Yosemite Packing List

Pack smart for Yosemite's granite peaks and valley trails

National Park · California Best time: May–October Beginner to Expert
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Yosemite National Park spans nearly 1,200 square miles of Sierra Nevada wilderness, famous for granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Half Dome and El Capitan draw climbers and hikers from around the world. Use this packing guide as a starting point, then let PackList's AI personalize it based on your exact dates, activities, and gear preferences.

About Yosemite National Park Service

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Current Weather & Patterns

44°F — Clear (current forecast).

Current Park Alerts National Park Service

Tioga Road & Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Permits Update Information

Wilderness permit reservations for Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows trailheads will become available as follows: -Start dates through May 31: self-registration -Start dates from June 1 through June 4: 100% of reservations release on Recreation.gov on Thursday, May 28, at 7 am -Start dates from June 5 through June 17: Remaining 40% of reservations release on Recreation.gov seven days in advance, starting on Friday, May 29, at 7 am

Essential Gear & Permits

Must-Have Essentials

  • Bear canister (required for backcountry)
  • Wilderness permit for popular trails
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+
  • Water filter or purification tablets
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Trail map (cell service is unreliable)
  • Emergency whistle
  • First aid kit

What to Wear

Clothing & Footwear

  • Moisture-wicking base layer
  • Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Convertible hiking pants
  • Merino wool hiking socks (3 pairs)
  • Warm hat and gloves (even in summer — nights are cold)
  • Sun hat with brim
  • Gaiters for trail debris

Gear & Equipment

Backpacking & Camping Gear

  • Trekking poles (essential for Half Dome cables)
  • 60–70L backpack for backpacking
  • Bear box for car camping
  • Sleeping bag rated to 20°F for high elevation
  • Sleeping pad (insulated)
  • Tarp or tent footprint
  • Camp stove + fuel canister
  • Portable water filter (Sawyer Squeeze recommended)

Food & Nutrition

Food Planning

  • High-calorie snacks: trail mix, bars, jerky
  • Dehydrated meals (3 per day for backpacking)
  • Electrolyte packets (altitude increases sweat loss)
  • Coffee or tea for cold mornings
  • Bear-safe food storage (canisters or lockers)

Safety Tips for Yosemite

Altitude sickness can occur above 8,000 ft — acclimatize before big hikes

Wildlife encounters: keep 50 ft from bears, 25 ft from other wildlife

Weather changes rapidly — always carry extra layers

Half Dome cables can be crowded in summer — start before dawn

Popular Activities

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