Yosemite Wilderness Backpacking
For backpackers taking a multi-night wilderness trip in Yosemite National Park on a trailhead-quota permit.
- SeasonLate May-Oct (peak July-Sept)
- Length2-5 nights
- Sections7
- Items51
- Essential30
- Reviewed2026-10-07
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Covers a 2-5 night summer backpacking trip from a Yosemite trailhead such as Happy Isles, Lyell Canyon or Cathedral Lakes for a small group. Assumes July-September conditions with snow mostly gone, afternoon thunderstorms possible and bear canister rules in force. Adapt insulation and traction for early-season snow, and add Half Dome gear only if your permit includes the cables.
Check before you go
- Wilderness permits are quota-limited: 60% are reserved by lottery 24 weeks ahead and 40% release 7 days ahead on Recreation.gov; walk-up permits are scarce late April to mid-October (NPS, as of 2026).
- Approved bear-resistant canisters are mandatory throughout the Yosemite wilderness and hanging food is illegal; only models on the park's allowed list count (NPS list current as of July 2026).
- Camp at least 100 ft from water and trails, 4 trail miles from Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows or Glacier Point, and 1 mile from any road; group limit 15 on trail, 8 off-trail.
- Campfires are allowed only in existing rings below 9,600 ft and are banned in listed basins and on Half Dome; check current fire restrictions before you go.
- Pack out all toilet paper; bury human waste 4-6 in deep at least 100 ft from water, trails and camp.
- Half Dome cables require a separate permit even for backpackers (request it with your wilderness permit); nearly all fatal cable falls happened on wet rock.
- Snow typically covers high trails November through May; expect afternoon thunderstorms and mosquitoes in early summer. Check current trail conditions and the 14-night May 1-Sept 15 stay limit.
What's inside
- Essential
- Optional
- Needs a permit
Permits & Planning 6/9
- Yosemite wilderness permit for your trailhead and entry date Lottery opens 24 weeks ahead; 40% of each quota releases 7 days ahead on Recreation.gov (as of 2026).
- Half Dome permit if your route includes the cables Needed even for backpackers when the cables are up; request it with the wilderness permit.
- Photo ID and permit confirmation for pickup at a wilderness center
- Park entry reservation if one is in effect for your dates Yosemite has used peak-period entry reservations in recent years; check the current rules.
- Itinerary with a legal first-night camp (4 trail miles from developed areas)Share it with an emergency contact along with your exit date.
- Check current trail, snow and river-crossing conditions
- Check current fire restrictions and air quality (wildfire smoke)
- Topographic map and route plan with bailout trailheads
- Lodging or campsite plan for the night before your start
Food Storage & Bear Safety 4/5
- Approved bear-resistant canister (about one per 1-2 people)Hanging food is illegal park-wide. Garcia 812 rentals only at the Valley Welcome Center; Ursack is not on the allowed list.
- All food, trash and scented toiletries fit inside the canisterIncludes sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm, medications and feminine products.
- Store the canister 25-50 ft from camp on level ground, away from cliffs and water
- Food repackaged into bags to save canister space
- Bear-aware routine: cook away from the tent and never leave food unattendedFood must be stored unless within arm's reach of an awake person.
Shelter & Sleep 3/5
- Tent with rainfly and footprint
- Sleeping bag rated to about 20-30 F
- Insulated sleeping pad
- Extra guylines and stakes for granite slabs and wind
- Pillow and earplugs
Clothing 5/9
- Broken-in boots or trail shoes
- Wool or synthetic socks (3 pairs)
- Rain jacketAfternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
- Insulating layer (fleece or puffy)
- Base layers, hiking pants or shorts, sun shirt
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Camp shoes or sandals for stream crossings
- Grippy gloves for the Half Dome cables (pack them out)Discarded gloves pile up at the base of the cables; carry yours out.
Water & Kitchen 4/7
- Water filter or purification treatmentTreat all backcountry water.
- Bottles or bladder for 2-3 liters
- Stove and enough fuel for the tripWood-burning stoves are not allowed where campfires are prohibited.
- Pot, spoon and mug
- Meals for every day plus one extra day
- Snacks and electrolyte mix
- Small bottle of biodegradable soap, used 100 ft from water
Navigation & Safety 4/10
- Map and compass, or GPS app with offline maps
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- First aid kit with blister care
- Satellite messenger or PLBNo reliable cell service in the wilderness.
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ and lip balm (stored in the canister at night)
- Insect repellent and head net (early summer)
- Whistle, knife and repair tape
- Trekking poles
- Microspikes or ice axe for early-season passes
- Thunderstorm plan: summit early and avoid exposed rock when storms build
Leave No Trace / Pack-out 4/6
- Trowel for a 4-6 in cathole 100 ft from water, trails and camp
- Bags to pack out all toilet paper and hygiene productsToilet paper may not be buried or burned in Yosemite.
- Trash bag; pack out everything you bring in
- Camp on durable surfaces at least 100 ft from water and trails
- Fires only in existing rings below 9,600 ft; drown ashes coldPrefer a stove; check current fire restrictions.
- Leave drones and pets at home (prohibited in the wilderness)
Sources 2026-10-07
Rules, fees and conditions change. Verify with the official source before you go.
- Wilderness Permits National Park Service - Yosemite · 2026-10-07
- Wilderness Regulations National Park Service - Yosemite · 2026-10-07
- Bear Canisters and Food Storage National Park Service - Yosemite · 2026-10-07
- Allowed Bear-Resistant Containers National Park Service - Yosemite · 2026-10-07
- Half Dome Day Hike and Permits National Park Service - Yosemite · 2026-10-07
- Backpacking in Yosemite National Park Service - Yosemite · 2026-10-07