Helpful Phone Numbers:
Yosemite Assoc.
El Portal
209-372-4745 |
Curry Village Yosemite
Curry Co. Reserv
209-252-4848 |
High Sierra Camps
209-454-2002 |
. |
Backpacking
Pretty much the only way you can camp away from the crowds
in the valley is to strap on a backpack & head for the backcountry.
- permits are required for overnight backcountry camping
- check with the correct ranger district for all back country
camping restrictions
Parking for trail heads are at:
- Camp Curry - located in the Valley for hiking up to Half
Dome areas
- Tulomne Mdws. - High-country, Hwy.120, 46 mi. from the Valley
floor
Yosemite Park Campground
All the campgrounds are large & reservations are common.
The valley fills up fast, where the backcountry (Hwy.120) campgrounds
are further out of the way & less visted. This our only recommendation,
the smallest of the campground in the Park:
| campground |
elev. |
spots |
veg |
toilet |
water |
link |
|
| Camp 4 -
Sunnyside |
4000' ? |
32 |
pines |
flush |
piped |
NPS |
Valley,
walk-in, climbers |
| Porcupine |
8100' |
52 |
pines |
pit |
no |
NPS |
June-Sept |
| Tamarack Flat |
6300' |
52 |
pines |
vault |
no |
NPS |
June-Sept,
primitive |
| Yosemite Creek |
7659' |
75 |
pines |
pit |
creek |
NPS |
June-Sept,
on creek |
Great Camping Suggestions:
to the east |
to the south |
to the north |
Hiking
Destination: Half Dome? Valley floor to Half Dome is17
mi. RT & 4000' elevation gain.
You can do this hike in one day if --
- long summer day, bring flashlights otherwise
- start hike at daybreak, before sunrise
- will take approx. 10-12 hrs.
- don't mind crowds hiking with you
- you are in really good shape
- stair climbing doesn't phase you
- spend 1 hour or less atop the dome
- bring daypack with food & liquids
Destination: Yosemite Falls
Valley floor to Yosemite Falls is a butt kicker, but fun hike
with amazing views. The elevation gain is steep but your reward
is great. You can also do this hike from Yosemite Creek campground
off of Hwy. 120, along the creek, for a more mellow route.
Destination: Tulomne Meadows!
Much better area for seclusion. Plenty of day hikes & areas
to picnic, relax & explore. Get outta the Valley & experience
the rest of Yosemite.
Teneja Lake along
Hwy 120
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing paradise. Over 3500 established climbs with a
range of all difficulties. Granite cliffs surround the Valley
& many take to the challenging walls.
- El Capitain
- Half Dome
- Great Circle
- Wheat Thin
- Reed's Direct
- Bishops Balcony
- Killer Pillar
Classes are available from Yosemite Mountaineering School.
Yosemite Valley
September - May
209/372-1244 |
Tuloumne Meadows
June - August
209/372-1335 |
Sierra Mountain
Guides offers guided instruction to these areas.
Basic rules & regulations:
- Motorized drilling prohibited
- Do not climb within 50 feet of Native American rock art
- Do not begin or end a climb in an occupied capsite without
occupant permission
- Slings & bolt hangers not visible to general public (most
gear should match rock color)
