Packing for Yosemite

Yosemite is 1200 square miles of mostly designated Wilderness, with 800 miles of trails, and elevations ranging from 2000 – 13000′.  Yes, there are a few hotels and restaurants but most of this piece of the Sierra is dramatic landscape and wild terrain.   For this reason, we recommend that travellers come with a daypack and good walking shoes as basics.  Generally dry air and high elevation mean that the visitor needs to stay hydrated, so bring a water bottle or hydration bladder.  Thin air also means you’ll want a serious sunscreen, UV sunglasses and a hat that shades your face.  For a few weeks each year, mosquitoes can be annoying, so a bugspray with DEET or Picaridin in it can be useful.  Get a park map with good details, and bring binoculars for viewing wildlife.  A rainjacket for those afternoon thunderstorms, and a bag of trail mix round out most of what you need for enjoying Yosemite safely and comfortably.  Study the points of interest on our website and keep your camera handy.  Adventure awaits.