Northside Drive

To get away from the east Yosemite Valley crowds and commotion attracted by Yosemite Lodge, Yosemite Village, Curry Village, and the Ahwahnee Hotel, I sometimes walk the Merced River's north bank west of Yosemite Lodge. Not only is this walk rejuvenating, it also offers many opportunities to capture less photographed Yosemite scenes.

How to get there

From Yosemite Lodge drive west, toward the park exits. Due to the risk of rockslides, there's no parking for the first half mile, but after that you're free to park wherever there's a space. When the spirit moves you, find a turnout and pull over. You shouldn't have any trouble locating the trail paralleling the Merced between the road and the river. There will be photo opportunities in either direction.