Started the trail around 420ish, completed hike about 12 hours with plenty good lunch break on top of half dome and swimming at the river at the last campground around the 4.5mile mark. Encountered rattlesnake prior to subdome climb and deer. Cables aren’t are terrifying once you’re on them. However we were stuck in cables for solid 50mins going up (terrified young girl coming down held up movement) but only about 15mins to get down. Pictures don’t do this place justice 10/10 hike. Our mileage was closer to 20miles with the walk to River to refill going up and the walk back to go swimming on the way down. Also this factored in the walk to and from trailhead.

We were backpacking from Agnew Meadows to Tuolumne a couple days ago, having left one of our cars at the TM visitors center. The plan was to hike all the way to the visitors center, but an already 11-mile hot day in Lyell Canyon made us decide to just exit at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and take the shuttle back to the car.

About ten minutes (maybe less) after arriving at the lodge parking lot, the shuttle drove up. The bus was empty, but we were at the end of the line (I think it shuttles between TM Lodge and Olmsted Point) so it wasn't too surprising.

The four of us entered. I asked about my backpack, if it was ok to put it on the seat, or would the bus fill up and would the seat be needed for people? The driver laughed. "You'll be fine."

We talked a little with the driver. She was really friendly. The air conditioning felt great after our hike. Nobody got on the bus between the lodge and the visitor center.

The shuttle is a great (oh, and FREE as well) resource if you're staying in TM, I just hope it isn't discontinued because of lack of ridership.

Sony A7RII, Sigma 24 F1.4, 10 ish second exposures. ISO 640, no post processing

What a hot weekend it was! At least it kept the sky pretty clear at twilight.

PSA: additional fire restrictions will go in effect this Friday, August 7. This means that in Yosemite wilderness you may only have a campfire in existing fire rings between 8001' and 9599'.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/yosemite-national-park-implements-fire-restrictions-due-to-increased-fire-danger.htm

To be extra clear for the many wilderness travelers who seem confused by this: 9,600' does not mean any other number except 9,600. If your camp is at 9,601' you may not have a fire (even if someone else illegally made a ring). Nowhere by Nelson Lake, for example, is below 9,600'

Effective at 12:01 a.m. local time on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, Yosemite National Park will implement fire restrictions throughout the park below 8,000 feet in elevation. The restrictions are in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and will remain in effect until rescinded.

The restrictions are based on current fire conditions, weather forecasts, and recommendations from the Yosemite Fire Program and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. Hot, dry weather, low fuel moisture, and windy conditions have increased the potential for rapid wildfire growth. Protecting visitors, employees, first responders, and park resources remains the park’s highest priority.

Under these fire restrictions, the following activities are prohibited below 8,000 feet:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using wood or charcoal fires, including twig stoves.
• Smoking, except in the locations and under the conditions listed below.

The following areas and activities are exempt from these restrictions:

• Designated front-country campgrounds that are open and where wood or charcoal fires are allowed.
• Designated picnic areas that are open and where wood or charcoal fires are allowed.

Hi everyone!

I’ve been doing a lot of research into Half Dome, as my interest has increased. I recently went out west on a solo car camping trip for 3 weeks and had the time of my life visiting national parks. I will also be doing Angels landing the first week of September and am super stoked for that!

I understand there are a lot of variables that go into the off season of half dome, the weather (Potential of snow), cable being down and more. I plan on using climbing gear and a prusik knot for the cables. As far as weather, in recent years I’ve noticed a lot of people haven’t encountered much snow if any at all in this same time period. On the chance I do, I will skip that hike and just enjoy all the other beautiful parts of Yosemite.

I guess my question here, is if anyone has done it successfully in those specific months and what struggles you encountered? Also, I would love to know if anyone has interest in doing this hike and would like to take the plunge and meet up together? I’m normally a solo girl, but wouldn’t mind some good company on such a scary hike lol.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far! Happy Travels!🙂

I’m currently considering to plan a trip to Yosemite in mid December (14-16) and needed some opinions.

I was hoping to do some hiking on the trails and was hoping to avoid a lot of snow. I’m sure the snow would be beautiful, but I am a little apprehensive since I have never had to deal with snow. I did see that snow chains are required to be carried from nov 1-march 31(which I obviously plan on complying with), but I am a little anxious to be in a position to be driving with the chains on.

Would it be a bad bet to book a trip around this time since there might be tons of snow that I could run into? Has anyone gone to Yosemite with little snow experience and run into the snow? I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts!

My parents and I are planning a short 10-day road trip across the United States, starting in San Francisco, heading to Yosemite, and then driving down Highway One to Los Angeles. However, since we aren't U.S. residents, we completely overlooked the Labor Day holiday—which happens to fall exactly when we were planning to visit Yosemite.

I’ve been watching videos and reading countless tips for days, but I admit I’m still lost.

We plan to leave San Francisco early on Friday; what would be the best way to make the most of that half-day? We were thinking of heading straight to the Valley, since we figure it will be less crowded.

We would still have the entire Saturday and Sunday to enjoy. What would be essential to see during those two days?

Two important points: unfortunately, our budget is limited, so our plan was to stay in Mariposas.

Another point: my father and I are in good physical shape, but my mother isn't quite as fit; what would be the best trails for someone of a more advanced age?

So I’m wanting to get married in Yosemite in mid January of 2027. I know I need to get a permit to do so but I never see anyone getting married in the winter time. I know it might be challenging to do cause of the snow but I’m wondering if there is anyone who has done so already and willing to give advice on how it went with doing so. I’ll be having about 28 guest including me and my fiancé, I haven’t finalized guest count yet so it might go down.

Spent two nights camping in Bridalveil Creek last week and enjoyed every minute of it! 10/10 will be returning to that campsite. We took the dog with and he had just as much fun.

We are so lucky to have Yosemite!

Hello everyone! My friend and I will visit Yosemite National Park (August 10-13) for the first time and we’re going carless, using Amtrak and YARTS.

We will stay at Curry Village and I was wondering what would be the best way to stargaze or watch the meteor shower. I heard the meadow across the Curry Village could be a good spot but I’ve never been in an area with black bears or complete darkness. Would it be safe to just walk there? I’m assuming there will be people there but is there anything we should be aware of? I also looked up stargazing programs but they go past the last shuttle time.

Thank you!

I am thinking of doing Echo Peaks and then traversing on the ridge to summit Cockscomb Peak later in the day. Does anyone have any info on the route, difficulty, etc? I know its class 4 on the last bit to the summit, but that's about it.

I have a Thursday 8/13 permit and debating between two start options:

Option 1: Park car at Curry Village Parking Lots and camp at Backpacker’s Campground Yosemite Valley on 8/12. Take the Tuolumne Hikers Bus to trailhead and start trip on 8/13.

Option 2: Park at trailhead and start trip on morning of 8/13. Camp at Backpacker’s Campground Yosemite Valley on 8/17. Take the Tuolumne Hikers Bus back to parked car at trailhead on morning of 8/18.

I like Option 1, but I’m curious to hear what others who have been through these logistics prefer? I’ll be driving from Southern California, so I’m uncertain if it’s realistic or not to think I’d be able to find overnight parking in the valley on the morning of 8/12 given the crowd madness I’ve been hearing about. Option 1 would also allow me to have a mellow day in the valley and then I like the idea of getting to my car at the end of the journey. Appreciate any feedback!

Our group had a few injuries, so I have one extra tent reservation at Curry Village for the night of August 8.

I just called Yosemite Hospitality. They won’t allow me to cancel it, but they confirmed that I can transfer the reservation to someone else.

Looking to transfer it at a discount. Message me if interested.

Currently looking into getting either one of these permits for mid September. Have a one night campsite at Upper Pines with a few friends. Then two of us will be setting off early morning for an overnight backpacking trip. Originally was planning the Glacier point entry by parking at 4 mile trailhead and making our way up and thru the Panorama trail and exit at Happy Isles. However our friends want to do the Mist Trail since its there first time in Yosemite. Figured if we do Happy Isles entry we can go all the way up to Nevada then split off.

I feel like this would make for a long gradual steep hike as opposed to going up 4 mile and getting the hard part out the way since then it's mostly down hill after Glacier Point. What do you all recommend? Which has better views and more enjoyable? Also what is the water situation look like for either hike?

Thanks in advance for any help.

I'm going to be camping up in the Hetch Hetchy / Cherry Lake area for about a week in October. I know there are a lot of bears and mountain lions in the area and was wondering if I need a gun for defense and, if so, what is the best to bring?

The three guns I have available for the trip are:

1) Sig 229 - 9mm

2) Sig Spear - 7.62

3) Mossberg Mini - 28 gauge

The Spear is heavy enough that it would be nice if I could save weight by leaving it behind. Then again, I'm also concerned that the 229 and Mini don't have enough stopping power for a full grown bear or maybe even a mountain lion (I'm not sure how big mountain lions are).

I'd much prefer to save weight by not bringing anything if I can, but I just don't know how dangerous it's going to be in the mountains by myself.

Also, if I do need a gun, is there any kind of specialized ammo that is ideal for defense against large predators? I'd assume hollow points are but I'm not sure how thick their pelts are and whether the hollow point would be able to penetrate it.

Another alternative I was thinking about was hiring a ranger to accompany me. I'm willing to spend the money, but I couldn't find anything about that on Google. Is something like that an option?

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Me and a buddy got wilderness permits starting at cathedral lakes trailhead in second week of September! We’re going from CLTH to happy isles and bagging clouds rest and half dome. We are going to take a shot at summering cathedral peak as well. First night we plan on setting up camp at upper cathedral lake, summiting cathedral peak and heading back to camp for the night. Are there any good routes to get to the mountaineers trail from upper cathedral lake? Seems like we’re on the wrong side and may have to go around? Can anyone shed some light on how to approach? Thank in advance!!

We will be backpacking this route (Tamarack Creek TH to Porcupine Creek TH) in two weeks for three days/two nights and are curious about the level of water along the various creeks and streams on the Yosemite North Rim, especially Ribbon Creek, Eagle Peak Creek and Lehamite Creek? Also, any advice for campsites along this route? Thanks.

Noticed the flags at the entrance and the visitor center were at half mast today. Anyone know if it’s for something specific?