Backpacking in Yosemite
Wilderness Permits
Free 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 40% 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.
If you are starting a trip outside the park, obtain a permit from the land agency that manages your entry trailhead. Please plan your trip before you apply for a wilderness permit or write for a reservation.
You may make a reservation for a wilderness permit.
Leave an accurate itinerary with family or friends, as it will be their responsibility to initiate a search if you do not return as scheduled
Mariposa Area, Highway 140 - (209) 966-3638
Yosemite National Park - (209) 372-0740
Bear Canisters
Federal law requires proper storage of "food" throughout Yosemite National Park. “Food” includes any item with a scent, regardless of packaging. This may include items that you do not consider food, such as canned goods, bottles, drinks, soaps, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, and unwashed items used for preparing or eating meals. All these items must be stored properly.
You must store food in a bear canister:
- Within seven linear miles of any park road
- Above 9,600 feet
- Within 1/2 mile of the shoreline of Benson Lake
Bear-resistant food containers are approved for Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks and Inyo and Stanislaus National Forests through the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group
Approved bear canisters for 2007:
- Garcia Backpacker Model 812-C
- Bearikade Weekender and Expedition (those with serial number 1766 or higher)
- BearVault 110b, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400.
- CounterAssault Bear Keg
Food lockers ("bear boxes") are only available at a limited number of designated wilderness campsites next to the High Sierra Camps and in Little Yosemite Valley. Wilderness users are encouraged to carry canisters even when hiking in areas where stationary bear boxes are available. Bear boxes may be unavailable or full in these high use destinations. Canisters increase your freedom in selecting campsites away from developed or highly used areas.