Backpacking

Plan Around Backpacking

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Backpacking Details

If you are looking for an adventure into the backcountry, there is no shortage of options in Yosemite. There are 1,100 square miles of designated Wilderness and over 750 miles of trail, and in Yosemite waiting to be explored by you. However, if you are planning a backcountry trip, it's essential you research your route and pack and plan accordingly. Any overnight trip in Yosemite requires a wilderness permit, both for safety reasons and to control the number of visitors in Yosemite's backcountry. Permits are free and up to 60 percent of them can be reserved two days prior to your trip. The remaining forty percent of permits are first-come, first serve, after 11am the day before you begin backpacking. You can obtain permits at any of the Wilderness Permit Stations. - Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center - Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center - Big Oak Flat Information Station - Wawona Visitor Center at Hill's Studio - Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station - Badger Pass Ranger Station There are several things you should remember when venturing into the backcountry, and checking in with a Yosemite Ranger before you go is a great way to make sure you are prepared. However, here are a few critical things to make sure you check off your list: - Make sure to have bear resistant containers to store your food. There are bears and they do get hungry. You cannot expect to find bear lockers at all the sites, so you should plan accordingly. Yosemite NPS provides [more information on food storage](https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bearcans.htm) if you have questions. - Weather changes fast in Yosemite and can often be severe, so be prepared for all conditions at all times. (This could mean snow in the summer!) - Make sure you are prepared (and know how) to cross un-bridged streams. Significant snowfall and subsequent runoff in the park, often create hazards when trying to cross streams and rivers. - Check out the Yosemite NPS Wilderness Safety Tips. If you have additional questions, you can call a wilderness ranger at (209) 372-0826, Monday through Friday, 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4:30pm.

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