Backpacking United States Travel Guide

Well hello, Gorgeous and welcome to my backpacking United States travel guide! So here you are, preparing for the most epic trip of your life! The USA is a vast and diverse country that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and shares borders with Canada and Mexico. And as diverse as the range of lifestyle options in the US is, the country is filled with sprawling, cosmopolitan cities and scenic national parks with incredible hiking trails that make it an excellent though expensive backpacking destination.

From the moment I started my road trip across the USA, I was hooked. This is a destination that needs no introduction, meaning there are so many amazing things to do in the United States. Fear not! This backpacking United States travel guide will teach you everything you need to know in order to have a unique and rewarding personal journey backpacking this amazing country.

In this United States backpacking travel guide, I cover USA road trip itinerary that I personally used, budget travel trips, best time to visit, safety information, and my favorite United States backpacking destinations. Let’s dive right into it!

Vital Information for Backpacking in the USA

Currency: U.S. dollar $

Capital City: Washington, D.C

Population: over 330 million with around 635.000 of those in Washington, D.C

Language: English is the most commonly spoken language across the U.S.

The Nationwide Emergency Number: 911

USA Visa Requirements

U.S. visa application procedure can be confusing. Generally speaking, citizens of most nations must first obtain a visa to enter the USA. Visit travel.state.gov to know what documents you will need and how to get approval in your first attempt.

Citizens of the EU, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore can enter the United States visa-free for a period of 90 days. They will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) no later than 72 hours before departure. Note that an ESTA is not an actual visa for the U.S., it’s a security clearance process.

All other nationals that do not fall within the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a B-2 tourist visa to enter the USA for a backpacking trip. The requirements of this U.S. tourist visa are much stricter than the Visa Waiver Program. The documents needed to travel to the USA under B-2 tourist visa will vary by your country and consulate. You’ll need to complete an online form, schedule an in-person interview at your local embassy or consulate, and pay a visa fee.

Be sure to apply in advance as you may face wait times. Typically, B-2 visas are usually valid for six months, but it depends. Check the U.S. Department of State’s website for more detailed information on your specific situation. If you’re a Canadian citizen, you don’t need a visa to backpack the USA. Of course, there are few exceptions but generally, folks from Canada can visit the U.S. without a visa or pre-authorization.

Where to Go Backpacking in the United States

The United States is very diverse both in terms of its ethnic makeup and its geographic layout. Depending on the state or territory you plan on visiting, you can expect to find a wide variety of impressive landscapes.

NYC is the fast-paced, beating heart of the USA. While not its capital, the Big Apple is one hell of a good time. This global metropolis is home to Times Square, Broadway and the Statue of Liberty, John F. Kennedy International Airport, unique culture and atmosphere, and an overwhelming amount of tasty things to eat.

Los Angeles has no shortage of glamour either, thanks to the film industry and celebrities who inhabit Beverley Hills, the picturesque suburb of Los Feliz and the annual circus that is the Oscars. However, there’s more to LA than famous names, with suburbs such as Malibu and Venice Beach boasting cultural gems.

Best Ways to Save Money On a USA Road Trip

Each state you will encounter on your USA backpacking trip offers up something distinctly special. From the magnificent Grand Canyon in Arizona to the killer surf beaches of Florida and California, backpacking United States provides something for everyone.

That said, the first thing that people overlook when backpacking America is the sheer size of it. The United States is a huge country, and there is a ton to do there. A lot of backpackers only stick to big cities like NYC, L.A., and San Francisco. Those areas are totally worth seeing, and I have put together itineraries for them. There is so much more to experience though!

In a nutshell, the United States ticks all the boxes when considering an epic place to go backpacking: mountains, cities, surf, and sun. All of the ingredients to make an awesome backpacking trip. Now, let us take a look at some of your itinerary options for your USA backpacking trip.

Best USA Backpacking Routes and Itineraries

Depending on how much time you have, there is a wide range of destinations to begin and end your USA backpacking trip. Choosing a general United States backpacking route and itinerary that works for you will help in some of the basic planning on your adventure.

One of the reasons I love backpacking in the Unired States is the possibility to embrace the vastness of this country. While the U.S. is not particularly a popular destination for budget travelers, its vastness means there will be decent practical and economical options for budget travelers.

If you’re a first-timer you’ll probably be tempted to hit country’s major sights – NYC, San Francisco, Las Vegas. But if affordable accommodation, cheap food, and free attractions are what you’re after, then there are plenty of lesser-known American cities that offer local charm, excellent sightseeing at a fraction of the price, rich history, and inexpensive entertainment options.

Whether you are looking for a 2 week USA itinerary or a 3-week road trip across America, I’ve got you covered my friends! Let’s dive in and explore some of the tried and tested USA backpacking routes I have enjoyed.

Here are a few sample itineraries to help you plan your USA backpacking trip:

Backpacking the USA Itinerary – 10 Days

If you only have 10 days, USA Southwest road trip is something I can’t recommend highly enough! Start this road trip in San Francisco. From there, it’s a quick drive east to Yosemite National Park or Death Valley National Park on your way to Las Vegas.

On your way out of Las Vegas, swing by the massive Hoover Dam, then cut a straight path to Grand Canyon National Park. If you want to save a few bucks on accommodation here, consider staying just outside the South Rim in Williams, Arizona at the Grand Canyon Hostel.

After the Grand Canyon, it’s time to explore the famous Antelope Canyon – iconic place long before Instagram happened that now attracts celebrities, brands, and ultimately lots and lots of regular people who want their Instagram profile full of breathtaking photos.

Spend two or three days enjoying the breathtaking vistas of the Bryce Canyon and thrilling hiking trails in Zion National Park.

From there it’s a long drive to Los Angeles, where you can spend a few days checking out the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Don’t miss out on exploring the charming arts neighborhood of boardwalks, and arcades next to Venice Beach, and stroll along the Getty’s myriad courtyards or enjoy vistas from Griffith Observatory hilltop. Base yourself at the USA Hostels Hollywood that offers free luggage lockers, weekly BBQs and laundry facilities with free laundry soap.

If you are short on time, you could end this big loop through the American Southwest here. But, if you can allocate a few more days here, you’re definitely going to want to head back to San Francisco along the California Coastal Highway. It’s not the fastest route to get there, but it is one of the most scenic drives on the West Coast!

Backpacking the USA Itinerary – 2 Weeks

The more time you have to spend backpacking America the better, but this 2-week USA itinerary will give you enough time to really get to know a specific place and some of its little hidden gems. It will allow you a decent amount of time to get the taste of life here in the United States.

Having a 2-week itinerary in the USA will allow you enough time to really get to know a specific region and all of its little hidden gems. You’ll be able to get outdoors, engage with nature and have enough flexibility to mix up types of transportation.

If you so choose, you may even get to see multiple parts of the USA. For example, a 2-week itinerary combining the both Coasts is realistic enough, as is a U.S. backpacking itinerary involving the South and the northeastern United States.

Another option is to focus on a specific region. Should you choose to, you can explore these parts of the country without renting a car and sticking to public transport.

There’s something you should also know though. 2 weeks is the perfect amount of time to travel all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles along the historical Route 66! Of course, this would involve renting a car.

This 2,400-mile driving route will take you through a broad span of America, from large bustling cities through to mind-blowing desert landscapes. Route 66 was one of the first highways in the US interstate system with historical buildings, vintage roadside diners, museums and is certainly the most iconic.

Backpacking the USA Itinerary – 3 Weeks

Some parts of the USA just go together like horse and carriage. With 3 weeks to go backpacking across the USA, travelers can fit 5 of the largest cities on the East Coast in a 21-day trip: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Miami and Washington, DC.

The great thing about backpacking the USA’s East Coast is that it’s possible to make a custom travel itinerary that can be done entirely without renting a car. But you will definitely need one when backpacking in the Midwest and the Northeast. In addition, the East Coast is home to some of the best places to visit and sites to see in the United States!

There are many ways to slice it, but this incredible 3-week itinerary will let you sample the best of the East Coast in just three weeks by train or bus.

Best Ways to Save Money On a USA Road Trip

Start your trip in Boston, the country’s most historic city. Meet a few friends, stroll around the compounds of Harvard University and check out the old brownstones of Newbury Street. Watch people in Boston Common and Public Garden, two laid-back public parks that are adjacent to each other. For a great free activity, pay a visit to the observation deck at Independence Wharf, where you can get some of the best free views of Boston.

No trip to the United States is complete without visiting New York. With countless things to do, places to eat, and hotels to stay at, New York is an incredible city to explore. Head to the top of the Empire State Building, watch the world rush past in Times Square, chill out in Central Park, and take a tour of the Statue of Liberty.

Spend an hour wandering the High Line, a 1.45-mile-long elevated rail track transformed into one of the most unique parks in NYC. Or, just stroll the tree-lined streets in West Village and explore quirky shops, great eateries, and famous New York brownstones, so often depicted in both literature and onscreen. Stay at the Local NYC for rooftop views over the New York from the hostel’s awesome roof deck.

Finish your East Coast trip in Miami. This coastal resort city is best known for its beach for its buzzing nightlife, self-guided tours through the Art Deco District and incredible Wynwood’s murals.

Leave the beach to browse the fine shops at the Bayside Marketplace in the heart of downtown Miami. For your last bed on your USA backpacking itinerary, check into Generator Miami that offers outdoor pool, complimentary WiFi and flat-screen TV at a price that can’t be beaten.

How Much Does It Cost To Travel In The USA – Suggested Daily Budget

The U.S. is definitely one of the most expensive countries in the world mostly due to high transportation and accommodation costs. Obviously, these costs can vary greatly from region to region with prices running highest on the coasts, in the national parks, and in Hawaii. Remember, each US state operates its own set of rules and sales tax rates. These affect the end cost of everything from gas prices to meals. For example, in Montana, the sales tax is 0%, but in California, it’s 7%.

This is precisely why determining how much to budget depends on where you’re backpacking. You’ll find big cities such as NYC, San Francisco and Los Angeles on the higher end of the scale while Memphis, Kansas City, San Diego, and Knoxville are more budget-friendly.

A suggested daily budget is around $70 for groceries, dorm bed, and transport. Travelers who prefer dorms should expect to pay about $35 for a dorm in New York City or Los Angeles. While there are plenty of hotels, motels, and rental apartments in the USA, the country doesn’t have a big dorm culture. Outside of the major cities, you’ll probably only find a handful of hostels, which means your cheap accommodation will be limited. If you really want to save money while backpacking the USA, it is better to search for campsites.

Visiting a specific region of the country, for example, Atlanta, Georgia or Denver, Colorado on a USA backpacking budget of $70/day is totally doable and you might be able to get by on less if you incorporate slow travel into your journey. However, if you want to visit several different parts of the country in say a month or less then you might want to add a bit more.

When to go Backpacking in the USA

To help you find the perfect time to visit the USA during your backpacking adventure, check out my in-depth article on when to go backpacking in the USA. Give it a quick look!

United States Travel Guide to Getting Around

America is an immense country that is well-connected to the rest of the world by air with daily flights operating to and from hundreds of destinations. Flying is the fastest way to get around the country and you’ll probably need to fly if you’re thinking about going from East Coast to West Coast or heading to Hawaii or Alaska.

Flights vary in price and you may require a stopover to get to where you’re going. Be aware that many airlines charge extra for “non-essential” services like a checked bag or meals, so take those costs into consideration when booking your flights. There are many other options for transport in the US other than flying, so let’s take a closer look.

Getting around the USA by Bus

Traveling by bus is a popular and affordable way to travel in the USA. While the USA does not have an extensive passenger rail system, bus companies like Greyhound, Jefferson Lines and Trailways connect major cities with smaller towns and virtually run around the clock. The main disadvantage of bus travel is that it usually takes a long time to get anywhere. At the same time, the savings often aren’t all that great when compared to a rental car or plane.

Of course, there are some exceptions. In particular, budget bus providers including MegaBus and BoltBus have cropped up to service the Washington D.C. – New York – Boston corridor. They have a new fleet of buses with free Wi-Fi access, comfortable seating, onboard restrooms and reclining seats with headrests. Increasingly, there are similar services being offered on the West Coast.

Getting around the USA by Train

As someone who get used to reliable train service, I wasn’t much impressed by regular railroads in the USA. When it comes to backpacking across the USA, I can only imagine two reasons why you’ll want to use Amtrak, America’s national passenger rail service:

The first reason is when you travel between vibrant cities in the Northeast Corridor on the East Coast. Not only there’s a respectable line of Amtrak service that will get you between Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston but also there’s a handful of regional rail networks. These might be helpful, especially when you travel in and out of New York City.

The second reason you may want to use Amtrak is when you want to enjoy America’s magnificent landscapes. Hop on California Zephyr Train, which follows the trail of the gold prospectors who made their way out West, traveling across seven states. Or climb aboard Amtrak’s Vermonter and enjoy the historic towns, white-steeple churches and charming countryside of New England.

If you do want to use Amtrak services, they offer USA Rail Passes that cover three options: eight travel segments in 15 days, 12 segments in 30 days and 18 segments in 45 days. Get to know more about their passes here.

Renting a Vehicle

Like most of the world, the USA drives on the right side of the road.

America is a car-loving nation. Outside of major urban areas where ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have taken hold, public transportation is not as commonly used, developed, nor reliable as in many other countries. In inner suburbs in the United States, most Americans own or have access to a vehicle. There’s a sprawling interstate network that makes road trips an ideal way to see the USA.

You will find car rental companies conveniently located at most airports and throughout major cities and tourist destinations. You will need an international driving license or International Driver’s Permit in case your license isn’t comprehensible to an English-speaker.

Age limit is another problem that impacts many folks backpacking across the USA. Only a handful of rental companies will rent to drivers under 21 years of age. But even if you’re older 21, most rental car companies will impose a surcharge on drivers under 25. One of the few tricks to get around those fees is to join AAA before your trip. Then rent from Hertz, which will waive the car rental young renter fee for AAA members.

Getting around the USA by Plane

Since the US is so big, air travel is almost always the most convenient way to get from A to B. The country sports a top-notch air network with at least one airport near big cities serving direct and connecting flights.

Traveling coast-to-coast across the United States takes less than six hours by air, compared with several days of driving or train travel. Therefore, if you want to see both Los Angeles and New York flying can be your best option.

Be aware that security checks at all airports in the US are very time-consuming. You should arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight.

If you’re a penny-pinching backpacker like me, try and book your flights and bags in advance to save money on airfare. Remember, waiting to pay for your bags at the airport can incur hefty surcharges.

For the best deals on flights, I usually go to Google Flights. But I also make sure to separately check Southwest’s website, as that’s the only place you’ll find their fares. Also look at flights with Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Spirit and Jet Blue.

Backpacker Accommodation in the USA

America is an enormous country with myriad of accommodation options that meet every desire and budget. You will find every type of accommodation imaginable, from hostels in National Parks to high-end hotels that are national historic landmarks, and everything in between. Always plan ahead and book your accommodation in advance, especially during holiday seasons. For more affordable rates, plan to travel during fall and spring and avoid peak travel times.

Hotels

While I love enjoying the comfort of hotels, they usually aren’t my go-to option because they are often expensive and sometimes unfriendly places to stay in. However, while backpacking across the USA you may find hotels to be the only choice sometimes.

Take advantage of staying at limited-service hotels. These are often more budget-friendly and offer money-saving benefits like complimentary breakfast, in-room microwaves and refrigerators, and free WiFi. These hotels often have larger rooms, which is beneficial for folks traveling with a group of people.

Motels

Roadhouses and motels provide affordable lodging for motorists that are usually good for quick overnights. The term comes from the usual placement of motels near highways, benefiting drivers on a long trip.

Normally, motels offer – in contrast to hotels – lower quality and fewer facilities at a lower rate. The traditional motels is a one or two storey building with the rooms opening to the outside of the building and a large parking area surrounding it.

Remember, hotels in small cities may cost less than a large chain motel in more expensive cities where tourists flock, such as Miami or L.A. Motels commonly offer shorter-term lodging, and their overhead is much less than that of a hotel.

Campgrounds

The USA offers a wealth of camping experiences, from primitive backcountry sites to luxury camping in scenic natural settings. Prices can fluctuate wildly depending on provided amenities – e.g. convenience stores, showers, flush toilets, RV hookups (water and electricity), drinking water, and playgrounds.

Basic campsites are often free and offer picnic shelters, tables, and campfire rings. But sometimes to use them you’ll need a permit. Some private and state campgrounds are open year-round and provide an authentic experience in the national parks, forests, and waterways. On average, campgrounds cost around $15-$25 a night. Take my advice: book campgrounds in advance, especially in the high season, as they often fill up fast.

Airbnb

If you are backpacking across the USA in peak season use Airbnb as an alternative. One of the best ways of finding affordable accommodation, and even an entire apartment without burning a hole in your pocket. If not, you’ll make some awesome local friends! Use this Airbnb coupon code for $35 off your first stay at a great property!

Hostels

I’ve got good news and bad news, folks. The bad news is hostels in the USA aren’t exactly famous for reasonable prices. The good news is there are lots of high-quality hostels in the USA. Most will be in the larger cities, like New Tork, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami.

You should know that hostels are pretty much non-existent outside major cities. Thus, oftentimes it is easier said than done in the USA. Almost all hostels in the USA will provide linen, cooking and bathroom facilities. Usually, there will be complimentary WiFi, common area and laundry rooms. The average price of a hostel in the USA is $35 a night, but up to $45 in metropolitan areas.

Where to Stay in the USA

Below are the hostels and budget accommodation options I recommend from personal experience:

Seattle – Green Tortoise
San Francisco – HI Marin Headlands hostel
Los Angeles – Time Zone Hostel
Vegas – Sin City Hostel
New Orleans – the Quisby
Miami – SoBe Hostel & Bar
Orlando – Monumental Hotel Orlando
Nashville – Music City Hostel
Chicago – Freehand Chicago
Boston – HI Boston
New York – Chelsea International Hostel
Washington, DC – Duo Housing DC

The Culinary Travel Guide: Traditional American Foods

Traditional American cuisine was influenced by German, Irish, Spanish, French, and British cultures, not to mention Native Americans. These days, there are a number of foods that are commonly identified as American, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips, macaroni, and meat loaf.

But what is considered American food anyway?

Obviously, one can’t give a definite answer, because it’s like asking what an American looks like or what do Americans eat. There’s no one answer. The USA is a complex melting pot of ethnicities, an amalgamation of different cultures and traditions. And the food across the country reflect that cultural diversity.

From New England red flannel hash in the East to savannah red rice in the South, to smoked salmon chowder in the Northwest, to baja pork tacos in the Southwest, there’s no one American food. It is more like a blend of Asian, Caribbean, European, and native American foods.

Once considered regional specialties, there are many dishes have been adopted and adapted all over the country. No doubt, you will have to look beyond the McDonalds and KFCs if you want to try anything other than fast food. Take your time and find some authentic American food. It is so worth it.

For folks unfamiliar with American food, here are some of my favorite dishes:

1. Chicken Fried Steak, scrambled eggs with cheese and hash browns
2. Buffalo burgers and steak fries
3. Creamy butternut squash soup
4. Mac and cheese, collard greens and sweet potato pie
5. Banana nut muffins
6. Biscuits and gravy
7. Fish tacos with black bean and corn salsa
8. Key lime pie
9. California rolls with wasabi and ginger
10. Traditional roast turkey with cranberry sauce

Best Places to Hike in the USA

I’ve heard it dozens of times – the most beautiful places in the USA can’t be found in cities or towns, but in the countryside. This region offers some of the very best hiking in the world. Perhaps this is due to the many national parks and protected areas that are spread across the USA.

The country offers something for every skill level, from short day hikes to amazing multi-day hikes. Whether you’re an avid rock climber, out for an ambitious day hike, or a seasoned photographer looking for new locations, there’s always something thrilling to lace your hiking boots up for.

From the Everglades and the Grand Canyon to the Rockies, Appalachians, Smokies, and the Adirondacks, hiking trails in the US offer every conceivable type of terrain and exposure. It’s no wonder that millions of Americans and folks from around the world hit the trails each year.

Below are my favorite hiking trails as well as one of the best places to hike in the USA:

1. Tonto Trail, Arizona (Grand Canyon National Park)
2. Teton Crest Trail, Wyoming (Grand Teton National Park)
3. Buckskin Gulch, Utah (Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument)
4. The Long Trail, Vermont
5. Clouds Rest, California (Yosemite National Park)
6. Florida National Scenic Trail
7. Rae Lakes Loop, California (Kings Canyon National Park)
8. Lost Coast Trail, California
9. Cracker Lake, Montana (Glacier National Park)
10. The Narrows, Utah (Zion National Park)

Adventurous Things to Do in the USA

The USA covers a vast territory, boasting a diversity of landscapes from desert to greenery, mountains, and seaside. There’s no wonder that this diversity reflects in the range of activities you indulge in. Throughout the country, there are so many cool adventures to be had that I took it upon myself to find the most adventurous places to travel in the USA. If you’re looking for some unique and adventurous things to get up to in the U.S., check this list I put together for all adventure junkies out there!

Walk the Appalachian Trail

The legendary Appalachian Trail stretches more than 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, passing through many of the U.S.’s first states. Therefore, if you are looking for a gorgeous trail to hike, there isn’t one more worthy than the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Obviously, a “thru-hike” can take several months. So if you don’t have much time, you can enjoy the natural grandeur of the Appalachian Trail in small chunks.

Zipline through the Catskills

Race your buddies, zip down a line and whizz 600 feet above a Catskills along the longest and highest cable in America at Hunter Mountain, NY. The zip line tour takes you through America’s most beautiful mountain sceneries.
After the tutorial, riders are thrown into the proverbial deep end, as the first ride on the tour is the longest and highest cable, soaring 600 feet above the gorge. There are also two more zip lines that deliver a unique, immersive and mind-blowing adventure.

Go Sand Sledding at White Sands

White Sands National Monument is a beautiful place that is hours from any major city in the American Southwest. This is precisely why the entire area is so often overlooked. However, visiting it well worth the effort!

If you want to go sand sledding at White Sands you’ll need to buy a cheap plastic toboggan at the visitor’s center on the way in. Spend several hours having fun zipping down the snowy piles of sand. By the way, don’t forget to pick up a hunk of wax because sand is not slick like snow, so you’ll need to wax the underside of a plastic sled to keep the friction to a minimum.

Paragliding Over Hawaii’s Island of Maui

Live your dream of soaring like a bird in the sky and test your courage among the clouds. Paragliding in Maui is certainly the most sought after adventure activity in Hawaii. The quaint island of Maui is one of the most popular day trips from Honolulu. Maui has a laid-back vibe and is a great destination to live your dream of flying without the rumbling noise of engines deafening your ears.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Carved by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon at 277 miles (446 km) long is one of the most iconic spots in the USA. The place reveals two billion years of geological history and offers some of the most destructive examples of wind erosion. At least two Native American tribes deeply embedded in the history and current culture of the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon attracts 5 million tourists annually, who come to admire the beautiful scenery surrounding the canyon. You can go rafting, camping, hiking, climbing or book a tour and approach the canyon from a helicopter or an airplane or even ride the Giant Canyon Swing.

Swim with Manatees

It has been on my bucket list for years to swim with Manatees in Florida. So when planning the classic USA road trip this was top of the agenda. But, little did I know it was not as easy as I thought! As you may know, various human activities threaten manatee, so they are now protected by both states and federal laws. This means you can’t just see manatees on your own while snorkeling in Florida.

If you are an adventure junkie at heart, and looking for a unique activity, consider booking a trip down to Crystal River, Florida. This is the only place where you can get up close to wild manatees. Folks who come here from mid-November to early March (when manatees flock to the natural springs around Crystal River) can interact with these beauties.

Hike in Yosemite

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park in California is one of the best rock-climbing destinations in the USA. Frothy waterfalls, soaring granite rock formations, and shimmering meadows challenge the adventurers and adrenaline lovers.

While you can soak up the views while walking, driving or riding a bike, I think lacing up your hiking boots is the best way to see Yosemite National Park. Within the park’s 1,200 square miles, there are dozens of Yosemite hikes leading to epic vistas and waterfalls, and shady forests of Sequoia trees.

May and October are considered the best time to go to Yosemite. Spring and fall have the best climbing weather. Often, in the off-season, trails are closed to hazards like falling rocks or ice. In addition, the best higher elevation trails will be covered with snow. That might work for an experienced mountain climbers with crampons and snowshoes, but not for the occasional hikers.