Yosemite Backpacking
Last Updated on September 8, 2020
Backpacking is an independent and low budget traveling. It is generally a trip which lasts longer than typical vacations. The backpackers explores a place using cheap public transports and staying at cheap lodges.
Sometimes they explore a dense forest and stay in tents. Sometimes backpacking goes international as well where the backpacker travels to nearby countries and traverse them thoroughly. Affording foreign country exploration becomes possible due to low-cost airlines and accommodation in those countries.
The United States is one such country where backpacking is extremely popular. The USA rail service is cheap and a convenient transport medium. It has some low-cost accommodations like hostels and lodges.
If we get a little deeper and have to choose a suitable place for backpacking, then Yosemite National Park will be our prime choice. It resides in the Sierra Nevada mountains, which is one of the most preferred spots for the hikers and backpackers.
It is one of the best backpacking spots in California. Yosemite National Park is well known to the adventure freaks not only for backpacking and hiking but also for other outdoor adventure activities.
Yosemite National Park
Approximately 95% of Yosemite National Park is designated wilderness. It is one of the largest habitat blocks of Sierra Nevada and has inhabited a generous amount of sundry animals and plants. It is not modified by human activity and the least fragmented as well.
Due to zero modification done on it, it remains pristine and natural. It has places for short backpacking trips as well as extended trips where you can explore the multiple trails of this enormous national park.
In peak season, Yosemite National park turns into a crowded place. It remains in huge demand due to its astounding natural sceneries and destinations. People all over the world want to experience the region in person. It is an ideal stay for backpackers. To avoid the crowd, one must try backpacking to experience the astonishing landscape.
Places in Yosemite for Backpacking
The beauty of this designated wilderness is boundless. It is the 27th largest wilderness area in the US. It has craggy mountains, flowy creeks, clear streams, glacial valley, ethereal waterfalls, granite cliffs, tranquil lakes, and the unique redwoods. The picturesque view is worth everything precious.
A whopping 3.5 million people visit Yosemite National Park in a single year, making it one of the busiest parks around the world. It has about 750 miles of trails for the backpackers to explore. You can view the wildlife roaming around the pristine wilderness sitting in your car.
They come so close to you that they might even cross your car while walking. That is why the visitors are asked to drive carefully on the roads of Yosemite National Park. It might take a lifetime for a passionate backpacker to complete exploring the mysterious trails of Yosemite. Spring or fall is the best period to backpack in Yosemite.
The gorgeous Horsetail Fall trail, the stunning Half Dome valley, the trails in giant sequoias, the most popular Cloud rest, the Happy Isles Trailhead, Tuolumne Meadows, Rafferty Creek Trailhead, Tenaya Lake, Southeast, and Northern Yosemite are some of the well-known places for backpack trips in Yosemite National Park. The world-famous John Muir Trail passes through Yosemite. These are just some of the sections of the massive 750 miles trails.
Permits and Reservations
A backpacker has to have the permit for backpacking in Yosemite. One can start their backpacking trip only if they have prior reservations. You cannot suddenly start your backpacking trip.
The permit and reservation system in Yosemite is unique and strictly compulsory to adapt. The high on demand trails offer first-come, first-served service unless you have already reserved your spot for backpacking.
They offer permits all year-round, but due to the popularity and high demand, only some are capable of reserving their spots for backpacking in the Yosemite trails. The 60% lion share of permits is already has reserved in advance.
The other 40% permits are issued to the people as first come, first served rule. So, instead of taking a chance with first-come, first-served custom, have a reservation in advance and then start your journey. Make sure your reservation as soon as they offer to apply.
Backpacking without a permit might create legal issues for you. You have to specifically mention the place you want to explore while applying for a reservation. You also reserve your spot for camping for resting and sleeping at night at the campsite in this way. Doing it is illegal and risky as well.
Final Words
A backpacking trip to Yosemite can prove to be life-changing for any person. The massive beauty and realization of how minuscule we are in front of nature can prove to be an eyeopener indeed. The pristine landscape of Yosemite helps to bring out the novelty which is buried inside us due to the complex layers of life struggles. A backpacking trip can surely help our inner beauty to shine.
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Hi, I am John Campbell, an outdoor enthusiast. Just like you, I value the habitat, heritage and tradition of great outdoors. I do my best to make sure the correct research, writing, and photo are shown on Tacticalgearslab.com. Indeed, I am committed to preserving a great online experience for you.