15 Things to Know Before Visiting Yosemite National Park

If you’re gearing up for a trip to Yosemite National Park, get ready to be blown away by nature’s grandeur. Whether you are going to see Old Faithful, or just want to experience the beauty of the open skies, Yosemite offers something for just about every traveler.

As someone who’s roamed these majestic landscapes many times, there are a few things I wish I knew before making the trip. By creating a plan before you visit and sticking with the following tips, your next trip to Yosemite National Park will be even more incredible.

First, Plan Ahead

Especially in Peak Season, Yosemite is a hot ticket. Millions of people make there way to this park each year, and for good reason! With the crowds comes difficulty making reservations however.

I highly recommend trying to secure accommodations, camping sites, and activities well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. If you are more of a last minute dirt bag, consider staying outside the park and going in to hike during the days.

Early Bird Gets the Worm

I am notorious for sleeping in, but when it comes to Yosemite it’s rise and shine, my friend! Be the early bird to catch the worm – or in this case, the stunning sunrise views.

Head out early to beat the crowds and snag those prime spots for sunrise hikes or photography sessions. The trails can get really busy and it also gets hot in the summer, so heading out early is the best way to see the park. 

Layer Up, Even in Summer

Yosemite’s weather can be incredibly unpredictable. Even in summer, temperatures can vary drastically throughout the day. So, layer up with clothing that can adapt to changing conditions.

Try to come with layers that are easy to compact in your bag as you’ll likely be carrying all your belongings on your back. Carrying too much weight can make for a pretty miserable experience if you aren’t prepared.

Stay Hydrated, Always

Hiking those jaw-dropping trails can be a lot of work. It sounds obvious, but truly try to remember to carry plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially during those long, sunny days. Trust me; your body will thank you later.

I’d also recommend picking up a reusable water container, rather than hauling loads of plastic bottles into the park. While littering is not permitted in the park, it happens, and can disrupt the local ecosystem.

Mind Your Manners with Wildlife

Yosemite is home to some incredible wildlife – think bears, deer, and even the occasional bobcat. Keep your distance, don’t feed them (even if they give you those puppy eyes), and store your food properly to avoid any unexpected encounters.

While it may look like fun to engage with some of the more friendly looking wildlife, they are still wild animals, and can be quite protective of their territories. Keeping a distance is your best bet for staying safe.

Get Off the Beaten Path

Sure, Yosemite Valley is drop-dead gorgeous, but don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path. Explore lesser-known trails, hidden waterfalls, and secluded viewpoints for a more intimate Yosemite experience. 

Respect Mother Nature

Yosemite is like your grandma’s antique vase – beautiful but fragile. Respect the environment, stick to designated trails, and leave no trace behind. As I mentioned earlier, littering is not permitted.

Unfortunately, it happens. I would recommend bringing reusable containers, and avoiding extra plastic at all costs. If it’s not possible to avoid bringing plastic containers with you, make sure they are disposed of properly.

Download Offline Maps

Trust me; your phone’s GPS won’t save you in Yosemite’s remote corners and many areas of the park have no service at all. Download offline maps or carry a good old-fashioned paper map to navigate the park’s vast wilderness like a pro.

This is one park I would recommend subscribing to All Trails if you’re planning to do some hiking as it will come in handy. Even though it’s not a paper map, it can help wherever you have service.

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

That California sun can be a sneaky devil, even when it’s hiding behind the clouds. Especially when you’re exploring the valley floor it can feel like you don’t really need it, but trust me you’ll want to have some on you as soon as the sun peaks out. 

Embrace the Adventure

Yosemite is all about embracing the wild side and has an awesome history in the climbing world (google Camp 4 before you visit!) Some of the hikes here are incredibly challenging so know your limits, but if you’ve been wanting to test yourself this park is the place to do it as you’ll be rewarded with some pretty remarkable sights.

Catch a Ranger Program

Rangers aren’t just there to look pretty in their snazzy uniforms. They offer tons of informative programs to learn about Yosemite’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Anyone can attend these, but they are particularly great for families with kids! 

Have Patience

If you’re expecting to have the park to yourself, there is almost no time of year that you’re going to find this unfortunately. Yosemite can get crowded – like, Times Square on New Year’s Eve crowded.

Embrace the chaos, be patient, and remember that slow and steady wins the race (or at least secures that parking spot). If you’re wanting to get away from the crowds, consider trying to enter the lottery for some of their more remote cabins that you can skin to in the winter or hike to during the summer months. 

Sample the Local Fare

After a day of hiking, you’ll have worked up quite the appetite. While I prefer to cook over a fire at the campsite, there are tons of great spots to eat at in the park that are worth checking out for at least one meal! 

Sunset at Tunnel View

If you only catch one sunset in Yosemite, make it at Tunnel View. Watch as the setting sun paints Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall in a mesmerizing palette of colors that looks straight out of a painting.

Explore Tioga Road

When Tioga Road opens for the season (typically late May to early June), it’s like unlocking a gateway to Yosemite’s high country paradise. Drive this scenic route to discover pristine alpine lakes, meandering rivers, and hiking trails galore. Even if it’s not on your route into the park, consider adventuring this way for a day and you won’t regret it.