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avoid.crowds

"Hell is other people." - Jean-Paul Sartre

Peak Seasons

California population may be growing,
but there not building any more Yosemite's

Make sure you plan your trip & book your lodging or campgrounds well in advance. In this west coast world, 3-6 months is not unheard of.

With the California population nearing 34 million people it's a wonder we don't kill each other faster. Yep, that's right the statistics are really true: One outta 8 Americans lives in California!

This staggering population, plus the increased tourism industry that brings in millions of outta state residents for conventions & vacations, it's amazing the locals can find any secret refuge for weekend get-aways. That what this site, Total Escape, is for!


There's nothing worse than planning a trip, only to fight traffic on your way outta town, stand in long lines & see way too many tourists running about. Enjoying nature shouldn't have to include thousands of other people. Try these helpful tips for avoiding the crowds. Get more solitude & relaxation out of your vacation. Check our Fairs, Festivals, & Events list to know when certain towns & areas will be busiest. sierra maps 

Try out new areas! If you've never heard of it, chances are most people haven't either. Go ahead, explore a little...

Busy Seasons

Summer is definitely the tourist season in California. All the out-of-staters coming in to see the amazing Golden State: the recreation & the sights it has to offer. Summertime is the busiest time to visit the well-known areas such as:

California maps

Best time to plan trips to avoid summer crowds is -

May >

summertime

< Sept

  • Before Memorial Day (last weekend in May)
  • After Labor Day (first weekend in Sept.)
  • Plan your trip to overnight in the National Forest lands adjacent to the National Park. You can do still enjoy the nature and scenic attractions without having to sleep with the crowds in the expensive campgrounds. Plenty of secluded primitive camping & small campgrounds are available in the NFS.
  • California State Parks are very abundant too, often less crowded during the week days and non holiday weekends.

Winter can be the busiest time to visit these areas:

  • desert towns (with spa resorts)
  • mountain resorts (with skiing)

Alternative Ski Resorts
 most popular areas  try these alternates
Big Bear Ski Angeles Crest - Hwy 2 & cross country @ Mt. Pinos, Los Padres National Forest
Mammoth Ski  June Lake, Bear Valley, Huntington Lake, Pinecrest, Johnsville
Tahoe Ski Bear Valley , Pinecrest, Quincy, Mount Shasta

California's Off Seasons

Catalina Island
Off Season = November and April

Grand Canyon
Overall Off season = November and April
North Rim
Closes for Winter. October and April
Before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.
South Rim
Open all year.
Off season = November and March

Sierra Nevada
Overall Off season = November and May
West side
Yosemite Valley - open all year
Hwy.168 - Shaver Lake
Hwy.108 - Sonora Pass
Hwy.50 - Shaver Lake
Hwy.4 - Shaver Pass



Off season = December and May
Eastern Sierra
Hwy. 395 - Mammoth
Off season = November and April

Yosemite
Overall Off season = November and March

High-country / Tulomne Mdws.
Hwy.120- Tioga Pass
Closes in the winter months: October and April

Christmas in Yosemite Valley via the Amtrak train is spectacular way to see the park in its full winter wonderland bliss.

Better Book It Now

This is a list of some super popular California destinations that have limited accommodations.
Total Escape recommends you book early if you wanna spot at one of these prime places, especially in summer months.
Lake Tahoe winter ski crowd, summer camping
Mammoth Lakes winter ski crowd, summer mtn. bikers
Big Bear Lake SoCal close: winter skiing, summer camps
Mount Tamalpais State Park Point Reyes / San Francisco
Yosemite National Park Sierra Nevada / Gold Co.
Joshua Tree National Park Mojave Desert, near Palm Springs
Big Sur Coast Central Coast California

Avoiding ....

We all have things that annoy us.

annoyance found near season to visit avoid this time
mosquitoes mountains Sept thru April June thru August
coastal Sept thru April May thru August
deserts Dec thru April Wet rainy season: water = skeeters
snow mountains May thru Nov Dec thru May
country March and April winter storms linger
high deserts Nov thru April winter months; elevations 3000'+
100+ heat deserts Nov thru May summer months can be hot
country check the forecast in advance! check the forecast in advance!
high winds deserts check the forecast in advance! check the forecast in advance!
coastal Oct thru March Fall and Winter storms
mountains Oct thru April Fall and Winter storms
children mountains Sept thru May summertime, family camping

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