Backpacking

There are a few Fundamentals to Backpacking in Yosemite Park, that even if you are an experienced backpacker may catch you out. So take a moment to update yourself  so you get the most out  of your time.

Rules Of Yosemite Backpacking:

1.    Entry into the backcountry without a wilderness permit is strictly forbidden. You will be caught, fined and summarily ejected from the park. Rangers govern the wilderness on a strict trail head quota system.

2.    No Fires above 9,600 feet. Rangers are particularly stringent on this one, you don't have to be a genius to understand why.

3.    No Cutting Of Wood of any kind permitted. You may pick up loose and fallen wood (provided it is not from the valley floor), but may not cut fallen wood.

4.    Bear Canisters must be used for food storage.

Backpacking Guide

Weather

The predictability of the summer weather in Yosemite is one of it's greatest attractions to backpackers. It almost never rains, perhaps once or twice a month for about 90 minutes. You will almost certainly not need to take rain gear. Many back packers do not take tents as the weather is so predictable and fine.

Bears

Yosemite has an abundance of black bears living in it's wilderness. Black Bears are typically not aggressive, there is one simple fact you need to remember: 'Bears Are Only Interested in Food'. So providing you use your common sense and utilize the bear proof lockers that are all over the park to store your food, you should be fine.

Mosquitoes

Regrettably the summer months can bring out the most attrocious clouds of mosquitos in Yoesmite. If you want to avoid the misery of being bitten then Never think of backpacking there without a good supply of effective mosquito repellent and if you want to sleep at nights a good soquito net is a must!

Lip Balm

This may seem laughable, but trust seriously chapped lips are no joke when your out in the wilds. The combination of low humidity and high mineral content to the water can bring on severe chaffing of the skin, especially the lips. Take along a good supply of chap sticks, and you will probably make a profit selling them to those you encounter who were not so well prepared!

 

Most Popular Hikes

Taft Point and Sentinel Dome 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip; 2 hours (to Sentinel Dome or Taft Point)

Begin at Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead (6 miles east of Bridalveil Creek Campground turnoff)

At the trailhead, turn left to head toward Taft Point and The Fissures. Your walk is easy at first, through forest and wildflower-filled meadows (in July). Watch your step around The Fissures and at Taft Point, where you'll enjoy magnificent views of Yosemite Valley.

At the trailhead, turn right to head toward Sentinel Dome. Once near the dome, the trail meets an old road. Follow the road to the northeast side of the dome, where the incline is less imposing. Scramble up the side of the dome and, at the top, enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama.

 

I consider this the number one day-hike in Yosemite due to the easy walk and mind-bending vistas you will witness especially at sunrise or sunset. Great, great reward for very little exertion.
 

 

For a speechless view of the stars, try Sentinel Dome at night. It's the best 360 unobstructed view of the heavens I've ever seen, especially during the Persied meteor showers in August (8/11 is the peak viewing time.)
#2 Half Dome (Vernal Falls; 1.5 miles and Nevada Falls; 2.5 miles) Go Here
People insist on calling this a day-hike, but I disagree. It is very long, (8 miles one way to the top of Half Dome) very steep and uphill every step of the way. But, for those who insist on doing it, here's what you can expect.

For truly religion-changing vistas atop Half Dome, and for the incredibly demanding and unique physical challenge it entails, I rank this one #2. It stops short of being #1 due to this trail's extreme physical demands. I've never spoken with anyone who completed the hike in one day that wasn't totally 100% exhausted when they got back, and vowed never again, and generally regretted going. It kicked my a** just going from Little Yosemite Valley.
#3 Vernal Falls Go Here
Very popular trail; and for good reason. It's short, you get within arms length of a gorgeous waterfall, and you get a good cool-down on a hot day! Ridiculously crowded, but worth it.
#4 Yosemite Falls Trail
This trail comes in two distinct sections. You can go all the way to the top; and yes, the view is fine, but not worth the effort to get all the way. It's worth it to go to the base of Upper Yosemite Falls, but no further in my opinion.

Due to the ridiculously steep and rocky trail (this upper part of the trail needs work) in the upper section, and the views that are good, but not as good as on the Taft Point trail or from Glacier Point, which you can drive to, this trail rates a 4.
I do not have a page for this hike as I did not take any pictures when I did it... click on the thumbnail version on your left for a full-sized view.
#5 The Panorama Trail Go Here
This is a spectacular trail whose name says it all. Starting (or ending, depending on how you want to do it,) at Glacier Point, and ending at Happy Isle, nearly every step of the way you get a great vista of the valley.

Yes, the views are great, but it's a long trail, and one you should begin as early as possible. Not because it is difficult, but because you will pause and take in the views frequently.