• View of Half Dome and Washington Column in Yosemite Valley

    Yosemite

    National Park California

There are park alerts in effect.
hide Alerts »

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Response Continues at Yosemite National Park

    The recent diagnosis of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in several park visitors has prompted Yosemite National Park to scale up public health response and outreach. More »

Backpacking

Backpacker gazing at peaks
 
"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity..." --John Muir, 1898
 

Nearly 95 percent of Yosemite National Park is designated Wilderness. Wilderness is a special distinction granted by Congress protecting land from further development. The best way to experience the 1,100 square miles of the Yosemite Wilderness is to explore it first hand.

Plan your Backpacking Trip

Curious what "wilderness" means? Find about by viewing this three-minute video about America's Wilderness (a new window will open).

  • Shuttle Buses Shuttle Buses

    Learn about shuttle buses in Yosemite Read More

  • Yosemite Nature Notes: Wilderness Yosemite Nature Notes: Wilderness

    Watch this podcast for an overview of the Yosemite Wilderness Read More

  • Current Conditions Current Conditions

    Find out current conditions and facilities information Read More

  • Permit Required to Hike Half Dome Permit Required to Hike Half Dome

    Find information about permits for hikers and backpackers hiking to Half Dome. Read More

Did You Know?

ARC Students journaling near Hetch Hetchy

Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC) brings youth to Yosemite National Park each summer for a dynamic literacy and leadership immersion program. ARC works with students, boosting academic and leadership skills through a variety of programs, including a 40 day experience in Yosemite full of adventure and intensive learning.