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5 Tips for Yosemite National Park

We decided the next park we must see was Yosemite National Park. Here are 5 tips for Yosemite National ParkYosemite sparked intrigue within us. A few things to consider right away if you are planning to travel to Yosemite National Park. Make reservations, Yosemite will fill up during peak season. Consider staying in the park to save time traveling back and forth to accommodations elsewhere. Download any maps you made need to your device. There is no cellular data within Yosemite. Bring plenty of water and food with you for your hikes and adventures within Yosemite. There is a cafe but options are limited if you are vegetarian or vegan. Fill up at the pump before you go. There are filling stations inside the park but it could take you hours to get there. I would not want to rely on those as an option.

We had both seen the movie Free Solo and were both curious about Yosemite National Park. There are several ways to visit Yosemite National Park but being the novice that we are we chose to stay in an Airbnb, and a Hotel and drive daily to the park. 

If you would like to see what happened on our trip to Yosemite National Park check out our full video below.

Tip #1 Yosemite National Park-Where to stay?

We chose to stay in the Yosemite area for 3 days. We rented a car and we rented both an AirBNB and a Hotel. The car rental was about $100/day. The Air BNB was about $47/night and the Hotel was about $79/night. You do not have to do it this way. You can live in a Camper and stay at the park or you can live in a tent and stay at the park. We also chose to cook and eat out at the local restaurants. 

If you plan to stay at the park you must check the website for availability. We are not really campers or hikers. Although we love nature we have very limited experience living in the wild. We are both equally fascinated by the thought of living in a tent but we agree we would probably not survive the experience without help. If anything we are sightseers. We packed our things and we were on our way.

One of the most striking things you will notice right away when visiting Yosemite is the landscape. It will change dramatically as you drive towards the park. Being in California is much like visiting a desert. Everything is dry and dirty. There is very little greenery in this area. However, this changes dramatically as you will begin to see the landscape change all around you. There were times in California that I was sure I was on another planet. This is because I am from the south part of America. I am from Florida where everything is green and full of color. I have also lived in Tennessee which is very similar in ways. 

Now, add the mountains and you are in a different world. One of the first things we noticed was how tall the mountains were. It became clear right away that these mountains were not the kind of mountains we would ever want to climb. We were impressed by the guy in the Free Solo movie that climbed these mountains. He climbed without ropes or climbing tools. Being here and experiencing the mountains with my own eyes took my imagination to another level. I thought this guy must be crazy but you can go rock climbing. I suggest you use proper tools and perhaps get a guide.

Tip #2 Yosemite National Park- Sightseeing?

The beauty of the drive was spectacular and you will want to stop several times along the way to take photos. The Yosemite National Park is very scenic. They have designated areas where you can stop along the way and take your photos. The viewpoints are one of our favorite things to do. Some require hiking and others do not.

Tip #3 Yosemite National Park- Go hiking!

The hiking in the park will lead you to many beautiful destinations as well. You should consider your ability and experience here. Hiking is a very active sport and it requires a good bit of energy to both climb and comes down off the mountain. Mountain parts are dirty and uneven at best. Sometimes there are stairs and rails which can assist you. Sometimes there is nothing to assist you with your hike. Climbing is very physical. There are many hiking levels and destinations. Pick the ones that are right for you. Some could take a full day to get to and others 30 to 40 minutes. We actually met a group of men that had hiked 250 miles over 15 days. They were experts by my calculation. I am nowhere near that level. Maybe you are.

If you are new to hiking in a park this size you can get lost. So I recommend taking every possible precaution. In most places within the park, there is no internet. For some of us, this is a challenge in itself. You will want to familiarize yourself with the maps and ask Park Rangers to offer you directions so that you fully understand where you are going and how to get back. Most paths are clearly marked. 

We love waterfalls so we were thrilled to go find them. We saw some amazing waterfalls while there. Depending on the time of year you will sometimes see small waterfalls or massive waterfalls. Keep in mind the seasons will dictate what you will see. If it is Spring when you arrive you will see the best waterfalls. Summertime in Yosemite is generally very dry and quite hot. So plan accordingly.

Tip #4 Yosemite National Park- Know the rules and follow them.

Rules include not starting fires unless you are really experienced and know what you are doing. Even then, consult the Park Rangers and their guides for instructions of when and where fire can be used. Another rule is not feeding the animals like bears and squirrels. I actually overheard a group of people who thought it was harmless to feed the squirrels. This is not recommended. In fact, squirrels seem harmless but they bite. They will try to cox food from you but please resist the temptation to feed them. Although the water is clear and seems like it is drinkable, it is not recommended. I believe the water must be filtered properly to consume. Some water may have contaminants in it and maybe unsafe to drink. Last but certainly not least, do not speed in Yosemite National Park. Many people are not aware but bear and other wildlife regularly cross the road in Yosemite National Park. Keeping to the speed limit may save them.

Many people hike alone. They are generally the more experienced hikers. If you are with a group and decide to venture out alone be sure to tell someone where you are going and preferably when you will return. Getting lost or getting hurt while alone without anyone knowing your whereabouts could be life-threatening in a park of this size.

In recent weeks, months, and years, Yosemite National Park and other parks around the country and the world are experiencing drastic changes due to climate change. For many years some denied climate change really existed. Many decided to ignore the issue of climate change altogether. I believe we are past this point now. I believe changes in the weather, raging fires, melting of the ice caps, and powerful storms each year, have changed the hearts and minds of many. Hopefully, we will move in the direction of saving Yosemite National Park and others like it.

Tip #5 Yosemite National Park- What to take with you?

What to bring on your hikes? Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, shades, a hat, proper shoes, and a backpack is useful for snacks. Trekking Poles are recommended although I do not have any yet. They would have been useful though. Generally speaking exercise clothing or lightweight clothing is suitable. If there is a specific sport you love pack for this as well. People who love biking, and camping should prepare their gear accordingly.

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We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Yosemite National Park. We encourage everyone to see Yosemite and experience it for themselves. I believe you will be amazed at how beautiful it is.