• View of Half Dome and Washington Column in Yosemite Valley

    Yosemite

    National Park California

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Picnicking

Picnic areas are available throughout Yosemite on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations are not available) from dawn to dusk.

Unless otherwise noted, all picnic areas in Yosemite have picnic tables, vault toilets, garbage and recycling receptacles. All picnic areas have grills except Cascades, Lower Yosemite Fall, Church Bowl, Yosemite Creek, and Lembert Dome. No picnic areas have potable water.

Keep Wildlife Wild

Yosemite is home to black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, and hundreds of other species. Bears are quick learners, have a powerful sense of smell, and seek out food where it can easily be found. If a bear obtains human food, it may learn to return for more.

For your safety and that of wildlife:

  • Keep your distance from animals, even if they approach you.
  • Never feed wild animals.
  • Dispose of trash in bear-proof trash cans or dumpsters.
  • While enjoying your picnic, keep your food, trash, and other scented items within arm’s reach.
  • If a bear approaches, yell as loudly as possible to scare the bear away.
 
Map of Yosemite showing picnic areas
 
Map of Yosemite Valley picnic areas

Did You Know?

NatureBridge students learning something new from their instructor.

For over 40 years, NatureBridge has served over 40,000 youth and adults annually through a unique variety of environmental education programs at their national park campuses in California and Washington, including their Yosemite National Park campus.