The Yosemite Wilderness
This Wilderness is managed by
Additional resources can be found on
Yosemite’s NPS Wilderness Pages
The Yosemite Climbing Information Page
Abraham Lincoln setting aside Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove in 1864 marked one of the first times in American history that the federal government preserved an area for its natural beauty. Yosemite boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking granite formations and sublime high alpine landscape, from 2,900 feet near the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir up to over 13,000 feet at the summit of Mount Lyell. Yosemite includes a diverse mix of ecosystems and terrain, and its beauty attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year.
Though the cliff faces and waterfalls of Yosemite Valley are the park’s most famous features, the Valley makes up only a small part of Yosemite as a whole. Covering an area the size of Rhode Island, the park includes both the Tuolumne and Merced watersheds. Much of the park’s high elevations are snow covered, but during the summer months the Tioga Road traverses the park and provides quick access to Yosemite’s high country.
In 1984 almost 95% of Yosemite National Park was designated as Wilderness with the passage of the California Wilderness Act (pdf file). Over 700 miles of trail run through Yosemite’s wilderness.
Explore the Yosemite Wilderness with Google Maps:
Enjoying the Yosemite Wilderness
Maximum Group Size
No more than 15 people and 25 head of stock are allowed on overnight trips. Groups going off-trail more than 1/4 mile are limited to 8 people. Stock are allowed to travel up to 1/4 mile off designated trails only for watering, rest stops, overnight camping, and grazing. Why?
Wilderness Permits
Permits are required for all overnight trips into the backcountry. Why? They are not required for day use. Permits may be obtained free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis from any park issuing station during peak season (usually May – October). During winter months self registration permits are available at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and at the other park issuing stations.
Reservations may be made from 24 weeks to 2 days in advance by calling 209.372.0740 or by writing to:
Yosemite Permits
PO Box 545
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Be sure to plan your itinerary before calling or writing to make a reservation. It is possible that your desired trip’s trailhead quota is filled, so provide alternative itineraries in the event your first choice is not available. A $5 per person non-refundable processing fee is charged for all reservation requests.
Reservations can also be made on line by visiting Yosemite’s Online Permit Reservation System
Bears
Yosemite’s wilderness and wildlife managers require bear resistant food containers in some areas of the park and strongly recommend the use of bear-resistant food canisters throughout the wilderness. Why? Bear resistant food containers are the best food storage method currently available and they are available for rent throughout Yosemite. Approved canisters are required within 7 air miles of park roads and above the 9,600 foot elevation contour. Proper food storage is required by law. Find out more about Sierra black bears by visiting sierrawildbear.gov.
Campfires
Due to the sheer numbers of people visiting Yosemite Wilderness, please limit your use of wood fires. Campfires are not allowed above 9,600 due to wood scarcity and potential resource damage. Below 9,600 feet, they may be built in existing fire rings. Burn only dead and down wood. Why?
Pets
Pets are not allowed in Yosemite Wilderness.
Little Yosemite Valley
More than 20% of Yosemite’s wilderness travelers pass through Little Yosemite Valley. The impacts from such heavy use have resulted in special management of this area. If you camp in Little Yosemite Valley, please abide by the following regulations:
- Camp only within the campground boundaries (in order to limit damage to the fragile riverbank and an important archeological site, the campground was moved back from the river).
- Store anything with a smell (food, bug spray, deoderant, trash etc.) in the provided bear boxes.
- Use the composting toilet to help reduce the substantial human waste problem.
- Build camp fires only in the two public fire rings (to be used between 5 and 10 pm) to reduce air pollution, proliferation of charcoal and scorched rocks, and damage to vegetation).
- Carry a water storage container with you to reduce trips to the river and use the designated paths to acquire water.
Contact
Yosemite National Park
PO Box 577
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
209.372.0200
