Backpacking in Yosemite is a rite of passage for outdoor enthusiasts and is recognized as one of the best backpacking destinations across the globe. Yosemite National Park is vast and offers several trails that cater to the beginner, intermediate, and advanced backpackers. However, there are a few things you need to know before embarking on your adventure.
Permits are essential when hiking or backpacking in Yosemite. The park authorities issue permits to control the number of visitors in the park, protect the environment, and enhance visitor experience. There are three types of permits that are issued by the park authority, namely Day Use Permits, Overnight Wilderness Permits, and Half Dome Permits. In this guide, we will delve into the different permits and everything you need to know about them.
Day Use Permits
Day Use Permits are required for visitors planning to hike on trails that originate from a trailhead within the park. These permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis, are free of charge, and can be obtained at any entrance station. Visitors can also purchase their permits online, but the park authorities issue only a specific number of permits per day to ensure that there is no overcrowding on the trails. If you plan to hike the popular Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, it’s recommended that you secure your permit in advance. The trail is busy all year round, especially during summer, and permits are quickly exhausted.
Overnight Wilderness Permits
Overnight Wilderness Permits are required for visitors who plan to stay overnight in the wilderness. These permits are issued based on a reservation system and can be reserved up to 24 weeks (168 days) in advance. There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $5 per confirmed reservation and $5 per person for the first night of the trip, then $5 per group for each additional night. The cost of the permit varies, depending on the group size, the trail, and the season.
Half Dome Permits
Half Dome is one of the most iconic and popular hikes in Yosemite, attracting backpackers globally. Permits for Half Dome are required seven days a week during the mountaineering season (May 21 through October 13) and are distributed through a lottery system. The lottery is conducted in March, and the application period usually lasts two weeks. A non-refundable processing fee of $10 is charged for each application, and applicants can apply for up to seven dates. The cost of the permit is $10 per person. The permit grants access to the sub-dome and summit cables.
Conclusion
In conclusion, permits are an essential part of backpacking in Yosemite National Park. Visitors planning on hiking in the park need to acquire a permit that aligns with their itinerary and preferences. Day Use Permits are issued for visitors hiking on trails within the park, Overnight Wilderness Permits for visitors staying overnight in the wilderness, and Half Dome Permits for visitors hiking the Half Dome. Regardless of the permit type, it’s important to secure your permits early, especially during the peak season, to avoid disappointment. With this guide, you now have the necessary information to help you plan your backpacking trip to Yosemite National Park hassle-free.
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