Yosemite Backpacking Trip: How to Backpack Yosemite National Park, by Road Trip Randy on YouTube. 3 min 43 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 43 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Choose your dates and a modest route that matches your fitness. Check Yosemite's trailhead quotas and pick a backup trailhead in case your first choice is full.
Reserve a wilderness permit on Yosemite's website as early as you can. Read the park's backpacking rules and permit pickup instructions before you pay or finalize plans.
Decide where you will sleep each night. Use designated campsites or follow wilderness camping rules, and keep your food in a bear canister.
Pack light but bring the essentials: shelter, sleep system, layers, food, water filter, map and first aid. Share group gear such as a stove or tent with your partner.
Check the weather, smoke and trail conditions before you leave. Tell someone your route and return time, and turn back if storms build or you feel unwell.
Arrive early to pick up your permit and ask about trail closures or water sources. Carry a paper map because phone service is unreliable in the park.
Follow Leave No Trace: pack out all trash, stay on the trail and camp away from water. Treat water from streams and lakes before drinking it.
Tips and common mistakes
You carry everything all day, so weigh your pack before you leave and cut anything you will not use.
Permits and campgrounds fill fast in summer, so book early or have a backup plan.
Trails are well maintained but can be confusing, so know your route and carry a paper map.
A heavy camera is not worth it on a first trip; use your phone to save weight.
Questions
Do I need a permit to backpack overnight in Yosemite?
Yes, overnight stays in the Yosemite wilderness require a wilderness permit. Check current quotas, rules and pickup locations on the park website before you plan.
Can I camp anywhere in Yosemite?
No. You must follow park camping rules and use designated campsites or legal wilderness spots. Bear canisters are required for food storage in the wilderness.
How fit do I need to be for a first trip?
You will carry a pack all day, so practice with a loaded pack and choose low mileage at first. Altitude and heat can make the hike harder than expected.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
