from Yosemite National Park to enjoy similar landscapes with benefits like pet-friendliness, kid-friendliness, and lower costs—though those who do want to get further off the beaten path certainly can. No matter where you wind up, RVshare will be there to help you make the best of your vacation while you enjoy these uniquely American landscapes.
