Park Comparison
Redwood National and State Parks vs Yosemite
Two iconic parks, different strengths. Here's how they stack up.
Updated
The Quick Take
Redwood National and State Parks
The world's tallest trees stand in groves you can walk through on level trails, three hours north of San Francisco with a third the crowds.
Yosemite
Granite cliffs rise 3,000 feet, seasonal waterfalls drop half a mile, and giant sequoias reach into the Sierra sky in this iconic valley.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
Redwood National and State Parks sees less than half the visitors Yosemite gets, which translates to a noticeably different crowd experience on trails and at viewpoints.
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks welcomes 623K visitors annually across 206.2 square miles — about 3,021 visitors per square mile. Congestion is moderate, peaking in July.
Yosemite
Yosemite welcomes 4.1M visitors annually across 1,189 square miles — about 3,467 visitors per square mile. Congestion is moderate, peaking in July.
Congestion is comparable at both parks — the better choice depends on when you go, not where.
When to Go
Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.
Trails & Activities
Yosemite National Park has more trail mileage for exploration.
Redwood National and State Parks Top Activities
- photography 10/10
- hiking 9/10
- scenic driving 9/10
- wildlife viewing 9/10
- bird watching 8/10
Yosemite Top Activities
- hiking 10/10
- rock climbing 10/10
- scenic driving 10/10
- photography 10/10
- backpacking 9/10
Camping
Yosemite National Park offers significantly more camping options.
The Bottom Line
Choose Redwood National and State Parks if you...
- Want to experience Coast Redwoods (Tallest Trees on Earth)
- Are traveling on a budget
- Love old growth forest and redwood landscapes
Choose Yosemite if you...
- Want to experience Half Dome
- Are looking for world-class rock climbing
- Want more trail options (750 miles vs 125)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Redwood National and State Parks or Yosemite?
It depends on what you're looking for. Redwood National and State Parks is known for Coast Redwoods (Tallest Trees on Earth), while Yosemite is known for Half Dome. Redwood National and State Parks is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Redwood National and State Parks or Yosemite more crowded?
Redwood National and State Parks has a congestion index of 3.2/10 and receives 623K visitors per year. Yosemite scores 3.7/10 with 4.1M annual visitors. Redwood National and State Parks is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Redwood National and State Parks vs Yosemite?
The best month to visit Redwood National and State Parks is August, while Yosemite is best visited in May. The different peak seasons mean you could visit one in spring and the other in fall.
Which has better hiking, Redwood National and State Parks or Yosemite?
Redwood National and State Parks has 125 trail miles and Yosemite has 750. Yosemite offers significantly more trail variety.