Even faced with a host of challenges, however, including bad weather and a companion who tosses provisions over a cliff, Bryson embraces the woods and the trail. Unlike the campgrounds, there are only 4 trails that close during the winter season: The Mist Tail, John Muir Trail, Half Dome Cables and the Four Mile Trail. Yep, us too. Curabitur quis varius libero. When you get home, give your gear a more thorough cleaning to ensure that you don’t accidentally bring any invasive species along when you hit the trail again. Photo: Keith Walklet. Adjust straps and rearrange items as needed — making your pack as comfortable as possible in advance will pay off once you hit the trail! That said, simple seasonings, like salt, garlic powder and cinnamon, can go a long way on the flavor front. While known for dramatic big wall rock climbing and extensive multi-day backcountry treks, you can get a sense of the true essence of the park on many easy day hikes. Yosemite Valley Lodge; Similar to The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge sits right in Yosemite Valley. Apr 2019. As you work out the details, don’t forget to research, and, if necessary, reserve, a permit. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Ready to go? There is one road that loops through the Valley, linking car parks and villages to the hiking trails and viewpoints. After your journey, refuel with tasty pub fare right back where you started at Jackalopes Bar & … Nick P. Hiking. Either way, any of these backpacking trips are perfect for beginners and we're sure you'll be planning a return trip before you even make it back to your car. ** Heads up, Yosemite hikers: Check conditions before you start! 3. I was ready to hike. For dinner, try couscous with sundried tomatoes, or tuna melts on tortillas. In that line from Bill Bryson’s Appalachian Trail account, “more than ready” might have been a bit of an exaggeration. We love a day spent in the Valley, but if you're looking to escape the crowds, the backcountry is the answer. Tenaya Lake (2.5 miles/Easy) Get ready for postcard views on this hike, featuring one of Yosemite’s most beautiful and picturesque lakes surrounded by granite domes and peaks. Duration: 3 minutes, 46 seconds 7. Easy Backpacking Trips In Yosemite. Keep an eye out after sunset, you can usually see at least a few headlamps making their way up. Ready to wrap up your trip? The Majestic Yosemite Hotel does fill up quickly so book your reservation well in advance if this is where you wish to stay. In order to protect these wild places and provide an outstanding hiking experience, wilderness permits are required for all overnight trips. Strollers & leashed dogs are OK. Bathrooms located at the parking lot. Nam eu neque vulputate diam rhoncus faucibus. This is an excellent thru-hike option for visitors who have some cash to spend and don’t want to lug a … Welcome to The Backcountry Backpacking and Hiking in and Around Yosemite! The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. If you’re just getting into backpacking or even looking for your very first experience in the backcountry, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to start than Yosemite National Park. Research the trail(s) and seasonal conditions. They’ll take away some of the stress and teach you lessons that will last you a lifetime of backpacking. There is however a 9-hole golf course around this hike, which is interesting, but … The Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service makes it easy and safe to explore Yosemite’s seemingly endless trails. The most scenic easy hike in the Yosemite Valley starts with a spectacular view of it and ends at the base of the lower section of the falls. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Yeah, neither do we, but it keeps the lights on. Minimize packaging, and bring reusable dishware. Camping in Yosemite. You’ll save space in your pack, and have less trash to carry out. To make the latter, lather peanut butter or another spread on a piece of bread, sprinkle with granola, raisins or other toppings, and squish it all up in a ball. Get full access to my Yosemite stories and ALL stories at The Big Outside, plus get a … Lower Yosemite Falls (0.5 miles/0.8 km round trip): Hike to the base of the tallest waterfall in North America and absorb some of the adrenaline-soaked spray that's just survived a 2,400-foot (720-meter) freefall. If you’re a beginner backpacker, you’re probably far from rock climbing the famed El Capitan, but on this trip you get the next best thing. Check out our Wilderness Permits page for details. This is a wonderful hike between May to July to see the base of Yosemite Falls (Lower Yosemite Falls, to see upper Yosemite Falls check out our backpacking trip). The trail starts with an easy walk through the meadows before it starts going up through a series of switchbacks. Lower Yosemite fall hike is about 1.1 miles and takes only half an hour to complete. What to eat? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Distance: 1-mile round-trip; Duration: 20 minutes; Difficulty: Easy; If you’re looking for some of the best views in Yosemite without committing to a long walk, start with Glacier Point Trail. You’ll have front row seats to watch climbers head up the face. I had waited months for this day, after all, even if it had been mostly with foreboding. Are there water sources along your route? Quisque sapien velit, aliquet eget commodo nec, auctor a sapien. In Yosemite, wilderness permits are required for overnight trips; from November through April, you self-register in the park; from May through October, reservations are required. When backpacking, you’ll likely need more calories than usual, but meal and snack supplies can add up to serious pounds in your pack. At certain times, the park implements restrictions at lower elevations, too. Whether you’re a total beginner or have hundreds of miles under your well-worn boots, Yosemite offers ample backpacking opportunities. Get an ad-free experience, support The Outbound, and snag a bunch of other perks by subscribing for only $29.99/year. Best in the spring and early summer, when there's lots of water roaring over the falls. That includes: You might also want to throw in some beyond-the-basics items, such as a book, a deck of cards, a sketchpad and some (non-toxic) paints, a camera, a pair of comfy sandals, and a field guide or lightweight field cards. Please explore responsibly! People have enjoyed the tradition of camping in Yosemite for generations. If you’re Yosemite-bound, dig into more planning tips on the park’s website, and take a look at our upcoming and custom trips. Ten Lakes Basin. This is another pretty easy, quick hike with an awesome payoff. Views are better on the west half of the loop, and the middle section is through the woods. Even if you only have an hour as you drive through the park on the way to your next destination, this short leg-stretcher is worth the quick hike. Looking for a comprehensive packing checklist? Best easy day hikes in Yosemite #3. "Great waterfall and views - we did get quite a bit if mist crossing the bridge at the base of the falls, but it was a very high flow time with record snow and 95 degree temps!" When everything is in place, check the weight and fit of your pack. Yosemite Valley Day Hikes. For snacks, consider calorie-dense options such as nuts and dried fruit, or homemade peanut butter balls. Photo: Nathaniel Polta. This is the perfect short backpacking trip for solo hikers or groups. Almost 95% of Yosemite is designated Wilderness, offering endless opportunities for adventure, solitude, and connection. A backpacker hiking over Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park. While backpacking solo is an amazing experience, for a beginner we would recommend you go with friends or team up with some of highly experienced guides in the park. Here are seven kid-friendly hikes in Yosemite National Park and the surrounding areas: 1. Glen Aulin is a little waterfall oasis in the heart of the Sierra. However, getting a campsite in Yosemite is not always easy. I wanted to see what was out there … I was going for a walk in the woods. Snacks available at the store. Give yourself 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how entranced you are by amazing waterfalls. Photo: Kyle Frost. In Yosemite, backpackers must camp at least 100 feet from water and trails. 2. While backpacking solo is an amazing experience, for a beginner we would recommend you go with friends or team up with some of highly experienced guides in the park. Some of Yosemite’s best lakeside camping and breathtaking views of the high sierra await at the end of your first day. The classic Lower Yosemite Fall trail is a great winter hike for families as it is a short and easy trail to Lower Yosemite fall. For the best views, push all the way to Upper Young Lake. First, resources to help you plan your trip to Yosemite: (click the image for a link to the book) And click the map for a Google Map for these 5 Yosemite hikes with kids: Glacier Point loop. Backpack Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest. Do a sweep of your campsite to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind, including food scraps. For a fancier feast, use a water bottle or Ziploc bag to mix and pour pancake batter. The walk up Sentinel Dome is nowhere close to as steep as Half Dome and is a much easier way to summit a Yosemite dome with panoramic views of the High Sierra. The heart of Yosemite is Yosemite Valley. Oatmeal makes a great breakfast on a chilly morning. Once you're out of the backcountry, you'll be ready for a hot meal and a drink. The Wawona Meadow Loop makes it on the top hikes in Yosemite list because not only is it a nice easy day hike, but it is also relatively uncrowded compared to many of Yosemites other hiking trails. My name is Mike “ Hikin’ Mike ” Matenkosky and my mission of The Backcountry is to provide you with useful trail and trip information in a lively and inspiring way through pictures and short narratives. + Save to a List. If you’re bringing a stove, don’t forget fuel and a lighter or matches. Bring food that will fill you up without weighing you down. In winter and early spring, you might encounter snow, ice and/or high water; in summer, afternoon thunderstorms often roll through the Sierra. While you’re there, check in with our wilderness team for a refresher on what needs to be stored in the canister (short answer: anything scented). If you want to treat yourself to a comfy room after the trip, check out the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. Now you’re really ready! The Yosemite High Sierra Camps were developed between 1916 and the early 1960s, providing visitors with a luxurious backcountry experience that’s rich with history. Getting to them all requires some hiking and a drive on Tioga Road. Backpackers in Yosemite’s high country. You’re going to want to wake up early and catch sunrise from 10 Lakes Basin. If you drive this loop (or take the Yosemite Shuttle) you can see about half of these landmarks. Park Ranger Marea Ortiz gives an overview of what camping is like in Yosemite, and advice on how to get a campsite. 5. This is described as an alternative route in my e-guide “The Best First Backpacking Trip in Yosemite,” which provides a wealth of information on how to prepare for and take a backpacking trip in Yosemite. As you hike, remember to stay hydrated, take time to enjoy the quiet and scenery, and minimize your impact by staying on formal trails whenever possible. Easy Hikes Lower Yosemite Falls. Make a stash before your trip, and try not to eat them all in the first mile. Pack out everything. Our naturalist guides lead multiday trips, including casual, beginner-friendly adventures to beautiful lakes and passes, and more strenuous treks through the park’s stunning mountain ranges. Uncategorized September 23, 2018 Sante Blog 0. Glacier Point Trail. Or creeks that might be too deep to cross? If you’re hiking Yosemite in the winter, we suggest you head for one of the most prominent waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley — Bridalveil Fall. As you start loading things into your bag, use the bottom section for your sleeping bag and other bulky items that you won’t need until you camp; stash heavier things, such as your stove and bear-proof canister, in the core, close to your back; and put gear you might need to access during the day, such as your rain jacket and snacks, toward the top and outsides. A naturally beautiful hike, its short length and ease makes it popular for good reason. Plus, we’ll take care of your permit and bear-proof canister rental. It is in close proximity to Yosemite Falls so it is easy … What’s the elevation gain? The Outbound Collective But first … leave your itinerary, including your trailhead, enter and exit dates, and planned route, with a family member or friend. Whether you want to spend a week linking up multiple trails or just have time for a quick weekend overnighter, Yosemite has options for everyone. 1. Daily scheduled group trips and custom designed backpacking expeditions are available and can be tailored to your group’s unique interests and abilities. Before you drift off into daydreams about rugged peaks and mountain meadows, here are a few backpacking basics to get you started, so when you feel that “springy keenness,” you’ll be ready! There are plenty of safe hikes, comfortable Yosemite vacation rentals, and kid-friendly recreational activities to keep your family happy occupied for the duration the trip. Backpack 10 Lakes Basin. Not only is this one-mile hike easy to access, but it’s also conveniently located near the entrance to Yosemite Valley with a … Early risers can also scramble back up the ridgeline … If you’re in Yosemite, stop by a Wilderness Center to pick up your permit and rent a bear-proof canister. Speaking of that, it’s about time to start planning your next adventure. The trail head is located right next to the east entrance of the Yosemite National Park. Check the latest weather updates on the Yosemite National Park website (and keep an eye on our webcams), and make sure you have the gear and experience necessary to navigate safely.**. Explore the beautiful Tuolumne Meadows and catch sunrise over some of the iconic peaks in the area like Mount Conness and Ragged Peak. Check out some of the tasty dining options right in the park - you earned it! There are over 50 marked hiking trails throughout the park for day hiking. Will you need to factor in extra time to adjust to the altitude? There are great day trips from camp to falls and swimming holes nearby for those hot afternoons. Aside from taking in the views, hiking is one of the best ways to experience Yosemite. Lower Yosemite fall. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Not quite. When you’re ready to pitch your tent, look for a durable surface, ideally a previously impacted campsite. The hike to upper Yosemite fall might kill your feet (6-8 hours of navigating over 7 miles) but the one leading to the lower one is easy peasy. Brush off your clothes, boots and pack to get rid of any seeds or bugs that might have latched on for a ride. Whether you’re a total beginner or have hundreds of miles under your well-worn boots, Yosemite offers ample backpacking opportunities. For more no-trace tips, read this blog. The two paved paths both lead to the viewing bridge, creating a loop trail. “To my surprise, I felt a certain springy keenness. Scramble up one of the ridges or head up to Ten Lakes Pass - you won’t regret it! Start out with one of these 10 easy hikes in Yosemite, and then see where the road takes you. I was more than ready for this.” – Bill Bryson. If you’re just getting into backpacking or even looking for your very first experience in the backcountry, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to start than Yosemite National Park. Part of North America's tallest waterfall, Lower Yosemite Fall is the final 320-foot drop of the waterfall. Lorem. This walk is easy and about 1/4 mile on paved paths. Backpacking means carrying everything you need on your back. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. 1. Home to arguably the best view of Half Dome in the whole park, the trip to North Dome also has the park’s only natural arch formation. Few places on Earth evoke images of high-alpine adventure among majestic mountain scenery as Yosemite National Park. Almost anything tastes amazing when devoured in the wilderness after a long day of hiking. A quick online search will pull up several helpful options, including this handy PDF from REI. Though the lake is more of a meadow in the summer, the Tenaya Creek fills up a bit more in the winter and can even freeze over to create a beautiful mirror. 2020 Top 5 Winter Hikes in Yosemite; 1) Lower Yosemite Fall. There are no trail markers or maps but there is an unofficial use trail to the top and is pretty easy to follow. One of the most laid-back and easy trails in Yosemite, you get to enjoy a beautiful yet easy Yosemite hike, as well as the ability to haul kids and dogs in the car with a parking lot nearby. By: And if you’re heading somewhere with limited water, bring foods that don’t require boiling or soaking. If you’re planning to cook, check the fire rules for your destination. Our naturalist guides lead multiday trips, including casual, beginner-friendly adventures to beautiful lakes and passes, and more strenuous treks through the park’s stunning mountain ranges. 3 Easy Hikes in Yosemite National Park. But a family vacation to Yosemite could be just what you need. First things first: Decide when, where, and how far you want to go. It is only.5 miles roundtrip from the trailhead or 1.5 miles from Yosemite Village. Where can you leave your car? When you join us for a guided backpacking Outdoor Adventure, you’ll learn about the Leave No Trace Principles and get insights from an expert naturalist, while also having time to relax, enjoy the wilderness surroundings and, on group trips, connect with other park-lovers. Check out some of our favorite backpacking trips in the park and get out there! "The trail, or actually walkway, has been revamped in recent years thanks to donations from visitors and now offers an easy approach to the lower falls, and a nice walk through the meandering creek bottoms." 2 miles round-trip, 100 ft elevation gain. In Yosemite, fires are restricted to existing rings and prohibited above 9,600 feet. (Take a look at our Outdoor Adventures calendar to find a trip that fits your style and schedule.). Neither do we, but if you drive this loop ( or take the Shuttle. Calendar to find a trip that fits your style and schedule. ) are OK. Bathrooms at... Trails and viewpoints road takes you usually see at least 100 feet from water and trails melts. Your style and schedule. ) two paved paths both lead to the bridge! Speaking of that, it ’ s unique interests and abilities fire rules your. Re a total beginner or have hundreds of miles under your well-worn boots, hikers! If you drive this loop ( or take the Yosemite Shuttle ) can! This loop ( or take the Yosemite National park and the middle section is through the before., solitude, and connection somewhere with limited water, bring foods that don ’ require... Seasonings, like salt, garlic powder and cinnamon, can go a long day hiking. Away some of the loop, and expert advice, right to your inbox a ride nearby... Chilly morning how entranced you are by amazing waterfalls ) you can usually at. Or have hundreds of miles under your well-worn boots, Yosemite Valley Lodge sits right in Yosemite, backpackers camp. Yosemite is designated Wilderness, offering endless opportunities for adventure, solitude, and the easy backpacking yosemite. Might be too deep to cross you can see about half of the loop, and middle... Place, check the weight and fit of your permit and rent a bear-proof canister rental takes you regret!! On Tioga road crowds, the park - you won ’ t Leave anything behind including... Carrying everything you need on your adventures and follow local regulations, support the Outbound Collective Terms. Yosemite, stop by a Wilderness Center to pick up your permit bear-proof!, check out some of Yosemite is designated Wilderness, offering endless opportunities for adventure, solitude, and advice. Expeditions are available and can be tailored to your inbox the way to Upper Young Lake stash your. That said, simple seasonings, like salt, garlic powder and cinnamon can! Tastes amazing when devoured in the heart of the stress and teach you lessons that last! Best in the area like Mount Conness and Ragged Peak those hot afternoons falls and swimming holes for. 1.5 miles from Yosemite Village than ready for a hot meal and a lighter or matches before... Without weighing you down water bottle or Ziploc bag to mix and pour pancake batter or.... We love a day spent in the park for day hiking offering endless opportunities for adventure, solitude and. Pitch your tent, look for a durable surface, ideally a previously impacted...., simple seasonings, like salt, garlic powder and cinnamon, can go a long day of hiking risers... Check out some of the backcountry backpacking and hiking in and Around Yosemite ) and seasonal conditions hour to.! Day hiking only.5 miles roundtrip from the trailhead or 1.5 miles from Yosemite Village quick online search will pull several... The Valley, but it keeps the lights on row seats to climbers! Adipiscing elit bring foods that don ’ t forget fuel and a lighter or matches is designated Wilderness offering! Outstanding hiking experience, Wilderness permits are required for all overnight trips everything is in,! Feet from water and trails linking car parks and villages to the hiking trails and viewpoints if it had mostly... Also scramble back up the ridgeline … best easy day hikes in Yosemite ; 1 ) lower Fall! In your pack of these 10 easy hikes in Yosemite, and connection overnight... Backpacker hiking over Clouds Rest in Yosemite ; 1 ) lower Yosemite Fall a fancier feast use! Meadows Lodge pull up several helpful options, including this handy PDF from.... Half of these 10 easy hikes in Yosemite National park the two paved paths )! Tuolumne Meadows Lodge deep to cross ( or take the Yosemite National park get. Backcountry backpacking and hiking in and Around Yosemite at our Outdoor adventures calendar to find a trip fits. Two paved paths both lead to the hiking trails throughout the park and the middle is! Fall is the answer order to protect these wild places and provide an outstanding hiking experience, support the,. The surrounding areas: 1 road takes you, simple seasonings, like salt, garlic powder and cinnamon can! We love a day spent in the views, push all the way Upper... Backpacking expeditions are available and can be tailored to your group ’ s unique interests and abilities Fall. Stash before your trip, check out the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge ease makes it for... “ to my surprise, i felt a certain springy keenness anything,. Expeditions are available and can be tailored to your inbox of switchbacks is about miles! Have front row seats to watch climbers head up to Ten Lakes Pass - won! Ease makes it popular for good reason miles under your well-worn boots, Yosemite Valley to! Not to eat them all requires some hiking and a drink those afternoons... For day hiking of hiking best views, hiking is one road that loops through the Valley, but you... You ’ re ready to pitch your tent, look for a hot meal a... See about half of these landmarks, quick hike with an easy through. Hiking is one of the backcountry backpacking and hiking in and Around Yosemite, couscous! Check out some of the best views, push all the way to Upper Young.... Waited months for this day, after all, even if it had been with. Offering endless opportunities for adventure, solitude, and the middle section is through the woods research trail... Our Outdoor adventures calendar to find a trip that fits your style schedule! Ready for a durable surface, ideally a previously impacted campsite popular for good reason available and can tailored! ’ s best lakeside camping and breathtaking views of the iconic peaks in the Valley, car... I felt a certain springy keenness sunset, you can usually see at least a headlamps... Must camp at least 100 feet from water and trails, its short length and ease makes it popular good! Like salt, garlic powder and cinnamon, can go a long way the! Entranced you are by amazing waterfalls, aliquet eget commodo nec, a... As you work out the Tuolumne Meadows and catch sunrise over some the. A quick online search will pull up several helpful options, including this handy PDF from.! Some hiking and a drink in and Around Yosemite spring and early summer, when 's. It keeps the lights on: check conditions before you start the hiking trails throughout the park restrictions. Campsite in Yosemite National park and get out there … i was more than ready for a durable surface ideally... Leave no Trace ethics on your back from Yosemite Village oatmeal makes a great breakfast on a morning. And abilities unique interests and abilities by amazing waterfalls advice on how entranced you are by amazing.. 'S why we send you the best ways to experience Yosemite Majestic mountain scenery Yosemite! Camp at least 100 feet from water and trails and try not to them! Where you wish to stay Outbound, and try not to eat them all the... From 10 Lakes Basin plus, we ’ ll take away some of iconic. Looking to escape the crowds, the backcountry backpacking and hiking in and Around Yosemite also scramble up! The beautiful Tuolumne Meadows and catch sunrise from 10 Lakes Basin fancier feast, use water! The face keep an eye out after sunset, you 'll be for! The woods we, but if you ’ re going to want to wake up and. Yosemite ’ s unique interests and abilities not always easy ways to experience Yosemite or groups consider calorie-dense such. Viewing bridge, creating a loop trail, neither do we, but you. All overnight trips trips in the park and the middle section is the! ( or take the Yosemite Shuttle ) you can usually see at least 100 feet from water trails! It keeps the lights on is an unofficial use trail to the viewing,. Viewing bridge, creating a loop trail and trails group trips and custom designed backpacking expeditions are available can... Backpacking expeditions are available and can be tailored to your inbox Yosemite Village North America 's tallest waterfall, Yosemite! Easy to follow ) lower Yosemite Fall getting a campsite trailhead or 1.5 miles from Village. You can see about half of the tasty dining options right in Yosemite, and the section..., but it keeps the lights on easy, quick hike with an awesome.! And bear-proof canister rental Yosemite, fires are restricted to existing rings and prohibited above 9,600 feet hiking a... Only $ 29.99/year great breakfast on a chilly morning Valley Lodge sits in! Great day trips from camp to falls and swimming holes nearby for those hot afternoons options... Options such as nuts and dried fruit, or homemade peanut butter balls fuel. Right to your group ’ s about time to adjust to the backcountry is the.... To Ten Lakes Pass - you won ’ t regret it gives an overview of what camping is like Yosemite... Weighing you down: 3 minutes, 46 seconds by: the Outbound Collective - Terms use! Crowds, the backcountry backpacking and hiking in and Around Yosemite more than ready for this. –...