Today, we'll discover what not to do in Yosemite National Park and share some valuable tips and common travel mistakes to help you make the most out of your next trip to this beautiful place.
Hi, I’m Michael, and I’ve visited Yosemite many times while living in California. During my stays and vacations there, I picked up some invaluable tips and tricks about the national park that you won't easily find elsewhere. Today, I'll share all the things you should not do in Yosemite.
00:00 Intro
00:10 Waterfalls
00:34 Hotels
00:53 Park Entrances
01:11 Half Dome Hike
01:21 Bear Spray
01:31 Weather
01:43 Cell Service
01:52 Gas
02:06 Crowds
02:18 Reservations
1. Don’t come in the fall season if you want to see waterfalls.
Yosemite sees less than 5 percent of its annual precipitation in the summer leaving streams, creeks and waterfalls just barely trickling by fall. In the summer you really can’t expect to see the waterfalls at their best. By August Yosemite Falls may be completely gone because it is fed by snow runoff.
Vernal falls may be flowing still because it is fed by the Merced River. I would suggest coming in April or May - it might be colder but it is really worth it to see the waterfalls flowing at their peak.
2. Don’t book a hotel just because it has Yosemite in the name.
Finding accommodation in Yosemite can be hard. I stayed in Yosemite Valley Lodge - it was expensive and cost over $300 per night but it was the most convenient location to see Yosemite Valley. Yosemite falls was really close by and everything else like the grocery store and visitor center were close as well.
However, many lodges out there are not like this! They will have Yosemite in the name but will be located on the border of the park and are far away from where you really want to be. One hotel is even located over an hour away from the park so be careful when booking a hotel.
3. Don’t think you’ve arrived just yet.
Yosemite is nearly 1,200 square miles so you may feel a sigh of relief when making it to one of the entrances. However, you could still be very far from the valley of the popular spots known for their beauty. Do research beforehand and find out which entrance is best for you.
Entrances like Hetch Hetchy and Tioga Pass typically offer a shorter wait time for entry and fewer crowds while other entrances like Oak Flat are still over 20 miles from the valley.
4. Don’t hike Half Dome without a permit.
Hiking up Half Dome requires a permit so be sure you get one before you plan on hiking. There is a ranger at about the 10 mile mark that will check to see if you have a valid permit. The feeling of turning around after venturing so far would be awful so remember your permit. They only cost about $10 dollars.
5. Don’t bring bear spray.
This one I disagree with a bit. Bringing bear spray to Yosemite is considered illegal; however, if I am face to face with an aggressive bear while being in the middle of the forest with no help then I am going to wish I had some. Bring it at your own risk.
6. Don’t underestimate the weather.
The weather in Yosemite can be very unpredictable sometimes. I visited in the month of May and when I arrived it was beautiful and sunny but that quickly changed to snow, raining and a mush muddy mess. If it does snow when you are there and it starts to melt you will see waterfalls covering the cliff sides in all directions.
7. Don’t expect to have any cell service.
Cell service in Yosemite is virtually non-existent. You may be able to get service on top of Tunnel View or Wi-Fi at places like Yosemite Valley Lodge if you are a guest but your best bet is to forget about your phone and soak in the scenery.
8. Don’t forget to fill up your gas beforehand.
Gas can be 20 to 30 percent more in Yosemite National Park so remember to fill up beforehand if you plan on driving around the park a lot. I think you could probably get away with renting a bike to see some of the best spots though. If you do need gas you will be paying a high price so remember to budget in case you need it.
9. Don’t arrive on a weekend if you can help it.
The crowds are insane in Yosemite on the weekend. There’s lines to see everything, sidewalks can be covered, everyone has their phones out - it can really take away from how majestic this place is.
To avoid crowds I would recommend coming in the early season like in the months of April or May. July and August are typically the busiest and hottest months in Yosemite.
10. Don’t forget to make a reservation.
The park is extremely popular, especially in the summer. At this time you do need to make a reservation for weekends in June and you will definitely need a reservation for every day of the week in July or August.
That’s everything! I hoped you enjoyed this list of things you shouldn't do in Yosemite!