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Wilderness Camping
Imagine! Lying in a sleeping bag beneath a star-strewn sky, alone or with a few cherished friends, a full moon rises over the Sierra Crest, and a soft breeze rustles the trees. Just you and the wilderness. This is a magic view of Yosemite and the southern Sierra Nevada that can be relished by the fit and adventurous. It’s not for everyone, but if it’s for you, here are some tips to make your excursion successful.
To camp outside a developed campground, you’ll need a wilderness permit from the government entity in charge of the trailhead you select. If your trail originates in Yosemite, you must obtain the permit.
Permits can be reserved online 24 weeks in advance for dates from May through October. 60% of the permits are available online at www.recreation.gov. 40% are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 11 a.m. on the day before the intended hiking date to collect in person at the Wilderness Center inside the park.
Much of Yosemite is covered in snow from November through April, but wilderness permits are still required. You can get a wilderness permit at the permit-issuing station nearest the trailhead the day before or the day you intend to start your hike. Trailhead quotas are in effect in the winter months.
Bear canisters are only available for rental at the Valley Visitor Center. Ensure you are prepared for winter conditions and follow all required guidelines.
If you plan to depart via a Sierra National Forest trail and enter the park, you must obtain a permit online or from an SNF office in advance. In either case, do yourself (and the wilderness ranger) a favor and . . . PLAN AHEAD.
Decide WHEN you want to go. Research weather conditions in advance; monitor each day before your hike. Don’t get caught by surprise, and be prepared to change plans at the last minute if the weather moves in.
Research WHERE you want to explore. Know your options.
Obtain your WILDERNESS PERMIT from the proper authority.
Gather your SUPPLIES. This is your one chance to be sure you have all you need when you intend to be away. Carry the Ten Essentials:
Refer to the REI Backpacking Checklist for items beyond the Ten Essentials. Please make a list and check it twice as the last step before departing. Don’t assume you have it all.
SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST/ANSEL ADAMS WILDERNESS*—A permit must be obtained from Sierra National Forest offices, even if you plan to enter Yosemite National Park from one of them. Bear canisters are required if entering Yosemite.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: You must obtain a permit from one of the Wilderness Centers inside the park. The Valley Visitor Center/Wilderness Center, as is the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station, is open year-round. Season stations include Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows. Hetch Hetchy features self-registration for trails originating in that area at the Hetch Hetchy entrance station. Bear canisters are required to backpack in Yosemite.
Trail quotas are limited and can fill rapidly on popular trailheads, so don’t wait till the last minute.
Be sure to leave your itinerary with loved ones and your estimated date/time of exit. If you don’t emerge as scheduled, that will be a starting place if a search becomes necessary. If you don’t wish to camp overnight, most of these hikes can be done in a day, and a wilderness permit will not be required. Still, let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
Whether you camp in the wilderness or go on a day hike, you’ll see the Sierra Nevada in a way that at least 90 percent of visitors never do. It’s an unforgettable experience.
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