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Wilderness Areas of the Sierra Nevada Plus Inyo and White Mountains

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Yosemite National Park

Yosemite's spectacular wilderness is a popular destination in the summer. Common sense and an understanding of wilderness travel techniques are required to safely enjoy these wilderness areas while protecting their fragility. Park regulations are designed for your safety and the protection of the environment. Rules alone, however, can never achieve these goals--it also takes understanding, care, and respect for these wild lands and their communities of life.

High Water/Stream Crossings During the spring and early summer, melting snow will cause high water levels and swift currents in rivers and streams. Do not underestimate the power of rushing water--it can be deadly. When crossing an un-bridged creek, look for a natural bridge of logs or rocks. Be careful--they can be extremely slippery. If none are available, cross in a wide shallow spot that is not above rapids or falls. Unbuckle your waist strap, use a long stick for stability, and face upstream while crossing. Don't tie yourself into "safety ropes"--they can drown you. Water will be extremely cold, and extreme caution should be used to prevent conditions which may lead to hypothermia.

Winter flooding damaged or washed out some wilderness trails and bridges. Routes with unusable bridges will be signed, and unusual conditions may exist throughout the wilderness. Check at permit stations for current conditions.

Plan Carefully

  • Use topographic maps and guidebooks to
  • plan your trip. Carry a "topo" map and
  • compass when on the trail and know how to
  • use them.
  • Allow plenty of time for rest, food storage,
  • and campsite selection. You must be four
  • miles from any populated area and one mile
  • from any road before camping.
  • Check current weather conditions and
  • forecasts prior to your trip. Be prepared for
  • sudden changes in weather; plan for wind,
  • cold, rain, snow, sun, or an emergency
  • bivouac.
  • Maximum group size is 15 people for trail
  • travel and 8 people for off-trail travel.
  • Proper equipment is vital. Carry sufficient
  • food and water.
  • Plan to pack out all trash.
  • Yosemite's wilderness is a wildlife
  • preserve--pets and weapons are prohibited.
  • Bicycles and strollers are not allowed on any trail

WILDERNESS PERMITS

Wilderness permits are required year-round for all overnight trips into Yosemite's wilderness. They are not required for day hikes. Yosemite uses a trailhead quota system which limits the number of people who may begin overnight hikes from each trailhead, each day. This system is designed to avoid overcrowding and to reduce impacts to wilderness areas. At least 50% of each trailhead quota is available on a first-come, first-served basis the day of, or one day prior to, the beginning of your trip. Permit stations are located in Yosemite Valley at the Wilderness Center, Wawona, Big Oak Flat, Hetch Hetchy, and Tuolumne Meadows. Call 209/372-0200 for open permit station locations and hours. Permits are also available by advance reservation. Wilderness permits are not a registration; leave an accurate itinerary with family or friends before you begin your trip.

You can get a permit in advance by mail. Protect Water Quality, Wildlife and Fragile Terrain

  • Pack out all trash and use gas stoves rather than wood fires.
  • Use proper food storage techniques.
  • Camp in an existing, well-used campsite at least 100 feet from water.
  • Bring a container to carry water to your
  • Camp at least 100 feet from lakes or streams.
  • Purify all drinking water--boil for 3-5 minutes, use a Giardia rated filter or an iodine based chemical treatment for effective results.
  • Dispose of human waste in a small hole at least 100 feet from water and trail.
  • Do all washing at least 100 feet from any water source or trail.

    Obtaining Wilderness Permits For Yosemite Trails

    Once you have planned your wilderness visit, you must obtain a wilderness permit before before beginning an overnight trip into Yosemite's beautiful back country. Permits are not required for day hikes.

    Permits may be obtained in person at the issuing station closest to your trail head. At least 50% of each trail head quota is available up to one day in advance on a first come first served basis. If you plan a Saturday start date, have a large group, and/or plan to use a popular trail head such as those in Tuolumne Meadow or Lake Merced, Little Yosemite Valley, or Half Dome, it is recommended that you reserve your permit or pick it up early in the day a day in advance to assure trail head access.

    Reservations for summer trips are accepted year round by mail, phone and walk up at the Wilderness Center in Yosemite Valley. Permits may be reserved as much as 24 weeks in advance to as little as 2 days in advance. A non-refundable processing fee of $5.00 per person will be charged at the time of the request. The following information is necessary in order to process your request:

    • Exact start and end dates of your trip
    • Starting and ending trail heads
    • Number of people in your party
    • Number of stock animals
    • Principle destination
    • Brief itinerary
    • Check for $5.00 per person made out to Yosemite Association or a major credit card
    • number and expiration date.

    Send a separate request for each trip and be sure to indicate alternate dates and trails.

Click Here for Yosemite Trail and and Wilderness Area Information